Most of us travel to explore unknown parts of the world, relax, reunite with friends and family, and learn new things. Let’s focus on the latter for now: learning new things while traveling. I’m not just talking about the subway system you learn about a new city after spending a day in it, or where you can find the best cappuccino in your hotel neighborhood; Find the best cappuccino? I’m talking about learning different skills that are unique to the places you visit. At this point, travelers can even take classes at the hotel they’re staying at. While the idea of taking literal classes while on vacation may be a little strange considering that vacations are all about relaxing, trust me: These classes are not the same as the ones you took in high school. The surprisingly relaxing and fun classes offered at hotels around the world range from archery, calligraphy, cooking, and even slime-making (yes, seriously).
Don't know where to start? These 25 hotels around the world make it easy to get creative while learning some unique new skills while on vacation. Hey, you never know—you might be surprised to find out how good you are at making slime, cobbling shoes, or archery.
Dromoland Castle – County Clare, Ireland
Learn how to master the art of falconry at Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland. The resident falconer leads guests on adventures around the hotel's manicured grounds, where guests can learn about the various birds and animals that live on the property. Yes, guests can hold the falcon and even feed it! — before taking the photo.
Baglioni Carlton Hotel—Milan, Italy
As part of the Baglioni Hotels Assoluto Signature programme, guests can take part in a variety of customization courses, from designing their own wardrobe with a fashion expert at the Baglioni Hotel Carlton in Milan to creating their own fragrance at Aquaflor (just a few steps from the Relais) . Santa Croce in Florence).
Anantara Villas Kihavah Maldives – Maldives
Say hello to the Sky Master at Anantara Villas Kihavah Maldives, who shares his passion for astronomy with regular classes after sunset. Trained by Dr. Parag Mahajani at the Galaxy Civic Center in Pune, India, he is an expert in discovering famous and hidden constellations that are perfect for seeing in the dark night skies of heaven.
The Temple House—Chengdu, China
Brush up on your Chinese calligraphy with free weekly Nüshu calligraphy classes at The Temple House in Chengdu, China. These classes give guests the opportunity to learn brushstroke techniques while creating art that they can take home. In the past, Nüshu calligraphy was the exclusive preserve of women, a skill passed down from mother to daughter. It was even used as a form of communication between women centuries ago.
Gangtey Lodge - Bhutan
Test your archery skills at Gangtey Lodge in Bhutan, where regular classes allow guests to take a break from high-altitude travel and allow them to hone their aim and precision in the sport. It is very appropriate to try archery as the national sport of Bhutan is Dha (archery). Like kuru (darts), both sports are very popular with locals, and skilled archers can teach you the basics before challenging you to a match.
Villa d'Este - Lake Como, Italy
At the annual Villa d'Este Wine Symposium in Lake Como, Italy, guests can attend a renowned wine tasting followed by an in-depth educational seminar about the industry and how to best appreciate wine.
W Punta de Mita — Punta de Mita, Nayarit, Mexico
The W Punta de Mita hotel on Mexico's Riviera Nayarit teaches guests how to surf through private or group lessons. The most unique part of the course is the personal GoPro photos students are given when they return to land!
Surf Top Hotel and Swim Club—Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Every Friday is "Aloha Friday" at Honolulu's Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, where guests can take a do-it-yourself lei-making class. Plant experts teach guests how to pair and string flowers together to create their own Hawaiian souvenirs.
Grand Hyatt Bahamas—Nassau, Bahamas
The Grand Hyatt Bahamas has its own art studio, open to guests and locals for classes in drawing, painting, ceramics and photography. These classes are taught by Bahamian artists and craftsmen, giving guests a unique way to learn about the local culture.
Tokyo Palace Hotel—Tokyo, Japan
Learn origami at the Tokyo Palace Hotel, where guests can attend weekly classes that teach this ancient Japanese art form. Each participant will be given their own set of origami and chiyo paper (colored paper printed with unique Japanese images) to create paper cranes, jumping frogs and floral creations.
Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Resort – Rome, Italy
The Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Resort in Rome offers an Italian craftsmanship experience where guests can make their own shoes or sandals in a workshop led by Italian shoemaker Le Mastro. Guests work with skilled shoemakers who help them design and create their own shoes to take home.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo – Lake Como, Italy
Kids (and adults, let’s be honest) will love the pizza-making classes at Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como. T Pizza's wood-fired oven, located at one of the hotel's many pools, is the perfect place to learn how to make dozens of different recipes. Of course, the experience ends with a tasting session!
Iberostar Palaso Lindo — Riviera Maya, Mexico
At the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo in Mexico's Riviera Maya, circus troupes teach children and adults how to juggle, balance on slack ropes and create balloon-shaped creations.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hills Country Resort & Spa – San Antonio, Texas, United States
Learn how to make slime at the JW Marriott San Antonio Mountain Country Resort & Spa. I bet you’ve never stayed at a hotel that offers slime making classes before, right? Participants can spice up their creations with glitter, confetti and other artistic ingredients.
Sumaq Hotel – Machu Picchu, Peru
If you're a fan of ceviche, there's no better place than Peru to learn how to make it! At the Sumaq Hotel (just a short drive from Machu Picchu), guests can take a class on how to make ceviche from scratch with the hotel chef. They can also learn to make the traditional Peruvian pisco sour to pair with it.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach — Huntington Beach, California, United States
Learn to swim like a mermaid in the pool at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, California. Young swimmers are equipped with mermaid tails and taught all the basics during weekly group activities.
Wild Dunes Resort – Isle of Palms, South Carolina, USA
Guests can learn more about dyeing indigo fabric at the Wild Dunes Resort, not far from Charleston, South Carolina. This historic art form dates back to 1740 and is part of the hotel's activity program for adults and children.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort—Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Learning how to crack open coconuts to get fresh coconut water might even be a survival skill at the St. Regis Bora Bora in French Polynesia. Beach staff hold free "coconut show" classes every day and also show guests how to make coconut shavings and fresh coconut milk.
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village – Cape Coral, Florida, United States
Practice self-care with a watercolor painting class at the Westin Cape Coral Resort in Marina Village, Cape Coral, Florida. The hotel works with local artists to teach guests the details of watercolor painting on the hotel's event lawn. Participants can unleash their inner Bob Ross while overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and create a painting memory to take home.
The Broadmoor Hotel—Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Fly fishing lessons at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs are a signature experience, and the hotel has its own school offering lessons to guests and locals alike. Professional guides and instructors teach fly casting, rigging and water safety as well as other important features of the sport.
BodyHoliday — West Indies, Saint Lucia
At the BodyHoliday Wellness Resort in St. Lucia, guests can tend an organic garden with a local couple who harvest crops to supply the hotel's fruit, vegetable and herb needs. Guests can help create 100% plant-based meals while learning about organic farming, West Indian plants and modern sustainable farming.
Bangatora, Kanha National Park – Balaghat, India
The Teen Naturalist Program at Bangatora in Kanha National Park (part of Taj Hotels & Resorts) gives young guests the opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of the surrounding area. Interactive sessions typically last several days and include early morning nature walks and safaris or late-night froggage and stargazing sessions.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto — Kyoto, Japan
Learn how to roll the perfect sushi roll at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, Japan. The hotel’s resident sushi master teaches at the resort’s Edo-style Japanese restaurant. Of course, no cooking class is complete without a tasting session at the end!
Waldorf Astoria Key West Marina Resort—Key West, Florida, United States
Hone your sandcastle-building skills at regular workshops at Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort located on the edge of Key West's largest private beach.
The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch — Shell, Wyoming, United States
Learn to herd cattle on a Shell Course at Wyoming's famous The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch. Other popular classes include wrestling and equestrian clinics, where guests can ride trained mustang horses.
