Warm holiday destinations in winter – our top recommendations for sports Travel Packages

After summer comes before winter. Maybe you feel like us and you are already dreading the winter time – wet, cold, dark – is there a worse combination?! And that for a gefühlte eternity. For many, the dark half of the year not only affects them physically, it mainly affects their mood. The batteries are empty and we long for sun, warmth and relaxation.

With a sports trip in winter, you benefit several times over: Sport on vacation not only has the advantage that you stay fit. Sport also increases your mood and, in combination with sun, warmth and dreamlike nature, ensures maximum energy and happiness hormones.

Imagine starting your day with a beach workout right outside your door. Then cool off in the pool and chill in the sun. During the day, you can explore the impressive nature while hiking and end the day with a yoga session at sunset, while it's stormy and snowy back home. How does that sound?

In this blog post, we introduce you to some of the best destinations that not only offer you sun and relaxation, but also the best conditions for a perfect winter sports trip. From CrossFit under palm trees in Thailand to yoga, surfing and fitness vacations in Morocco or a sports and wellness week in Tenerife - there's something for everyone here. Pack your sneakers and flip-flops and join us on a trip to the sun!

Topics overview:

• Why a sports trip in winter?
• Warm holiday destinations in winter – our top recommendations
  • Thailand
    • Holistic sports trip to Koh Samui
    • Sports trip Phuket: Bootcamp, Muay Thai, Fitness Chalong & Yoga
  • Morocco
    • Morocco Sports Trip: Yoga, Surf & Fitness Retreat on Taghazout Beach
  • Tenerife
    • Tenerife Sports Trip: Experience CrossFit, Yoga, Personal Training, Beach Workouts, Chill & Action on Costa Adeje
  • Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Sports Trip: Premium Fitness Retreat Makahiya
• Conclusion

 

Why a sports trip in winter?

Winter can often feel endless. Between gray skies, cold and little sunlight, many people find it difficult to maintain the motivation for an active life. Since most outdoor activities are no longer so easily possible due to the weather, sport and exercise often take a back seat. This is where the sports trip comes into play - especially in winter.

Advantages of sports travel in the winter months

1. Increase well-being: More than just physical fitness
Sport and exercise release endorphins, the so-called “happiness hormones”. They act like a natural antidepressant. Especially in winter, when many suffer from the widespread winter blues, sport can be an important mood booster. Not to be forgotten: Sporting activities in a group – be it CrossFit, beach workout or hiking – offer the possibility of social interaction. Social contacts often fall by the wayside, especially in winter. They are essential for human well-being and can contribute to improving mental health.

2. Get Your Vitamin D: More Than Just Sunbathing
Vitamin D is produced by our skin with the help of sunlight and is known as the "sun vitamin." In the winter months, especially in northern latitudes, UV radiation is often so weak that the body's own production of vitamin D comes to a standstill. This can lead to a number of health problems, including a weakened immune system, fatigue, and even depressive moods.
In sunny destinations, there is plenty of natural light and therefore the opportunity to replenish your vitamin D stores.

3. Boost Immunity: Why Sport is so Important in Winter
The cold months are known to be the peak season for colds, flu, and other infections. During this time, many people retreat and spend more time indoors, where viruses can be transmitted more easily. The immune system is also often weakened by the lack of sunlight and the cold temperatures. Sport promotes health, strengthens your cardiovascular system and the immune system.

4. The combination of fitness and relaxation: No progress without balance
Sporting activity is not only physically demanding, but also mentally. After an intense sports session, the body needs time to regenerate. These rest phases are necessary to build muscle and prevent injuries. But also the everyday stress caused by job, obligations, deadlines, performance pressure and other factors causes a constantly high stress level for many people.
In a well-thought-out sports trip, fitness and relaxation are therefore not regarded as separate elements, but as synergistic components - like Yin and Yan. Relaxation offers such as massages, yoga or wellness treatments help you to calm your body and mind and recharge your energy on all levels.

5. The appeal of sunny destinations
Winter in sunny, warm areas has its very own charm. While cold and snowy conditions prevail at home, you can lie on the beach in your bathing suit and send selfies :-). Or surf. Or sweat during a beach workout. These contrasts make a sports trip in winter particularly appealing.

In short: A sunny travel destination in winter offers more than just pleasant temperatures and a beautiful tan. A sports trip in winter is the perfect opportunity to escape from everyday life, improve your physical and mental well-being and recharge your batteries for the coming year. In the next section, we will introduce you to our top destinations for such sports trips.

 

Warm holiday destinations in winter – Our top recommendations

Thailand

If you want to trade winter for a tropical paradise, Thailand should be at the top of your list. This exotic destination not only offers beautiful beaches and breathtaking nature, but also a wide range of options for a sports trip that leaves nothing to be desired.

Weather and Climate: Pleasantly warm temperatures & dry season
While it's cold and uncomfortable in Europe, Thailand usually enjoys pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Winter in Thailand falls during the so-called dry season, which lasts from November to April. During these months, you can expect little rain and warm temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. The sea is a pleasant 26-28 degrees, inviting you to enjoy all kinds of water sports activities. While the humidity is often perceived as oppressive during the rainy season, it is much more pleasant during the dry season - perfect conditions for a sports trip.

Muay Thai & first-class fitness camps
One of the highlights in Thailand is certainly training in Muay Thai, a traditional Thai martial art. There are basically many high-quality fitness camps in beautiful nature with a wide variety of training.

Yoga and Meditation
Thailand is also a mecca for yoga enthusiasts. Whether on a remote island or in one of the many specialized resorts - the yoga retreats in Thailand are an excellent way to harmonize body and mind.

Water sports
The coasts of Thailand are ideal for water sports such as diving, snorkeling, surfing and kayaking. The warm, clear water and the rich underwater world offer an unforgettable experience.

Hiking and trekking
For the adventurous, Thailand offers numerous hiking trails through jungles and mountains. The north of the country is known for its trekking tours to remote mountain villages.

Wellness and Spa
After a strenuous day of training, there's nothing better than relaxing in one of the country's luxurious spas. Many resorts offer special sports massages and wellness treatments that are perfectly tailored to the needs of athletes.

Nutrition: Healthy, fresh, exotic
Thai cuisine is not only delicious, but also healthy. With a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein, it is ideal for athletes. Many resorts also offer special nutrition plans and detox programs.

Cultural Diversity
Besides sports, Thailand also has tons of cultural activities. Visiting temples, taking cooking classes, or watching traditional dances can be a nice change from your workout routine and broaden your horizons.

With its combination of fantastic nature, diverse sporting activities and first-class wellness offers, Thailand is a perfect destination for a sports trip in winter.

 

With the Travelling Athletes to Thailand

If you are looking for sun, sport and relaxation, this tropical paradise is the perfect place to be in winter. That's exactly why our Thailand sports Travel Packages are among the absolute winter favorites for Travelling Athletes. Get to know our most popular Thailand sports Travel Packages:

Holistic sports trip to Koh Samui

Highlights at a Glance

• Premium Fitness Camp with a holistic approach:
  • Outstanding facilities: Outdoor Gym on the beach, Yoga Shala, boxing rings, machines, functional equipment and much more.
  • Extensive course offer: weight training, TRX, MetCon (Metabolic Conditioning), kettlebells, abs, Muay Thai (martial arts), boxing, HIIT, Jungle Run, Yoga & Beach Workouts; Personal training (optional)
  • Spa and wellness offer: e.g. massages, nutritional advice, healthy juices & shakes, holistic care
• Beach Resort in a Dreamlike Setting:
  • 4-star beach hotel directly on the dream beach of Ban Thai and only 5 minutes walk to the fitness camp
  • Large Suite with private Jacuzzi
• Healthy & high-quality full board:
  • Healthy & balanced dishes, freshly prepared by the camp's own chef and individually adaptable (vegan/vegetarian options, etc.)
  • Shakes, fresh juices, nutritional advice included
• Surroundings & Activities:
  • Breathtaking waterfalls, unique jungle landscapes, markets, temples, water sports and much more
• Private airport transfer (return journey)
• Travel insurance
• Your personal contact person by your side before, during & after the trip (24/7)

To the detailed travel description of Koh Samui

Sports trip Phuket: Bootcamp, Muay Thai, Fitness Chalong & Yoga

Highlights at a Glance

• Train at the world famous Tiger Muay Thai Camp
  • Wide range of courses: (Beach) Bootcamp, HIIT, Muay Thai /Thai Boxing, BodyFit, Strength & Conditioning, Yoga, WOD's at Fitness Chalong, and much more.
  • First-class outdoor and indoor area, qualified trainers and athletes from all over the world
  • Optional: Private Muay Thai lessons, Personal Training
• Camp accommodation with Standard, Deluxe & Premium options
  • Depending on the room category, with direct pool access
• High-quality full board in the camp's own restaurant “Tiger Grill”
• Surroundings & Activities:
  • Beautiful beaches, culture & the most famous fitness mile in the world
• Travel insurance
• Airport transfer (optional)
• Your personal contact person by your side before, during & after the trip (24/7)

Detailed travel description Phuket

Morocco

Morocco, the land of contrasts: surfer's paradise, Sahara desert, imposing mountain ranges, spa stronghold, unique culture and adventure. Especially in winter, Morocco transforms into an ideal destination for anyone who loves fitness, relaxation and a mild climate.

Weather and Climate: Sunny days and cool nights
Morocco, located in northwest Africa, offers a particularly pleasant climate during the winter months. The country's geographical location and topography create an interesting mix of Mediterranean and desert-like climates.
From December to February, temperatures in Morocco vary greatly depending on the region. On the coast and in the lowlands, temperatures during the day are between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, while at night they drop to around 8 to 12 degrees. It can be much cooler in the mountain regions. In the southern regions near the Sahara, temperatures can rise to 20-25 degrees Celsius.

Overall, Morocco offers many sunny days in winter and an ideal climate for an unforgettable sports trip with a touch of the exotic.

Top-class fitness options
Morocco has become a hotspot for fitness fans in recent years. The beaches of the Atlantic coast or the picturesque mountain landscapes of the High Atlas offer the best conditions for an intensive training program in a breathtaking setting. From boot camps on the beach to high-quality gyms to specialized training programs such as calisthenics - Morocco offers the right offer for every fitness level and every preference.

Surfing and water sports
The Atlantic coast of Morocco, especially places like Taghazout and Essaouira, are known for their excellent surfing conditions. Numerous surf schools and camps offer courses for beginners to advanced surfers.

Hiking and trekking
The High Atlas and other mountain ranges offer excellent opportunities for hiking and trekking. Many tours are also possible in winter if you want to avoid the snow-covered heights.

Yoga and Meditation
Many resorts and retreats in Morocco offer yoga and meditation courses in a breathtaking natural environment. The silence of the desert or the tranquility of a mountain village are ideal places to find inner balance.

Wellness and Spa
Moroccan hammams and wellness centers offer a variety of treatments that are perfect for relaxation and regeneration after an intense sporting activity.

Healthy, fresh & aromatic cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is known for its rich flavours and healthy ingredients such as olive oil, fresh vegetables and spices such as turmeric and cinnamon, which have a positive effect on general health.

Cultural Experiences
A visit to the souks of Marrakech, a traditional Moroccan dinner, or a night in the Sahara can add a special touch to your sports trip.

The mild and pleasant climate, the diversity of the country and the quality of the fitness and spa offers in combination with the unique culture make Morocco the perfect destination for a winter escape.

With the Travelling Athletes to Morocco

Of course, Morocco is also at the top of our popularity scale due to its diverse advantages. Get to know our holistic premium sports trip, which makes the hearts of surfers, yogis and fitness enthusiasts beat faster:

Morocco Sports Trip: Yoga, Surf & Fitness Retreat on Taghazout Beach

Highlights at a Glance

• Holistic sports program in one of the top 5 surf, yoga & spa resorts worldwide:
  • Fully equipped indoor & outdoor area with everything you need for a good workout (weights, dumbbells, functional equipment, etc.)
  • Diverse course program: Cross-training, stretching, Pilates, Body Attack, Fitness Abs, Balance Training, Power Step, Beach Bootcamp
  • Surfing: Professional surf lessons (90 min daily) at the popular surf hotspot of Taghazout (for beginners and pros)
  • Yoga: Daily yoga classes (75 min.) in a dreamlike setting
• 5-star eco resort away from the hustle and bustle on a private sandy beach:
  • Optional room categories from suites to bungalows and villas, all with breathtaking sea views
• Fresh & healthy breakfast buffet:
  • With products from the organic farm (optional half board)
• Surroundings & Activities:
  • Kilometers of sandy beach, numerous water sports activities, day trips e.g. to Essaouira or Agadir
• Airport transfer (optional)
• Travel insurance
• Your personal contact person by your side before, during & after the trip (24/7)

Detailed travel description Morocco

Tenerife

The Canary Islands, especially Tenerife, are an excellent choice for those who want to escape the winter and easily combine beach, sun, sports, and relaxation.

Weather and Climate: Stable, warm temperatures and lots of sun
On the sunny island, you can usually enjoy temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius during the winter months. Rainy days are rare and the mild conditions are ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities and perfect for sports. With an average of six hours of sunshine per day in winter, Tenerife offers plenty of opportunity to soak up vitamin D, lift your spirits and swap your winter pallor for a summery complexion.

Modern gyms and facilities
Tenerife offers a range of state-of-the-art gyms and facilities, qualified trainers and a large community of sports enthusiasts. In addition to a wide range of courses from functional training to CrossFit and spinning, there are also numerous studios offering Pilates and yoga classes. Tennis courts, golf courses and even climbing walls are also available. No matter what type of training you prefer, you are guaranteed to find it in Tenerife .

Outdoor Activities
The island offers a unique mix of beaches, mountains and forests. The selection of outdoor activities is huge: hiking, cycling or trail running – you won't be bored here.

Water sports & beach activities
Tenerife's extensive beaches are the perfect backdrop for morning jogging, surfing, beach volleyball or intensive beach workouts.

Wellness and relaxation
After an active day, you can pamper yourself in one of the numerous wellness centers with massages and saunas or cool off with an ice bath.

Tenerife, often called the "Island of Eternal Spring", isn't just a safe bet because of its pleasant climate. With a wide range of sports, outdoor activities and beautiful beaches, it offers the perfect balance for a sports trip of fitness, relaxation and sunshine.

With the Travelling Athletes to Tenerife

It's no wonder that Tenerife is at the top of our TOP-selling Travel Packages and has become a customer favorite. The reasons are obvious: Quick & easy arrival, stable temperatures, beach, sun, nature and reliable quality without any big surprises. That's why you'll find several Travel Packages with different training focuses: Whether you love CrossFit, beach bootcamps in a group are your thing, whether you're right at home at the Krav Maga Camp, or whether you prefer individual support with Personal Training - we have the right Travel Package for you. Here you get to know our absolute best-seller:

Tenerife Sports Trip: Experience CrossFit, Yoga, Personal Training, Beach Workouts, Chill & Action on Costa Adeje

Highlights at a Glance

• Holistic sports program:
  • Unlimited access to the TOP Box CrossFit 27
  • Individual introduction & meet-up for all Travelling Athletes
  • Access to all courses & to the Open Gym (free training)
  • 1x per week Gymnastics / Technique Coaching exclusively for Travelling Athletes
  • 2 hours of personal training included (more optional)
  • Beach Workouts: Intense Functional Training on the Beach
  • Sunset Yoga right by the sea in a dreamlike setting
• Apartment hotel with sea view – right next to your box
  • Fully equipped apartments with living area, kitchen & balcony
  • Optional with 4-star apartment hotel right on the beach
• Healthy, fresh and personalized athlete catering
  • Prepared by our chef according to your wishes and delivered directly to the hotel
• Surroundings & Activities:
  • Stargazing Trip – one of the top 3 places for stargazing
  • Numerous hiking options & surf course (optional)
  • Teide – Highest volcano in Europe
  • Numerous dream beaches within easy walking distance
  • Large selection of restaurants, bars & clubs
• Airport transfer (optional)
• Travel insurance
• Your personal contact person by your side before, during & after the trip (24/7)

Detailed travel description Tenerife

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka – a tropical fitness oasis and one of the most picturesque and warmest places in the world in winter. Also called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, the island offers the perfect combination of tropical climate, breathtaking nature and first-class fitness facilities.

Weather and Climate: Tropical, dry and lots of sunshine
Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate characterized by two monsoon seasons. The advantage in winter: From November to February, when Europe is at its most uncomfortable, most of Sri Lanka's tourist areas experience dry and sunny weather.
Temperatures during these months average a pleasant 27-30 degrees Celsius. The coastal regions are warmer and more humid, while it can be cooler in the highlands, where places like Nuwara Eliya are located. The sea is warm and inviting, ideal for water sports or simply relaxing on the beach.

High-quality fitness resorts
Many resorts and hotels in Sri Lanka have first-class fitness facilities. These range from fully equipped gyms to specialized fitness programs where you can work out in functional training, CrossFit, Hiit or personal training - all under the guidance of professional, certified trainers.

Beach and water sports
Sri Lanka's beautiful coast offers the perfect backdrop to be active: whether it's a morning run or beach bootcamp, or in the water, surfing, snorkeling or diving?

Yoga and Meditation
Sri Lanka is known for its spiritual energy and is ideal for yoga and meditation. Accordingly, the offer is diverse, with numerous yoga retreats, often in picturesque locations between jungle and ocean. The best conditions to find peace and inner balance.

Outdoor Activities
Sri Lanka has more than just beautiful beaches. The nature is breathtaking and offers unique experiences when hiking in the mountains, rafting in the national parks or cycling through tea plantations.

Wellness and Ayurveda
The island is known for its thousands of years old Ayurveda tradition, a natural healing method that harmonizes body, mind and soul. Many resorts and spas offer special Ayurveda treatments, massages and detox cures.
Also very popular are the natural healing springs and thermal baths, where you can relax after an active day.

Culinary Experience
The local cuisine of Sri Lanka is packed with fresh veggies, fruits, and spices that are not only a treat for your taste buds but also perfectly complement a fitness lifestyle. A popular dish is "Kottu," a mix of veggies, egg, and flatbread, often with chicken or fish. Or freshly caught fish and seafood, grilled with a mix of local spices. Sri Lanka also offers plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, from Dhal (lentil curry) to a variety of vegetable curries.

If you like it tropical and are looking for an alternative to the classic holiday destinations, Sri Lanka is the place to be in winter. Pleasant climate, excellent sports facilities, unique wellness offers, dreamlike beaches, lush jungle landscapes and fascinating traditions.

With the Travelling Athletes to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a real insider tip and therefore deserves a place in our hit list of top recommendations for sports Travel Packages in winter. Get to know our tropical fitness pearl:

Sri Lanka Sports Trip: Premium Fitness Retreat Makahiya

Highlights at a Glance

• You'll train in a luxurious health and fitness resort:
  • Wide range of daily courses such as bootcamp, pool workout, live DJ workout, Muay Thai, mobility, ice bath
    High-quality outdoor and indoor areas with a wide range of equipment (sandbags, sleds, tires and hammer, medicine balls, slam balls, plyo boxes, etc.)
  • Certified Trainers & Personal Training
  • Sports Massage
• Retreat facility in a modern jungle atmosphere:
  • Boutique rooms with a balcony
  • 16 meter long Infinity Pool
• Fresh and balanced full board in the in-house restaurant:
  • Individual adaptation to your nutritional needs (vegan, gluten-free Paleo, etc.)
• Surroundings & Activities:
  • Quiet location on a fantastically green hill with a great view of the jungle landscape
  • 20 minutes from Ahangama – one of the island's most popular surf spots (surf course optional)
  • Other activities such as hiking, horse riding, yoga bookable on site
• Airport transfer (optional)
• Travel insurance
• Your personal contact person by your side before, during & after the trip (24/7)

Detailed travel description Sri Lanka

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Conclusion

As you can see, there are fantastic destinations, near and far, that are ideal for a sports trip, especially in winter. So why suffer through the winter and hide in the gym or, in the worst case, on the couch?!

• Thailand beckons with its exotic culture, pleasant bathing temperatures, heavenly beaches, and a wide range of sports – from Muay Thai to beach yoga.
• Morocco, a hotspot for surfers and fitness fans, offers optimal conditions for an active sports vacation as well as an exceptional wellness offer and impressive landscapes.
• Tenerife is the reliable all-rounder – stable, pleasant temperatures, great training conditions, beach, relaxation and fascinating nature.
• And last but not least, Sri Lanka – a country where you can recharge not only physically but also mentally, with its rich Ayurveda tradition, high-quality fitness resorts, dreamlike beaches and jungle feeling.

Each of these destinations offers the perfect mix of activity, relaxation, good food, adventure & culture. What has priority is completely individual.

Maybe your time is limited and short flight times are important to you.
Or your stress level is extremely high and you just need a place to recharge, train and recover.
Maybe you also want to consciously treat yourself to more than just a few days of escaping the winter and immerse yourself in a completely different world.

All these needs play a role in the decision. That's why you can create your own personal sports trip with us, just the way you want it. Sports trips - as unique as you :-)

Now it's up to you - where will your sports trip take you next winter?

Here you can find information about current retreat dates in winter:

• AnnaMakesButter x Travelling Athletes Retreat December 2023