As a society, we have all thought of luxury leisure as a form of elegance and calm rest. Traditionally, travel destinations prioritised more formal interests like sailing and golf, all in all, sports that offered both rest and light physical activity. Nowadays, what we once thought about luxury leisure is changing its core idea. It’s overcoming passive relaxation, enhancing more social activities and experiences, even during the time spared for rest. Trends are showing that travellers are becoming much more interested in dynamic, self-improving leisure activities. According to that, in most resorts, clubs, and private communities, sports activities are becoming a social bridge, building connections as well as community. What you once considered as luxury resorts with limited activities focused just on relaxation and with minor mingling around, is turning into sports programs and wellness activities.
The new social dimension of leisure
Personal comfort has been promoted for decades; recent studies have shown that stepping outside of your comfort zone is the exact place where you grow. Looking at this through holidays and leisure, peaceful days by the pool and spa treatments will always be wanted. The difference is that now the whole concept of free time and resting is viewed differently. On that note, the core values of luxury have stayed the same, private and calm, as the basis. But, taking into account business and trends mentioned above, having new experiences with various people, no matter if they are business partners, acquaintances, or family, has changed the way people value their time. Just remember, what gives you a better feeling, the time you choose to spend your day in loneliness or learning a new sport with your friends, creating lifelong memories? Plus, this shift did not go unnoticed by many resorts and clubs. As they also follow their client interests, they have created spaces where you can naturally meet and greet. Those consist of recreational areas, fitness programs, or special events, such as yacht club tournaments, transforming leisure time into something much more meaningful.
The rise of modern sports
Although tennis and golf remain ‘classical’ sports, there are lots of adaptations and new, more dynamic sports rising in popularity and bringing new, fresh energy to traditional leisure. One of these sports is pickleball.
Social court sports
Resorts and clubs are heavily investing in the pickleball/padel hype train. For instance, pickleball has been one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. As this sport is meant for different ages and skill levels, it’s great for beginners and for more experienced players. Many people begin out of pure curiosity, online, to end up invested enough to browse pickleball paddles and other necessary equipment, such as balls and nets. What makes pickleball similar to padel, which is standard in Europe, is its accessibility in upscale leisure environments. Both being played in doubles makes them less intimidating and more socially acceptable. And, as for places, they tend to organize tournaments and match programs to support guests being active and not overly competitive.
Beach Fitness and Wellness
Moving from courts and resorts to the beach, there is a highlighted contact with nature and others, as well as your inner being. That being said, instructed beach yoga is becoming one of the must-dos. Other activities (e.g., paddleboarding, squash, group training sessions, etc.) are also equally popular. And this has to do with how these types of sports measurably benefit people in terms of relaxation and physical activity. Todd Skezas, Pickleball Nation’s CEO, often states how pickleball’s best side is the fact that it has all three main pillars of ‘mental wellness’ incorporated into it: physical movement, mental effort, and most importantly, social connection. And, as for social connections, you will most likely be surrounded by people with the same lifestyle or similar opinions, which is a great way of making lifelong friends. Thankfully, resorts are making more personalised programs and workouts, so you can actually be in a group where everyone is at the same starting point.
Adventure-Based Experiences
The best way of recreation has got to be more adrenaline-driven sports. As the best example of contemporary luxury leisure, mountain biking, sailing lessons, or hiking have been part of the program for quite some time. These activities allow people to connect, depend on each other, work on their team skills, and test their fitness levels. Not to mention, the benefits of active recall and spending time in nature. Having such a choice between activities allows you to try various things in the same place, helping you find new interests and also new social circles.
Highlighting changes the modern world brings, those focusing on health and wellness have become lifestyle changers. Leisure followed that change, but they were also an instrument in creating more reliable and worthwhile connections. Putting those values in the centre of the system, people no longer need exclusivity, being more reflective and action-driven. In many ways, leisure started reflecting a balance between relaxation, mindfulness, and active interactions. As resorts and private clubs are simultaneously adapting, sport is one thing that will remain guaranteed as a way for people to connect.
Article edited by Alexander Elisab