We are officially less than 365 days from the opening ceremonies of the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo. The 17-day celebration already is creating a buzz because it’ll be the first Olympics where medals are handed out in karate, surfing, skateboarding and sports climbing.
And while your personal times may not qualify you for the podium in these events, luxury hotels see your competitive spirit and understand your need to stay active — even on vacation. It doesn’t matter if you’re interested in mountain climbing in Montana or boxing in Bangkok, these are the properties that are winning when it comes to offering you a chance to live out your sports dreams.
Sport: Boxing
Training Ground: The St. Regis Bangkok
You may have experienced a personal training class on a previous vacation, but you probably haven’t done anything like what coach Jack has in store for you on this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel’s 15th floor. There, you’ll find an authentic boxing ring. And no, it’s not some prop for Instagram likes. It’s all business once you get inside. But don’t worry — even if you’re a first-timer with Thailand’s national sport, you’ll find the elevated training session rewarding.
Sport: Rappelling
Training Ground: The Resort at Paws Up
We don’t know what’s more invigorating, looking across this Four-Star, 37,000-acre Montana ranch from atop Lookout Rock, rappelling down the cliff (in proper equipment and under strict supervision, of course) or breathing a sigh of relief once you’ve reached firm ground below.
Sport: Sailing
Training Ground: XV Beacon
No
need to worry about making any waves on this voyage. When you book The
Remarkable Moo… Boston
Experience For Two By Sea, you’re assured a smooth ride — the private charter
on the 31-foot replica of the 1904 Friendship sloop includes a picnic basket of
seasonal treats, caviar and a bottle of Krug champagne — around some of the
city’s most scenic waters.
Sport: (Virtual) Golf
Training Ground: The Signature at MGM Grand Las Vegas
If you’ve ever been to TopGolf, you know it’s the kind of place you go to more for horsing around than trying to become the next Tiger. But this special Las Vegas outpost inside MGM Grand draws in serious swingers (Callaway Fitting Studio), jovial drinkers (five bars) and even swimmers (two pools).
Sport: Triathlon
Training Ground: Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
Triathletes have three things on their minds — cycling, swimming and running. When you sign up for this Four-Star property’s Triathlon Training package, you’ll have a trio of experts (including Olympic gold medalist swimmer Misty Hyman) by your side, ensuring that you stay focused in the grueling Scottsdale heat.
Sport: Baseball
Training Ground: The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
America’s national pastime makes its re-introduction to the Summer Games in 2020. There’s a decent chance that Cleveland stars like Francisco Lindor and Carlos Santana will represent their countries in it. See them in action now with the Four-Star hotel’s Sports Fanatic Experience, delivering deluxe accommodations, complimentary breakfast, a sports amenity and the peace of mind of knowing that your room is just a 12-minute walk from the Indians’ Progressive Field.
Sport: Soccer
Training Ground: InterContinental Washington D.C. — The Wharf
Since U.K. star Wayne Rooney’s Major League Soccer arrival in 2018, the D.C. sports world has been abuzz. Thanks to The Insider’s Experience: Total Football packages at this hotel, one mile from the D.C. United’s stadium, you can be a part of the bedlam. The first promotion grants you discounted tickets to any remaining home game and all-inclusive food and drink privileges. The more immersive second option is for the final home affair (October 6), kicking off with a pre-game meeting with a United coach, then a post-game press conference access and a photo on the field.
Sport: Polo
Training Ground: Park Tower, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Though polo hasn’t been an official Olympic sport since 1936, people around the globe are still passionate about it. This rings true in South America. In Buenos Aires, “the sport of kings” is given the royal treatment at Campo Argentino de Polo for the Argentine Open (November 10 to December 15). Less than four miles from the stables sits Park Tower, a 180-room beauty swathed in Italian marbles, Persian rugs and other regal touches.
Sport: Paddleboarding
Training Ground: Trump International Beach Resort Miami
We get it. Sunny Isles’ piercingly white sands make it hard not to want to lounge all day. But if you have any hopes of topping Wyatt Werneth’s record 345-mile paddleboarding journey, you’ve got to get up. Luckily, this Four-Star hotel’s concierge (or the hotel’s nifty Go Hotel Life app) can get you set up you with a board so you can find the perfect spot to practice your balance.
Sport: Swimming
Training Ground: The Sanya EDITION
This Four-Star paradise is an aquatic inspiration. Rooms boast ocean views. The lobby offers a lotus pool. Lap and family pools are sources of hours of entertainment. Still, if you’re looking for the most breathtaking backdrop for your backstrokes, you’ll find it at this Sanya resort’s 43,000-square-foot ocean pool, a stunning amenity that features mosaic tiles, coconut palms and a zero-edge entry into the sea.
Sport: Tennis
Training Ground: The Chanler at Cliff Walk
The International Tennis Hall of Fame and The Chanler at Cliff Walk are so close that Roger Federer could probably swing hard enough and hit one from the other with a ball. With its Ultimate Tennis Experience, the Four-Star Rhode Island property makes itself even more attractive to fans of the sport. Thanks to the promotion, you not only get behind-the-ropes museum peeks, but it serves up 60 minutes of court time, three cans of balls, racket rental and a custom gift bag filled with apparel, bottles and other goodies.
Sport: Biking
Training Ground: The Magnolia Hotel & Spa
There’s intense cycling like 2016 Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong does and then there’s leisurely pedaling that you’ll do during this Four-Star wonder’s Bikes, Blooms & Brews promotion. After a good breakfast, grab your complimentary water bottle and hop onto your Norco Cruiser and head out for a day of exploring Victoria, Canada’s beautiful gardens, quaint waterfronts and tasty brewhouses.
Sport: Waterskiing
Training Ground: Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
Lake Geneva, one of Europe’s largest freshwater lakes, and Jet d’Eau, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, can be seen from numerous positions at this Five-Star hotel. But even then, the best views of both may be from behind a yacht while waterskiing. No, you won’t be able to fully appreciate the fountain while zooming by at 30 mph, but to say you’ve seen the lake that intimately makes it all worth it.
Sport: Hiking
Training Ground: The Broadmoor
When you pack your fishing waders and tennis rackets for your next Broadmoor adventure, remember to save room for your hiking boots. Covering 5,000 of Colorado Spring’s most gorgeous acres, this Five-Star mainstay has more trails than you’ll have time to explore. No matter if you’re an experienced hiker, an intermediate looking to learn more about the local flora or someone who’s lacing up for the first time, there’s a guided trek for you here.
Sport: Kayaking
Training Ground: Acqualina Resort & Spa
From painting classes to scuba lessons, this Five-Star Sunny Isles resort is never short of fun. But ironically, one of the property’s most memorable activities, kayaking, takes place just off site, at nearby Oleta River State Park. There, one of the park’s seasoned guides leads you on an hour-long journey through mangroves and natural hammocks on your way to Biscayne Bay’s Sandspur Island. Once you arrive, swim or simply kick back until it’s time to return.
