Friday, December 5Sports. Travel. Events. Play

Guides

A guide to cycling in Dubai 
Editor's Pick, Guides, Trends

A guide to cycling in Dubai 

Cycling in Dubai has evolved from a niche weekend pastime into one of the city’s fastest-growing lifestyle trends. Transformed into a world-class destination for cyclists of all levels, purpose-built tracks now weave through deserts, beachfronts and urban skylines, offering everything from leisurely scenic rides to high-performance training grounds.  Whether you’re a recreational rider looking for a safe morning loop, a commuter seeking eco-friendly alternatives, or a road cyclist chasing personal bests, Dubai delivers in style. From the sweeping Al Qudra desert trail to the bustling Nad Al Sheba and Meydan circuits, the city combines immaculate infrastructure with year-round sunshine and a thriving cycling community.  Where to ride in Dubai Located in the desert ap...
Verbier, Switzerland: a winter sports travel guide for 2025-2026
Guides

Verbier, Switzerland: a winter sports travel guide for 2025-2026

Verbier, an Alpine village in Switzerland’s Valais Canton, is set to deliver one of its most ambitious ski seasons yet. From November 2025 right through to the end of April 2026 – a total of 151 skiable days – winter sports lovers will have half a year to carve up Switzerland’s most iconic terrain. Weekend-only access starts the season in November before the full lift system opens daily from early December. High-altitude pistes up to 2,700m and extensive snowmaking (63% coverage) make for reliable conditions from the first snowfall to spring’s final après-ski. Two rapid gondolas whisk skiers from the 1,500m village to summit terrain in under 11 minutes – meaning powder laps before breakfast are practically a given. Verbier anchors the 4 Vallées, Switzerland’s largest linked ski ar...
Innsbruck: a sports travel city guide
Editor's Pick, Guides, Holidays & Trips

Innsbruck: a sports travel city guide

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, the city of Innsbruck is a dream destination for those who love sports travel, outdoor adventures and culture – all in one compact location. From twice hosting the Winter Olympic Games to offering hiking, swimming, and panoramic sightseeing in the summer and autumn, it's not surprise that Innsbruck is nicknamed the ‘Capital of the Alps’. Skiing in Innsbruck Innsbruck, capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, is one of Europe’s premier ski destinations. Uniquely blending alpine adventure with urban culture, the city offers access to 13 ski areas within the Innsbruck Ski Plus Region, all covered by a single ski pass. From challenging off-piste terrain to family-friendly slopes, Innsbruck caters to skiers and snowboarders of every level.  ...
Sports resort in focus: Murrayshall Country Estate & Golf Club, Scotland
Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports resort in focus: Murrayshall Country Estate & Golf Club, Scotland

Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s rolling Perthshire countryside, just 20 minutes from Dundee Airport and under an hour from Edinburgh, Murrayshall Country Estate & Golf Club is a luxury retreat that fuses championship golf with timeless Scottish hospitality. Set across 365 acres of parkland and woodland, this historic estate is both a tranquil escape and a gateway to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. With its blend of elite golf access, refined accommodation, diverse dining, and adventure-filled countryside setting, Murrayshall offers the complete Scottish getaway. Whether you’re chasing bucket-list golf, a romantic retreat, or an outdoor family escape, this Perthshire gem delivers an unforgettable experience at the very heart of Scotland. https://www.youtube.com/watch...
A guide to golf in Dubai
Guides

A guide to golf in Dubai

Dubai has firmly established itself as one of the world’s premier golf tourism destinations, attracting both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs to its sun-drenched fairways. What was once desert terrain has been transformed into a golfer’s paradise, where championship courses designed by legends of the game sit alongside cutting-edge entertainment venues and luxurious resorts. The city’s year-round warm climate, stunning skyline backdrops, and exceptional hospitality make it an irresistible choice for anyone looking to combine sport with leisure. At the heart of Dubai’s appeal is its role as a regular stop on the men’s DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour), with prestigious events such as the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and season-ending DP World Tour Championship drawi...
Okinawa: celebrate Karate Day in the birthplace of karate
Editor's Pick, Guides, Holidays & Trips

Okinawa: celebrate Karate Day in the birthplace of karate

Every October, the subtropical islands of Okinawa transform into the world stage for one of the most powerful cultural displays in Japan: Karate Day. Held on 25 October in the prefectural capital of Naha, this annual event gathers thousands of practitioners from across the globe to honour Okinawa’s role as the birthplace of karate – a martial art that is more than just combat; it is a way of life rooted in courtesy, discipline, and respect. Living heritage Karate’s story stretches back more than 700 years, forged in Okinawa’s unique history as a crossroads of East and Southeast Asia. Over time, the art evolved into a disciplined practice known today not only for its power and precision, but also for its guiding philosophy, shurei-no-kokoro – the spirit of courtesy.  In Okinaw...
Sport in Dubai – a sports travel city guide
Guides

Sport in Dubai – a sports travel city guide

Dubai has rapidly evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic sports tourism destinations, attracting fans, athletes, and adventurers from every corner of the globe. From international tournaments that bring together the biggest names in sport to community festivals that celebrate fitness and wellbeing, the city offers an action-packed calendar of events throughout the year. Whether it’s watching the world’s best golfers compete in the DP World Tour Championship, witnessing the electric atmosphere of the Emirates Dubai 7s, or catching elite tennis stars at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, the emirate delivers unforgettable sporting moments on a global stage. Yet Dubai’s appeal extends well beyond the stadiums and arenas. Blessed with a dramatic desert landscape, pristine coast...
Europe’s best hotels and resorts for tennis holidays
Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Europe’s best hotels and resorts for tennis holidays

In the Luxury Travel Trend Watch: 2025 report, first revealed by Globetrender founder and CEO Jenny Southan at the 2024 Virtuoso Symposium in Dubai, “racketeering” was named as one of the seven key luxury trends to watch out for in 2025. The trend of racketeering, a term coined by Globetrender, reflects the growing popularity of racket sports like tennis, pickleball and padel being played during holidays.  To meet the growing demand, hotels and resorts are investing in state-of-the-art courts, clinics and tournaments. In this guide, we look at some of the best places to book for tennis and padel holidays in Europe.  Main image: Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy    The iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo's Art Nouveau...
Equestrian travel: the world’s best luxury hotels for horse lovers
Editor's Pick, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Equestrian travel: the world’s best luxury hotels for horse lovers

Whether you're an equestrian enthusiast or are simply wanting to enjoy a unique, luxury getaway, the world’s best equine hotels offer thrilling horseback riding experiences as well as immersive and life-changing wellness programmes and unparalleled nature immersion. Here, the experts from The Equine Collective pick out five of the best horseback riding resorts and equestrian retreats around the world – from South Africa's wild plains to Indonesia's sun-drenched beaches and turquoise seas Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort & Ranch: luxury horseback riding in British Columbia, Canada  Best for: wilderness, regeneration and horse–human bonding Siwash Lake is an award‑winning, off‑grid luxury dude ranch nestled in 10,000+ acres of regenerating wilderness following a major 2017 fire. I...
A guide to Camiral – host resort of golf’s Ryder Cup in 2031
Editor's Pick, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

A guide to Camiral – host resort of golf’s Ryder Cup in 2031

Formerly the PGA Catalunya, Camiral, a Quinta do Lago Resort is a world-class golf and wellness resort between Girona, the Costa Brava beaches and Barcelona. Home to two championship courses and a PGA National Academy, Camiral has been selected to the 2031 Ryder Cup – a prestigious return of the tournament to Spain after 34 years. Camiral’s selection marks Spain’s second time hosting the men’s golf team event between Europe and the US since Valderrama in 1997. According to reports, the event is predicted to have an economic impact of more than €1.3 billion and attract 300,000 visitors to the region. One of Europe’s most acclaimed golf destinations, Camiral has hosted multiple DP World Tour events, including the Open de España and the Final Stage of the Qualifying School. Its world-re...
Vilamoura, Portugal: a sports travel guide 
Guides, Holidays & Trips

Vilamoura, Portugal: a sports travel guide 

Nestled along Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast, Vilamoura is a premier sport and golf travel destination resort where elite facilities, wellness escapes, and world-class events attract both professional athletes and active holidaymakers alike.  From championship golf courses and top-tier tennis academies to cutting-edge retreats and water-based adventures, Vilamoura offers a perfect balance of performance and pleasure. The resort will also soon be home to a new sports centre – an elite campus designed to cater to both professional athletes and the wider community. The centre will feature official-size football fields, a world-standard athletics track, and a wide range of multi-sport facilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYNMtHXdxKg Most popular attractions in Vilamoura ...
Somabay: sport and adventure on Egypt’s Red Sea
Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Somabay: sport and adventure on Egypt’s Red Sea

Located on a private peninsula along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, Somabay is a luxury destination resort offering year-round sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and world-class amenities just 45 minutes from Hurghada International Airport. The resort is home to a collection of top-tier accommodations, including The Cascades Golf Resort, Kempinski Soma Bay, Sheraton Soma Bay, and The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge, each offering distinct styles – from family-friendly luxury to boutique surf culture.  A haven for active travellers, Somabay offers golf on a Gary Player-designed course, diving at its pristine house reef, and perfect kitesurfing conditions. Wellness is central, too, with the expansive Cascades Spa & Thalasso offering rejuvenation through hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy ...
Event in focus: The Ocean Race Europe 2025
Events, Guides

Event in focus: The Ocean Race Europe 2025

The final preparations are taking place ahead of the 2025 edition of The Ocean Race Europe, which will see seven mixed-gender crews made up of sailors from across 13 nations take on the 4,500-nautical mile multi-stage offshore challenge. This year’s edition is built on the foundations of the inaugural race in 2021 and is held under the banner of “Connecting Europe”. Starting in Kiel, Germany on 10 August, the race takes the fleet around Europe, with stops in England, Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, before the teams arrive in Boka Bay, Montenegro, around 15-16 September and the Final Scoring Race on 20 September. The finish in Montenegro marks the first time in its over 50-year history that crews from The Ocean Race will compete on the Adriatic Sea. All seven teams will compete in...
Brisbane: a sports travel city guide  
Editor's Pick, Guides

Brisbane: a sports travel city guide  

Sun-soaked, laid-back, and brimming with sporting pride, Brisbane is one of Australia’s most exciting destinations for sports travel. With a strong calendar of major events, top-tier teams across multiple codes, and a stunning subtropical setting, Brisbane combines elite sport with an outdoorsy lifestyle, scenic river views, and easy access to beaches, islands, and hinterland hikes. And with the 2032 Summer Olympic Games on the horizon, the city is investing billions into sports infrastructure and tourism – making now the perfect time to visit. The Lions head to the Suncorp  One of Brisbane’s biggest sporting events in 2025 will be hosting the 1st Test match between Australia and the British & Irish Lions – a combined team of the best international rugby union players from Englan...
Dublin: a sports travel city guide
Guides

Dublin: a sports travel city guide

Dublin is the beating heart of Irish sport, boasting iconic venues like Croke Park, the spiritual home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Ireland's Gaelic Games, and the Aviva Stadium, a world-class arena where Ireland’s international football and rugby union teams play.  Whether it’s the roar of a Six Nations rugby clash, the fierce pride of an All-Ireland final, or the charm of a greyhound race at Shelbourne Park, Dublin delivers unforgettable sporting experiences year-round.  But it’s not just about the stadiums. Dublin's pubs double as lively sports bars and the city’s compact size makes it easy to combine match days with cultural must-sees, from the historic grounds of Trinity College to the buzzing streets of Temple Bar. Add in top-notch hotels, scenic coastal es...
Innsbruck hiking: outdoor adventures in the Capital of the Alps
Guides, Holidays & Trips

Innsbruck hiking: outdoor adventures in the Capital of the Alps

For hikers, the Innsbruck region in Austria offers breathtaking mountain landscapes just minutes from the city. From family-friendly walks and nature escapes to a hiking foodie experience, Innsbruck has hiking routes that are perfect for every type of adventurer. Colette Verra, Innsbruck Marketing Manager, said: “Innsbruck offers the perfect blend of city and nature, making it a top destination for hikers of all levels. Whether you seek a relaxing walk or a thrilling mountain adventure, our region provides unparalleled access to beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and authentic alpine experiences.” A Family Adventure – The Zirbenweg Trail: Perfect for families, the Zirbenweg (Stone Pine Trail) on Innsbruck’s home mountain, the Patscherkofel, offers an easy and scenic hike through anc...
Tignes summer mountain activities: biking, hiking and adventure
Guides, Holidays & Trips

Tignes summer mountain activities: biking, hiking and adventure

Tignes, a popular resort in the French Alps, is gearing up for summer with a range of mountain experiences and active holidays on offer. Visitors can discover newly designed bike trails, go hiking on the easy-to-follow routes, or embark on an adventure with family and friends.  Tignes Bike Park: new expanded trails Mountain bike riders will discover more than 7kms of redesigned trails in the Palafour and Tovière areas, with new options for beginners, families, endurance riders, and electric mountain bike enthusiasts. Even better, queue-free lift access means easier mountain access throughout the day. The newly revamped "Fresse Tagada" stands out as an iconic red trail, designed as a "flow trail" to help mountain bikers build confidence and progress their skills. Another highl...
Munich: a sports travel city guide 
Editor's Pick, Guides

Munich: a sports travel city guide 

Munich, capital of the German state of Bavaria, will be the focus of the football world when the city hosts the Uefa Champions League final on Saturday 31 May 2025. The highlight of the European club football calendar returns to Bayern Munich’s iconic Allianz Arena stadium for the first time since 2012. Home to a thriving sports culture, tourist attractions such as Oktoberfest and set against the stunning backdrop of the Bavarian Alps, Munich is one of the world's top sports cities and a bucket-list destination for any sports traveller.  Main image: The Allianz Arena and architectural sculpture Sunken Village in Munich (Image credit: Diego Delso, delso.photo, License CC BY-SA, via WikiCommons) Major sports teams and clubs in Munich FC Bayern Munich: FC Bayern's fanbase, histor...
Madrid: a sports travel city guide 
Editor's Pick, Guides

Madrid: a sports travel city guide 

Madrid is one of the world's top sports cities. With a rich sporting history, world-class stadiums, and elite events all year round, Spain’s vibrant capital offers an unparalleled sports travel experience. Whether you're attending a La Liga football match, exploring historic sites, or enjoying the local cuisine, Madrid offers a dynamic and enriching experience for every sports traveller. Major sports teams in Madrid Real Madrid CF: established in 1902, Real Madrid are one of the most successful football clubs globally, boasting a record number of European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles (15). They play their home games at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Atlético de Madrid: founded in 1903, Atlético Madrid are another top-tier football club in the city. They have secured multiple ...
Rome: a sports city travel guide
Guides

Rome: a sports city travel guide

Rome, Italy’s capital city, is a dream destination for sports lovers, blending a rich athletic culture with breathtaking historical attractions. Known for its passionate football fans, venues, and international events, Rome is an exciting destination for sports travellers.  Whether you’re catching a match at the legendary Stadio Olimpico, watching the world’s top tennis players at Foro Italico, running a marathon through the ancient streets, or simply exploring the city’s rich cultural sites, Rome has it all.   In this guide we look at everything you need to know about Rome’s sports scene, plus the top hotels to stay at, key attractions to see, and the city’s transport options. Sports teams in Rome Football  AS Roma: one of Italy’s most historic football...

EVENTS IN FOCUS