From surfing with the experts through to yoga retreats and cricket partnerships in paradise, swap the sun lounger for something sporty this year and try one of these 2025 holidays for sporting enthusiasts
1 Surf with the experts at Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Surf’s up baby. At Niyama Private Islands Maldives, surfing is a way of life. And with peak surf season fast approaching, two renowned surfies – world champion and Wave-Ki founder Brad Gerlach and whiz-behind-the-lens Rafael Fragoso de Sequeira – are set to take up residence and up the ante.
Niyama offers the Maldives’ most luxurious way to surf, with waves breaking right on shore, and a surf community forming every peak season of aficionados from all around the world. They can jet in with their boards or get fully outfitted at the Rip Curl boutique, set up camp in one of the specially outfitted surf villas, then hit the waves, chilling afterwards at the Surf Shack with rum and reggae, or at Drift Spa with a recovery massage and sunburn-soothing aloe vera wrap.
Joining the community 10-30 April 2025 to offer his revolutionary method of coaching is Brad Gerlach, one of the world’s top surfers in his day, and now the vision behind Wave-Ki, a land-based method to perfect technique favoured by pros like Parker Coffin, with a martial art-like focus on slow, precise movements which create kinaesthetic motor memory for improved surfing once in the water.
There to capture guests mid-wave and in their prime will be Brazilian surf photographer Rafael Fragoso de Sequeira. With a passion for action, Rafael has spent his life chasing the ultimate wave and the ultimate shot, hopping season to season between the world’s most epic surf spots and capturing life in motion.
Wallet: While surfing in the Maldives can be enjoyed year-round, peak season runs from March to November. Brad can be booked for individual or family coaching, first on land (USD 250 net) then in the water (USD 300 net). There are also regular group sessions (USD 75 net on land and USD 120 net on water), as well as free subscription with class packages for year-round Wave-Ki coaching comprising video lessons, live sessions and Q&As, plus the option of one-on-one virtual coaching. Sessions with Rafael begin at USD 249 net per hour, or USD 489 net for a week.
How: For more information, or to make a booking, please call +960 664 4111, visit niyama.com or email reservations@niyama.com
When: 10-30 April 2025
2 Cycle the 220km Göta Canal Trail in Sweden
Ideal for a spring adventure, cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers alike can now experience one of Sweden’s most picturesque cycling routes—the Göta Canal Cycle Route. Known as the Göta Canal Trail, this well-signposted national cycle route stretches approximately 220 kilometres, connecting Sjötorp on Lake Vänern to Mem on the Baltic Sea.
Following the historic Göta Canal, this remarkable journey is divided into seven stages, making it easy for cyclists to plan shorter trips or complete the entire route at their own pace. A significant portion of the trail runs along a car-free towpath, offering a peaceful and safe cycling experience through breathtaking landscapes, past tranquil lakes, historic locks, and charming canal-side towns such as Töreboda, Karlsborg, and Motala.
The Göta Canal Cycle Route is designed for cyclists of all abilities. Its mostly flat terrain ensures a comfortable ride for families, casual riders, and experienced cyclists alike. The route is clearly marked with red and white national cycle route signage, ensuring a seamless journey through Sweden’s stunning countryside.
Pitstop along the way:
- Charming Towns & Historic Locks – Witness the Göta Canal locks in action and visit the Göta Canal Museum, where you can delve into the canal’s rich history, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2022.
- Unique Accommodation & Dining – Stay at the highly regarded Norrqvarn Hotell & Konferens in Lyrestad, which offers fantastic food and a range of hotel rooms to suit different budgets. For a truly magical experience, book a night in one of their fairy-tale-inspired troll stumps or mushroom cabins, ensuring a stay to remember.
- Sweden’s Smallest Ferry – Just before leaving Töreboda, don’t miss the Lina cable ferry, Sweden’s tiniest regular ferry route, which transports passengers across the canal in a delightfully quaint crossing.
- Lanthöjden – Göta Canal’s Only Island – Marvel at Lanthöjden, an artificial island created during the 1930s excavation of the Bergkanalen, a canal section built to ease boat navigation around a once-infamous bend.
- Top tip! To learn more about the fascinating history of the Göta Canal while on your journey, and discover places that don’t always feature in the tourist brochures, book a guided cycle tour or hike with Värdskapsbyrån.
For those looking for a hassle-free cycling holiday, Dutch tour operator Naar het Noorden offers a selection of packages, including their 5-day ‘Göta Canal from West to East’ tour (€ 1099 pp), which takes you on a breathtaking journey along the canal.
How: Find out more and book your adventure at naarhetnoorden.nl.
3 Master your cricket skills at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences with Graeme Swann in Saint Lucia
Family fun awaits. Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences in Saint Lucia has partnered with Legend Holidays & Events, inviting guests to train with England Cricket and Ashes Legend Graeme Swann for the ultimate family holiday this Easter, from the 5th-12th April 2025.
Windjammer Landing, with its collection of newly renovated luxury villas, private residences and spacious hotel rooms overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea, is the perfect family escape for 2025. With all facilities and amenities on a private, golden sanded, palm tree-lined cove beach, the resort offers a secluded feel and welcoming oasis for all ages.
Designed for children aged 5 to 16, this one-of-a-kind cricket academy provides two hours of professional training every weekday morning at the prestigious Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, just 15 minutes by road from the resort. The academy’s sessions cover all aspects of cricket in a fun, supportive and engaging environment, in balmy Caribbean temperatures. Each child will also receive Canterbury cricket gear to ensure they look and feel like professionals while training with Graeme Swann.
The week will start with a welcome drinks event to allow guests to socialise with fellow families and cricket enthusiasts the night before the first training session, all under the Caribbean skies and overlooking the glistening Labrelotte Bay. Guests will also enjoy a team boat trip during the week, exploring the crystal-clear waters of St. Lucia, creating lasting memories for all the families to cherish together.
Since his retirement from professional cricket, England cricketer Graeme Swann remains a prominent figure in cricket commentary and media. Widely regarded as one of the finest off-spin bowlers of his generation, he is also a well-respected spin coach to some of the finest players in the game, including England spinner Shoaib Bashir. Swann has played a pivotal role in England’s cricketing success and retired as the country’s sixth-highest wicket-taker in 2013.
While the children perfect their cricketing skills, adults can participate in optional fitness sessions or simply unwind in the breathtaking surroundings or enjoy treatments at the Serene Spa or personalised wellness classes. The remainder of the day is free for families to enjoy quality time together – whether lounging by the pool, participating in the on-resort activities such as beach volleyball, cooking masterclasses or excursions of the island by boat or helicopter.
Wallet: Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences offers Hilltop 2 Bedroom villas with a pool from $978/night USD on a B&B basis or starting at $1436/night USD for a premium all-inclusive (kids 11 and under eat for free). For more information and reservations, visit windjammer-landing.com. Rate does not include the cricket coaching or transfers – to book as a package please visit, ourlegend.com
When: 5th-12th April 2025.
Find your yoga flow with Nectar Flows in Spain
One for the yoga lovers. Nectar Flows have handcrafted a range of nourishing yoga retreats for curious and worldly explorers looking to immerse themselves in first class practice, sound healing baths, five star destinations, natural landscapes, local food and culture. The Nectar Flows team are intrepid yogis with a passion for adventure who have curated the kind seasonal retreats that they would like to experience.
Their upcoming summer retreat at La Cura just outside Girona in Northern Spain is their most luxurious. La Cura, Spanish for The Cure, is an architecturally designed estate, beautifully restored from a traditional Catalan Masia in Northern Spain. A five-star haven to restore balance, along with a community of like-minded souls, in a magical location and indulge in life’s luxuries.
La Cura offers a 16-metre salt-based pool with outdoor lounges, a sauna, and a Japanese Ofuro hot tub to enjoy between yoga classes. The yoga studio is framed by a beautiful courtyard garden and has high lofted ceilings. The open-door concept allows for fresh air flow throughout the space. The onsite spa offers massages, treatments and holistic therapies.
This retreat offers the finest food and drink using the very best ingredients from La Cura’s organic farm from the estate’s organic kitchen garden. Vicky the esteemed private chef specialises in plant-based cuisine and will create the most delicious farm to table feasts drawing on the local Catalan cuisine.
Nectar founders Amy and Janet will bring the finest daily practice – they are considered expert teachers of vinyasa, yin yoga and sound healing. There are two daily practices and they will organise cultural excursions to the historic town of Girona and the most untamed beaches of the Costa Brava. Whether you’ve an avid yogi or simply someone battling burnout, this retreat is ideal for switching off and finding restoration.
How: Find out more and make a booking via nectarflows.com
When: 2-6 July 2025 and 27-31 August 2025
