Neilson Blog
Your Guide To Good Energy
Welcome to the Neilson blog
Good energy is what happens when you swap the usual routine for something that gets you moving, like a morning paddle, your first proper windsurf or a coastal ride that ends with a cold drink in the sun. Here, we share what we’ve learned from years of running active holidays. That means honest guides to Greece, Sardinia, Sicily, Croatia and Mauritius, plus tips from our coaches on everything from padel to cycling. And because good energy isn’t all adrenaline, you’ll find great food, quiet swims and slower moments too. Whatever your level, have a browse and start planning your next dose of good energy.
Featured Posts
Our Top Picks For Good Energy
Greece in May: The Best Places To Visit
Most people go to Greece in July or August. And look, we get it. The photos are gorgeous, the vibes are good, the tan lines are extreme - but there are some downsides. The crowded beaches. The scorching sun forcing you to seek shade. And the need to get up at the break of dawn to secure a sun lounger. Yep, the peak months aren’t all they are cracked up to be.
Whereas Greece in May is perfect. The temperatures are just right, the crowds haven’t arrived yet and you feel like Greece is this little hidden gem that only you and a select few people know about.
To make sure that you get the best out of your trip in May, we’ve pulled together a list of the best places to visit in Greece in May. Whether you’re after white-knuckle water sports, hillside hikes, ancient ruins or long lazy lunches in a taverna, we’ve got you covered with our list below.
Beginner's guide to wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is a high-octane, adrenaline-inducing mix of water skiing, surfing, and snowboarding. It can be fast and furious, but the good news is that it’s surprisingly easy to get to grips with the basics – total newbies can be up and wakeboarding within a few hours.
Want to know more about wakeboarding for beginners? We’ve got everything you need right here.
A beginner's guide to windsurfing
Thinking of taking up windsurfing? Well you’ve come to the right place. Windsurfing is an exhilarating sport, that you can pick up and start learning whatever your age or ability. With expert tuition, the basics will quickly become second nature and you’ll be wondering why you didn’t start years ago.
Mountain biking in Rhodes: The 6 best routes
Most people visiting Rhodes don’t go mountain biking. They’re too busy sipping cocktails on sun loungers or wandering round the old town, gelato in hand. And as much as that’s great - they’re missing out. BIG TIME!
They’re missing out exploring the rugged, pine-scented trails where the only traffic, you’re likely to encounter is a stray mountain goat and the only noise you’ll hear is crunch of limestone under your tyres.
Yep, when you think about it Rhodes isn’t really for sun-seekers. Rhodes is for mountain bikers. Those who prefer two-wheels, thick treads and loose gravel over sun-loungers.
If that sounds like you, then you’re in luck because we’ve pulled together a list of the best mountain biking in Rhodes. So, grab your helmet, put some air in the tyres and get ready to hit the trails.
Popular Categories:
Racket & Ball Sports
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Your ultimate guide to padel: The world's fastest-growing sport
Padel is quickly becoming a global sensation, and it’s easy to see why. A mix of tennis and squash played on a smaller court with walls that keep the game fast and unpredictable, it’s easy to learn, social, and seriously fun.
Whether new to racket sports or experienced and looking for something fresh, padel is accessible, exciting, and growing fast - with padel holidays and courts popping up worldwide (including at some of our Beach Clubs), there's never been a better time to get involved. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
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What is Padel Tennis?
One of the fastest growing sports, padel is an innovative form of tennis that’s fun, easy to learn and very sociable. Played on a court about a third of the size of a tennis court, groups of mixed ages and abilities can easily play together.
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Who is Mark Petchey?
Mark Petchey has carved out a remarkable career in British tennis, making an impact both as a player and as the coach who helped guide Andy Murray to success. He’s teamed up with us to bring you an authentic pro experience on holiday. Mark’s tennis programme runs daily at most beach clubs, where our coaches that he has trained, lead sessions to share his passion and skill. From learning the finer points of your serve to picking up insider tips from one of the UK’s most respected names in the game, there’s no better way to step up your tennis on holiday. Here, we explore Mark’s incredible background and why you should dive into his tailored programme on your next beach club holiday.
Biking
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Cycling in Mauritius: A Complete Guide
What's the first thing that comes to mind when someone says "Mauritius holiday?" A sun lounger? A book you'll never finish? A few rum punches? Yeah, that's one holiday but there is an alternative one...
One where you're out the door early. Where it's just you and your wheels spinning along the coastline, past a turquoise blue lagoon. Coming back with that glow on your face that says "I've just had a hard days riding and am ready for a sun lounger and some rum punch".
That's the beauty of cycling in Mauritius. It's two holidays for the price of one. You can spend mornings or late afternoons exploring the flat, beginner-friendly coastline or climbing the volcanic interior. Then you can spend the rest of your day sampling water sports, lazing around, living the Island life.
Here's where to ride, when to go, how to get started if you're new to it, and how to build a week around it.
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Mountain Biking In Sicily: A Complete Guide
Yeah, Sicily has lots of flat, sandy beaches with parasols and Aperol's, which are great. But it also has something else. Something much better... Hills, mountains and even a volcano.
That makes Sicily a perfect destination for mountain biking. You can tackle thigh-burning climbs, cross volcanic trails and enjoy endorphin-inducing descents, all on the same ride. When your legs are completely cooked, there are gentler coastal loops and plenty of delicious, carb-filled Sicilian dishes to help you recover.
Yep, mountain biking in Sicily is great.
So, if you're ready to swap sun loungers for saddles (for a few hours at least), here's a complete guide to mountain biking in Sicily.
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Cycling in Sicily: A Complete Guide
There’s a point on the road up from Nicolosi where the trees just stop. One minute you’re grinding through chestnut and pine with sweat in your eyes. The next you’re out in the open, riding near old lava flows, with Europe’s highest active volcano over your shoulder and the faint tang of sulphur in the air.
That’s Mount Etna, and it’s the reason a lot of riders go cycling in Sicily in the first place.
But here’s the thing about cycling in Sicily. It's more than Mt Etna, as great as that is. You can spend Monday dragging yourself up an active volcano and Tuesday spinning along a flat road with a sea breeze, windmills in the background, powered by cannoli and granita's.
So, whether you’re after a bucket-list climb or a gentle coastal cruise, here’s where to ride, when to go and how to properly fuel, Sicilian style.
Water Sports
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11 reasons you should be kayaking for fitness
Kayaking is a brilliant way to break the monotony of the gym, get the blood pumping and work all the major muscle groups. It also stimulates the mind and gets you out in the fresh air. What’s not to like?
If that isn’t enough to convince you to grab a paddle and get on the water, then check out our top reasons why you should be kayaking to improve your fitness.
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Where to wakeboard in Croatia
Planning a watersports holiday in Europe can be a lot off in.Croatia makes a brilliant base for a wakeboarding holiday, an activity rapidly growing in popularity in the country. Croatians have an enthusiastic sporty zest for life and love making the most of the natural attributes their country has to offer for fast-paced sports.
So, why is Croatia so good for wakeboarding? For a start, it’s home to over 3,000 miles of stunning coastline, with both the mainland and dozens of picturesque islands dotted off the coast to choose from. The sea is a bright turquoise blue, clear as a bell, and practically begs you to jump in. To top it all off, Croatia is one of the sunniest spots in Europe. Sun, sea, surf…it’s the perfect recipe for some first-class wakeboarding.
Here are our top five places to wakeboard in Croatia:
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Beginner's guide to wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is a high-octane, adrenaline-inducing mix of water skiing, surfing, and snowboarding. It can be fast and furious, but the good news is that it’s surprisingly easy to get to grips with the basics – total newbies can be up and wakeboarding within a few hours.
Want to know more about wakeboarding for beginners? We’ve got everything you need right here.
Family
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What's new and exciting for our kids' clubs?
We never stand still here at Neilson, so our beachclubs are constantly changing for the better.
In preparation for this summer we’ve introduced a number of changes to our kids' clubs with new activities and new clubs, making it even easier for families to enjoy their holiday, together. We know youngsters love being active, and nobody wants them missing out on any fun, so we hope we've found new ways for you all to really make the most of your holiday.
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How to have a teenager-friendly holiday
Keeping teenagers amused on a family holiday is no mean feat. After all, we all remember being the age when a family holiday was pretty low on our wish list.
But don’t despair – there are plenty of things you can do to teenager-proof your holiday and make sure your precious time away is enjoyable for the whole family.
Here are a few of our secrets to a teenager-friendly holiday:
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How to relax on a family holiday
Family holidays don't always scream relaxing. From the packing to the journey to the holiday itself, there’s plenty of potential for stress when you have your favourite clan in tow.
But plan it right and a family holiday can be everything you want it to be. Exciting, active and relaxing for everybody. So here are our top tips to make sure your 2021family holidays are as relaxing and chilled as can be.
Inspire Me
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Life as a Neilson Mountain Expert – Everything You Need to Know
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Sun, Sea and Total Freedom: Sailing the Ionian
Our very own Content Marketing Executive, Suzanne, set sail on a Bareboat Charter last summer with a group of friends, departing from Vounaki Beach Club in Paleros, Greece. With the freedom to plan their own route – and the reassurance of a flotilla team nearby – it was a week of discovering the Ionian on their own terms. Here, she shares what life on board was really like, in her own words.
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Fuel up. Feel good. Go! Raceday prep tips
The road to triathlon day with Neilson continues. As proud partners of Restless Development, we’re excited to keep supporting young triathletes every step of the way. With cycling, running and swimming under their belts, it’s time to turn to race prep and nutrition to help your child feel ready, energised and confident.
Our Beach Clubs
You'll find our Beach Clubs in some beautiful locations across Mauritius, Sicily, Sardinia, Croatia, Greece and Turkey.
With top-quality equipment and experts on hand, it doesn’t matter if you’re trying something new or proving how good you already are; we’ve got you covered. All our activities are inclusive, likewise, the delicious, locally sourced food and kids' clubs that kids actually want to be in.
