7 Reasons To Stay in a Sports Hotel
What is a Sports Hotel?
A Sports Hotel is much like any other hotel, with one big difference. The exceptional on-site sporting facilities.
But who are Sports Hotels really for? Aren’t they only suitable for elite athletes? Nope!
Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a professional triathlete, or just an average amateur sports lover like myself, then you’re going to love staying in a sports hotel.
Perhaps there are people in your travel group who aren’t very athletic but may be keen to try something new. There’s no need to worry about feeling a bit out of place. That’s one of the great things about athletes and sport. There is mutual respect amongst athletes and sports lovers, irrespective of different fitness levels, age, and beliefs.
It’s inspiring and motivating! Still not convinced? Here are my 7 reasons why you should stay in a Sports hotel.
1. Sports Hotel Facilities
The obvious thing that makes a sporting hotel so special are its premium sports facilities, amenities, and services. I promote mainly cycling hotels and triathlon-friendly hotels with lap pools. But I also include some really cool multi-sports resorts, for those who want to stay active and try something new.
The cycling hotels you find on my website have a cycling centre. This is almost like a hotel within the hotel, but then just for bikes. They’re quite fancy, and include secure storage areas, often with camera surveillance, bike shops, wash stations, and workshops.
There is no need to ship your own bike if you don’t want to. That can be a bit of a hassle and quite expensive. The cycling hotels offer a wide range of bikes, including premium road bikes.
Mallorca is obviously a popular cycling holiday destination. The bike hotels there have some of the best cycling facilities in the world. Have a look at The Best Cycling Hotels in Mallorca to check some of my favourites.
Hotels with either semi-Olympic or Olympic swimming lap pools are most popular with triathletes, for swimming camps, or other athletes recovering from an injury. Or perhaps you just want to give swimming a go. If this sounds appealing to you, have a look at The Best Hotels with lap pools in Spain.
Not long ago, you’d be lucky to find a few matching dumbbells and a dated treadmill in most hotels. Now hotels have premium gyms that are always kept up to date with the latest treadmills, rowing machines, free weights, and much more. Take full advantage of these facilities to support what you need most; may it be strength training, core exercises, cardio, or even stretching.
If you’re open to trying something new or want to find other sporting options for others in your group, you will find hotels with tennis and padel courts, golf courses, or even yoga classes.
You just need to find what’s right for you and yours.
2. Motivation
What´s more inspiring than being surrounded by like-minded people? The atmosphere in a sports hotel is so energising, inspiring, and enriching that it will only help you achieve your goals.
Meet people from other parts of the world who share your passion! Just being surrounded by people who are committed to a healthy lifestyle and seeing them train will motivate you to up your game. If you’re just starting out, I’m sure you will be so inspired that you’ll want to come back for more.
3. Family Friendly Sports Hotel
As they say, family first! But can I get some training done with my kids with me? Absolutely! In fact, many Sports Hotels are family-friendly. Your children will have a blast at the Kids Club. They will be kept busy with all sorts of activities, fun and games where they’ll make lots of friends. Not to mention all the amazing children’s pools and parks that are available. Chances are you won’t see much of them.
What about other family members? They’re all welcome. Even the lazy ones! They can float around in the Spa all day if they want. Guided aqua gym routines aren’t my thing, but it could be a good laugh to get them involved in that.
The Adults-Only sports hotels are clearly labelled on my site. All the other ones are very much family-friendly.
4. Professional Support
Sports hotels have professionals available on-site who are usually either ex-pro athletes or certified trainers who are there to advise and support you.
The cycling centre managers can help you find the most suitable bike rental, recommended cycling routes, help with maintenance issues ensuring you just make the most of your rides!
Hotels with Olympic swimming pools often have underwater cameras allowing you to analyse your technique with the swimming coach, to help take your training and performance to the next level. Check out this video below for a sneak peak of some of the swimming facilities and services that you could enjoy.
Perhaps you’ve just come back from an injury or want to focus on some core exercises in the gym. Hire a personal trainer to set up a program to work on during your holiday.
If you’re interested in trying something new, have a golf or a tennis lesson. Maybe you’re overtrained and need to bring it down a notch, book a sports massage, and some relaxation treatments in the Spa.
Whatever it is you need, just know you’ll be in good hands.
5. Explore
With all the available sports facilities and restaurants, it would be easy not to leave the hotel. That’s not my way of travelling though.
Sports Hotels have idyllic surroundings, and this is an extra motivation to go out and discover the area, may it be in the mountains on the bike, or along coastal or rural roads on your run, or swimming in open waters in the bay in front of your hotel. Get to know the world while you exercise, immerse yourself in the landscapes, and stop from time to time to enjoy the scenery.
The hotel can suggest popular and recommended routes. Otherwise, you can find them on Wikiloc or Strava and download them to your GPS, or simply just head out and get lost.
6. You Call the Shots
People have become more health-conscious and understand the importance of exercise. If you aspire to a healthy lifestyle, then why change that when you’re on holiday?
That doesn’t mean you can’t pig out once in a while or enjoy an extra glass of wine. Trying local dishes is one of the highlights of travelling for me.
However, do know that sports hotel also offers Athletes menus and plenty of healthy options.
Remember, you call the shots! You won’t be woken up by the personal trainer for a 6 am beach run. Do as little or as much as you like, whenever you like. An active holiday is fully compatible with a relaxing one.
On your days off, get out and discover what the region has to offer. The best way of doing this is by renting a car. I recommend booking your rental car on Discover Cars.
7. Rest and Recovery
Know that the hotel and the rooms have been adapted to your needs, ensuring maximum comfort and a good night’s sleep. Remember, just like a balanced diet, rest and recovery is another essential element to your training program.
Listen to your body! Head down to the Spa and wellness area after your work-out or on your days off. Enjoy the sauna or book a much-needed sports massage. We live in a time when taking care of our mind, body and soul is essential. Find the right balance you, and spoil yourself sometimes!
Everyone has different needs and goals. Whether it’s an escape from the long winter and want to give your training a boost, or you’re looking for a break with mates from your local cycling club, or simply want an active family holiday, then booking a Sports Hotel is just what you need.
Finding the right one has never been easier. But what about the best deals?
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-Dennis
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