12 Exciting Educational Vacations for Skill Seekers
Hotels for Skill Seekers
Fogo Island Inn | Newfoundland, Canada
Perched on the edge of Newfoundland’s rugged coast, Fogo Island Inn invites art enthusiasts to intimate workshops led by local creators in their working studios. Draw inspiration from the dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the island as you experiment with painting, sculpture or mixed media. Each session is limited to just four participants, ensuring hands-on guidance, making it perfect for both seasoned artists and anyone seeking a creative, educational vacation. Afterwards, retreat to one of only 29 rooms, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking Atlantic views or savor a locally inspired meal prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss the on-site Fogo Island Gallery—your artwork could be on display there one day.
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Photo by Christine Flynn on assignment for Passport Magazine at Fogo Island Inn.
Hotels for Skill Seekers
Wharekauhau | Palliser Bay, New Zealand
Reconnect with nature at Wharekauhau, a gorgeous estate set on a 5,000-acre sheep farm overlooking North Island’s Palliser Bay. Settle into your suite or villa, featuring private fireplaces, heated floors and individual terraces. Then, get to know the resident sheep on a behind-the-scenes tour of the farm and try your hand at rural upskilling—an emerging travel trend ideal for educational vacations that encourages visitors to reconnect with traditional skills through hands-on learning. Learn to shear sheep, watch the sheep dogs in action and gain insight into New Zealand’s agricultural traditions. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops perfect for relaxation, reflection and snapping a photo of the rolling pastures and ocean vistas.
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Hotels for Skill Seekers
Hotel Savoy | Florence, Italy
Immerse yourself in Tuscany’s rich flavors with a truffle hunting workshop at Hotel Savoy, nestled in the heart of Florence. Your gourmet journey starts with a trip through olive groves and vineyards, leading into the hills around the city. Meet your guide, Giulio, a dedicated truffle concierge and his expertly trained truffle dogs. Then, begin the search for the prized delicacy beneath oak and chestnut trees while learning about the history, seasonality and age-old techniques of truffle hunting. Once harvested, head to Giulio’s estate to learn how to craft traditional Tuscan dishes using the fresh truffles you uncovered. The culinary adventure doesn’t stop there—you’ll conclude your day with a truffle-inspired dinner back at your Florentine retreat.
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Hotels for Skill Seekers
The Peninsula Beverly Hills | Los Angeles, USA
Indulge your senses with a perfume-making class through the Peninsula Academy, The Peninsula Beverly Hills‘ curated series of experiential workshops. Meet your chauffeur and follow your nose to the EX NIHILO Los Angeles store, where a master perfumer will take you through the scent customization process. Experiment with different fragrance oils and delicate notes to craft a personalized scent. You can even get the bottle engraved to create a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake to take home. Your taste buds get pampered, too, with afternoon tea and champagne served throughout the experience. Take your unique scent back to your exclusive oasis and spend the rest of the day relaxing at the rooftop pool or unwinding with a spa treatment.
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Hotels for Skill Seekers
Brach Paris | Paris, France
Embrace the art of French cuisine with an exclusive cooking class at Brach Paris, part of its signature Masterclass series. Choose between a hands-on kitchen immersion class with Chef Adam Bentalha and his team, where you’ll master Mediterranean-inspired techniques or a pastry workshop that delves into the delicate craft of French desserts. Whether you’re preparing savory specialties or perfecting pastries, each 90-minute class offers an intimate experience in Brach’s rooftop kitchen garden or the Pâtisserie du Brach Laboratory. After the class, explore the 20th-century postal sorting center turned chic retreat by designer and architect Philippe Starck. Take in the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop, go for a dip in the indoor swimming pool or recharge in the salt cave.
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Hotels for Skill Seekers
Castelfalfi | Montaione, Italy
Sharpen your survival skills at Castelfalfi, set within an 800-year-old medieval village surrounded by rolling hills, lush vineyards and ancient olive groves. At the Castelfalfi Adventure Park, both adults and children can learn life-changing outdoor skills, from starting a fire with basic tools to building a shelter from natural resources, all under the guidance of expert instructors. If you’re craving even more unique experiences, choose from 41 additional adventures, including pizza-making classes, archery and falconry. After all the action, retire to your Tuscan retreat and explore the five on-site restaurants and bars, two outdoor pools or the 11,000-square-foot spa, featuring a salt and ice cave.
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Hotels for Skill Seekers
Amanbagh | Ajabgarh, India
There’s no more inspiring setting for a four-day yoga retreat than Amanbagh, hidden in a valley in Rajasthan. Once a royal hunting lodge and pleasure garden, the resort is now a serene sanctuary, offering guests a chance to connect with nature and history. Immersive programs begin with an in-depth consultation with the resident Ayurvedic physician to set personalized goals for the retreat. Each day then unfolds with guided meditation, mindful movement and rejuvenating spa treatments designed to restore body and mind. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just beginning your practice, the experience is sure to help you reconnect with yourself. Beyond the wellness sessions, explore the property’s tranquil gardens, where fresh ingredients are grown for the on-site restaurants.
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Hotels for Skill Seekers
Alila Ventana Big Sur | Big Sur, USA
Dive into the hive, as Alila Ventana Big Sur would say, and discover the fascinating world of honeybees in this hands-on workshop. Suit up in protective gear and meet the resident beekeepers to learn sustainable techniques for harvesting honey and maintaining the hives. Get a close-up look at the bees in action, gaining a deeper appreciation for the vital role they play in our ecosystem. Afterward, savor the fruits of your labor with a tasting of the fresh, collected honey and take some home with you to enjoy. If you’re not ready to leave the all-inclusive resort just yet, go for a swim in one of the two heated outdoor pools or enjoy a meal with ocean views at The Sur House.
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Hotels for Skill Seekers
Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel | Madeira, Portugal
Step into Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel and let its lush gardens spark your creativity with a flower-arranging workshop. Every Saturday morning, local dried-flower artist Tristoas invites guests to craft their own arrangements using a selection of dried and pressed flowers handpicked from the subtropical grounds—home to over 500 plant species from around the world. With expert guidance, you’ll mix vibrant petals and textures to create a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake. Then, take a wander through the gardens to see where your florals came from, enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace or dip into the cliffside pool overlooking the Atlantic. For an even closer look into the island’s native flora, book a guided stroll with an expert horticulturalist.
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Hotels for Skill Seekers
The Lodge at Ashford Castle | Cong, Ireland
Travel back in time at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, set within the 350-acre estate of the 13th-century Ashford Castle. Overlooking one of Ireland’s largest lakes, Lough Corrib, the grounds are also home to Ireland’s School of Falconry, the country’s oldest, so you can go on a private hawk walk if you’re feeling adventurous. After meeting your instructor and your Harris hawk, you’ll then head into the surrounding woodlands to let your bird of prey take flight. Watch in awe as your hawk soars overhead, swooping gracefully back to your gloved hand, all while learning about its exceptional eyesight, speed and agility.
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Hotels for Skill Seekers
Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort | Mendoza, Argentina
Let your inner winemaker shine at Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort, the centerpiece of a 320-hectare estate featuring private vineyards, secluded villas and a state-of-the-art winery. Immerse yourself in the world of wine with a harvest experience, guided tour and tasting or blending session where you craft your own personalized bottle. In the blending session, start by sampling two varietals to determine your preferences and explore their unique flavor profiles. You’ll then create a wine plan with the sommelier that outlines the composition of your wine—its flavor, aroma and balance. Once finalized, you’ll receive your bottle of wine along with its cork so you can take it home (or enjoy it on your private terrace).
VIEW HOTEL
Hotels for Skill Seekers
Palace Hotel Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan
Discover the Japanese art of paper folding at Palace Hotel Tokyo‘s origami workshop. Held every Wednesday, this hands-on session invites guests of all ages to create delicate cranes, frogs, florals (or anything your heart desires), guided step-by-step by an expert instructor. Explore traditional techniques, experiment with vibrant chiyogami paper and pick up tips to make your folds crisp and precise. Each participant also receives a take-home kit with illustrated instructions, perfect for impressing family and friends. Once your masterpiece is complete, return to your room or suite with floor-to-ceiling windows. Or, continue the experience with a dip in the indoor swimming pool overlooking the Imperial Palace, followed by a bite to eat at one of the hotel’s 10 restaurants and bars serving both Japanese and international cuisine.
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1 /12
Fogo Island Inn | Newfoundland, Canada
Perched on the edge of Newfoundland’s rugged coast, Fogo Island Inn invites art enthusiasts to intimate workshops led by local creators in their working studios. Draw inspiration from the dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the island as you experiment with painting, sculpture or mixed media. Each session is limited to just four participants, ensuring hands-on guidance, making it perfect for both seasoned artists and anyone seeking a creative, educational vacation. Afterwards, retreat to one of only 29 rooms, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking Atlantic views or savor a locally inspired meal prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss the on-site Fogo Island Gallery—your artwork could be on display there one day.
VIEW HOTEL
Photo by Christine Flynn on assignment for Passport Magazine at Fogo Island Inn.
2 /12
Wharekauhau | Palliser Bay, New Zealand
Reconnect with nature at Wharekauhau, a gorgeous estate set on a 5,000-acre sheep farm overlooking North Island’s Palliser Bay. Settle into your suite or villa, featuring private fireplaces, heated floors and individual terraces. Then, get to know the resident sheep on a behind-the-scenes tour of the farm and try your hand at rural upskilling—an emerging travel trend ideal for educational vacations that encourages visitors to reconnect with traditional skills through hands-on learning. Learn to shear sheep, watch the sheep dogs in action and gain insight into New Zealand’s agricultural traditions. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops perfect for relaxation, reflection and snapping a photo of the rolling pastures and ocean vistas.
VIEW HOTEL
3 /12
Hotel Savoy | Florence, Italy
Immerse yourself in Tuscany’s rich flavors with a truffle hunting workshop at Hotel Savoy, nestled in the heart of Florence. Your gourmet journey starts with a trip through olive groves and vineyards, leading into the hills around the city. Meet your guide, Giulio, a dedicated truffle concierge and his expertly trained truffle dogs. Then, begin the search for the prized delicacy beneath oak and chestnut trees while learning about the history, seasonality and age-old techniques of truffle hunting. Once harvested, head to Giulio’s estate to learn how to craft traditional Tuscan dishes using the fresh truffles you uncovered. The culinary adventure doesn’t stop there—you’ll conclude your day with a truffle-inspired dinner back at your Florentine retreat.
VIEW HOTEL
4 /12
The Peninsula Beverly Hills | Los Angeles, USA
Indulge your senses with a perfume-making class through the Peninsula Academy, The Peninsula Beverly Hills‘ curated series of experiential workshops. Meet your chauffeur and follow your nose to the EX NIHILO Los Angeles store, where a master perfumer will take you through the scent customization process. Experiment with different fragrance oils and delicate notes to craft a personalized scent. You can even get the bottle engraved to create a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake to take home. Your taste buds get pampered, too, with afternoon tea and champagne served throughout the experience. Take your unique scent back to your exclusive oasis and spend the rest of the day relaxing at the rooftop pool or unwinding with a spa treatment.
VIEW HOTEL
5 /12
Brach Paris | Paris, France
Embrace the art of French cuisine with an exclusive cooking class at Brach Paris, part of its signature Masterclass series. Choose between a hands-on kitchen immersion class with Chef Adam Bentalha and his team, where you’ll master Mediterranean-inspired techniques or a pastry workshop that delves into the delicate craft of French desserts. Whether you’re preparing savory specialties or perfecting pastries, each 90-minute class offers an intimate experience in Brach’s rooftop kitchen garden or the Pâtisserie du Brach Laboratory. After the class, explore the 20th-century postal sorting center turned chic retreat by designer and architect Philippe Starck. Take in the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop, go for a dip in the indoor swimming pool or recharge in the salt cave.
VIEW HOTEL
6 /12
Castelfalfi | Montaione, Italy
Sharpen your survival skills at Castelfalfi, set within an 800-year-old medieval village surrounded by rolling hills, lush vineyards and ancient olive groves. At the Castelfalfi Adventure Park, both adults and children can learn life-changing outdoor skills, from starting a fire with basic tools to building a shelter from natural resources, all under the guidance of expert instructors. If you’re craving even more unique experiences, choose from 41 additional adventures, including pizza-making classes, archery and falconry. After all the action, retire to your Tuscan retreat and explore the five on-site restaurants and bars, two outdoor pools or the 11,000-square-foot spa, featuring a salt and ice cave.
VIEW HOTEL
7 /12
Amanbagh | Ajabgarh, India
There’s no more inspiring setting for a four-day yoga retreat than Amanbagh, hidden in a valley in Rajasthan. Once a royal hunting lodge and pleasure garden, the resort is now a serene sanctuary, offering guests a chance to connect with nature and history. Immersive programs begin with an in-depth consultation with the resident Ayurvedic physician to set personalized goals for the retreat. Each day then unfolds with guided meditation, mindful movement and rejuvenating spa treatments designed to restore body and mind. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just beginning your practice, the experience is sure to help you reconnect with yourself. Beyond the wellness sessions, explore the property’s tranquil gardens, where fresh ingredients are grown for the on-site restaurants.
VIEW HOTEL
8 /12
Alila Ventana Big Sur | Big Sur, USA
Dive into the hive, as Alila Ventana Big Sur would say, and discover the fascinating world of honeybees in this hands-on workshop. Suit up in protective gear and meet the resident beekeepers to learn sustainable techniques for harvesting honey and maintaining the hives. Get a close-up look at the bees in action, gaining a deeper appreciation for the vital role they play in our ecosystem. Afterward, savor the fruits of your labor with a tasting of the fresh, collected honey and take some home with you to enjoy. If you’re not ready to leave the all-inclusive resort just yet, go for a swim in one of the two heated outdoor pools or enjoy a meal with ocean views at The Sur House.
VIEW HOTEL
9 /12
Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel | Madeira, Portugal
Step into Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel and let its lush gardens spark your creativity with a flower-arranging workshop. Every Saturday morning, local dried-flower artist Tristoas invites guests to craft their own arrangements using a selection of dried and pressed flowers handpicked from the subtropical grounds—home to over 500 plant species from around the world. With expert guidance, you’ll mix vibrant petals and textures to create a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake. Then, take a wander through the gardens to see where your florals came from, enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace or dip into the cliffside pool overlooking the Atlantic. For an even closer look into the island’s native flora, book a guided stroll with an expert horticulturalist.
VIEW HOTEL
10 /12
The Lodge at Ashford Castle | Cong, Ireland
Travel back in time at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, set within the 350-acre estate of the 13th-century Ashford Castle. Overlooking one of Ireland’s largest lakes, Lough Corrib, the grounds are also home to Ireland’s School of Falconry, the country’s oldest, so you can go on a private hawk walk if you’re feeling adventurous. After meeting your instructor and your Harris hawk, you’ll then head into the surrounding woodlands to let your bird of prey take flight. Watch in awe as your hawk soars overhead, swooping gracefully back to your gloved hand, all while learning about its exceptional eyesight, speed and agility.
VIEW HOTEL
11 /12
Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort | Mendoza, Argentina
Let your inner winemaker shine at Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort, the centerpiece of a 320-hectare estate featuring private vineyards, secluded villas and a state-of-the-art winery. Immerse yourself in the world of wine with a harvest experience, guided tour and tasting or blending session where you craft your own personalized bottle. In the blending session, start by sampling two varietals to determine your preferences and explore their unique flavor profiles. You’ll then create a wine plan with the sommelier that outlines the composition of your wine—its flavor, aroma and balance. Once finalized, you’ll receive your bottle of wine along with its cork so you can take it home (or enjoy it on your private terrace).
VIEW HOTEL
12 /12
Palace Hotel Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan
Discover the Japanese art of paper folding at Palace Hotel Tokyo‘s origami workshop. Held every Wednesday, this hands-on session invites guests of all ages to create delicate cranes, frogs, florals (or anything your heart desires), guided step-by-step by an expert instructor. Explore traditional techniques, experiment with vibrant chiyogami paper and pick up tips to make your folds crisp and precise. Each participant also receives a take-home kit with illustrated instructions, perfect for impressing family and friends. Once your masterpiece is complete, return to your room or suite with floor-to-ceiling windows. Or, continue the experience with a dip in the indoor swimming pool overlooking the Imperial Palace, followed by a bite to eat at one of the hotel’s 10 restaurants and bars serving both Japanese and international cuisine.
VIEW HOTEL
