SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
August 2024
11 Learning Holidays that Go Beyond what Textbooks can Teach
When they travel, kids broaden their horizons and try new things. But what if they could also pick up new skills, improve on current ones, and return home enriched by experiences that go far beyond what textbooks can teach? That’s what learning holidays can do for them. As it turns out, some holiday resorts already have learning programmes as part of their stay packages, or in their kids’ clubs. While none is academic, all are serious about learning through play, and their elevated offerings reflect that. We reckon that the change of environment also fosters a greater spark for discovery and exploration, making it more conducive for kids to embrace new knowledge. But don’t just take our word for it. Try one of these for your next family holiday, and let us know how it works out for you and your kids.
(See also: BEYOND KIDS’ CLUBS: NEW FAMILY AND KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AT HOTELS & RESORTS)
1. Tennis & Triathlon training
Thanyapura Sports and Health Resort, Phuket
With world class facilities and expert coaching available, sports enthusiasts can craft their own training holiday, or book one of the resort’s sports packages. Starting from three-day packages, these offer private coaching in multiple sports, including aquatics, cycling, running, and even triathlon. Aspiring Djokovics and Williamses who sign up for Junior Tennis packages will have daily private 60-minute training sessions in the resort’s four indoor and two outdoor courts, and an hour-long nutrition consultation or physiotherapy. There’s also a Junior Triathlon package which offers private bike, swim, or run training sessions, and sports massage. After honing their skills, kids can sign up for Thanyapura’s youth tournaments to pit their abilities against their peers. Learn more here.
2. Artistic and cinematic pursuits
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes, France
Little ones aged four to 12 years staying in the hotel can dream big in this filmmaker’s paradise, with a fabulously curated line-up of stimulating activities at Le Studio by Petit VIP. Apart from foreign language workshops and conservation awareness, they can explore creative pursuits such as sculpture, photography, music, and comics. Big screen lovers especially, will love being able to put their creative skills to work. They can compose their own soundtrack, make a music video, and even venture out on a Cannes Cinema Tour (paid). Learn more here.
3. Baduk / Go / Weiqi
Blackie’s International Baduk Academy (BIBA), Korea
Situated in the centre of Seoul, BIBA offers summer camps for anyone who is keen to improve their mastery of Go. There’s no need to know Korean, and any age is welcome — “As long as you can put a stone on the board, you should be fine! 😉”. Choose from one to four week camps, play with people from all over the world or even top professional players, and learn about Korean culture in the process. You’ll have to look for your own accommodation, but the school can offer recommendations based on your budget. Learn more here.
4. Marine and eco conservation
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji
Nestled in the unspoilt sanctuary of Fiji’s verdant Savusavu Bay, activities here take inspiration from its namesake French oceanographic explorer, environmentalist, and filmmaker. The resort’s award-winning Kids Bula Club offers programmes rooted in the Pacific island’s local traditions and toddlers as young as two years can participate, from regenerative agriculture at “Soil School” to mangrove and coral planting, cultivating oysters, and filtering water. Learn more here.
(See also: 8 ECO-FRIENDLY RESORT GETAWAYS FOR YOUR NEXT FAMILY HOLIDAY)
5. Scuba diving
Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Philippines
Get certified in scuba diving as a family here, with PADI programmes for children starting from eiht years old. The resort’s shallow pools are perfect for training, while child-sized equipment and underwater toys make it fun for young ones to learn. Dive together at the house reef right in front of the resort, then venture out to one of the many entry-level dive sites with your personal dive guides. The resort also runs a soup kitchen next to the Dumaguete dump site, and supports schooling for children here so they do not have to rummage for items to sell on the dump site. Guests can visit, help at, and sponsor the Soup Kitchen – definitely an eye-opening experience for kids and adults alike. Learn more here.
6. Mandarin immersion
Sky Kids, Taiwan
Honestly, just spending time out and about in Taiwan will improve anyone’s grasp of Mandarin. But if you’re hoping that your children can stretch their Mandarin linguistic abilities even further, an immersion camp can help. Sky Kids is a community-style camp programme centred around a life-based and creative approach to learning, appreciating, and applying the Chinese language. Through hands-on art and maker activities, kids learn Mandarin that’s useful for school and in daily life. Learn more here.
7. K-Pop Dance
Real K-Pop Dance, Korea
Obviously, there are tons of K-Pop dance schools in Seoul, but this caters to a global audience. Hence classes are conducted in English, and there is no language barrier. No dance experience is required, and families can book a private class to learn together. What’s more, you’ll receive class pictures, a video, and a Real K-Pop Dance class certificate after the session! Apart from single-session classes, there are also dance classes and tour combinations, as well as a K-Pop dance camp. Learn more here.
8. Wildlife conservation volunteering
Borneo, Malaysia
Suitable for kids from age eight onwards, this week-long experience takes families off well-trodden paths and into the heart of the Borneo rainforest. Here, they will live and work among the local Orang Sungai, “the people of the river”. Through hands-on activities such as reforestation and wildlife watching, they will be helping to protect natural habitats, and the species that live in them, such as orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and birds. Learn more here.
9. Survival skills & Nature-based learning
Ayana Bali, Bali, Indonesia
At Green Camp Ayana, children aged seven to 12 years participate in immersive experiences that combine outdoor adventures, nature-based learning, team-building programs, and personal and social growth. Each day’s activities are themed to ensure that kids get the most of these “purpose-driven camp experiences”, whether they be food foraging, mangrove explorations by kayak, climbing coconut trees, or building with bamboo.
For younger ones aged two and a half to six years, there’s a Montessori Children’s Adventure Camp which engages them in bilingual (English and Mandarin) learning about the culture and ecosystem of Bali. Learn more here.
10. Naturalist explorers
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, Malaysia
Surrounded by mangroves and nature reserves, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort is a natural paradise for little explorers. They’ll get to glimpse into the hidden world of marine life, and join the Resident Naturalist on a birdwatching walk. For more hands-on learning, the resort’s terrarium-making class guides children on creating their own miniature ecosystems. The traditional art of batik is also brought to life, as young artists express their creativity through vibrant fabric designs. With bicycles, open-air movie nights, and a variety of clubs for different age groups, there’s an adventure for every child. For longer stays, the resort’s “Splashing Fun” stay package comes with Adventure Waterpark tickets and complimentary resort activities. Learn more here.
(See also: 8 ISLAND RESORT GETAWAYS NEAR SINGAPORE TO VISIT FOR THE ULTIMATE FUN AND RELAXING FAMILY HOLIDAY)
11. Jungle appreciation
Khao Sok Resort, Thailand
Swop the urban jungle for the real thing, as you stay in a ‘treehouse’ and feast on (organic) farm-to-table delicacies. The Jungle Life Camp immerses kids in experiential learning activities inspired by nature. They’ll collect flowers, leaves, and seeds to create works of art, make and release seed bombs, learn to craft a shelter in the woods, make rope from banana trees, go on jungle walks, learn about insects and more. Learn more here.
Surfing
Treasure Island, Hong Kong
Even kids as young as five years can learn to find and ride the perfect wave here. Camp days include three hours of surfing and one hour of beach safety instruction on land. But it’s not all work; there’ll be fun and games every day too. Lunch and snacks are included, and surfers return home everyday. Older ones aged nine to 13 years get an overnight camping option, where they’ll pitch their own tents, cook, and enjoy a movie on the beach, under the stars. Learn more here.
(See also: 17 NEW STAYCATION DEALS AND PERKS FOR FAMILIES IN 2024)
Featured image: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji
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