For my family, a great vacation walks the line between decompressing and experiencing something new. And there’s nothing hands-on crafts to help us ease into vacation mode while learning about a destination.
I love crafts workshops on vacation for a second reason, too: Being absorbed in a handicraft, such as knitting or weaving, helps me facilitate flow state, an immersive and fulfilling connection between mind and body. I did my graduate studies in education and can speak to the benefits of tactile experiences at any age, whether it’s learning a new skill or returning to a childhood hobby.
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More and more, hotels and all-inclusive resorts are offering a variety of DIY workshops that provide a window into local culture. From making a flower lei in Hawaii to creating dreamcatchers in Mexico, hands-on activities with a sense of place resonate with my family. To help inspire you and yours, I’m sharing eight of my favorite craft workshop experiences at all-inclusive resorts around the world.
Flower power at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Waikiki, Hawaii
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort enjoys a prime location in the heart of Waikiki Beach, with comfortable rooms, onsite dining, and a can-do staff. With Pacific water as blue as a gemstone, it’s hard to fathom spending much time away from the beach. However, the hotel tempts guests with an array of offerings that delve into the Aloha spirit.
Luana Maitland, Area Director of Cultural Experiences for OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels and her team host hula dancing and ukelele lessons, plus daily hands-on classes. My favorite was the lei-making workshop. These floral garlands stand as a powerful symbol of Hawaiian culture, worn in times of both joy and sorrow. As we strung dendrobium orchids into wreaths, Luana explained that traditionally, village men would stumble upon beautiful blossoms while foraging, braid them, and bring them home as gifts for their sweetheart or mama.
Cozy crafts at The Chatwal Lodge, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, White Lake, New York
The Catskills have been a playground for generations of East Coast families. I’ve been visiting the lakes, ski slopes, and small towns that dot the region since I was a toddler, so I can’t help but feel nostalgic.
The Chatwal Lodge is an all-inclusive property with 14 upscale guest accommodations, including treehouses that should impress even jaded teens. The vibe is intimate and the service personalized.
The resort makes the most of its bucolic lakeside location with an array of outdoor activities, from hiking to fly-fishing. There’s no skimping when it comes to laidback handicraft classes held in front of the cozy fireplace in winter and beneath shady trees in summer.
During a recent January stay, I enjoyed participating in a beginner’s crocheting class while the kids had to be dragged away from a cookie-decorating workshop. Next time, I’ll try flower arranging and seasonal-themed ornament painting.
Aloe activities at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, Eagle Beach, Aruba
Aruba is a Caribbean island filled with exotic fauna, from swaying divi-divi trees to candle cacti. Aloe grows in abundance and is a key ingredient in locally made beauty products.
The JOIA Aruba by Iberostar is a swanky new hotel directly across from a postcard-pretty swath of Eagle Beach, consistently rated one of the top beaches in the Caribbean.
The hotel leans local with guest offerings infused with aloe. Upon arrival, we were handed a refreshing mocktail made with aloe juice. At the spa, aloe was used in my detoxifying body wrap.
As much as we loved spending time swimming on Eagle Beach, we were glad we took a break to make our own aloe body scrub. The guided workshop was held at twilight on the patio, allowing us to glimpse the glorious sunset as we pummeled aloe pulp and mixed it with coconut oil, oatmeal, and assorted botanicals, creating a personalized scrub to take home.
Gardening at Pendry Natirar, Peapack, New Jersey
Nestled in rolling hills only an hour from NYC is the Pendry Natirar, a new hotel fit for royalty. In fact, it was the estate of the King of Morocco when his children attended Princeton University. Crisscrossed by walking trails and the Raritan River, it’s a dream for anyone who want to get hands-on as they connect with nature.
The resort’s farm is a springboard for active gardening workshops. Plan on toiling in the soil as you plant seeds and bulbs in the garden and greenhouse, and learn to arrange cut flowers. Seasonal activities, like decorating eggs with natural dyes, add some festive fun.
Paint a pretty picture at Flathead Lake Lodge, Bigfork, Montana
Flathead Lake Lodge is an all-inclusive ranch with pine-scented air and a namesake lake that’s a boater’s paradise. A vacation here is a rustic fantasy where you can rough it in luxury thanks to conveniences such as daily laundry service and meals featuring local ingredients.
If you’re into the Cowboy Core trend, you’ve hit the jackpot. An extensive horseback riding program anchors the resort, though my kids and I enjoyed a weeklong vacation without ever getting in the saddle. We opted to hike, waterski, and play tennis. There are plenty of low-key, hands-on options as well, from flower arranging to Western-themed crafts for the kids.
The sublime scenery inspired my daughter and I to give the painting class a try. We’re both more crafty than artsy; while we didn’t exactly give Van Gogh any competition, our instructor shared tips that helped us to truly observe the beautiful landscape as we painted and chatted with other guests.
Dream weaving at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an all-inclusive beachfront resort in Playa del Carmen with sparkling swimming pools, a spa offering treatments for the entire family, and a top-notch kid’s club.
I’ve been to numerous resorts along the Riviera Maya; Grand Velas stands out for its commitment to connecting guests to the traditions of Mexico. On a recent vacation, we tried a beading class, a guacamole-making lesson, and wove our own dreamcatchers, something the people of the Yucatán Peninsula have done for centuries. Dreamcatchers are thought to bring good luck and are easy to tote home, even for people like my family, who travel with carry-on only.
Make a basket at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Savusavu, Fiji
The all-inclusive Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is a dream vacation for families craving an aquatic immersion and an immersion in Fijian culture. Guests sleep in traditional huts called bure and eat tropical produce from the onsite organic garden.
The resort’s two full-time marine biologists take families on snorkeling adventures and rock pool explorations that dive into this watery wonderland. There’s also a fabulous kids club when parents crave some adults-only time.
After you’ve dried off from your ocean adventures, try basket weaving, a Fijian craft that has been passed down through the generations. You’ll gather palm fronds and learn how to plait them into mats, fans, and baskets with expert guidance from the friendly staff. A trio of local musicians serenaded us as we worked, enhancing the experience.
The art of the mask at the St. Regis Venice, Venice, Italy
With its canals and beautiful squares, Venice looks like a fairytale. It’s my family’s all-time favorite city. Though it’s not all-inclusive, the exclusive St. Regis—which sits right on the Grand Canal—treats kids and their parents like movie stars.
The hotel offers several hands-on guest experiences, including a mask decorating workshop. Masks are a symbol of this city and have been made and worn here since at least the 13th century. You’ll design and paint your mask with the help of an expert artisan who will teach you a bit about the history of masks as you perfect your technique.
