More and more travellers are wanting to learn or boost a new skillset whilst on holiday. Discovering a new activity, sport or craft provides an added sense of achievement to travellers who return home from a holiday with more than just memories and a suntan.
Bespoke Soap Making at Borgo Pignano in Tuscany
Borgo Pignano, set in the heart of a picturesque 750-acre organic estate in Tuscany, focuses on sustainability, encouraging guests to get involved with bespoke soap making. With a trained herbalist they discover the different herb and flower species grown at Borgo Pignano and how they are manufactured into oils and soaps for use at the hotel. The price for Soap Making at Borgo Pignano starts from €50 per person, max 6 people per class.
Information: borgopignano.com/en/experiences/laboratory.html 
Play like a Pro at Verdura Resort in Sicily
Verdura Resort, with two kilometres of private beach, Kyle Phillips golf courses, a kids club, 20 new villas, four restaurants and six clay tennis courts, runs the Sunball Tennis Academy. Aimed at players of all ages, world-class tennis instructors unveil secret tips from the likes of Nadal and Federer. It also hosts guest tournaments and special tennis camps with famous ex-professionals like tennis legends Dominik Hrbaty, Mikael Tillstrom, and Karel Nováček who will be at Verdura Resort from 22-29 October. Rooms start from €365 per night in a Deluxe Room on B&B basis. A 90-minute individual tennis lesson with a star player starts from €85.
Information: roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/verdura-resort 
Kids learn to play football at Forte Village in Sardinia
Forte Village, located on the south coast of Sardinia organizes sporting academies hosting some of the biggest sporting legends. Young footballers can perfect their skills through the Fundación Real Madrid Clinic at Forte Village. This rare opportunity is for children aged six to fourteen, and while they are busy, their parents can take full advantage of the fully renovated Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa which has six seawater pools, each filled with a different mix of oils and salts. The resort has rooms from €530 per room per night based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Bungalow on a half board basis. A 1-day course at the Real Madrid Foundation Clinic starts from €225, ranging up to €495 for a 5-day course.
Information: fortevillageresort.com 
Learn Italian at Borgo Bastia Creti in Umbria
Borgo Bastia Creti is a 14th century hamlet of five cottages and courtyard apartments set in stunning grounds high in the Umbrian hills. Each apartment is elegant and simply decorated with country kitchens, contemporary bathrooms, open fireplaces, and outdoor dining options. For the ultimate unique Umbrian experience the property can arrange personalized Italian lessons for guests according to their level/proficiency. Italian lessons are priced at €60 per hour for two people. Borgo Bastia Creti offers rooms from €280 per night or €1,400 per week, based on two adults sharing La Limonaia, excluding breakfast.
Information: bastiacreti.it
