Friday, June 13, 2025

Polo, a sport long associated with royalty and privilege, is galloping its way into the realm of luxury travel, transforming exclusive getaways for a new generation of globetrotters. Once the pastime of kings and queens, polo is now being showcased in some of the world’s most luxurious destinations—from St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps to the desert landscapes of AlUla and across India, Jaipur, Miami, and Dubai. This high-society sport is no longer just a game; it’s become an essential part of the luxury travel experience, blending opulence, culture, and adventure for the elite traveller.

Polo has long been a symbol of exclusivity, but in 2025, the sport is finding new fans in unexpected corners of the world. What was once a royal privilege is now an essential activity for the modern traveller who wants more than just sightseeing—they’re looking for authentic, luxurious experiences. Destinations have leveraged polo to attract the affluent traveler who seeks not only world-class sporting events but also the lavish lifestyle that comes with them. St. Moritz, for example, has turned its Snow Polo World Cup into a symbol of glamour and prestige.

The Swiss town of St. Moritz has been a beacon of luxury since the 1920s, when it hosted the first snow polo tournament. Today, the Snow Polo World Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious events, drawing a glittering crowd of celebrities, royals, and fashion moguls. Since 1985, St. Moritz has become the winter playground for those with a taste for both adventure and indulgence. From private jet arrivals to five-star chalets, the town is transformed into a glittering spectacle every January. With exclusive hospitality packages, curated fine dining, and access to exclusive Polo Club lounges, it’s clear that polo in St. Moritz has become an experience unlike any other.

In Saudi Arabia, the relatively undiscovered desert town of AlUla is making waves in the polo world. The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tournament is a pioneering event that blends polo with the region’s dramatic Martian-red rock formations and sweeping desert vistas. A UNESCO World Heritage site, AlUla enchants visitors with its history, offering a chance to experience the region’s ancient tombs and stunning sandstone canyons. The luxury resorts in the area, such as Banyan Tree and Habitas, offer immersive desert experiences, complete with stargazing, hot air ballooning, and, of course, polo tournaments set against the backdrop of the desert. The world of polo has never seemed more exotic.

India claims to be the birthplace of modern polo, and it’s capitalizing on the sport’s rich history to attract tourists seeking both cultural immersion and opulent experiences. Polo is deeply intertwined with India’s royal heritage, particularly in Rajasthan, where the sport has been played for centuries. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur host major polo tournaments in the winter months, drawing tourists who want to experience the grandeur of India’s royal past while enjoying luxury hospitality. The Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, a luxury hotel, hosts the prestigious Umaid Bhawan Polo Cup, adding a royal touch to its guests’ stay.

The Leela Palaces in Jaipur, with its exclusive polo experiences led by Maharaja Padmanabh Singh, adds another layer of cultural sophistication to the polo tourism scene. It’s not just about watching polo—it’s about engaging with the sport in the places that made it famous. Polo events in India also coincide with luxury destination weddings, offering bespoke experiences, private matches, and themed brunches that turn polo into a cultural celebration.

Jaipur, the Pink City, has long been synonymous with royalty, and its polo grounds offer the perfect setting for luxury travellers seeking an authentic taste of India’s royal heritage. The Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Polo Cup is a highlight of the season, and Leela Palaces has turned it into a world-class event, attracting not only polo enthusiasts but also celebrities and high-net-worth individuals from around the globe. The events feature personalized experiences, exclusive access to polo matches, and luxury stays that incorporate India’s cultural depth, making it a must-visit for those with a taste for both sport and luxury.

The Leela Palaces also bring polo to their properties in Udaipur, where guests can enjoy curated experiences under the same prestigious umbrella. For travellers seeking to experience the art of polo across India, a “polo-cation” is rapidly gaining popularity as the ultimate luxury escape.

While St. Moritz and AlUla offer snowy and desert backdrops, polo in Miami and Dubai takes on a completely different vibe. In Miami, the Beach Polo World Cup draws tourists who want to combine the energy of the sport with the fun of the beach. Hosted on the sand, the Miami event is a glamorous affair, complete with champagne, chic beachwear, and vibrant parties, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

Dubai, the desert city known for its extravagant lifestyle, hosts the Dubai Polo Gold Cup, which is the Middle East’s premier polo event. With its dramatic desert skyline, Dubai offers a unique fusion of luxury, sport, and glamour. Guests at the Dubai Polo Gold Cup can enjoy fine dining, VIP lounges, and exclusive access to high-goal matches, making it a must-see event for polo lovers looking for an extraordinary experience in the Middle East.

Polo is no longer just a sport; it’s become a symbol of luxury, heritage, and indulgence. Whether it’s the snow-dusted fields of St. Moritz, the desert beauty of AlUla, or the royal polo grounds of India, polo offers a unique blend of cultural richness and luxurious living. As more destinations integrate polo into their tourism offerings, travelers can expect increasingly unique, opulent experiences that combine high-end hospitality with the timeless appeal of this royal sport. For those seeking a vacation that’s truly bespoke, polo is the ultimate passport stamp.