Some vacationers relish lounging by the pool with a good book , taking a walk on the beach , or savoring spa time . A growing number of others, however, are craving a challenge. According to Hilton's 2026 trend report , more than seven in 10 travelers desire desire a “skillcation,” a vacation spent learning a new skill, passion, or hobby.
“A skillcation goes beyond sightseeing and relaxation, and incorporates learning something new along the way,” explains Jonathan Alder, a Winter Park, Florida-based luxury travel advisor and founder of Jonathan’s Travels . “It gives travelers the chance to develop a specific skill while being truly immersed in the destination and the environment best suited to that experience.”
We know what you're thinking. Why dedicate time for a class during vacation, when you could be indulging in some R&R? The experts are right there on-site, and often, it’s much easier to unplug than it might be at home. Alder admits that “being away from home also removes everyday distractions, allowing travelers to be fully present.”
Southern travel advisors we spoke to, including Alder, confirm that they’re noticing an uptick in interest in skillcations in the last year or two as more folks “want their travel to feel purposeful rather than purely recreational,” he tells Southern Living . “Hands-on experiences allow us to engage with a destination, as well as local experts, in a meaningful way that often deepens our appreciation of a place.”
At the same time, we’re able to take home a priceless souvenir: some personal growth. In case you’re not sold on the idea already, get this: You need not leave your hotel to hop aboard this trend—and head home with a new level of expertise.
From basketweaving and beekeeping to astrology and even astronaut training, read on to study up on your curriculum options, all taking place at hotels and resorts across the South .
Note: Some of these courses are open to the public, while others are reserved for hotel guests. Contact the property's concierge to learn more about experience times, cost, and availability.
Hummus Making Class At 1 Hotel South Beach
Miami, Florida
Store-bought is fine in certain instances, but once you’ve tasted how creamy and cloud-like hummus can be, you’ll probably say “ bless your heart ” to the tubs of bean dip at the supermarket. Using an iconic recipe from James Beard Award Winning Chef Michael Solomonov as a guide, guests can join AVIV restaurant chef de cuisine Alberto Sabbadini inside 1 Hotel South Beach to learn how to whip up next-level hummus step by step. The class includes the recipe and instruction, plus mixed drinks (N/A or boozy), homemade saluf bread for scooping, and other Mediterranean-inspired snacks.
Astronaut In Training At Lake Nona Wave Hotel
Orlando, Florida
Reach for the stars at Lake Nona Wave Hotel , the closest luxury hotel to Cape Canaveral. Sign up for the Astronaut Training Experience , and you can float through an immersive simulation to study up on deep space travel, try your hand at driving rovers, attempt to walk through Mars unique terrain, and even get swept off your feet in a microgravity simulator. If that’s not enough interstellar action, add on the hotel’s “To Nona and Beyond” package, which comes with an in-room star projector, a space-themed cocktail, and a screening of the documentary Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo .
Wrangler Training At Cataloochee Ranch
Maggie Valley, North Carolina
Slip on your cowboy boots and channel your inner rodeo star at Cataloochee Ranch . That’s where you’ll meet Trace Guyer, director of beef cattle operations, for a crash course in roping livestock. No need to saunter over with skills already. The course begins with a basic introduction to the technique, and evolves into hands-on guidance. Stick around for a chance to feed Guyer’s herd of Black Angus Cattle and learn more about the ranch’s cattle program.
Foraging And Nature Skills Walks At The Lodge At Primland
Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia
Enroll in this eco-minded masterclass, and you’ll join one of The Lodge at Primland ’s naturalist instructors to explore the 12,000-acre property while learning more about the region’s flora. Along the way, your guide will sprinkle in insights about local ecology and will reveal which plants and mushrooms are edible, so you can savor them on-site and in the future when you come across your favorites.
Sweetgrass Basket-Making Class At Wild Dunes Resort
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
For more than three centuries, Charlestonians have transformed locally-grown bulrush into sturdy and beautiful woven baskets. Learn the craft from a Charleston native, Sarah Hammond, at nearby Wild Dunes Resort . During the two-hour class in the resort lobby, you’ll learn the weaving method, then will be able to craft your very own masterpiece to take home—along with your basket-making skills.
Beekeeping At Southall
Franklin, Tennessee
In addition to the 62 guest rooms and suites and 16 private cottages, the expansive grounds of Southall Farm & Inn are home to more than 8 million bees, which fly amidst the property’s 140 hives. Saving and supporting the bees is such a priority to Southall that they have their very own “honey sommelier,” Jay Williams. Meet him for a Guided Apiary Tour and Bee Cruise for a behind-the-scenes tour of the apiaries. Feeling brave? Don a beekeeping suit and gloves, open a live beehive, then taste some honey straight from the source.
Fly Fishing At Hotel Burg
Leesburg, Virginia
For 170 years, Orvis has been known as a high-quality, family-owned outdoor outfitter. With a motto like “fly fishing gear and more since 1856,” the brand is a natural fit to partner with Hotel Burg to host the boutique hotel’s deep dive into all things fly fishing . Select from a half-day or full-day guided experience, and you’ll be equipped with gear (rods, reels, and flies), lunch and drinks, and transportation to and from the 39-room property. All you need to do is sign up, show up, and tune into the angler tips. Soon, you too, will be reeling in an epic catch.
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