Sense Of Adventure: Seven Magnificent Hotels Perfect for Thrill Seekers
By Richard Jones
From dog sledding to desert treks, and safari tours to scuba diving, adventure holidays are more popular than ever, with people looking to test their physical and mental strength or simply seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If you are dreaming of an exciting break, you’ll need a good hotel to use as a base, so here are a few suggestions.
Tromsø, Norway
Located above the Arctic Capital, Tromsø is the epicentre of outdoor activity all year round, with summer adventures benefiting from the midnight sun and 24-hour sunlight. Opened in June, Moxy Tromsø is Marriott Bonvoy’s northernmost property and offers a stylish, fun and comfortable respite from the Nordic playground. The centrally located hotel is an idyllic hub for epic activities, from dog sledding and reindeer spotting to humpback whale safaris and hunting the mesmerising Northern Lights displays. Following a day exploring the very best of this Arctic Capital, Sky Bar Moxy located on the 11th floor rooftop offers a dazzling spot to take in the views of the fjord and mountains beyond with a ‘Got Moxy’ cocktail in hand.
Direct flights to Tromsø from London Gatwick available with Norwegian Air. See norwegian.com
Masai Mara, Kenya
Nestled on the banks of the River Talek in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, guests at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are perfectly positioned for a wildlife adventure. Set in one of Africa’s most renowned wilderness conservation regions, travellers get the chance to witness the Big Five – lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephants – first-hand. Led by knowledgeable guides, the property’s thrilling game drives offer the chance to venture into the Masai Mara, with each group assigned their own Safari Land Cruisers loaded with snacks, drinks and blankets. The Lodge’s Head Guide is a passionate, lifelong conservationist who holds talks, while an in-house photography studio is available for guests.
Direct flights to Nairobi from London Heathrow available with British Airways. britishairways.com
Mahé Island, Seychelles
Located close to Anse Royale on Mahé Island, the newly opened Laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, offers a calming oasis for revitalisation and island exploration. The botanical paradise resort offers 84 bespoke guest rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars, a water sports centre, swimming pool, gym and a spa. Showcasing the hidden gems of the island, the resort’s expansive offerings draw on the Seychellois spirit. Guests can take part in Creole cooking classes and traditional weaving demonstrations or fishing trips and hikes through the surrounding jungle with local experts. There is also paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling at the famous uninhabited ‘Ile Souris’ coral island.
Flights to the Seychelles from Manchester via Dubai available with Emirates. See emirates.com
Verbier, Switzerland
Perched 1,531 metres in the heart of Switzerland’s Valais Canton is W Verbier. Equally as idyllic during the summer months for its hiking opportunities, as in the winter for skiing, the hotel offers action across all seasons in the Swiss Alps, with the Mountain Concierge by École Suisse de VTT offering curated expeditions. To unwind after a day of hiking, skiing, snowboarding, paragliding or golfing on the slopes, guests are welcomed to the only AWAY Spa in Switzerland which includes nine treatment rooms, a hammam, jacuzzi and steam rooms to recharge and rejuvenate, before waking up slope-side to seize another day.
Flights from Manchester to Geneva available with Jet2. See jet2.com
Phulay Bay, Thailand
Nestled on the shores of the Andaman Sea and near Phi Phi Island, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is designed for travellers seeking rare and exotic experiences. The stunning property features 54 spacious villas with private plunge pools and rainforest showers. There are plenty of options for adventure-seeking travellers – hiking to the top of the nearby Naga Mountain is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The ancient limestone islands and stunning scenery of Krabi are only a day boat trip away, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking landmarks like See Island, a famous underwater spot for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Flights to Krabi from London Heathrow via Bangkok available with Eva Air. See evaair.com
Rabat, Morocco
For those seeking an unforgettable Sahara Desert experience, look no further than Morocco. Rabat Marriott Hotel offers a glamorous starting point for numerous activities, such as joining a camel caravan and exploring ancient merchant routes that take you past iconic sand dunes and vistas. As an alternative mode of transport, sandboards are an excellent option, and 4×4 vehicle hire allows travellers to create their own roller coaster-like experience. Reflecting the spirit of the destination, Rabat Marriott Hotel boasts vibrant interior décor and bright, with generous spaces accentuating stunning natural surroundings.
Direct flights from London Stansted to Rabat available with Ryanair. See ryanair.com
Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania’s natural, culinary and creative treasures are within easy reach of award-winning hotel The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart. One day trip from Hobart is an exploration of the Mount Field’s Waterfalls, where travellers can take their pick of wilderness walks to numerous waterfalls. Alternatively, mountain-bike riders can opt for gravity-focused trails through stunning forest at Maydena Bike Park or jump aboard a pedal-powered railway. Visitors can go island-hopping to Bruny Island, and Triabunna is a 90-minute drive from Hobart. A half-hour ferry ride from here takes visitors to the natural wildlife sanctuary of Maria Island National Park.
Flights to Hobart from Manchester via Dubai and Melbourne available with Emirates. emirates.com
For information on these and other hotels in the Marriott portfolio, go to marriott.com
