Exceptional rooms alone are no longer enough to captivate and retain travelers. Modern guests crave immersive, memorable experiences that connect them with the destination and offer relaxation, adventure and enrichment. Hotels across the globe are offering more immersive experiences, like cooking classes with regional chefs or hands-on cultural workshops, that deepen guest engagement traditional amenities. From sunrise yoga to moonlit kayaking, these experiences can transform an ordinary vacation into an unforgettable escape. At FPG, we believe that the front desk is not just a place to hand over room keys, it’s where loyalty is built, revenue is generated and guests become brand advocates. Let’s explore how hotels and resorts can craft and sell a winning leisure activity program that boosts satisfaction, drives bookings and increases guest loyalty.
Why Resort Leisure Activities Matter
According to Future Market Insights Inc, customisation in the travel market is rapidly growing and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 17.8% in the forecast period from 2022 to 2032, with the global customisation and personalisation in travel market size expected to reach US$620.71 million by 2032. These experiences boost guest engagement, because guests who participate in resort activities tend to spend more time on property, creating stronger brand connections and increasing ancillary revenue. A prime example is Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts, which launched its "Incredible Occasions" offering across its portfolio, a program that signposts bookable spaces around the hotels where guests can privately celebrate a special occasion, from a romantic proposal to a blowout birthday. Source: Forbes Travel Trends Report 2025: Hyper-Personalisation
Enhance Online Reviews and Word-of-Mouth
Leisure offerings often become the highlight of guest reviews and social media posts. Positive experiences with activities can significantly influence a potential guest’s decision.
Differentiate Your Brand
Special resort leisure activities distinguish your property from competitors. Whether it’s a local cooking class or guided reef diving, these experiences make your resort stand out.
Top Resort Leisure Activities That Guests Love
Wellness & Mindfulness Programs
Sunrise Yoga or Tai Chi on the beach or rooftop
Guided meditation sessions
Nutrition and spa workshops
Cooking classes
These programs tap into the growing wellness tourism trend and can offer tranquility in paradise.
Water Adventures
Paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling
Jet ski tours and banana boat rides
Poolside games and aqua aerobics
Water-based activities are a must, especially for tropical and coastal resorts.
Cultural Immersion Experiences
Local artisan markets and craft classes
Cooking lessons featuring regional cuisine
Cultural dance or music performances
These deepen guests' appreciation for the destination and create emotional engagement.
Family-Focused Fun
Treasure hunts and scavenger games
Mini-golf, movie nights and storytelling under the stars
Interactive kids' clubs with rotating themes
Family-friendly programming ensures a well-rounded experience for guests of all ages.
Fitness and Adventure
Beach volleyball, tennis tournaments, hiking tours
Bike rentals and guided nature walks
Obstacle courses or team challenges
Gym equipment delivered to rooms upon request
Active guests will appreciate opportunities to stay fit while having fun.
Tips for Designing a Winning Resort Leisure Program
Know Your Audience: Tailor activities to your guests’ demographics and preferences—families, couples, solo travelers, etc.
Create a Balanced Schedule: Offer a mix of relaxing and energetic activities, scheduled throughout the day and week.
Promote: Feature the activities in pre-arrival emails, in-room collateral, the resort app and through staff recommendations.
Train Your Team: Enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff can elevate the guest experience and drive participation. FPG's training helps hotel teams to spot buying signals and fact find, so they can confidently present relevant offers and options to guests.
Summary
Resort leisure activities help to drive guest satisfaction, brand differentiation and revenue growth. Thoughtfully designed experiences create emotional connections and lasting memories, but they also open up new streams of ancillary revenue, from activity fees and merchandise sales to food, beverage and spa upgrades. By investing in authentic, engaging leisure programs, resorts can turn short stays into transformative experiences that inspire repeat visits and enthusiastic word-of-mouth.
Ready to reinvent your resort’s leisure program? Start small, think local and always prioritize the guest journey.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your front desk team? Let FPG help you implement a proven system of training that drives results. Because when your reception staff succeed, your entire hotel thrives.
Further reading:
Pre-Arrival vs On-Arrival: Which Upsell Wins
Case Study: How New World Hoiana Beach Resort Achieved a 60% Upsell Revenue Increase
Hotel Front Desk Training: How Role Play Boosts Confidence and Sales
Discover how FPG can help your property unlock its full potential:👉 Request a Demo 👉 Download Our Hotel Upsell Playbook.
