TRAVAASA HANA
Maui, Hawaii
The former Hotel Hana–Maui, in the tiny, traditional town of Hana on Maui’s secluded eastern shore, is a low-key resort that offers a wide array of enriching activities led by cultural guides. Learn how to hula (it’s trickier than it looks, but fun to try), make your own fresh-flower leis or take a ukulele lesson.
travaasa.com/hana
TRAVAASA AUSTIN
Austin, Texas
Given Austin’s rich musical history, it’s no surprise that music is on the menu at Travaasa. A seasoned local musician teaches small-group harmonica lessons; you don’t have to read music to play. Guests can also learn the Texas Two-Step, a country-western partner dance sure to impress friends back home. (Cowboy boots are optional.)
travaasa.com/Austin
RED MOUNTAIN RESORT
St. George, Utah
Drawing inspiration from the region’s Native American heritage, use ancient Anasazi techniques and tools to hand-shape pottery and decorate with paints made from natural ground minerals and native vegetation. On the three-hour Native American Art Walk, archaeologist Borna Johnson reveals aspects of the region’s rich cultural history by way of ancient rock art.
redmountainresort.com
THE TIDES RIVIERA MAYA
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Casita Maya, an authentic Mayan cooking experience, includes a trip to the market to gather ingredients before you prepare a traditional meal in a typical Mayan house featuring wood-stick walls, a palapa roof and an in-ground Mayan oven, or pib. Learn to make Tikin Xic, a fish and vegetable favorite flavored with the Mayan herb achiote, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked on hot coals. Savor the results in a lush jungle setting.
tidesrivieramaya.com