9 Hotels Where Vacations Come With New Skills
From surfing and soapmaking to ceramics and calligraphy, these hotels invite travelers to turn vacation time into hands-on creative experiences
Travelers are increasingly drawn to vacations that offer personal enrichment, according to Hilton’s 2026 Trend Report. Hobby tourism—a getaway where you can learn a new skill or brush up on an existing one—fits this trend perfectly.
Hotels are getting on board, offering guests the chance to let their creativity flow without ever leaving the property. Getting hands-on with a new activity can boost mental and physical well-being—and, of course, it’s just plain fun.
These hotels offer guests the chance to learn a new skill before they check out.
Strum like Don Ho at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
Kahuku, Hawaii
Oahu’s North Shore beaches are legendary. The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay, a AAA Four Diamond resort, invites vacationers to look beyond the waves to explore hobbies rooted in authentic Hawaiian cultural practices, from hula dancing to lei-making. Dive into Hawaiʻi’s musical heritage with a ukulele class. Expert instructors will have you confidently strumming simple chords on the small, four-stringed guitar in no time.
Catch a wave at Hotel del Coronado
Coronado, California
Hotel del Coronado, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, has been welcoming guests for more than 100 years. This Southern California icon sits on a stretch of the Pacific coastline that feels straight out of a Beach Boys song. It’s an excellent place to learn to surf, thanks to the gentle waves of Coronado Island. Book a group or private surf lesson with top SoCal instructors, and you’ll be hanging ten before you know it.
Go fish at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia Island is an unspoiled barrier island off Florida’s northeast coast. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island—a AAA Four Diamond resort—is the island’s most luxurious address, presenting guests with an array of immersive activities on land and at sea. For a hands-on adventure, head offshore. Fishing requires patience and focus, and the resort’s “Hook, Line & Supper” experience delivers both. You’ll cast a line off a private charter boat alongside a local pro and then return to savor your fresh catch in the resort’s acclaimed AAA Five Diamond Salt Restaurant.
Take aim at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Bastrop, Texas
The AAA Four Diamond Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa sits along the banks of the Lower Colorado River, surrounded by hiking trails and an abundance of wildflowers. This family-friendly resort offers a range of interactive classes, including archery. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to safely handle a traditional bow and arrow—and even try your hand at throwing a tomahawk. With guidance from an expert instructor, you’ll be hitting your mark in no time.
Cook in the Sonoran Desert at The Phoenician
Scottsdale, Arizona
Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, The Phoenician is a AAA Five Diamond resort immersed in the striking beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Guests eager to roll up their sleeves will enjoy the resort’s culinary experiences. Cooks, both novice and experienced, can take part in an interactive cooking class. Learn to make hand-rolled pasta using authentic Italian techniques or work alongside the pastry chef to dip strawberries in rich, melted chocolate. Come hungry, as you’re invited to eat everything you create.
Dig into the clay at Sandbourne Santa Monica
Santa Monica, California
In sun-soaked Santa Monica, just outside Los Angeles, the beach meets creativity at the Sandbourne Santa Monica, Autograph Collection. This chic hotel, steps from the beach and the iconic amusement pier, offers guests an exclusive Saturday ceramics class. Led by a skilled local potter, these sessions teach you to create pinch pots, ceramic tiles, and other handmade keepsakes.
Get crafty at The Industrialist Hotel
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is a city with an industrial heritage and an artistic soul. Guests of The Industrialist Hotel Pittsburgh, Autograph Collection, can explore the city’s creative side right in the hotel lounge, where local makers lead a rotating roster of hands-on workshops. From calligraphy to candle-making to leather-stamping, projects are done at communal tables, encouraging conversation and connection. A menu of seasonal nibbles adds to the convivial vibe, making it a perfect spot to create—and taste—something special.
Make soap at Alila Ventana Big Sur
Big Sur, California
Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by towering redwoods, the setting at the AAA Four Diamond Alila Ventana Big Sur is stunning. The resort offers a variety of creative workshops that lean into nature. One standout experience is Cold Process Soapmaking, where an artisan will guide you through the process of transforming natural ingredients, such as herbs and essential oils, into made-from-scratch soap. You’ll mix, scent, and pour your own skin-nourishing bars that are easy to take home in your carry-on.
Design a mask at the St. Regis Venice
Venice, Italy
With its maze of canals, Venice feels like a city lifted straight from a fairytale. The St. Regis Venice sits right on the famed Grand Canal, placing you in the heart of this magical place. Hotel guests can take part in mask-decorating workshops where you’ll design and paint your own mask while learning about the rich history of Venetian mask-making. Masks are a symbol of the city and have been made here since at least the 13th century, making them a perfect keepsake.
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These hotels prove that hobby tourism easily turns a getaway into something even more memorable: an experience that leaves you with a new skill long after checkout.