Going on a holiday as a couple can provide a new insight into the relationship. During the early stages of your time together, it can be extremely revealing. This goes especially if you’re planning an active break together. When you face the adversity of a physical challenge, and the relaxation that comes afterwards, you might get a good idea of whether you’re a good match for one another.
The “Adrenaline & Après” Ski Break: Courchevel, France
A skiing break might make for an ideal active holiday as a couple, especially if you’re of a similar level of skill. You’ll be able to spend a day on the slopes, before relaxing together in a cosy chalet.
Ski holidays in high-end resorts like Courchevel provide a winning combination of beginner-friendly “boulevard” and more advanced mogul-strewn blacks. Midway through the day, you can stop for lunch on a suitable terrace, reflect together on the morning exploits, and bask in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
The “Pedal & Vineyard” Tour: Alentejo, Portugal
If you want a slightly more relaxed holiday, then you might go on a long cycling trip through a suitably scenic part of the world. Of course, in most cases, things won’t be quite as relaxing as they first appear. This is a form of holiday that will burn calories relentlessly as you move from forest to village to olive groves. You’ll be able to chat as you go, in a way that simply isn’t possible if you’re skiing.
The wine country of rural Portugal is often a great place to start a cycling adventure. Book a series of stops near the vineyards, sample the wines, and then cycle on in the morning. The cycling infrastructure here is excellent, meaning that you’ll be able to develop and maintain a winning rhythm.
The “Midnight Sun” Hike: Lofoten Islands, Norway
If you’re looking for an extraordinary environment, then heading to the polar extremes is a great way to do it. On Svolvær, in the Lofoten Islands, off the coast of northern Norway, night effectively never ends. You’ll be able to hike up to the viewpoint at Reinebringen and see the fjords under truly unforgettable lighting conditions. Or, you might visit the area during winter, and see the iconic Northern Lights.
The “Surf & Flow” Retreat: Nosara, Costa Rica
Wellness is increasingly helping to shape holiday trends, and nowhere is this clearer than in Costa Rica, where many resorts have been set up with an explicit focus on mental and physical recovery. You might learn to surf together in Playa Guiones, and end the day together with a restorative yoga session under the canopy. Learning a skill like this together will allow you to be vulnerable, and to ‘fail’ in front of one another – which can be great for building intimacy and trust.
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