11 Top Adventure and Activity Holidays

My travel pulse quickens to the rhythm of action and thrill, always in pursuit of new activity holidays that stir my soul. I thrive on experiences that suspend time, each one adding to my collection of cherished memories. From the refreshing rush of bungee jumps off towering cliffs to the heart-pounding buzz of mountain-top hikes in serene peaks, I've savoured moving at a pace that energises. 

Whether you're drawn to family-friendly escapades, serendipitous encounters, spirited competition, adrenaline-pumping pursuits, or professional-level training, the Kempinski constellation caters to every adventurer’s whim. From the majestic Alps to the expansive plains of the Masai Mara and beyond, I'm continually exploring the globe in search of effortless opportunities for exhilaration and discovery. 

Family fun

MOUNTAINSIDE MARVELS IN THE KITZBÜHEL ALPS

In the Kitzbühel Alps, exhilarating explorations await, in the midst of stunning natural beauty. Stay at Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol and let the Activity Concierge guide your family into the heart of this impressive region with tailored hiking and e-bike tours, revealing hidden high-altitude huts, cultural treasures, and sweeping panoramic vistas. Begin each day with invigorating activities and peak climbs, creating cherished memories for every member of the family. If you’re drawn to art, culture, or outdoor pursuits, the team offers personalised recommendations and seamless arrangements for a diverse and fulfilling stay.

ALPINE ADVENTURING THROUGH THE BAVARIAN ALPS 

Picture yourself exploring scenic cycling and e-mountain bike tours, winding from Lake Hintersee to the serene Litzalm or catching sunset atop Ahornbüchsenkopf. Whether you prefer guided hikes through magnificent summits or leisurely strolls through enchanting grounds, every adventurer will find their perfect escape in pure alpine lifestyle. Explore elevated experiences at Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden, where Natalia and Julia await as your dedicated activity concierge team. Enveloped by the Bavarian Alps, these professional guides intimately know the region and are ready to provide personalised hiking tips, uncovering secret mountain pastures and thrilling family-friendly trails.

Experience the unexpected

PEAK PERFECTION WITH SKIING IN DUBAI

For a memorable pursuit, consider the extraordinary thrill of summertime skiing in Dubai. Discover exhilaration with a stay at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates overlooking Ski Dubai. Glide down the pistes, perfect for refining skills or embracing new challenges. After a few hours on the slopes, retreat to the exclusive Aspen Ski Chalets offering panoramic views of Ski Dubai's winter wonderland, and indulge in the après-ski scene amidst Dubai's desert beat – where warmth meets wintry retreat.

SAFARI SPLENDOUR IN THE MASAI MARA

Travel to Kenya for splendid mornings and evenings in the heart of the country’s radiant canvas, promising a safari encounter that blends serenity with surprising exhilaration. Choose Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara for an unforgettable experience. Tucked into a private conservancy, this five-star luxury tented camp orchestrates a classic under-canvas experience with exceptional views of Kenyan wildlife. Take a safari to explore the animal sonata, marvelling at nature's crescendo from blue monkeys and spotted hyenas to cheetahs, leopards, lions, elephants, and more. Immerse yourself in harmonious encounters with these creatures and embrace the rich cultural heritage, led by expert insights that enhance every moment. 

Game on

GAME, SET, MATCH IN ST. MORITZ

Experience the summer season glamour of St. Moritz in the tranquil Swiss Alps. A sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts, indulge in healthy competition with a range of sports activities. From tennis to padel and squash, immerse yourself in these pursuits at the ‘Top of the World’. Just steps away from Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz, the Tennis Center St. Moritz offers state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor clay courts with equipment and coaching services. Nearby, test out the modern padel court for added excitement. Families can also delight in a children's football field throughout the season, ensuring everyone finds their play while the young ones seize the day.

PLAY WITH THE PROS IN ESTEPONA

For active travellers looking for both sport and relaxation the Costa del Sol offers an unmatched Andalusian experience. Perched overlooking the Mediterranean, Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona hotel welcomes active guests with opportunities for tennis enthusiasts of all levels. No matter whether you're looking to enjoy a friendly match with friends or family, or refine your skills, the tailored classes, clinics, and coaching sessions cater to every guest's desire to elevate their game. Partnering with Tennis Privilege, renowned for its roster of current and former tennis professionals, you can enjoy a diverse range of activities suitable for individuals, families, and experts alike – guaranteeing a dynamic and enriching vacation.

Get your adrenaline pumping

ESCAPADES IN ENGELBERG

Beloved Engelberg stands out as one of Central Switzerland's premier outdoor destinations. Home to over 500 km of hiking trails that range from leisurely paths to high alpine routes, paragliding quests, and specialised e-bike and flow trails, it’s perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Guests at Kempinski Palace Engelberg can savour unrivalled access to these endless outdoor adventures, from challenging cross-country and full-day tours to themed hikes and multi-day expeditions. For an enhanced outdoor odyssey, book a certified local guide to uncover Engelberg's hidden jewels. Choose from via ferrata, mountain hikes, mountaineering, and guided climbing tours for a remarkable trek through the sublime Swiss landscape.

DIVE WITH WHALE SHARKS IN DJIBOUTI

For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, nothing compares to swimming with whale sharks. Djibouti is one of the rare locations where these captivating creatures appear annually, and Djibouti Palace Kempinski offers a unique opportunity to encounter them up close. Perfectly positioned on a prime beachfront between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, the hotel collaborates with local specialists to customise unforgettable trips to swim alongside these gentle giants. Your tailor-made programme can include a one-hour tour in the Red Sea, lunch on a sun-drenched boat, a thrilling swim with whale sharks, and an afternoon scuba diving session to explore untouched coral reefs. This extraordinary excursion promises an pulse-quickening journey, destined to awaken your senses.

Perfecting your craft

GOLFING PARADISE IN ISTRIA

Travel to Savudrija and Umag, where the Adriatic Sea gracefully embraces the idyllic Istrian countryside. Golf enthusiasts aiming for the perfect blend of beach proximity and activity will adore Kempinski Hotel Adriatic, offering an unparalleled coastal golf resort experience. A short stroll from the property and steps from the sea, you can tee off at Golf Adriatic PGA National Croatia. This professional 6,360-metre course, spanning 80 acres with 18 holes and a par 72, presents a layout that tests players of all skill levels. Evocative hole names like ‘Vineyard,’ and ‘Seaview,’  immerse you in the delightful surroundings, each featuring five tee positions. The sea breeze adds an extra layer of challenge for a memorable golf trip.

PERFECT YOUR SWING IN BELEK

Celebrated for its sandy beaches and crystalline sea, Belek stands out as one of Antalya's most coveted destinations for an unforgettable golf-focused holiday. Located directly on the Mediterranean beachfront, Kempinski Hotel The Dome offers impressive villas between two 18-hole championship courses at Antalya Golf Club. Immerse yourself in the luxury of an all-inclusive concept, guaranteeing a truly carefree stay focused on perfecting your swing. Designed by European Golf Design with input from Senior Tour professional David Jones, the PGA Sultan and The Pasha courses offer triumphs for golfers of all levels amid striking landscapes and refreshing weather. The PGA Sultan presents a rewarding test for discerning golfers, while The Pasha combines diverse opportunities for both high and low handicappers. 

EXPERT-GUIDED HIKES IN THE HIGH TATRAS

If hiking is your preferred summertime undertaking, the High Tatras beckon. Set on the shores of Lake Strbske Pleso, Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras provides the perfect gateway to your trekking escapades. Enhance your stay by conquering challenging trails like Lomnicky Peak, the second-highest peak in the High Tatras and the entire Carpathian range, accessible only with a certified UIAGM mountain guide. For an elevated experience, expert guides lead expeditions into Tatra National Park, where encounters with brown bears, foxes, deer, and Tatra chamois are a highlight. For those interested in pursuing a less strenuous adventure, a scenic red gondola ride provides grand mountain views without the heart-pounding ascent.

So, wherever you choose to travel with Kempinski, discover your rhythm and travel in style, crafting memories that linger long after your departure!

If you’d rather get out and explore, why not read Tim Johnson’s piece about the best cultural destinations?