From glamping against a stunning natural backdrop to a marathon across the pagoda-dotted landscape in Myanmar, these destinations offer glimpses of some of the world’s best playgrounds for outdoor and athletic pursuits
If your notion of sports and travelling only conjure images of watching Wimbledon in London or catching some NBA moves in the Big Apple, think again.
Whether it is trekking along the majestic landscapes of Chile, swimming with the thresher sharks in Malapacua or running among the rustic temples and sacred pagodas in Myanmar, these adrenaline-pumping activities allow you to immerse yourself within the breathtaking beauty of these four destinations.
Glamping
What To Love: In case you haven’t heard, “glamping” is the perfect way to embrace nature, combining “glamour” and “camping”. In other words, it allows one to enjoy the tranquility of outdoors without losing the comforts of indoors.
Where To Go: Known for its picturesque sceneries and mountainous landscape, Jeju Do is the biggest island in Korea. Glampers can head to the Shilla Jeju for a luxurious camping experience with comfortable couches and beds inside the sleek cabana-style tents. Sports aficionados can sign up for activities such as Hallasan mountain trekking, horseback riding, and sunset yachting, which are organised by the Guest Activity Organiser (GAO) of the resort. For a relaxed evening, enjoy dinners under the stars with a barbeque feast prepared by a personal chef on-site.
Hiking
Photo courtesy of Flight Center
What To Love: Nothing beats an enjoyable hike against spectacular natural backdrop with good company.
Where To Go: Blessed with majestic landscapes, the Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile embodies the postcard-perfect charms of the stunning vicinity. Here, hikers can trek along the world-renowned trail, where ice blue glaciers melt into the earth and exotic animals dot the hillsides. Spend the night at the EcoCamp Patagonia, the world’s first sustainable dome hotel which is located at the heart of the national park.
Diving
Photo courtesy of Flight Center
What To Love: While it’s tempting for beachgoers to simply chill and sunbathe during a long-awaited tropical vacation, there are so many adrenaline-pumping watersports that might just bring you up from your beach mat.
Where To Go: Fancy a swim with the thresher sharks? Nowhere else in the world do these distinctive-tailed sharks exist than outside of the waters of the idyllic island of Malapascua. As a diving paradise, this tiny island has earned its reputation as Cebu’s most beautiful hotspot thanks to its unspoiled coral gardens and abundant marine life. A plethora of diving activities are available, ranging from wall dives and muck dives to exciting night dives. Check into the Malapacua Garden Resort for a luxury home-away-from-home retreat.
Marathon
Photo courtesy of Flight Center
What To Love: If you enjoy long-distance runs abroad, it’s time to leave the metropolitan cities behind and sign up to marathons which take place in eccentric locations for a taste of local charm.
Where To Go: Run among the rustic temples and sacred pagodas in Myanmar by joining the Bagan Temple Marathon on November 28 this year. Tucked away in central Myanmar and home to more than 2,000 temples, Bagan’s rustic beauty and historical significance is yet to be discovered. While the hot and dusty course can be a challenge for most runners, the magnificent temples and friendly villagers will make your route worthwhile. Treat yourself to a well-deserved deluxe stay at Aureum Palace, one of the most luxurious resorts in Bagan, which offer a stunning view of the city’s pagoda-dotted landscape.