Relax and learn? Here's why vacationers are craving more than a perfect tan this holiday season

As the Chinese proverb goes, it is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books. This philosophy highlighting the importance of personal experience and first-hand learning is perhaps why Hongkongers are some of the most well-travelled global citizens, pre-pandemic at least. 

Taking something valuable away from a trip rather than only time spent with a drink in hand on the beach is one way to describe a typical travel experience among many of the city’s frequent flyers. That’s not to say Hongkongers don’t know how to relax and unwind; according to a travel resort group Club Med survey, island and beach retreat tops the list of vacations people most look forward to in 2022. 

More and more, resorts and hotels that cater to travelling families are creating educational experiences to enrich their stay and beyond. According to Club Med’s Hong Kong and Taiwan general manager Stuart de Bourgogne, families want to bring healthy and new habits home, which could often mean picking up a new sport or learning to eat healthily.  

“Club Med is the biggest sports school in the World which offers 60 types of land and water sports – guests can try something new, develop an interest and keep going when they get home,” he says. 

Engaging family members of all ages in different activities mean everyone can get a chance to have a bit of me time. “Club Med introduced the Amazing Family program in 2019 to encourage families to spend quality time together, activities include family yoga classes so that families can enjoy wellness activities together, but some Me Time – so wellness programmes like spa fits their needs.”

While Club Med offers everything from mountain adventures to underwater exploration, other resorts like Six Senses are engaging guests with practical living skills they can bring home. 

Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives recently launched its Sustainability Camp and the Junior Marine Biology Programme, where teenage guests stay engaged with various activities. 

Experts in these respective fields of conservation lead sessions that touch on topics such as waste reduction, farming, and marine protection. Kids can split their time between enjoying the various activities on the resort and, at the same time bringing valuable lessons home. 

Guest education coordinator of the Maldives Underwater Initiative at Six Senses Laamu Greg Holder says the idea to create these experiences stemmed straight from guests. “We found that many teenagers were very interested in learning more about sustainability and marine conservation, but we didn’t have activities attractive for their age group. Our Sustainability Camp is a chance to share our insights, skills and, above all, our passion for nature and conservation….”  

Thes two resorts are just among the many that are increasingly catering wellness needs; while some guests prefer a relaxing, carefree beach holiday, others want to bring home more than a perfectly sunkissed tan.

Also see: Curated rest and sleep programmes on the rise across post-pandemic Asia