Beyond the Pool: Family Resorts That Teach and Inspire

Vacationing at a family resort is all about bonding, relaxing and having fun. But at some resorts, you can also learn new skills and discover hidden talents while creating lifelong memories with your loved ones. Here, we share six world-class resorts where you can embark on new challenges while enjoying more fun and quality time together.

Cultural immersion at Wailea Beach Resort

Hawai’i is popular with families not only because of its laid-back beaches and tropical scenery but also because of its captivating culture. Families can find enriching experiences by diving into Hawaiian culture at Wailea Beach Resort in southern Maui, an oceanfront resort with access to two golden-sand beaches, three family-friendly pools (one of which has four waterslides), a private cinema and a full-service spa. Here, you can partake in traditional games and complimentary workshops for hula, ukulele, lei-making and quilting as well as listen to a fireside “talk story,” a Polynesian ancestral tradition of passing along their expert skills in fishing, gathering and voyaging as well as their knowledge of the Earth and its elements.

Families can see these stories come to life at the resort’s lū’au, Te Au Moana: The Ocean Tide. The ticketed event, held four days a week year-round, features vibrant song and dance performances; cultural activities such as hula dancing and temporary Hawaiian-style tattoos; and a family-style Hawaiian dinner.

Farming and falconry at Biltmore Estate

At Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, comprising an elegant inn, casual hotel and Vanderbilt-era restored cottages, guests can explore the ancient art of falconry with an expert whose tutelage will allow you to experience the thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand.

Visitors also can experience the estate’s farming heritage with complimentary introductory lessons to farm life and animal encounters at the Farmyard, home to hens, lambs, calves, goats and draft horses. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the estate’s black Angus beef cattle herd, Berkshire hog facilities, hydroponic greenhouses and picturesque vineyards to understand where your food comes from. Most of the estate’s dining establishments, including the Stable Café and The Dining Room, incorporate the farm produce in their menu selections, paired with Biltmore Estate wines.

All activities are included with a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or an overnight stay at one of the estate’s properties.

Pickleball like a pro at the Hamilton Princess

The Fairmont-affiliated Hamilton Princess & Beach Club boasts a private beach club with a white sand beach, an impressive collection of modern and pop art, and Bermuda’s first and only full-service hotel marina. It’s also where families can learn to play pickleball like a pro. The sport is low-impact, entertaining and one that all ages can enjoy together. Resort guests can book lessons at the breezy outdoor courts sheltered by Sinky Bay. Paid hourly classes are offered to families of up to four players, while the equipment and courts are available free to all guests.

Gladiator training experience at Rome Cavalieri

When visiting the Eternal City, don’t just learn about history and culture; rather, play a part in it. Perched on Rome’s highest hilltop, the Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, offers panoramic views of the city. Here amid the hotel’s 15 lush acres, kids and adults can participate in the Gladiator Training experience (ages 7 and up). You’ll dress in full gladiator attire, with a traditional tunic, Roman sandals, a belt and protective gloves—all included with a two-hour lesson. Combat instructors from Rome’s Gladiatorial School demonstrate how to wield a wooden training sword and different gladiator styles of combat as well as explore why gladiators were regarded as superheroes in ancient Rome. After a good fight, relax at the hotel’s marble-lined Turkish bath, and dine at La Pergola, Rome’s only 3-Michelin-starred restaurant.

A deep dive into marine biology at The Ritz-Carlton, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is a 5-star resort on a private island featuring sleek overwater and beach villas. The resort curates a year-round calendar for families to participate in recycling, coral regeneration and ongoing research in marine biology. A first-of-its-kind program in the Asia-Pacific, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment offers guests of all ages a chance to interact with biologists to learn about plankton and manta rays through virtual reality, attend presentations on marine life and environmental studies, and explore how to become responsible environmental stewards. The entire family can go on a complimentary Coral Garden Snorkeling adventure to visit coral nurseries, plant coral fragments and learn the importance of corals in the archipelago.

Underwater wonders at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

One of the coolest ways for families to experience scuba diving and explore a magical underwater world is at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Renowned for its views of Mount Otemanu and its iconic overwater bungalows, the resort caters to travelers looking to immerse in French Polynesian culture and nature. The on-property dive center and its partner DIVEASY welcome guests of any skill level to explore the oceans. Guests as young as 10 can enroll in entry-level PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses and progress to Open Water Diver certification during their stay. Those at least 8 years old can gain confidence with pool-based introductory scuba programs. Marine biologists from marine education company WiseOceans also offer snorkeling and conservancy adventures for guests.

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By combining learning and adventure, you’ll not only acquire new skills on your next vacation but also find new ways to connect as a family. An action-packed stay lets everyone return with exciting memories—and perhaps even bragging rights.