Ahead of an exciting summer of sport, PoB Hotels are encouraging guests to plan their own athletic staycation, pursuing their favourite British sport, or trying their hand at something new. ‘Get Set, and Go’ from PoB Hotels features a variety of PoB Breaks predominantly centred around Britain’s five most-loved sports, inspiring guests to embrace their inner sportsman or woman in idyllic locations across the country, staying at some of the finest independent hotels.
To celebrate the launch of these itineraries, double-Gold-medallist Victoria Pendleton has designed her own journey, taking in her favourite sports, and allowing guests to follow in a true Olympian’s footsteps this summer.
PoB Hotels have identified the five sports that are best loved by Brits (and have won us the most accolades!): rowing, sailing, cycling, equestrian, and tennis. Guests will be able to book experiences based on these sports at 30 of PoB Hotels’ members, from tennis at Andy Murray-owned Cromlix, to rowing the Henley Regatta route with The Relais Henley; exclusive equestrian experience at Lucknam Park to cycling the South Downs between Bailiffscourt and Ockenden Manor. Guests will also be able to book longer journeys, either self-designed or by selecting one of the pre-curated Breaks. The first Break to launch is Victoria Pendleton’s very own itinerary:
This break incorporates the best of the Cotswolds, and some of the sports Victoria is most known for. Personally designed and tried and tested by Victoria herself, the itinerary takes guests to The Painswick for off-road trail cycling through the countryside, before heading on to Calcot Hotel & Spa for some rejuvenation. Then guests will take the short journey to Lucknam Park, just outside Bath, for the hotel’s renowned equestrian experience, into the city of Bath for kayaking and a stay at The Royal Crescent, and finishing their trip at The Relais Henley, rowing the famous route down The Thames.
The other Breaks launching include:
Game, Set, and Match: Stories from the Tennis Court
Designed for Wimbledon fans looking for a longer trip, traversing the length of the UK, this journey takes guests from Cornwall to Scotland, trying out some of the best tennis courts. Starting at The Nare Hotel, guests will work their way up through Bovey Castle in Dartmoor, Park House Hotel in Midhurst, Hambleton Hall in Rutland, stop halfway to Scotland at Rockliffe Hall Hotel, before finishing, once their serve is perfected, at Andy Murray’s newly opened Cromlix, boasting a tennis court painted in the Wimbledon colours themselves.
Discovering Sussex By Bike: A Cycling Adventure
This South of England Break will test all cycling abilities, incorporating flat coastal paths with hilly South Downs routes. Guests will warm up their legs on the routes surrounding both Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa, and Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, before embarking on the South Downs Way, and even cycling to their next stop: Park House Hotel in Midhurst. Ending in the capital, guests can rejuvenate at The Hari in London, and swap countryside paths for city cycling with the hotel’s very own bikes or even warming down on the Peloton.
Kalindi Juneja, CEO of PoB Hotels, comments: “We are thrilled to launch Get, Set, and Go, inspiring our guests to embrace the spirit of sport and explore the British Isles in an active way. Our curated Breaks offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of our country through the lens of an athlete, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury PoB Hotels are renowned for. Even better, guests know they will be returning to the comfort and luxury of some of the best spas, rooms and restaurants, after an active day. We had so much fun discovering Britain’s favourite sports and working with our brand ambassador, Victoria Pendelton on her PoB Break.”
PoB Hotels Ambassador, Victoria Pendleton, said: “I am thrilled to be working with PoB Hotels as an ambassador for their new campaign. As an athlete, sports have always been my passion, and I also know the importance of getting away for a good break and staying somewhere special. PoB Hotels have given me the opportunity to combine these two passions and share them with the world. My Break took me through the stunning Cotswolds, trying my hand at trail cycling, rediscovering my love of rowing, attempting to learn the new skill of kayaking, and of course I couldn’t miss the opportunity to go riding in the grounds of Lucknam Park. I can’t wait to see guests create their own Breaks and join me in combining these amazing hotels with sporting experiences.”
To launch this campaign, PoB Hotels has partnered with ACAI Outdoorwear, a premium British outdoor clothing brand for women to offer guests the opportunity to purchase planet-friendly, stylish, and performance-based kit ahead of their trip. No matter what sport guests choose to try, or what the unpredictable British weather does, ACAI creates outdoorwear that combines fashion with performance, and will ensure guests look the part. Another brand partner for this initiative is Gusbourne, the exquisite and award-winning English Wine. Guests can enjoy this pour at most PoB Hotels across the country.