2021 is the year for more meaningful holidays and we’re looking to expand our horizon and try our hands at learning something new when booking our holidays this year.

From daring free-diving lessons to heartache healing programmes, we’ve curated some of the most enriching luxury wellness and learning breaks from around the world. Because after the drama of the last year, there’s nothing better than a holiday that can uplift and energise the soul.

Learn to Free dive at Alphonse Island

Alphonse Island, one of the gems of the Blue Safari Seychelles portfolio, is offering free-diving experiences that will excite even the most enthusiastic adventure seeker. The free diving experiences are taught by Zimbabwean Frediving record holder Christian Burger.

The two-day free diving course covers everything from dive theory to pool skills before students can explore the depths of the Indian Ocean. There’s plenty to explore above water in Alphonse Island too with its stunning natural surroundings, exceptional facilities and first-class staff.

Alphonse Island offers freediving package from two days to seven days starting from $368 (USD) (including theory and tuition). Accommodation in a Beach Suite on a full-board basis with inter-island return flights starts from $6860 per person based on two people sharing.

For information contact reservations@alphonse-island.com. www.alphonse-island.com

Sleep under the stars in Botswana

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to sleep under the stars in the desert? Well, with luxury safari operator Desert & Delta, now you can enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping out under the stars in the Salt Pans of Makgadikgadi, one of the world’s largest salt flats.

The experience is complimentary for guests staying three nights or more at Desert & Delta’s beautiful Leroo Le Tau lodge. If camping out isn’t your cup of tea, guests can choose to visit the wildlife rich Nxai Pans instead. For the ultimate luxury experience, guests can also journey to the pans via a ‘doorless’ helicopter, offering incredible views of Botswana’s unique desert landscape.

This ‘Sleep-Out Under the Stars’ experience is available from 15th August – 31st October 2021, and 15th July – 31st October 2022. While it is complimentary for guests staying three nights of more at the Leroo Le Tau Lodge, those looking for a more private experience can book a solo trip for a total of $750. For more information visit https://desertdelta.com/

Learn to build an Igloo at Hotel Le Coucou

The Hotel Le Coucou in Méribel has introduced a number of outdoor learning experiences to our elevate your next ski trip. Guests can learn to build an igloo or join a Snow Yoga or Snow boxing class, or even paraglide amongst the clouds.

Nature enthusiasts can also hike in the forest or explore the snowy landscapes with via snowshoe, snowmobile or even sled dog, proving that Méribel as more than just a ski destination. The five-star Hotel Le Coucou is part of the Maison Pariente group and has 55 suites and rooms, two private chalets and a boutique Tata Harper spa too. Perfect for a luxurious alpine experience, unlike anything else on Three Valleys.

Nightly rates at Hotel Le Coucou start from 460 Euros on a half board basis. For reservations and information email reservations@lecoucoumeribel.com. Please note that Hotel Le Coucou is only open for the ski season.

‘Heal your heartache’ at Chablé Yucatan and Chablé Maroma

There is no wellness break more enriching than one that heals the soul and Chablé Yucatan and Chablé Maroma’s bespoke ‘Heal your Heartache’ programme may be exactly what we need after all the drama of 2020.

The programme was designed to help guests rekindle an inner connection and increase their self-worth. It includes sunrise and sunset yoga in the jungle, a ‘Sound of the Sea’ massage ritual and a cleansing ‘Rain Goddess’ ritual which includes a body exfoliation (to scrub away all memories of your ex).

The experience concludes with the Temazcal ceremony which is an intense steam-house treatment that promises to reconnect guests with their inner spirit. Where do we sign up?

Rates at Chablé Yucatán start from $1,106 (approx. £790) per night for a Casita with private pool, including breakfast and taxes. Rates at Chablé Maroma start from $850 (approx. £608) per night for a Villa with a private pool, including breakfast and taxes. For more information visit https://chablehotels.com/

Master outdoor yoga at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof

The Grand Hotel Kronenhof, just six miles from St. Moritz, has installed outdoor spa platforms so you can master outdoor yoga amidst the beauty of Engadine Valley. The four wooden platforms, assembled on various levels on the hotel’s calm-inducing gardens, are the perfect socially-distance solution to learning Pilates, Yoga and Meditation. Not to mention they also offer incredible views of the glistening Val Roseg glacier and the breath-taking Staz forest too.

Grand Hotel Kronenhof summer rates start from CHF455 (approx. £390) for two people sharing a double room on a half-board basis. Alternatively, upgrade to a “Suite Summer Deal” from CHF599 (approx. £515) for two people sharing a Suite on a B&B basis. Book online at www.kronenhof.com or call +41 81 830 3030.

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