For some travelers, lying by a pool all day sounds like a unique form of punishment. They’d rather be active, engaged, and stay at a property that makes it easy and memorable to do so.
A hotel gym or a tennis court is one thing, but some properties build an entire guest experience around a sport. Think guided fly fishing on Montana's Yellowstone River or surfing lessons on O'ahu's North Shore. These hotels make it easier to try something new or improve your skills, whether that means booking a professional coach or joining a clinic.
You don't have to be an experienced athlete, either. I've tried all sorts of new sports on vacation with the help of professional guides, from fishing for salmon in Alaska to mountain biking the trails of Breckenridge. These properties offer beginner-friendly instruction, adaptive lessons, or lower-commitment ways to participate without shelling out big bucks for a surfboard or fly-fishing gear.
If your idea of a vacation involves getting outside, learning a new skill, or seeking adventure over an afternoon by the pool, start with these stays.
In this article
Fly Fishing at Sage Lodge in Montana
Fly fishing is central to most stays at Sage Lodge in Montana's Paradise Valley. Overlooking the Yellowstone River, the upscale lodge offers prime access to some of the region's best-known trout water, with guided fly-fishing trips arranged through local outfitters.
Guides can tailor outings to a guest's experience level, whether they're a novice learning the basics or hoping to land Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Fishing trips incur an additional fee and are seasonal; timing and river conditions affect what's available.
If you don't want to commit to the whole guided experience, the property also has a private, spring-fed trout pond where guests can fish catch-and-release with complimentary rods and flies, included in the resort fee.
Mountain Biking at the Bike Inn in Arkansas
Bentonville, Arkansas, is the self-proclaimed “mountain biking capital of the world,” and this cyclist-focused boutique motel is a fitting place to stay.
The entire guest experience is built around mountain biking, with in-room vertical bike storage, a bike wash station, repair stands, trail maps, and a 24-hour bike shop. For an additional fee, guests of The Bike Inn can rent mountain bikes and eMTBs or book guided eMTB tours. After a day on the trails, there’s a hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge to soothe tired muscles, plus an outdoor fire pit to share tales from the trails.
The property's Bentonville location is as important as its amenities, and it has earned its reputation as a mountain biking destination thanks to an extensive network of trails for riders of all levels. The area also combines riding with public art, restaurants, and cycling-friendly businesses, so guests can build a full vacation around the sport.
Surfing at the Ritz-Carlton O’Ahu, Turtle Bay in Hawaii
Surfing Oahu’s North Shore is a rite of passage for wave riders, and The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay sits near some of the best breaks on the island.
The hotel itself offers professional surfing instruction through the on-site Jamie O'Brien Surf Experience. The program offers private, semi-private, and group lessons for all skill levels, with local instructors, premium equipment, and coaching tailored to the guest. Adaptive surf lessons are also available with five-time Para Surfing world champion Victoria Feige.
Lessons require reservations and carry an additional fee. Surfing is offered year-round, although conditions vary by season, with the North Shore's famous winter swells creating a very different experience from the calmer summer months.
Scuba Diving at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji
Named for ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, this eco-luxury resort on Vanua Levu, Fiji, makes marine exploration a major part of the guest experience. Its on-site dive center is a PADI dive operation, offering guided dives, beginner instruction, and certification courses.
Guests at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort can explore colorful coral reefs and encounter tropical fish, turtles, and other marine life, with sites ranging from a 5-minute boat ride away to the renowned Namena Marine Reserve, about 20 miles offshore.
First-time divers can try the Discover Scuba Diving program that includes a supervised ocean dive with a trained professional, or pursue PADI certification with two-and-a-half days of in-water training.
The resort stay also includes daily snorkeling trips with the resident marine biologist, while scuba diving is an extra-cost activity.
Pickleball at Mendocino Cove in California
Pickleball is having a major moment in tourism right now, and for good reason. It’s fun and relatively easy for newbies to pick up. Many hotels have pickleball courts, but not all amenities are created equal. If you’ve been wanting to give it a go, know that at Mendocino Cove on California's Mendocino Coast, pickleball is more than a resort amenity; it's a driving reason to book a stay.
The property has eight dedicated outdoor courts, with complimentary access for hotel guests and open play daily. Courts are available year-round (weather permitting), and guests can also book private lessons and clinics for an additional fee.
The property even offers a pickleball package that includes a private lesson for two, paddle and ball rentals, and a post-play snack. After your court time, a visit to the property's hot tub, dry sauna, and cold pour is the perfect way to relax. You can also take a short path down to the beach to enjoy the stunning rocky coastline.
The Shortcut
Many hotels offer a resort experience that goes far beyond a beach or a large number of pools. These properties all cater to active travelers with immersive experiences focused on sports and activities, from guided fly fishing to professional surf instruction.
You don’t have to be a seasoned athlete to join; these hotels offer beginner lessons, personalized coaching, and adaptive instruction.
Before booking, check whether activities require an extra cost. Some are included in the resort fee, while others are booked through third-party vendors or guides.
