Gone are the days when vacation meant exclusively lounging by the pool. Today’s travelers crave adventure and activity, skill-building and creating meaningful experiences. According to a 2025 travel report by Accor, more travelers are seeking destinations where they can incorporate recreational sports, resulting in a 50% uptick in searches for “workout holidays” over the past year. Whether learning to surf, mastering their golf swing, squeezing in a round of tennis or trying a new watersport, vacations are becoming opportunities for wellness, self-growth, and meaningful connection.
We’ve rounded up six top destinations perfect for sports lovers that offer opportunities to get active and refine their skills.
Surf’s Up in Oahu – The Twin Fin Hotel in Waikiki
Located steps from Waikīkī Beach, The Twin Fin offers front-row access to some of the world’s most iconic surf breaks. The Twin Fin Hotel is home to the Jamie O’Brien School of Surf, led by Oahu native, hall-of-fame pro surfer and filmmaker Jamie O’Brien. Guests can dive into Oahu’s waves with personalized instruction, premium gear, and expert local coaches, and enjoy exclusive perks by booking a Surf & Stay package.
Golf Like a Pro – PGA WEST in Palm Springs
Known as the “Western Home of Golf in America,” PGA WEST in La Quinta, CA, is a bucket-list destination for golfers of all levels. The iconic destination recently completed a multi-million-dollar revitalization and as golf continues to surge in popularity, there’s no better place to sharpen your skills. Through its esteemed Golf Academy, PGA WEST offers world-class instruction from some of the best coaches in the country. Later this year, PGA WEST will debut a brand-new state-of-the-art Performance Lab located in the Tournament Clubhouse. Open to the public, the facility will offer two simulator bays, a 16-foot Zen Putting Stage, Quintic putting software, Trackman iO Launch Monitor system, and a custom club fitting experience.
Sail the Caribbean – Oil Nut Bay in British Virgin Islands
Oil Nut Bay is a secluded and serene island resort known for its exquisite villas, incredible amenities and laid-back boating lifestyle. The island’ gentle trade winds and safe waters offer the perfect sailing environment for all ages and stages. Oil Nut Bay offers Hobie Sailing equipment and a team of experienced staff for private or small group sailing lessons. Guests are also welcome to take out the hobie cats for exploring the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. After a day on the ocean, unwind at Oil Nut Bay’s brand new overwater spa, Sundara Spa + Studio.
Game, Set, Match – Sand Valley in Rome, Wisconsin
Known for its championship golf, Sand Valley is also an unexpected Midwest tennis haven. The sports oasis recently opened a 13,000-square-foot tennis center overlooking 16 grass tennis courts and featuring a pro shop with select merchandise and re-stringing services, Court Tennis and The Gallery Italian restaurant. Court Tennis, a game played on a unique indoor court, harkens back to the royal tennis played in 16th century England. Sand Valley’s court represents just the 12th court in the U.S. and only one in the country located at a public resort. It is available for all resort guests to use, and lessons are also available.
Kitesurf with Locals – Costa Elena in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A short drive from Costa Elena—an oceanfront eco-resort community secreted away within a breathtaking corner of northern Guanacaste—Bahía Salinas is Costa Rica’s premiere kitesurfing destination. Known as one of the windiest places in the world, it offers ideal conditions with steady 25 mph side-on (towards the land) winds, perfect for the sport. Costa Elena can arrange a lesson for beginners, or experienced kitesurfers can head to Playa Copal beach on Bahía Salinas for an uncrowded, lesser known gem. The water stays warm year-round, so no wetsuit is needed. Bonus: Surrounded by national parks with plentiful wildlife in the area, Bahía Salinas often allows kitesurfers to spot monkeys, turtles, dolphins and more.
Tour de Mallorca – Zafiro Palace Alcudia in Mallorca, Spain
Consistently ranked among Europe’s premier cycling destinations for its excellent infrastructure, varied terrain, supportive local businesses, and year-round riding weather, Mallorca is ideal for both training and leisure. Nestled in Port d'Alcúdia on Mallorca’s northern coast, Zafiro Palace Alcudia sits minutes from the island’s most scenic mountain ranges, offering routes for every level through dramatic climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque villages. This five-star oasis takes the cycling experience to the next level with a purpose-built station equipped with a secure garage, professional-grade workshop, bike washing facilities, and on-site rentals – everything travelers need to hit the road like a pro.
