When staying at a resort, having a variety of entertainment options can turn a simple getaway into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or something in between, the best resorts offer a mix of activities to suit every preference. Here’s a guide to the best resort entertainment choices to elevate your next vacation.
1. Live Performances and Shows
Many luxury resorts feature live entertainment, ranging from musical performances to cultural showcases.
- What to Expect: Live bands, jazz nights, traditional dance performances, or even theatrical productions. Some resorts offer themed nights with live DJ sets for guests who love to dance.
- Unique Experiences: Resorts in cultural hotspots often offer shows featuring local traditions, such as Polynesian fire dances in Hawaii or Flamenco shows in Spain.
- Resort Examples: The Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas is known for its elaborate live shows, while resorts in the Maldives often host live musicians and cultural performances on the beach.
Pro Tip: Check the resort’s event calendar before booking to align your stay with a special performance or cultural night.
2. Spa and Wellness Activities
For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, many resorts provide world-class spa facilities and wellness activities.
- What to Expect: Spas often offer a range of treatments such as massages, facials, hydrotherapy, and body scrubs. Yoga and meditation classes are commonly available to promote relaxation and mental clarity.
- Unique Experiences: Some resorts offer wellness retreats with personalized fitness and nutrition plans, or exclusive treatments such as Ayurveda in India or volcanic hot stone massages in Iceland.
- Resort Examples: Resorts like Anantara in Thailand or Chiva-Som in Hua Hin offer extensive spa treatments along with wellness programs designed to restore balance and harmony.
Pro Tip: Book spa treatments early, especially for sunset or sunrise sessions, to make the most of your experience.
3. Water Sports and Ocean Adventures
Beach resorts often offer a wide range of water-based activities for thrill-seekers and adventure lovers.
- What to Expect: Popular options include snorkeling, jet skiing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and kayaking. Some resorts also offer scuba diving certifications or guided deep-sea fishing trips.
- Unique Experiences: Resorts located in coral-rich areas like the Maldives or Fiji provide unique opportunities for underwater exploration, including night snorkeling or diving with manta rays.
- Resort Examples: The Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora offers an array of water sports and even shark feeding experiences, while the One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives is known for its luxury yacht charters and deep-sea diving excursions.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of free beginner classes if you’re new to water sports like windsurfing or paddleboarding.
4. Golfing and Sports Facilities
For sports enthusiasts, many resorts feature championship golf courses and top-tier sports facilities.
- What to Expect: Beautifully designed golf courses, often with scenic views, as well as tennis courts, basketball courts, and even soccer fields. Some resorts also offer private lessons or group classes in various sports.
- Unique Experiences: Golf courses at resorts like Pebble Beach in California offer incredible views of the ocean, while some Caribbean resorts host celebrity golf tournaments.
- Resort Examples: The Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua, Hawaii is renowned for its world-class golf courses, and Casa de Campo Resort in the Dominican Republic is a top destination for tennis and equestrian sports.
Pro Tip: Many resorts offer golf or tennis packages, so inquire about discounts or special lessons for guests.
5. Culinary Experiences and Classes
Food lovers can indulge in gourmet dining experiences or even participate in cooking classes at top resorts.
- What to Expect: Fine dining restaurants featuring award-winning chefs, wine-tasting events, and hands-on cooking classes that highlight local cuisine. Many resorts also offer farm-to-table experiences or private beach dinners.
- Unique Experiences: Learn to cook traditional Thai dishes in Phuket, or participate in an Italian pasta-making class in Tuscany. Some resorts even offer foraging experiences where guests can pick ingredients for their meals.
- Resort Examples: At Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, guests can enjoy cooking classes that focus on healthy, locally-sourced cuisine, while resorts like Rosewood Mayakoba in Mexico offer beachfront dining with gourmet seafood.
Pro Tip: Book a private dinner for a special occasion, where a chef prepares a personalized menu just for you and your loved ones.
6. Cultural Immersion Activities
Many resorts offer opportunities to experience and appreciate the local culture through immersive activities.
- What to Expect: Guided tours to local landmarks, village visits, art and craft workshops, or language classes. Some resorts offer traditional ceremonies or storytelling nights where guests can learn about the history and culture of the region.
- Unique Experiences: Join a traditional tea ceremony in Japan, learn Maori weaving techniques in New Zealand, or visit indigenous communities in South America to understand their way of life.
- Resort Examples: Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali offers Balinese dance lessons and temple tours, while the Fairmont Mayakoba in Mexico provides opportunities to learn about Mayan culture through local tours and workshops.
Pro Tip: Participate in cultural tours offered by the resort to gain deeper insight into the local traditions and heritage.
7. Adventure Excursions and Wildlife Tours
For those who crave adventure, many resorts offer guided excursions that explore the surrounding natural beauty and wildlife.
- What to Expect: Nature hikes, mountain biking, safari tours, and wildlife-spotting expeditions are common. Resorts near national parks or nature reserves may offer opportunities to see unique flora and fauna, such as elephant safaris, whale watching, or bird-watching tours.
- Unique Experiences: Resorts in places like Africa or Sri Lanka often provide guided safaris where you can observe animals in their natural habitats, such as lions, leopards, and elephants.
- Resort Examples: Singita Safari Lodges in South Africa offers game drives to view the “Big Five” wildlife, while Lapa Rios Eco Lodge in Costa Rica provides jungle treks and bird-watching tours through the rainforest.
Pro Tip: Book early morning or late afternoon excursions for the best chances to spot wildlife, and always ask the guides for insider tips.
8. Nighttime Entertainment and Beach Parties
Some resorts know how to keep the energy alive with nighttime activities that include beach parties, outdoor movies, or even stargazing experiences.
- What to Expect: Bonfires on the beach, DJ-led dance parties, and themed beach barbecues with live entertainment. Some resorts also offer outdoor movie screenings or astronomy nights where guests can enjoy the clear night skies.
- Unique Experiences: Resorts in remote locations often provide guided stargazing experiences, where guests can view constellations, planets, and even shooting stars.
- Resort Examples: Soneva Jani in the Maldives is known for its outdoor cinema, “Cinema Paradiso,” where guests can enjoy classic films under the stars. Meanwhile, resorts like Nikki Beach in Ibiza offer high-energy beach parties with world-class DJs.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss full moon parties or special event nights when resorts often host the most extravagant celebrations.
9. Kids’ Clubs and Family-Friendly Activities
For families traveling with children, many resorts provide kids’ clubs and family-friendly entertainment to ensure everyone has a memorable vacation.
- What to Expect: Kids’ clubs often offer supervised activities like arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and educational programs. For older kids and teens, some resorts provide adventure camps, video game lounges, or water sports activities.
- Unique Experiences: Resorts in places like Hawaii or the Caribbean offer family-friendly activities such as sandcastle competitions, marine biology programs, and interactive wildlife experiences.
- Resort Examples: Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas offers a wide range of kids’ activities, including a massive water park, while the Four Seasons in Maui has an excellent kids’ club featuring Hawaiian cultural activities.
Pro Tip: Check for all-inclusive packages that offer activities for both kids and adults to get the most value from your stay.
10. Exclusive Luxury Amenities and Private Experiences
For guests looking for a truly unique experience, many high-end resorts offer private entertainment options and exclusive luxury services.
- What to Expect: Private yacht charters, helicopter tours, and exclusive access to secluded beaches or private islands. Some resorts offer private butler service, personalized excursions, or private spa sessions for the ultimate in luxury.
- Unique Experiences: Rent a private cabana on the beach, book a helicopter tour of the surrounding islands, or charter a yacht for a sunset cruise.
- Resort Examples: The St. Regis Maldives offers private island dinners, while the One&Only Palmilla in Mexico offers private yacht charters and helicopter tours of Baja California.
Pro Tip: Look for resorts that specialize in personalized experiences to ensure every aspect of your stay is tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
From live performances to adventure excursions, these resort entertainment choices offer something for everyone, whether you’re seeking relaxation or excitement. With activities that range from gourmet dining and spa treatments to wildlife tours and water sports, the best resorts ensure that guests enjoy an unforgettable, well-rounded vacation experience. When booking your next resort stay, consider what entertainment options best suit your style to create the perfect getaway.
