Travel
5 travel retreats that will boost your creativity: from cooking in Greece to surfing in Bali
Add an extra dimension to your holiday by learning a new skill that will enrich you long after the memories have faded
The ‘fly and flop’ holiday is on the wane. Although we are more overworked, underpaid and emotionally frazzled than ever before, the effect it is having on what we do out of office is surprising. The experience economy – a trend that eschews ownership of things for meaningful life experiences – continues to gain popularity, according to a report from McKinsey & Company. In place of sybaritic fortnights spent in the Maldives, we’re now seeking out creative retreats and workshops around the world designed to educate, heal and nourish. From a world-class surf school in Bali to a literary retreat in Sussex, here’s our pick of the best.
For would-be surf bums… Canggu, Bali
When the COMO Group opened its latest outpost in the Balinese coastal town of Canggu, it was a game changer. Often regarded as the laid-back little sister to Uluwatu, Canggu is something of a paradise found for digital nomads, complete with a thriving cafe culture to rival that of Shoreditch or Melbourne. Thanks to COMO, it now has a world-class surf school too – Tropicsurf. Instructor CJ will take you through everything from basic board handling and balance simulations in the resort’s own lagoon to catching the best beginner breaks at nearby Echo Beach, igniting your core and your leg muscles to give you a full-body workout.
Available exclusively to hotel guests, classes from IDR 990,000; comohotels.com
When the COMO Group opened its latest outpost in the Balinese coastal town of Canggu, it was a game changer. Often regarded as the laid-back little sister to Uluwatu, Canggu is something of a paradise found for digital nomads, complete with a thriving cafe culture to rival that of Shoreditch or Melbourne. Thanks to COMO, it now has a world-class surf school too – Tropicsurf. Instructor CJ will take you through everything from basic board handling and balance simulations in the resort’s own lagoon to catching the best beginner breaks at nearby Echo Beach, igniting your core and your leg muscles to give you a full-body workout.
Available exclusively to hotel guests, classes from IDR 990,000; comohotels.com
For budding writers… East Sussex, UK
It’s said that everyone has a novel in them, but how are you supposed to find the time to get it out? The Department of Wellbeing may have the answer with its writer-inspired Bloomsbury retreats at Tilton House, which is nestled in the scenic South Downs and is the former home of John Maynard Keynes and his wife, Russian ballerina Lydia Lopokova. Over four days, guests are invited to fully immerse themselves in the lives and words of the Bloomsbury Set. Expect private tours of Charleston and Virginia Woolf’s neighbouring cottage in Rodmell, as well as free rein of Tilton’s library, where you can share your own stories by candlelight or scribble away in the garden cabin.
From £525 per person, the next retreat is from 25 to 28 June; departmentofwellbeing.co.uk
It’s said that everyone has a novel in them, but how are you supposed to find the time to get it out? The Department of Wellbeing may have the answer with its writer-inspired Bloomsbury retreats at Tilton House, which is nestled in the scenic South Downs and is the former home of John Maynard Keynes and his wife, Russian ballerina Lydia Lopokova. Over four days, guests are invited to fully immerse themselves in the lives and words of the Bloomsbury Set. Expect private tours of Charleston and Virginia Woolf’s neighbouring cottage in Rodmell, as well as free rein of Tilton’s library, where you can share your own stories by candlelight or scribble away in the garden cabin.
From £525 per person, the next retreat is from 25 to 28 June; departmentofwellbeing.co.uk
For frustrated florists… Tuscany, Italy
Flower arranging as a mindfulness practice can be traced back centuries, and Hackney florist Rebel Rebel has updated the art form with residential courses in Tuscany, where cofounders Mairead Curtin and Athena Duncan have taken over the Renaissance Villa Buonvisi, just outside the medieval city of Lucca. Learn how to forage for flora in the local fields and bring back swathes of wild sweet peas and cyclamen to arrange into bouquets, table pieces and larger wired installations. Dalston baking supremo The Dusty Knuckle Bakery is also on hand to provide courses in breadmaking, while lodging and some food and drink are included (think traditional Mediterranean fare with a London twist).
From £2,500 per person, the next retreat is from 6 to 10 August; rebelrebel.co.uk
Flower arranging as a mindfulness practice can be traced back centuries, and Hackney florist Rebel Rebel has updated the art form with residential courses in Tuscany, where cofounders Mairead Curtin and Athena Duncan have taken over the Renaissance Villa Buonvisi, just outside the medieval city of Lucca. Learn how to forage for flora in the local fields and bring back swathes of wild sweet peas and cyclamen to arrange into bouquets, table pieces and larger wired installations. Dalston baking supremo The Dusty Knuckle Bakery is also on hand to provide courses in breadmaking, while lodging and some food and drink are included (think traditional Mediterranean fare with a London twist).
From £2,500 per person, the next retreat is from 6 to 10 August; rebelrebel.co.uk
For fledgling gastronomes… Andros, Greece
One of the Greek Cyclades’ larger islands, Andros is home to Mèlisses – a chic villa run by Italian food stylist Allegra Pomilio – which hosts some of the best cookery workshops in the archipelago. Cook and bake with local produce while learning about the myriad benefits of Mediterranean cuisine. The next workshop is cohosted with Brooklyn-based food writer Yossy Arefi and Letitia Clark, former chef de partie at Skye Gyngell’s Spring and Ellory.
From €1,500, the next retreat is 30 August to 4 September; melisses-andros.com
One of the Greek Cyclades’ larger islands, Andros is home to Mèlisses – a chic villa run by Italian food stylist Allegra Pomilio – which hosts some of the best cookery workshops in the archipelago. Cook and bake with local produce while learning about the myriad benefits of Mediterranean cuisine. The next workshop is cohosted with Brooklyn-based food writer Yossy Arefi and Letitia Clark, former chef de partie at Skye Gyngell’s Spring and Ellory.
From €1,500, the next retreat is 30 August to 4 September; melisses-andros.com
For aspiring potters… Mashiko, Japan
The wabi-sabi approach of Japanese folk pottery, which champions the imperfection and transience of objects, is timeless. In the town of Mashiko, 90 miles north of Tokyo, you’ll find some of the most internationally renowned pottery practices such as Mashiko ware – distinctive for using a local brown clay and earthy-coloured glazes. Try your hand at turning a pot or two at the Mashiko Tougei Club, which has English-speaking instructors and classic ryokan accommodation for those looking to extend their stay.
Half-day classes from 3,700 yen; mashiko-tougei-club.jp
The wabi-sabi approach of Japanese folk pottery, which champions the imperfection and transience of objects, is timeless. In the town of Mashiko, 90 miles north of Tokyo, you’ll find some of the most internationally renowned pottery practices such as Mashiko ware – distinctive for using a local brown clay and earthy-coloured glazes. Try your hand at turning a pot or two at the Mashiko Tougei Club, which has English-speaking instructors and classic ryokan accommodation for those looking to extend their stay.
Half-day classes from 3,700 yen; mashiko-tougei-club.jp