Learn a Skill
SADDLE UP
Learn to ride a horse on a week’s holiday in the Azores with specialist travel company In The Saddle. Your base is Quinta da Terça on the south of the island, and the historic house of the farm is one of the oldest homes on the island, dating from the 17th century. The sevennight trip costs from £905 per person, including full board, wine with dinner, 15 hours of riding and five theory lessons. It also includes airport transfers but not the flights. Non-riders are also welcome.01299-272997, www.inthesaddle.com
ART IN AFRICA
Cox & Kings has partnered with Art Safari in Africa to offer small-group holidays aimed at those inspired to paint and sketch the wildlife and landscapes of Botswana, Kenya, Malawi and Zambia. For example, Zambia: Large, Grey & Unmistakable, a 10- day/seven-night group tour costing from £2,895 per person, departs on 11 October, and is led by expert art-safari guide Mary-Anne Bartlett. Accommodation is Art Safari’s own riverbank lodge. The price includes flights from London, transfers and guided excursions and daily sketching.020-7873 5000, www.coxandkings.co.uk
TAKE TO THE WATER
New adventure sailing company Rubicon 3 offers two-week trips on an expedition yacht, during which you can learn to sail and explore spectacular islands, coastlines and cities. No experience is necessary and you can do as much or as little as you like. For example, Scotland 360, a 14-day leg of the expedition entitled The Wild North, departs from Inverness on 13 July, from £1,980 per person, and gives you the chance to explore the beauty of northern Scotland.020-3086 7245, www.rubicon3.co.uk
Learn to sculpt in MallorcaLEARN TO SCULPT
La Residencia, a luxurious, boutique hotel tucked in the foothills of the Serra Tramuntana on the northwest coast of Mallorca, has a resident sculptor, Juan Waelder, who offers various lessons, including lino cutting and clay modelling. The hotel also has a spa set in lush gardens among olive and citrus groves.Book with ITC Luxury Travel and stay four nights between now and 30 April, for the price of three; prices from £1,069 for two adults sharing a classic double room, including half board, return flights and private transfers. Sculpting classes from £100 for four hours.
01244-355550, www.itcluxurytravel.co.uk
USE YOUR LOAF
Finally, if the aforementioned sound too strenuous head for Bedruthan Hotel & Spa near Newquay, and learn to make delicious bread under the tuition of a master baker. After a lesson in choosing the right ingredients to add flavour and texture, you’ll get hands-on with handling dough, ranging from focaccia, ciabatta and flatbread, to bagels and sourdough. The next course is on 22 November, and costs £95 per person. Double rooms from £130 a night.01637-860860, www.bedruthan.com
Prices are correct at the time of going to press.
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk