Think summer camp — but upgraded for grown-ups. If childhood memories of canoe races come to mind, set them aside and imagine immersive, luxurious retreats where adults explore creative, culinary and nautical pursuits in exceptional settings.
In Florence, Italy, Sculpture Camp at the Belmond Villa San Michele centers on clay modeling and marble carving taught by Rafaello Romanelli, the great-great-grandson of the celebrated sculptor of the same name. Lessons take place in the Romanelli Galleria, a workshop where five generations of the Romanelli family have refined their craft, offering a rare opportunity to learn traditional techniques in an authentic studio environment.
For art lovers drawn to the Provençal landscape, Art Camp in Les Baux-de-Provence is based at Domaine de Manville, a beautifully restored farming estate. Daytime excursions follow the Van Gogh trail through the region’s striking scenery, while on-site programs focus on painting and visual arts, blending inspiration from the landscape with hands-on instruction.
Food-focused camps offer equally enticing options. At Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, England, a four-day summer camp at the in-house cookery school places you elbow-deep in flour and sugar under the guidance of celebrity chef Raymond Blanc. Participants receive hands-on coaching in essential kitchen skills, from baking artisan breads to crafting delicate sauces and perfect soufflés.
If mastering British teatime is your aim, The Berkeley’s Tea Camp in London teaches the art of Afternoon Tea. The program covers everything from elegant presentation to the creation of signature confections, such as the Coronation Crown biscuit, so you can host refined tea service with confidence.
For those who prefer being on the water, the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club in Bermuda runs a sailing camp led by instructors experienced in competitive sailing; the property itself hosted a leg of the 35th America’s Cup. Guests learn practical seamanship skills — hoisting jibs, tying proper knots and handling lines — in a supportive, hands-on environment.
On the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, Snuba Camp at Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, introduces participants to snuba, a hybrid of snorkeling and scuba that allows extended underwater exploration without the requirements of full scuba certification. Expert instructors guide attendees through breathing, buoyancy and safety techniques so you can comfortably and confidently experience the underwater world.
These adult summer camps combine expert teaching with exceptional locations, making them ideal for travelers who want to pursue a new skill, refine an existing passion or simply enjoy a purposeful, immersive getaway. Whether your interests lie in sculpture, painting, baking, British traditions or water sports, these curated programs offer focused instruction, memorable experiences and the chance to return home with both new skills and lasting memories.