The Best Upskilling Holiday Escapes for 2022
Learning Holidays For Your 2022 Bucket List
With 2022 just around the corner, it’s time to make those all-important New Years’ resolutions. For those wanting to add a new skill to their repertoire, we’ve rounded up the best learning experience holidays around the world – from discovering the secrets of Mauritian cuisine, to disconnecting from devices in Somerset.
Learn How: To Make Vibrant Mauritian Cuisine
The Residence Mauritius
Spice up your cooking skills at The Residence Mauritius. Spread over 25-acres of mature tropical gardens, characterised by the scent of ylang ylang, the refined Residence Mauritius is inspired by the island's classic stately homes. Here, guests are encouraged to dive into the local culture (and bring it back home) with dedicated private cooking classes hosted by the resort’s esteemed Head Chef. Hosted in the heart of the resort, classes reveal the secrets behind flavourful Mauritian cooking. Bursting with flavours, the Creole Cari Pule, a traditional chicken curry, is offered as part of a multi-course lunch, and once guests have mastered the dish in the kitchen, they are invited to enjoy it together during a private dining experience in the verdant grounds.
Learn How: Wake-Up Mindfully
Parga Beach Resort
A mindful morning routine takes practice, patience, and a view worth getting out of bed for. Located on Valtos Beach, a short walk from the picturesque town of Parga, is Parga Beach Resort – the true definition of laid-back luxury. Greeted with a fresh fruit juice, harvested from the resort’s verdant gardens, guests can take part in sunrise yoga classes or kayaking adventures, diving into the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Take a sunrise hiking tour across the picturesque harbour and up to Parga Castle, before restoring the body and mind with a restful spa treatment back at the hotel. Guests will return home with a newfound appreciation for early mornings and practices to help them wake mindfully.
Learn How: To Digitally Disconnect
Our Retreat Somerset
After 18 months of working from home the desire to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life has never been greater. Rooted in the belief that a connection to nature aids wellbeing, guests at Our Retreat Somerset are invited to switch off their phones and truly disconnect with a weekend in the most serene of settings. Catering to all abilities, upon arrival retreaters are welcomed with an ‘intro to yoga’ workshop to ensure all attendees gets the most out of the weekend ahead. Mornings are spent practicing meditation, breathwork, and mindful yoga, followed by wild swimming in the estate’s lake and guided walks through the verdant woodland, whilst afternoons consist of Pilates, and restorative yoga sessions designed to relieve tension and promote relaxation.
Learn How: To Scuba Dive at the World’s Only Exclusive-Use Marine Reserve
Thanda Island, Tanzania
Thanda Island, the world’s only exclusive-use private island surrounded by a protected marine reserve, provides unbeatable diving experiences for guests hoping to get acquainted with the underwater environment. Departing the island on traditional Arab dhows, guests sail across the pristine Indian Ocean to explore the East African Coast’s spectacular marine life, with an abundance of coral reefs, five species of turtle, 400 enchanting reef fish and even the elusive whale shark – the largest fish species in the world – waiting to be discovered. Providing bespoke experiences for any level, guests are assigned their own personal marine biologist to guide ethical excursions and underwater activities, with a commitment to sustainability so deep that even the diving gear is eco-friendly, as rash vests are made from recycled plastic. Renowned for its sustainability efforts both by land and sea, the island is partnered with leading NGO, Sea Sense, on programmes built to conserve the spectacular surrounding marine environment.
Learn How: To Up Your Fitness Game
Velaa Private Island, Maldives
Try something new next year with, Velaa Private Island in the Maldives – arguably the most exclusive and luxurious resort in the world – fitness seekers are invited to re-energise and fulfil their fitness ambitions whilst taking care of the mind, body and soul with their Visiting Practitioners programme. Mirroring Velaa’s passion for ultra-luxe personalised experiences, the programme works with world class athletes and practitioners to tailor exclusive workshops designed to promote inner balance, health, and harmony, working in perfect synergy alongside the range of high-tech spa and fitness facilities Velaa has to offer. Headlining the programme next year is personal trainer, nutritionist and health coach, Dimitri Tkatchev and Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dr Song Qinggeng.
Learn How: Kitesurf Like a Pro
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, Saint Lucia
With a perfect climate, flat sea and an average wind speed of 18 to 20 knots from November to July, Saint Lucia is the Caribbean’s best kitesurfing spot. Boasting one of the most extensive water sports centres on the island, the award-winning Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa welcomes kiters of all availabilities for the most unforgettable upskilling holiday. While beginners can learn the ropes in the spectacular flat water inside the reef, more experienced kiters can go out through the reef into the beautiful rolling Atlantic swell for some truly memorable surfs. State-of-the-art gear can be rented at the resort’s Surf Shack and IKO Certified instructors are available for private and group lessons. What’s more, those who stay over eight nights or longer can enjoy a free kitesurf lesson, tailored to their level and needs.
