Unique Self-Improvement Opportunities at Hotels Around the World

Unique Self-Improvement Opportunities at Hotels Around the World
From one-of-a-kind tours that immerse you in the local culture, to learning to fine tune a specific skill from an expert, to taking the reins on your health and wellness with a self-discovery retreat, below are some the best self-improvement opportunities offered by hotels.

Surf with the Chef and more at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa – Carlsbad, CA

Located on Southern California’s sun-drenched coast, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort recently launched ‘Aviara Wellness Academy’ which includes several initiatives where guests can seek to better themselves and/or learn a completely new skill. From learning to surf and cook with the resort’s Executive Chef through the popular Surfing with the Chef program, to hitting the links and participating in the one and only Gears Performance Lab at the prestigious Kip Puterbaugh Aviara Golf Academy, perfecting the tennis game with an internationally recognized coach Steve Halverson, or undergoing the ultimate integrative wellness experience at the resort’s signature wellness facility, VeraVia, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort has tapped the experts in their respective fields to be at the helm of Aviara Wellness Academy to provide a truly productive and enriching experience for guests.

Learn the history & mysteries of Downtown Los Angeles with Hotel Indigo’s ‘Underground LA’ Tour – Los Angeles, CA

Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown (opened April 2017) partnered with LA-based Cartwheel Art to bring to life the hotel’s storytelling interior design showcasing the buzzing 1920’s era of downtown Los Angeles through immersive walking tours. The signature “Underground LA” tour shares the story of LA’s prohibition-era, providing a captivating way to see the city’s famed underground tunnels and speakeasies that are unbeknownst to most and learn about the city’s “underground” past ranging from famous prohibition-era murders to the famous speakeasy haunts that Hollywood elite would frequent.

Attend Cowboy College in “The West’s Most Western Town” – Scottsdale, Arizona

Cowboys may have been among Scottsdale’s first thrill seekers, and you can receive your unofficial cowboy degree during a visit to Arizona Cowboy College in Scottsdale. Choose between one-, three- and five-day courses where guests will learn horsemanship skills, equine safety, roping, penning, sorting and so much more. Guests can stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort at Troon North down the road and book via with Fort McDowell Adventures to giddy up at a bit of a slower pace on a trail ride.

Cooking with the Culinary Stars at InterContinental Hong Kong – Hong Kong

Located on the Kowloon waterfront overlooking Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island, the internationally acclaimed InterContinental Hong Kong invites guests to learn how to create culinary masterpieces in one of its “Cooking with the Culinary Stars” classes. Home to world-class dining – including the two Michelin star Yan Toh Heen, and celebrity chef restaurants, NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong and Rech by Alain Ducasse – this exclusive series allows guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the art of cooking from the chefs that helm these incredible restaurants. Covering essentials, such as classic cooking techniques, and specialty dish creation, the lessons incorporate international cuisine, including French, Japanese, Cantonese, and American. The “Cooking with the Culinary Stars” experience not only allows guests to practice their cooking skills, but it also gives them an opportunity to watch expert chefs at work during the demonstrations. Guests will leave the classes with improved cooking abilities, a satisfied palette, and recipes for the road.

Learn to Fly a Drone with The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay’s “Drone Academy” – Half Moon Bay, CA

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay – located 30 minutes south of San Francisco on the Northern California coast – has teamed up withLumoid, a San Francisco-based gadget rental company to offer guests a new immersive experience, “Drone Academy”. Taking advantage of the resort’s picturesque coastal backdrop, this interactive master class offers guests the unique opportunity to learn how to fly and operate drones, capture aerial photography and video content, and take home tangible memories of the iconic coastal resort. Guided by Lumoid's talented experts, guests will learn how to photograph the best angles of the resort and California coast. From the property’s stunning Ocean Terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean, to the Sunset Bagpiper post by the adjacent championship golf course, and more, guests have endless opportunities to capture their own, curated Half Moon Bay experience through their own lens while simultaneously learning a new skill.

Find your self-discovery and immerse in Hawaiian bliss at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach – Oahu, Hawaii

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach – the luxury residential-style resort on the majestic Hawaiian Island of Oahu – offers guests the opportunity to take an enlightening journey of rejuvenation, discovery, and self-renewal via its new Waikiki Luxury Wellness Package. During this immersive, three-night wellness experience, guests experience a signature spa treatment each day inspired by Hawaiian traditions, and are encouraged to reflect on their journey with a provided journal. This package also further connects guests to the Island through a guided hike to Oahu’s Mānoa Valley, from which the spa derives fresh ingredients for its treatments. Guests learn more about the process of sourcing these ingredients, and the native rituals performed in order to respect the land. Guests also receive nightly turndown service featuring a distinct Hawaiian Rainforest Naturals flower essence each night as a keepsake, which are also made with fresh ingredients from Mānoa Valley. To emphasize the importance of physical well-being and balance, the journey also includes a private yoga session, custom-stocked kitchen with fresh, local ingredients to make nourishing food in-residence, and a private in-residence chef’s dinner for an evening.

Snowshoe and Stargaze with a Resident Naturalist at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor GulchBeaver Creek, CO

As part of the resort’s on-property Naturalist Program, guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch can learn from an expert Naturalist about the local Colorado plants, animals, history, and starry skies. With the Stargazing Snowshoe Tour, on crisp clear evenings as well as snowy nights, there is a world of nocturnal beauty waiting to reveal itself. After 60 minutes of exploration on snowshoes, guests will end the evening by relaxing in the Great Room with a warm signature cocktail.

Discover the Natural Wonders and Cultural Traditions of Hawaii with The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s Ambassadors of the Environment Program – Maui, Hawaii

The naturalists of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s Jean Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment are more than just guides—they are equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to share and explore the wonder of the natural world with its guests. With guided excursions such as Cities Under the Sea snorkeling, Whale Watching, and Coastal Hikes, Maui becomes a living classroom where adults and children learn about the environment and leave with an appreciation and respect for nature.