10 hotels with cultural programs to expand your horizons

As part of its ongoing efforts to foster the connection between guests and the Northern Thai way of life, the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai A cultural center called the recently opened Chaan Baan which works with the local community to bring attention to ancient crafts such as Thai clay molding.

Rest assured that no prior knowledge of pottery is required to participate in this engaging session. Craftsmen exhibit during the 60-minute workshop In Clay Studio Pottery Share traditional Thai techniques and guide visitors through using the wheel or hand building, then decorate the pottery with glazes made from natural ash.

NIHI Sumba honors indigenous rituals in its natural healing workshop. Guests can stroll through the organic garden and gather the ingredients to prepare time-honored Indonesian herbal remedies. These include Jamu, an anti-inflammatory drink made from roots, herbs and spices, and serums made from aloe vera and virgin coconut oil to treat sunburn.

Between peeping elephants and lions in the wild on this safari retreat, guests at Mara bush tops in Kenya’s Masai Mara you have a unique opportunity to stay in a stunning camp that showcases natural beauty and local traditions, including its beaded jewellery.

In the East African culture, pearl jewelry is not only used for decoration, but the shapes and colors of the pearls have an individual meaning. Local bead-making experts share the history and importance of the time-honoured craft and guide safari-goers through the process of creating their own works of art.

Finding moments of relaxation in everyday life and on vacation promotes general well-being. Finally, meditation has been shown to help reduce stressthrust emotional regulationcalm the sympathetic nervous system and improve sleep. And in Buddhist culture it is used to develop concentration and attain a contented state of mind.

Pick up the basic elements of this practice from a Buddhist monk in Thailand? Well, that certainly offers some advantages. Monk Prasertthe master of mindfulness meditation from Wat Yannawa, the 200-year-old Ayutthaya-era temple nearby Chapel Bangkok brings serenity and spirituality seekers on a guided journey through their consciousness to inner peace.

turtle island in Fiji is a 500-acre luxury private island resort that employs more than 120 people from the surrounding villages. It features 14 traditional wood and thatch Fijians overlooking a sparkling blue lagoon, and visitors can learn tali katowhat the weaving of traditional Fijian baskets means.

Fishing is an integral part of life in many coastal communities on Long Island’s North Fork, including Southold. The Swarms, a hybrid ‘botel’ housed in a converted marina building that was formerly a fish market and bait shop, embraces the region’s rich aquaculture and natural resources. The robust on site oyster operation run by a local and female family business Little Ram Oyster Companygives guests a chance to learn first-hand about oyster farming, step-by-step shelling techniques, and sample the nuances of the sustainable mussel delicacy (which, fun fact, can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day). against pollutants).

Hammock weaving is a traditional Mayan craft that dates back centuries. While buying a hammock from a Playa del Carmen tourist shop might be an easy way to add a little flair to your home, you certainly won’t learn anything about the history or artistry that goes into the vibrant new decorative item of your affection.

The immersive offering below Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya guides guests through the process of turning colorful cords into a functional hammock while learning about Mayan heritage and culture. Then why not try out your new creation during a sunset hang session by the sea?

The ukulele was introduced to Hawaiians in 1879, and since then the stringed instrument has become as synonymous with the spirit of aloha as the gentle sound of waves lapping the sand. For many, the mere utterance of the word ukulele conjures up images of strumming sessions under swaying palm trees.

Montage Kapalua Bay strives to preserve Hawaiian traditions through immersive programming. Silla Kaina, the resort’s longtime cultural ambassador, teaches visitors ukulele holding, fingering, and basic chords in an idyllic, breezy setting on Maui’s scenic coastline.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Tequila in western Mexico’s state of Jalisco is best known for its namesake spirit. But the undistilled plant parts of the blue agave are not simply thrown away.

Casa Salles, a boutique retreat next to an active distillery, has teamed up with local artist Norma Macías Zambrano to turn the discarded agave fibers and other by-products from the production process into paper, just as she does to create art. The immersive classes, held at their studio near the hotel, shed light on the myriad ways people in the region use their most prized plant.

While it’s not particularly difficult to find an eco-focused hotel that offers garden tours and farm-to-table cooking classes, Six Senses Con Dao goes one step further. This 5-star beach oasis on the tropical island of Con Dao isn’t just about roaming rows of endemic plants and mingling with wildlife, it’s about gaining a deeper appreciation for long-standing local farming practices.

Guests can feed the chickens, collect eggs from the coop, and learn traditional Vietnamese hand-picking methods for organic vegetables and herbs—all skills you might be lucky enough to practice in your local community garden.