Adventure escapes: 5 active holidays to book

Recently, when I ask friends about their holiday plans, I’m often astonished by their replies. A few years ago, a long weekend in Bangkok or a foodie jaunt to Japan was the standard response. These days, however, I’m just as likely to hear that they’ll be participating in an endurance horse race across Patagonia, or a multi-leg road bike tour across half a dozen European borders.

The last few years have seen a shift in priorities – a sense that time is all-too-fleeting – and if you want to find out what you are truly capable of achieving, there’s no time like the present. 

This has translated into an explosion of interest in adventure travel and fitness retreats for the traveller looking to push their limits. From alpine trekking to wild swimming, this new generation of active holidays plumbs the depths of your physical and mental reserves and becomes a transformative experience that leaves your soul nourished at the end of an adventure-filled day. 

“Our clients are purpose-driven individuals seeking depth and enrichment in their journeys. They are acutely aware that life is not a dress rehearsal, a perspective perhaps underscored by the pandemic, and they strive to savour every moment,” says Damian Chaparro, founder of Aro Ha, a luxury fitness retreat in New Zealand.

Today’s travellers want to go deeper and experience something more profound and perspective-shifting. “People want to have a real experience when they travel now: to meet new people or learn a new skill, for example. They want to come home from their trip feeling transformed in some way by these experiences,” says Elinor Fish of women-only trail running company Run Wild Retreats. 

Are these new-generation retreats strictly for adrenaline junkies and extreme adventure types? Not necessarily. These kinds of adventure holidays are increasingly appealing to an older demographic, as well as first-timers looking to step out of their comfort zone. “We see a lot more mature women on our retreats, especially women 50 and over who want to travel but don’t want to go alone. They want the support and camaraderie of a professional trip leader and women with whom they share similar interests,” says Fish. 

Jack Hudson of SwimTrek, an open water swimming tour company, agrees that the demographic is broadening. “We have had plenty of first-timers being drawn out of the pool,” he says. “It’s often those who were wary at first who find most enjoyment in the whole experience.” Adventure is clearly out there – it’s time to grab a little bit of your own. 

Your next adventure holiday awaits

1. SwimTrek

You’ll find SwimTrek tours everywhere from the Galapagos Islands to Oman. In Asia, try the six-day Shipwreck Coast tour of Bali, which offers views of Mount Agung, as well as plenty of opportunities to explore sunken vessels in warm, tropical waters. Tours are available for all skill levels and interests, from coaching camps to beginner and family swims.

2. Spice Roads

Whether you prefer exhilarating off-road trail rides or road cycling tours where you can clock up some serious mileage, Spice Roads offers unforgettable cycling trips all over the world, from the vibrant backwaters of Kerala to the Gobi grasslands. If you only have a few days, a short hop to Bangkok offers plenty of rides no further than 2.5 hours out of the capital. Speed down the roads of Rayong or explore Suan Phueng on a two-day, one-night trip.

3. Phuket Fit

For people who like a side of burpees with their bow pose, Phuket Fit offers total fitness experiences to kickstart your active journey. Daily programmes start with yoga or mobility work followed by classes ranging from aqua fitness to Zumba. Join as many activities as you like or opt for personalised private sessions. The retreat’s on-site restaurant offers a diverse menu of health-conscious, nutritious cuisine, while accommodation is simple but spotless.

4. Aro Ha

Experience complete nature immersion amid New Zealand’s sweeping Southern Alps at Aro Ha . This sustainable luxe fitness retreat helps clients prioritise their health and wellbeing and find a balance of solitude and solidarity with fellow guests. Emphasis is placed on “rewilding” – getting out into nature, trekking alpine slopes and experiencing New Zealand’s rugged landscapes. Back at camp, you’ll join functional fitness and yoga sessions, and share plant-based meals – 45 per cent of the food served at Aro Ha is grown onsite using permaculture techniques.  

5. Run Wild Retreats

Run Wild leads women-only trail running retreats with a focus on creating a safe, supportive space for female runners and plenty of mindful and wellness-focused activities between runs. Take your pick of their many incredible destinations; in Europe, get up close to the Italian Dolomites. Or fly to North America and traverse the Canadian Rockies. In Asia, the mountain trails of Nepal are a gateway to exploring the region. Wherever the destination, you can expect awe-inspiring natural landmarks, welcome add-ons like massages, and the chance to form lifelong friendships.

Thinking about booking your next transformative wellness adventure? You can get your health covered year-round with us through Cigna’s insurance plans, and get rewarded with miles while you’re at it as you achieve simple health goals.