Polish Your Skills with One&Only's Expert Series

With a New Year, come new resolutions. Whether it is mastering the techniques, tastes and textures of global cuisine to enjoying the tutelage of a PGA TOUR expert, dynamic Artist, Musician, Tennis Pro, Kite Surfer or Winemaker in residence, our One&Only Experts flawlessly combine education and entertainment to ensure your 2012 resolution – whatever it might be - becomes a reality.

CULINARY EXPERTS

Global Culinary School, One&Only Reethi Rah (pictured)

Under the expert tutelage of Reethi Rah master chefs, guests learn the delicate nuances of food presentation and world cuisine. Classes are available in a range of culinary styles from around the world such as Maldivian, Chinese, Italian, Indian, Arabian, Japanese ‘Washoku’, Thai cuisine or French desserts and pastries. The experience starts with a guided visit to the chef’s garden where the culinary team demonstrates how to select the finest and freshest products while guests hand pick organic ingredients for their chosen course. Upon return to the culinary school, One&Only Reethi Rah’s master chef guide’s pupils through an epicurean selection of the finest cooking products and condiments from around the world including wines, vinegars, oils and olives. Then guests can prepare exquisite dishes with expert guidance and enjoy their own creations in a sumptuous lunch. They leave the course with a certificate, recipe card and their very own One&Only Reethi Rah apron and chef’s cap. Courses cost run daily for between two to four people and cost $180* USD.

Mexican Culinary School, One&Only Palmilla

Newly opened in November 2011, the One&Only Herb Garden boasts a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen for weekly complimentary culinary seminars and Iron-Chef style cook-offs led by on-site executive chefs as well as visiting chefs from the surrounding regions of Mexico. Home to the first annual Mexican Culinary Festival in 2011, the One&Only Palmilla Herb Garden served as the location for daily cooking demonstrations led by celebrity chefs Enrique Olvera from Pujol, Daniel Ovadía from Paxia and Edgar Nunez from Sud777. The Mexican Culinary School experience begins with a guided tour of the herb garden boasting a variety of fresh produce and indigenous chilli varietals. Guests are invited to hand pick ingredients before taking part in a demonstration led by One&Only Palmilla expert chefs. To complement the culinary class, Manuel Arteaga, One&Only Head Sommelier, shares an exclusive pairing menu of Mexican Wines and tequilas from the resort’s robust list. Daily herb garden tours are available.

Wine & Dine Evenings, One&Only Cape Town

Home to an impressive tri-level wine loft housing over 5,000 bottles, from prestigious older vintages of Cape classics to newer wineries in emerging terroirs, One&Only Cape Town recently introduced their exclusive Wine & Dine evenings curated by Luvo Ntezo, Head Sommelier, internationally recognized as the Best Young Sommelier in South Africa. Passionate about sharing his knowledge with others, Ntezo hosts small groups (up to 30 people) to dine with himself, South African Celebrity Chef Reuben Riffel and a chosen winemaker. During the evening, diners are treated to a wine tasting seminar led by Ntezo and the selected winemaker along with a five-course pairing prepared by Riffel. Pricing starts at R325/person.

CREATIVE EXPERTS

Artist in Residence, One&Only Reethi Rah

Led by renowned Australian artist Christopher Hogan, guests of One&Only Reethi Rah during 19 October – 15 December 2011 and 1 February – 28 April 2012 will enjoy private art instruction while holidaying on the white beaches of The Maldives. Known for compositions reflecting the beauty found in wildlife, such as fish skin patterns and the color palettes of marine life, Christopher’s unique and distinctive style is stimulating to the eye. In particular, his creation of the ‘Reef Series’ propelled Christopher into international recognition. In harmony with the setting of One&Only Reethi Rah, the artist will take inspiration from his time on the island and produce new works as well as guide aspirational artists staying at the resort. Guests can book art classes with Christopher from £58 (USD 90++) and £29 (USD 45++) for Kids.

Musician in Residence, One&Only Palmilla

Guests of One&Only Palmilla are invited to enjoy complimentary group sessions all year with renowned Mexican musician Antonio Zepeda using Pre-Columbian instruments such as ocarinas and conch shells to teach guests how to harness the spiritual and physical benefits of sound. With the help of Zepeda, One&Only Palmilla has created a collection of four unique musical lessons on a variety of instruments inspired by distinct realms of sound: Nature, Ancient Pre-Columbian Civilizations, Drums and Harmony. Each realm provides a different therapeutic benefit ranging from relaxation to a communion with nature. Before participating, guests are asked to select the session that best treats their physical and emotional needs. Guests not interested in playing a musical instrument may participate in a “Musical Talk” where Zepeda discusses the role of music in ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica. Each complimentary 60-minute group session is conducted at dusk or dawn on an outdoor pavilion overlooking the breathtaking Sea of Cortez. Group size ranges from four to eight.

FITNESS EXPERTS

PGA TOUR Academy, One&Only Palmilla

One&Only Palmilla is teeing off the New Year with the launch of the first international PGA TOUR Academy at its par-72 Jack Nicklaus course in Los Cabos, Mexico. Novice and veteran golfers can stay, play and perfect their game with personalized instruction from the nation’s most prestigious source of programs in one-, two- or three-day golf schools and clinics. Modeled after the flagship facility, the new PGA TOUR Academy features an unprecedented combination of technologies to help trainers focus on the four cornerstones of improvement; full swing and short game, club-fitting, fitness, and mental conditioning. The academy also uses the latest golf technology, V1 video analysis, to evaluate and diagnose swing errors and to create an individually tailored plan for each player. Guests can select from the following menu of services:

• Two-, three- or five-day Golf schools and clinics for all levels of player
• Private, Group or Family lessons with our world-class PGA and LPGA professionals
• Player Development programs, including the World Golf Foundation's new Get Golf Ready program
• Club-fitting programs utilizing the most sophisticated technologies
• Short-game clinics guaranteed to reduce your scores

Team Advantage Tennis Academy, One&Only Le Saint Géran
One&Only Le Saint Géran offers quality instruction to tennis enthusiasts, of all ages and ability levels. The five synthetic grass courts and the Team Advantage Tennis Academy are situated next to the natural lagoon offering an idyllic environment. Resident expert Hugo Nunes has been a welcome addition to Team Advantage and One&Only Le Saint Géran since 2008. Born in Portugal in 1980, Hugo started tennis at an early age, eventually playing in numerous tournaments in his home country and abroad. Along his way, Hugo has acquired ITF and USPTA level 3 coaching qualifications. With 10 years experience as a performance coach in top clubs and resorts, Nunes joins an impressive roster of tennis experts within the One&Only family including Leo Rolle, a former Davis Cup competitor, Rolle has been helping guests perfect their serves for more than 30 years at One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas.

VIP KITE & Stand-Up Paddle Boarding School, One&Only Le Saint Géran

One&Only Le Saint Géran provides guests with the opportunity to learn or practice the latest rage in watersports – stand up paddle boarding - or kite surfing, one of the most thrilling sports in the world. Paddle boarders and kite surfers of all levels can master techniques under the expert guidance of Julien Guillaume, an IKO Level 2 Senior approved instructor and owner of VIP KITE & SUP School. Together with his qualified and professional team, novices and advanced riders will enjoy private tutelage and achieve an international certification by the IKO (International Kite boarding Organisation) and the AFKite (French Kiteboarding Association). The VIP KITE & SUP School is available exclusively to guests of One&Only Le Saint Géran.