Extreme Tourism: Resorts for Adrenaline-Inducing Adventure

In a surge driven by travelers seeking adrenaline-fueled experiences, the global extreme tourism market is projected to skyrocket from 2022’s revenue of $24.2 billion to $91 billion by 2032—an unprecedented 14.4% growth, according to a recent study.

Resorts around the world are responding to the growing demand for unconventional extreme activities such as sandboarding in Dubai and freestyle climbing on the rugged cliffside of Mallorca.

• Scaling Mallorca’s Rugged Coastline: Guests chasing heart-pounding adventure at Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa can soar high above Mallorca’s landscapes on a paragliding escapade or feel the rush of adrenaline while learning to navigate the rugged island coastline—coasteering, cliff jumping and conquering freestyle rock-climbs on ledges up to 50ft tall during psicobloc—all under the expert leadership of the resort’s most adventurous guides.

• Highest mountain range on the Arabian Peninsula: Oman is a playground for the fearless with a range of activities like mountain hikes on the highest mountain range on the Arabian Peninsula. With the luxurious Jumeirah Muscat Bay as a home base located between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, guests have access to adrenaline-inducing experiences. Water-lovers will have access to glass kayaks, paddleboarding or dives amid reefs, while those who choose to explore Oman by foot will encounter UNESCO Heritage Sites and views from the peninsula’s highest peaks on the Al Hajar mountains.

• Daring Sky-High Adventures in Dubai: From a daring helipad arrival to Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s 56th story helipad where last year’s famous Red Bull stunt pilot landed, to skydiving across Dubai’s city skyline, Dubai checks all the adrenaline junkie boxes. Check in to one of the four lavish Arabian palaces, Madinat Jumeirah, home toWild Wadi Waterpark for an aquatic adventure and the 105ft Jumeirah Sceirah slide that takes guests up to 50 mph speed. Here, the concierge can also book guests on thrill-seeking activities like diving with sharks.

• Underwater Exploration in The Maldives: Nestled in the waters of the North Male Atoll Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island welcomes guests via speedboat offering everything from kite surfing and windsurfing to parasailing. For an underwater thrill, guests can explore deep waters through exhilarating manta ray snorkeling trips and adrenaline inducing water transportation—from dives in a semi-submarine to high-speed Banana Boat or Sea Donut rides.

• Discover Hvar by Land and Sea: Croatia’s sunniest island Hvar is a treasure trove for exploration. With Hvar Quads, thrill seekers can take ATV’s past lavender fields, through off road terrain, and up to panoramic viewpoints of the entire island. After summiting the island, guests staying at the island’s Suncani Hvar Hotels have direct access to the sea through sailing, kayaking, or snorkeling tours to the majestic green and blue caves or Pakleni islands—famous for its incredible dive sites and the highest number of historic shipwrecks to explore.
• Swimming with whale sharks in Cabo: Accessible via Mexico’s only privately-owned tunnel, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal offers close encounters with the ocean’s most gentle of giants—whale sharks!  Set out on a panga boat together toward La Paz into the calm blue waters and swim alongside whale sharks as they glide close to the surface, mouth wide open like a vacuum, filtering food from the water.
• Mountain ATVing and River Rafting Through Utah: On 7,300+ acres of private land for hiking, horseback riding and guided fly-fishing, guests at Waldorf Astoria Park City can embark on a thrilling climb across the rocky hills and deep streambeds by riding ATV’s through the high Uinta mountains—a must for thrill-seekers to experience Utah’s mountain backcountry. Cool off on a river rafting excursion through the Provo and Weber Rivers for various adventure levels, as well as tubing and kayaking.
   
• Lava Tunnel & Volcanic Vault Dining in the Galapagos: A culinary thrill, Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton sits in a valley between two extinct cinder cone volcanoes and boasts a restaurant inside a lava tunnel 60 feet underground. The journey begins with a guided tour through the pitch-black lava tunnel and finishes at the volcanic vault with a six-course tasting menu inspired by local culture and ingredients. With walkie talkies and flashlights in hand, guests can also experience nighttime birdwatching to see the destination’s legendary species that come out after dark including Darwin’s famous finches, Galapagos Mockingbirds and more.
• Adventure Jeep Concierge through deep red Arizona Rockies: Famed for its striking mountainous trails and spiritual wellness experiences, Sedona is a mecca of adventure amidst the world-famous Red Rocks. Guests at Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock looking for a scenic and action-packed exploration of Sedona’s vibrant rocky landscape can refer to the hotel’s official Pink Jeep adventure concierge and embark on a thrilling escapade immersed in 360-degree views of deep red Arizona Rockies with Pink Jeep Adventure Tours.