From sketching scenic vistas in the Maldives to capturing the perfect picture in Cappadocia, we’ve rounded up the best bucket-list trips for silver travellers hoping to hone a new skill in the most picturesque of settings.
Paint in Paradise With Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
An island inspired by artistry, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi offers guests the chance to get creative in paradise in its on-site Art Studio or in the privacy of their own luxury villa, with individual lessons honing specific skills or courses guided by the resident artist. Guests are given the tools, materials and skills needed to paint, sculpt or draw their own masterpieces, inspired by the abundance of natural beauty in the island’s verdant surroundings. Art-enthused travellers can try their hand at coconut, canvas or wood painting, before learning how to make their own clay or wood sculptures. Bespoke crafting activities are also available, whereby guests can create something special to take home; from designing a dream catcher and weaving authentic Maldivian rugs, to making jewellery from seashells.
The luxury resort is home to the world’s first underwater art gallery in the form of a coral regeneration project – the Coralarium. Conceptualised by British eco-artist, Jason deCaires Taylor, the Coralarium is a steel sculpture housing ten abstract sculptures, designed to replicate the natural formation of coral and attract local marine life. Now, guests can explore the Coralarium on guided underwater art tours with the resident marine biologist, learn about marine conservation, plant their own coral, and create their own marine-inspired masterpiece in the art studio. Located on the Shaviyani Atoll in North Maldives, Fairmont Maldives boasts one of the country’s largest resort lagoons, home to an array of colourful marine life. The luxurious, 112 villa resort is an island full of adventure is home to the largest, 200m infinity pool in the Maldives, three restaurants, two bars, a 9km long manta ray cleaning station and the Willow Stream Spa (Fairmont.com/Maldives)
Capture the Magic of Cappadocia With argos in Cappadocia’s Photography Tours
Set in the heart of central Turkey, guests of argos in Cappadocia – an authentically Anatolian hotel set within a 2000-year-old network of ancient ruins, caves and underground tunnels – can learn how to capture the magical atmosphere of Cappadocia on a professional guided photography tour. Famed for its unique rugged landscape of surreal fairy chimneys and honeycombed hills, Cappadocia is arguably one of the world’s most picturesque destinations. Organised through argos’ concierge service, travellers will have a chance to head out on a guided tour of the region, visit the famous Cappadocian hotspots and learn expert photography tips and techniques, turning their travel moments into memories to cherish for years to come.
With both day and night photography tours sold separately taking lighting and time of day into consideration, there are a number of routes available for travellers to discover the wonder of Cappadocia’s landscape from the best vantage points. Guests can choose to embark at sunrise or sunset to capture images of the famous balloon departure area where dozens of colourful hot air balloons drift over the skyline, photograph beautiful wild horses in the canyons (Cappadocia means ‘the land of beautiful horses’ in Persian), and even head out at night to photograph the star-studded sky and learn time lapse techniques. There are an abundance of areas of breath-taking natural beauty to uncover, from the unique volcanic rock formations and ancient churches carved from caves to the peak of Mount Erciyes and Tiraz Castle (www.argosincappadocia.com)
Tee-off In Cyprus With Aphrodite Hills Exclusive Golfing Experiences
The perfect place to tee up some sunshine at any time of year, the hilltop eutopia of Aphrodite Hills Resort offers a range of activities ideal for older travellers to enjoy 2021 the right way. Located just outside of Paphos, away from the throng of the beaches and bustling cities, the sprawling resort is home to a PGA National Golf Course – host to last year’s PGA European Tour – which offers courses for any levels, led by their team of world-class professionals, the perfect place to learn a new trick or two. Visually spectacular, the course runs through indigenous olive and carob trees and is built on two plateaux, separated by a dramatic ravine with outstanding views over the Mediterranean.
Aphrodite Hills Resort is open 365 days a year and for those looking to reduce the admin of their luxury trip, the team is delighted to also announce that their Holiday Residences are now to be the first Cyprus-based property manager to be listed on Homes & Villas by Marriott International, a global collection of premium and luxury private home rentals. Nestled in the midst of a protected forest with unparalleled views of the Mediterranean Sea, the resort offers a staggering choice of 18 restaurants and bars offering a unique mix of gourmet delights with both local and ethnic flavours catering to any taste bud’s desire (www.aphroditehills.com)
Become an Open Water Diver With Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
Set on a stunningly private island with an otherworldly lagoon and wrap-around coral reef, Emerald Maldives Resort & SPA offer guests prime access to the best underwater adventures as well as an array of fun-filled beach activities - like kayaking, snorkelling and windsurfing - that come at no extra cost thanks to the resort's unparalleled Deluxe All-Inclusive offering.
Those looking to discover the diverse marine life of the Indian Ocean while also getting that extra dose of adrenaline can take advantage of the resort's very own Diving Centre, where certified PADI instructors will teach them how to pursue the coveted PADI certification, in only five days. The PADI Open Water Diver Course ($790++) covers everything you need to know from academics, to how to use the equipment, from confined water diving lessons in Emerald's pool to open water diving in the Ocean to give guests who complete the course the status of Open Water Diver, aka the passport to many more diving adventures around the world. With no prior certifications required, guests of any age are invited to discover the unique Maldivian underwater landscape in total safety (emerald-maldives.com)
