There are basically two types of vacations. Passive vacations involve lounging poolside at a resort or laying on a sun-drenched beach all day long. On the other hand, active vacations are designed for intrepid travelers who thrive on adventure. Couch potatoes need not apply. These outdoor adventures are sure to maximize your thrill meter, and include such adrenaline-pumping activities as kitesurfing at Oil Nut Bay in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. The experience is available with all levels of instruction and boat support and includes kite gear with radio helmet, beach launch, body drag, kite control and board. Here are some of the world’s most exhilarating outdoor experiences for those intrepid travelers who crave adventure.
Heli-Fly Fishing at Cabot Cape Breton, Inverness, Nova Scotia
Cabot Cape Breton is known as a bucket list destination thanks to its dramatic setting atop majestic cliffs. The resort includes a charming 72-room lodge with ocean views from every room, three exquisite restaurants featuring the freshest seafood in the world and 36 holes of world-class golf. Located on over a mile of sandy beach near the world-renowned Cabot Trail, the resort is the perfect island escape for social distancing and outdoor adventures. A heli-fly fishing experience takes adventurous guests on a private excursion searching for the elusive Atlantic salmon on the world-famous Margaree River.
Pink Jeep Adventure, Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, Sedona, Arizona
Home to more than 200 scenic red rock trails, Sedona is a celebrated destination known for outdoor adventures and thrill-seeking activities. Hilton Sedona’s Pink Jeep Adventure Package marries adrenaline and upscale amenities to provide travelers with an unforgettable experience amid the red rocks. The package includes a two-night stay, a $50 daily dining credit and a Diamondback Gulch Pink Jeep tour. Come prepared for a thrill and hold on tight as you travel to striking rock formations such as Thunder Mountain, speed down bumpy trails and make your way to the Diamondback Gulch ravine.
Rainforest Zip Lining, The Landings Resort and Spa, St. Lucia
Tucked on the shores of Rodney Bay along one of St. Lucia’s most celebrated beaches, The Landings Resort and Spa and its villas create a bespoke retreat – many with private plunge pools – overlooking the Caribbean’s turquoise waters and 800 feet of white sand beaches. All stays include unlimited use of glass-bottom kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and snorkeling gear. Bookable through the resort’s concierge service, St. Lucia adventures include rainforest zip lining and a guided hike up St. Lucia’s signature volcanic spires, the Gros Piton and Petit Piton.
Kayaking, Matachica Resort & Spa, Belize
The secluded Central American nation spans just under 9,000 square miles of turquoise waters, staggering Mayan ruins and the world’s second largest barrier reef surrounded by lush rainforest. In a new private jet package with evoJets, guests experience round-trip flights, accommodations at Matachica Resort Belize, interactive workshop to learn about the Belize Barrier Reef with refreshments and private snorkeling and more. On top of all of the amenities, guests will enjoy free use of kayaks in the surrounding crystal clear waters.
Floatplane Fishing Adventure, Salmon Falls Resort, Ketchikan, Alaska
Situated at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s iconic Inside Passage, Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Salmon Falls Resort is a favorite destination for skilled and first-time anglers thanks to its picturesque setting, warm ocean currents and epic annual King and Silver Salmon runs. Guests should not miss the Misty Fjords Floatplane Flightseeing experience. Hop on a floatplane from the dock at tour over the Misty Fjords National Monument, surrounding lakes and glacial bays. Touch down on a saltwater fjord mountain lake and take in the colossal beauty before heading back. Guests can also book a floatplane fishing adventure and enjoy a scenic chartered flight and land in remote spots to enjoy a one-of-a-kind guided fishing experience.
Swimming with Whale Sharks, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Thrill the adventure seeker in you with an itinerary tailored precisely by your Personal Concierge such as swimming with whale sharks. Topping bucket lists everywhere, the resort offers close encounters with the ocean’s most gentle of giants. Clocking in at 40-feet long, whale sharks are the world’s largest fish and completely harmless to humans thanks to their exclusive diet of microscopic plankton. Set out on a panga boat toward La Paz into the calm blue waters and search for your new swimming partners as they glide close to the surface, mouth wide open like a vacuum, filtering food from the water.
Off-Roading Adventure, Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection + Madeleine Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, Aspen and Telluride, Colorado
The mountains are calling. Spend time at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen and the newly transformed Madeline Hotel & Residences in Telluride with a truly adrenaline inducing off-road adventure along the way. This new experience provides guests the opportunity to take the road less traveled and explore the best of the Rockies from Aspen to Telluride, or the other way around, on a full-day guided off-road trip with a curated chef-prepared private picnic lunch, favorite scenic stops along the way and stays at both properties. Guests receive a leather adventure journal to document their discoveries that will be personalized with their own initials.