Saving couples from the relationship aftermath of ‘opposites attract’, we share our top hobby holiday solutions for couples with different hobbies. Having seen a 52% rise in couples going away without their other half, these diverse retreats offer a solution to keep both parties happy.
With some hobbies making obsessives out of their followers, golfers want to golf and yogis want to yoga, but for the other half who doesn’t share the passion, these hobby holidays offer the solution for duos of all kinds, whether family or friends. Eliminating the need to leave the other half at home, planning a couples holiday no longer has to be an act of sacrificial compromise.
The Diving Solution: Escape to the lagoons of the Maldives, for crystal clear waters that offer dream conditions for a diving holiday. The perfect habitat for whale sharks, manta rays and schools of tropical fish, PADI pros are even offered the chance to explore the waters of the Indian Ocean on a night dive.
For the non-diver: If you’d rather stay above the waves on your couples holiday, Maalifushi offers a fantastic range of non-motorised water sports. As your other half dives, discover the sea your own way by learning to surf or sail. On dry land, enjoy calming yoga and Pilates classes in the open air pavilion, followed by luxurious spa treatments from experts in holistic health.
Enjoy a world-class golf course in Madeira,Portugal
For the golfer: Set on the south east coast of Madeira, trial two courses at Galo Resort, before choosing your preferred course to perfect your swing on for the rest of your stay. Ideal for a golf holiday, with a 27-hole course created by the celebrated course designer Robert Trent Jones, complimentary services like t-time reservation are also provided.
For the non-golfer: Tailor your stay on the Fusion Fitness programme, handpicking up to ten 1-on-1 activities, from dance lessons to personal fitness training. Re-balance mind, body and soul with holistic Ayurvedic treatments, combined with daily yoga and meditation sessions. Meet your partner at the end of your day in the wellness centre to enjoy relaxing massages together on your couples holiday.
For the cyclist: Offering a dedicated triathlon training holiday, the local roads surrounding Thanyapura in Thailand allow you to train amongst tropical rainforest and mountainous scenery, a dream cycling holiday destination. Private training, together with strength and conditioning programmes improve your fitness and ability, whilst video analysis perfects your technique. After an active day, sooth and re-energise tired legs with a sports massage.
For the non-cyclist: Put Thanyapura’s state-of-the-art facilities to the test, in the 50m pool or on the tennis courts. Take to the athletics track to work on your technique and fitness, then venture further afield running amidst Thailand’s magnificent scenery. Or focus on your well-being during your couples holiday with a full detox programme, designed to cleanse the body with nutrition and treatments.
For the tennis player: Ace your racquet skills at Pine Cliffs in Portugal with daily group tennis lessons to put your skills to the test. A healthy tennis holiday, avoid the dreaded ‘tennis elbow’ with an energising massage and access to a variety of wellness activities, such as yoga, to help to focus your mind and invigorate your body.
For the non-tennis player: Off the court, why not try something new with a surfing lesson and explorational bike ride, or test out the on-site golf course on your couples’ holiday. Revive together with group classes, from yoga to Qi Gong, or take a jeep tour across the Algarve countryside to experience local culture.
Focus on your well-being in stunning Koh Samui, Thailand
For the yogi: Deepen your yoga practice amidst the tropical scenery of Kamalaya, set upon the secluded south coast of Thai island Koh Samui, ideal for a yoga holiday. Customised to your individual skills during private sessions, you will receive instruction in areas such as physical posture, breathing and meditation. Following daily yoga sessions, indulge in Ayurveda therapies from experienced holistic therapists.
For the non-yogi: For those who would rather focus on their overall well-being on their couples holiday, Kamalaya offers a wide range of focused wellness programmes, from fitness and weight loss to detox and sleep enhancement. Learn how to embrace change from wellness experts, keep active with personal fitness training or explore the coastline whilst kayaking.
For the spa lover: Nestled upon the Caribbean coastline of St Lucia, unwind with daily spa treatments at this all-inclusive retreat, ideal for a luxury spa holiday. De-stress in the award-winning wellness centre with Ayurvedic therapies and relax with delicious treatments inspired by the scents of the island, such as the Lucian Lime & Ginger Scrub.
For the non-spa lover: For a more active version of your couples holiday, take to the ocean with kayaking and windsurfing or explore your surroundings during an extreme mountain biking session. Get sporty with tennis or golf and boost your fitness with classes from kettle bells to circuit training. As the sun sets, share your adventures with your partner on a private boat cruise.
Improve your well-being together in the Algarve,Portugal
For the detox cleanser: Kick-start weight loss at this medical spa retreat on the Portuguese Algarve, ideal for a cleansing detox holiday. Following comprehensive medical and biophysical evaluations, detox with a strict anti-inflammatory diet alongside cleansing spa therapies, including lymphatic drainage. Enhance your cleanse with complimentary group classes, from yoga to healthy living workshops.
For the non-detox cleanser: Join your other half in the spa for an ocean inspired Thalassa treatment, or experience the real thing with a variety of water sports available, including surfing and jet skiing. Get moving on your couples holiday during personal training sessions, explore on a nature walk, take to the tennis courts, and dive into a choice of 5 fresh or sea water pools.
For the surfer: Open to beginners and experienced surfers alike, hone your skills on the exotic coast of Morocco, under the tuition of expert surf school instructors. A great surfing holiday destination, choose from 2 packages depending on your skill level, or opt to mix surfing with yoga, for a touch of variety on your healthy holiday.
For the non-surfer: With an average of 340 days of sunshine, this beach front retreat provides a multitude of alternative water sports, from stand-up paddle boarding to kayaking. Find your balance in the beach front yoga pavilion, work up a sweat with a personalised boot camp session, and relax with Moroccan inspired spa treatments, including an open air massage on the beach.
For the skier: Set in Italy, this picturesque retreat in the Dolomites plays host to is ideal for a skiing holiday. With access to 150km of ski slopes and four snow board parks, skiers of all abilities can whizz down the snowy slopes. Off the slopes, unwind with your partner with a choice of relaxing therapies in the retreats ‘World of Water and Fire’ spa.
For the non-skier: Whilst your other half hits the slopes on your couples’ holiday, boost your well-being with a cleansing detox, discover the healing benefits of Ayurveda or keep active with fitness activities. Make the most of your surroundings as you take in the views of towering forests, snowcapped mountains and ice glaciers on a mountain biking or hiking trip.
