Gadling

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts recently learned that almost one out of every three affluent travelers is interested in learning a new skill or activity during their vacation (according to their market research company, YPartnership). Additional research of their own found that more than 70 percent of those surveyed wanted to “get outdoors and participate in programming that includes a learning element.”

Just imagine it: instead of merely lying on a beach, you could learn a real skill from a local master on your vacation. It’s like an old-school apprenticeship opportunity, only all one needs to participate is the will and the cash — actually, yeah, it’s exactly like an old-school apprenticeship opportunity. With a nicer room.

Current “Apprentice-Trips” being offered include learning French at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Canada, falconry at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, and aromachology at Fairmont Monte Carlo in Monaco, as well as surfing, wine and beer education, baking and throwing parties at various other locations. Click here for a full list of what you can learn and where.

Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui (above) is taking the opportunity to educate guests about ecology. The new Eco-Learning package teaches guests how to “malama ‘aina” or “take care of the land.” Guests will be taught both the art and the significance of Hawaiian canoeing as well as the associated chants, local history and given opportunities from the Pacific Whale Foundation such as birdwatching, working as a farm hand and helping preserve Honokowai Valley, an archaeological site closed to the public.

For those of you looking to get the most out of your luxury vacation, definitely check out the Apprentice-Trips. Most of the packages last three or four days, so you can always tack on a few extra for blissing out by the sea.