With a few months of cold UK weather stretching out ahead, even the most dedicated and determined sportsperson can find staying in condition a daunting proposition. For those athletes training at an elite or semi-professional level, rolling over for that extra hour’s sleep is not an option – even on the bleakest of days. But if you’re wondering how you’re going to get through the winter period with your sporting stripes intact, there’s a much more pleasant way of doing it that will have you bouncing out of bed every day: warm weather sports training abroad.
Chase the Sun and Reap the Rewards
More and more British sportspeople are discovering the benefits of spending a few weeks (or even longer) in Europe at one of the ever-growing range of destinations specifically geared up towards sports training. Known for its sun, surf and, yes, great sporting facilities, the region around Malaga – the capital of southern Spain’s lovely Costa del Sol – is one of the very best.
Tennis
With its perfect climate and virtually year-round good weather, the Costa del Sol has become a popular place for tennis players to undertake some warm weather training. Just 40 minutes from the airport at Malaga, the Atalaya Park Hotel, in Puerto Banus, has nine tennis courts (clay and green set) on which to train, as well as other excellent onsite sporting facilities including a gym, pool, and driving range. The superior accommodation of the hotel means you won’t have to travel at all once you’re there – so you can concentrate on your training.
The fantastic Bel-Air Tennis Club is completely geared up for visiting pro and semi-pro players to enjoy a stint of warm weather tennis training. Within an hour’s transfer by road from either Gibraltar or Malaga airports, the club has nine courts (including three Spanish red clay) and plans to extend the facilities even further. There are also paddle tennis courts onsite, and the club is within a few minutes’ walk of the excellent accommodation at the Caledonia Golf Aparthotel.
Football
The outstanding sporting facilities of the Atalaya Park Hotel have also caught the attention of international football teams and the Spanish Premier Division clubs for warm weather training camps. Surrounded by lovely tropical gardens, the complex is home to a regulation sized football pitch complete with fully-equipped changing rooms. The onsite gym is ideal for indoor training, with weight lifting and cardio machines, a sauna, Jacuzzi and even Turkish baths. Its proximity to Malaga airport and its location right beside the sea make the Atalaya a popular choice for visiting training camps.
Swimming
The extensive facilities at the Torremolinos Sports Centre are the result of many years’ collaboration between local government and international swimming bodies. An easy 15-minute transfer by road from Malaga Airport, the Piscina Olimpica Virgen del Carmen at Torremolinos is one of the best equipped on the Costa del Sol for professional swim training. There are two heated 50-metre pools – one indoor and one outdoor. Both 8-lane pools have starting blocks, anti-wave lane ropes, pace clocks and backstroke flags, and there is also a diving centre. Torremolinos offers a good range of accommodation for both budget and luxury options.
Golf
In the heart of the Costa del Sol and just 30 minutes from the airport at Malaga, La Cala Golf Resort is both picturesque and extremely functional for those looking for some warm weather training. The resort is home to no less than three championship courses – each with distinctly different terrain and challenges – as well as an onsite golf academy for adult and junior golfers. La Cala also holds regular summer camps and tournaments.
The Atalaya Golf and Country Club comes up trumps for golfers as well, with 36 holes (over two courses) offering a variety of challenges, and a reputation as one of the best golf resorts in southern Spain. As the former headquarters of the Pro Golfers Association of Europe, the club is a popular host of numerous international tournaments. As well as a driving range, there is an excellent academy run by expert pro golfers. Accommodation is available at the adjoining Atalaya Park Resort, which is just 40 minutes’ transfer from the airport.
You Focus on Training, We’ll Focus on Transport
When you’re organising your warm weather training, allow us to take the hassle out of your airport arrangements. At Shuttle Direct, we can provide cost efficient, friendly transfers from Malaga Airport to any sports training destination you choose on the Costa del Sol.
Simply book online with our easy to use website, and you’ll be met at the airport and taken directly to your final destination. We’ve been transporting sportspeople and their equipment for years, so you can rely on us to get you where you need to go in the fastest, most efficient way – and always with a smile.
You can select from a private transfer, or share with other passengers, depending on your budget. But no matter whether it’s a golf academy, a football camp, or some extra individual swimming training, we’ll take care of the details so you won’t have to.
