Coworth Park Guards Polo Academy meadow wood chip path-ALO Magazine

Hotels are working hard to deliver an exclusive experience that sets it apart from the competition. What better way to do that than to offer the opportunity to learn a new skill while you’re there? Travel is about exploration and discovery, which is why adding to your roster of talents can make a trip feel so special. That sentiment is the same whether you choose to travel now or plan a future adventure.

You might have never known that you were good at something until you step outside of your comfort zone and try it for yourself. These hotels cater to those wanting to something new allowing you to leave more enlightened than when you arrived.

Learn to drive a race car

The Italian brand Baglioni Hotels offers the Assoluto program, which allows guests to participate in immersive experiences that are quintessentially Italian. One of them is a Ferrari driving tour where guests learn how to drive this iconic Italian sportscar while enjoying an area sightseeing visit. In addition to race cars, there are soccer, culinary, design, and fashion-themed experiences that can be custom-made to fir your personal interests. 

Qatar Airways

Learn to paint

Dust off those grade school art class techniques at Baha Mar in the Bahamas where guests of its hotels, like Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, can participate in group classes that teach everything from how to be a better painter to improving your photography chops. You can also learn to vent your frustrations through sketching or get a better handle on ceramics and pottery while on vacation in paradise.

Art Class at Bahar Mar - ALO Magazine

Learn to garden like a pro

Along the peaceful hillside above Florence, Il Salviatino guests can get their hands dirty learning to plant herbs and vegetables in the hotel’s own garden. They can also pick ingredients to use in cooking classes with the hotel’s chef later.

ilsalviatino gardening 4 - ALO Magazine
ilsalviatino gardening- ALO Magazine
salviatino gardens view - ALO Magazine

Photos Credit: Il Salviatino

Learn to play polo

Coworth Park, a Dorchester Collection property in the English countryside, is the only British hotel where guests can learn to play polo or watch polo events within its grounds. Guards Polo Club and Guards Polo Academy give visitors a chance to learn more about the sport or perfect their craft. There’s also an equestrian center for those that enjoy riding horses, too.

Coworth Park exterior from croquet lawn - ALO Magazine
CPA exterior Polo field sign - ALO Magazine
Equestrian at Coworth Park - ALO Magazine
Coworth Park Guard Polo Academy lesson hitting balls in line - ALO Magazine

Photos Credit: Coworth Park

Learn to read the stars

You’ll definitely want to meet the Sky Guru during your stay at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. The resort features the Maldives’ first overwater observatory where guests can enjoy cocktails while learning about the different constellations and stars. The night sky in the Maldives is perfect for stargazing since light pollution is minimal.

Anantara Maldives Sky Guru - ALO Magazine

Photo Credit: Anantara

Qatar Airways

Learn to make epic sandcastles

Finesse your sandcastle building skills at The Reach Key West, a Curio Collection by Hilton property, or its island sibling Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, during a workshop with the property’s own sand sculpture artist, Marianne van den Broek. You’ll make others on the beach envious of your fortress once you graduate from this family-friendly class.

Casa Marina Mermaid - ALO Magazine

Photo Credit: Marianne van den Broek

Learn to herd cattle

At The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyoming, you can try your hand at herding cattle or wrangling and horsemanship. If your inner cowboy is any good, you won’t need much instruction. Either way, it’s an entertaining way to spend time with the animals and learn about life on a ranch.

Hideout Lodge - ALO Magazine

Photo Credit: The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch

Learn to make the perfect pizza

Popular with families and young, budding chefs, the pizza making classes at Grand Hotel Tremezzo can be organized at T Pizza by the pool. The seasonal hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, opens from mid-spring to mid-fall and provides stunning views from its position along the shore of Italy’s Lake Como. Once you have finished designing your masterpiece pie, the chef slides it into the oven for you to enjoy minutes later.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo pizza - ALO Magazine

Photo Credit: Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Learn Chinese calligraphy

At Chengdu, China’s The Temple House, guests are treated to weekly Nüshu calligraphy classes with an expert. While learning calligraphy may not have been on your radar screen before, these free sessions will give you insight into understanding the writing you see on signage and artwork all around you in this central Chinese city, well-known for its famous panda bears.

Temple House Calligraphy - ALO magazine

Photo Credit: The Temple House

Learn the art of Japanese origami

The ancient Japanese art of origami is the subject of regular lessons for guests at Palace Hotel Tokyo, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World grouping. You can learn how to make paper cranes, samurai hats, and even a Hello Kitty doll. The famous paper-folding classes take place each week and are part of a larger roster of activity programing at the hotel, which also includes yoga and sumo wrestling.

Palace Hotel Tokyo - ALO Magazine

Photo Credit: Palace Hotel Tokyo

Learn fly fishing

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs can teach novices about fly casting and rigging among many other things at its dedicated fly-fishing school. And if you’re looking to catch that trophy fish, let the hotel take you on a guided fishing trip so you can snap that prized photo before setting the fish free again. All of the resort’s fishing is catch and release.

BWE Fishing Camp FlyFishing - ALO Magazine

Photo Credit: The Broadmoor