The extended nature of the professional rugby season now means that you may not be able to start your summer holiday until after the Premiership final on 14 June.
However, this still leaves plenty of time for you to relax and enjoy some time out of the UK on a luxury holiday, before returning to the mixed joys of pre-season training!
There is a range of options when it comes to choosing where to go. Often, the choice will come down to your personal preferences, such as whether you prefer lounging on the beach or a more activity-based holiday, as well as if you would rather travel alone, or with family and friends.
To get you started as you consider where to go, here are six suggestions for luxury holiday destinations you might want to consider.
1. Cruising along the California coast
If ever-changing scenery, beaches, and cruising along the freeway is your thing, then you cannot really go wrong with hiring a big car and driving along the Pacific coastline of California.
The traditional itinerary is to fly into San Francisco and spend a few days acclimatising there, including a trip to see the Golden Gate Bridge and sampling the variety of restaurants in the Bayview area.
Then, perhaps after a quick detour to the wine regions, you could head south along the Pacific Coast Highway, where the spectacular cliffs and great beaches provide a stunning backdrop.
A popular port of call on the way to Los Angeles is Monterey Bay, where you can enjoy whale watching, and more fine food.
There are more beaches around Los Angeles, such as Santa Monica and Paradise Cove. Then, if you are any kind of film fan, you will almost certainly want to visit some of the studios in the city, as well as sample the nightlife.
You can then unwind as you take your time going down the coast to your final destination of San Diego.
Touring in this way lets you explore some vibrant cities, while also relaxing as you cruise past awesome landscapes at your own speed.
2. The lavish extravagance of Dubai
If you are looking for a destination that epitomises luxury living and extravagance, Dubai should be high on your list.
You can take a trip up the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and then enjoy the delights of the opulent Dubai Mall, which is a shopping experience without parallel.
When it comes to lavish accommodation, you really are spoilt for choice, with a range of wonderful luxury hotels on offer.
You can then unwind on golden beaches and refresh yourself in a spa before indulging your palate in one of the several Michelin-starred restaurants.
3. Wine, whales, and wildlife in and around Cape Town
If you do not need hot weather to enjoy a holiday, and want a mix of experiences, then flying into Cape Town may be something to consider.
For one thing, there is a minimal time difference so you can hit the ground running when you get there. The added benefit of this is that you will not need to worry about getting over jetlag before you start hitting the pads at training on your return.
The average daytime temperatures are between 14 and 19 degrees Celsius, so still warm enough to wander around the fine city, but not too hot for working off some energy with a trip up Table Mountain.
The whale watching season will have started, so it is worth taking a trip out to sea. Then, journey north on land to the wine regions, and the Kruger national park.
4. The Maldives are the jewel in the Indian Ocean
Another option if relaxing on a beach is your idea of the perfect holiday is the Maldives.
Everything is very much centred around the powder-white beaches, along with the clear seas that make either scuba diving or snorkelling a must. The water sports are excellent too, with a range of exciting options to keep you occupied.
After days spent soaking up the sun on the sands, you can indulge in top-class dining, with a choice of excellent restaurants providing the freshest seafood imaginable, as well as international cuisine.
Given the locale in the Indian Ocean, it can get very warm. Fortunately, frequent afternoon showers freshen up the air, so if you get your timing right, you will either be eating when the rains come, or resting up before an evening out.
5. The great beaches and stunning landscape of Thailand
If you enjoy the type of beach holiday that the Maldives offers, but also hanker after historical sights and amazing landscapes, then spending some time in Thailand could be just what you are looking for.
While the beaches of Phuket are legendary for their golden sands, world-class spas, and full range of spectacular dining, Thailand also appeals to travellers who are looking for rich cultural heritage and stunning scenery.
You will also find hustle and bustle and vibrant nightlife in the capital city of Bangkok, together with the peaceful tranquillity of the temples of Chiang Mai.
The range of options means you can easily tailor a holiday to satisfy all tastes and wishes, while the warm hospitality and high service standards mean you will enjoy an unforgettable experience.
6. Watch a Lions test, and do so much more, in Australia
Of course, with the British and Irish Lions touring Australia in July, you might want to take the opportunity to join the exodus of red-shirted supporters to watch a test or two, with some travel around the country added on to make the long-haul flight worthwhile.
As you will be aware, the three tests against the Wallabies are in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. All have their attractions, though Brisbane being furthest north has the better weather, and it is only a short drive down to the great beaches on the Gold Coast.
It is also a relatively short step from there to one of the resorts offering diving on the Great Barrier Reef, with a longer drive further north to Cairns and Port Douglas also options.
It is the longest of long hauls, so you could break up one or even both of the journeys with a stopover in another fantastic city, too.
The options are dictated by which airline you fly with, but Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo are all popular choices that can add even more memories to your holiday.
Get in touch
If you would like to work with an experienced financial planner who understands the challenges faced by professional rugby players as you look to grow your wealth, then please do get in touch with us at DBL Asset Management.
Email enquiries@dbl-am.com or call 01625 529 499 to speak to us today.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.