Master Class: 5 New Obsessions to Pick Up on Vacation

 

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Train with a Muay Thai pro in Koh Samui

At Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, a day-long immersion in the traditional art of Thai kick-boxing begins in the training ring. With  the instruction of a seasoned professional, you’ll learn new techniques or practise existing moves and skills. After your Muay Thai lesson, break for a muscle-easing spa treatment, and then head to the Chaweng Boxing Stadium, where you and your trainer will watch a pro match from VIP seats.

An icon of the Côte d’Azur since 1950, the swimming pool of Club Dauphin has seen an impressive list of celebrities – from Elizabeth Taylor to Elton John – learning how to master their swim at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat since 1950. Above the rocky coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the 37-metre heated infinity pool is the ideal place to practise breathing control and stroke technique that benefit both serious swimmers and visitors just hoping to feel more comfortable in the water.

The Texas capital of live music, Austin offers plenty of venues for listening to noteworthy bands. At Four Seasons Hotel Austin, your  guest room can be one of them. Through the complimentary Taylor Guitar Concierge program, you can host your own four-hour jam session. Beginners or guitar players looking for more practice can opt for a private lesson from a local musician. “Austin’s long musical heritage makes it the perfect place for guests to explore their creative talents and find inspiration in a new or improved skill,” says General Manager Rob Hagelberg.

Learning to fly takes on new meaning at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, where AntiGravity® Yoga lures both novices and long-time yogis seeking an alternative to their standard practice. Supported by soft hammocks, students explore full-body movements designed to increase strength and flexibility. “Once you let go of your fears and trust the instructor – as well as the strength of the hammock – you feel such a sense of achievement,” says Yoga Master Putu Purnama. “This is the most rewarding thing about teaching AntiGravity Yoga: seeing the guests’ delight when they surprise themselves.”

 

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Take up a sport favoured by English kings with a falconry lesson at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. A hunting tradition with deep roots in Hampshire, falconry now showcases the strength and majesty of birds of prey while pointing towards ecology and education. “We go on Hawk Walks around the estate to demonstrate all the techniques and equipment used in falconry,” says Simon Wilson, a falconer at Four Seasons. “Falcons are experts at body language, so we teach guests body language techniques to get the birds to move.” After learning the basics, slip on a glove and try flying a falcon, hawk or owl.

Vacations are about breaking from the routine and enjoying a few restful days (or weeks!) with a fresh perspective. As you explore new activities, remember that one of the simplest lessons – and one of the hardest to learn – is to sit back, relax and enjoy the view.