Unique Skills to Discover this New Year

Most New Year’s resolutions are an opportunity to reset. When deciding what changes to make as the clock strikes midnight, many of us make pledges to cut out things like chocolate or alcohol. Rather than denying yourself a few simple pleasures, why not take up a new hobby or skill instead? Gain inspiration from courses across Europe where a hobby can develop into a passion for life, leaving you feeling fulfilled and with bragging rights as one of the few people to maintain their resolution.

Green to Tee Coaching Programme in Sicily

Start at the green with a break at Verdura Resort and learn from the best on our renowned Kyle Phillips courses, the site of two Sicilian Opens.

Watercolour Painting in Rome

A muse to many of the world’s great artists including Raphael and Michelangelo, Rome is the ultimate destination for drawing out your undiscovered artistic skills. Capture your surroundings in a personal class with a local Roman watercolourist in one of the vast parks of The Eternal City. The class, arranged by our Concierge at Hotel de Russie, will nurture your artistic spark and kickstart a creative 2023.

For more information or to book a class call +39 06 32888836 or email concierge.derussie@roccofortehotels.com

Floristry in London

Let your floral interests blossom at the McQueens Flower School in Mayfair, a 15-minute walk from Brown’s Hotel. Get a headstart on spring and learn the fundamentals of floral art in a one-week course, where an expert tutor will guide you through the art of flower arranging. You’ll have the opportunity to create masterpieces, from bountiful vase arrangements to elegant wreaths, and learn a lifelong skill to brighten your home and impress your loved ones.

For more information or to book a stay call +44 20 7493 6020 or email reception.browns@roccofortehotels.com 

Become a wine connoisseur in Florence

Perfect your nose and palette and discover the secrets to Italian wines with “Sommelier to the Stars” Filippo Bartolotta. Among the elegant surroundings of Hotel Savoy’s Irene restaurant, or in the comfort of your stylish suite, Filippo will take you on a journey that will uncover the secrets of Tuscan vineyards and Italian wines, teaching you to recognise and savour the flavours of wine. Delight your friends and use your newfound skill to ensure only the best wines make their way onto the table at dinners and parties alike.

For more information or to book a class call +39 05 52735836 or email concierge.savoy@roccofortehotels.com 

Cooking in Brussels

Instead of shying away from chocolate, why not master it? In Belgium, a country famous for its chocolate, learn how to create artistic morsels of melted cocoa with a master chocolatier at Laurent Gerbaud, just ten minutes' walk from Hotel Amigo.

Learn to cook starter, main course as well as dessert at Les Filles, a cooking school a mere eight-minute walk from our hotel in Brussels. Attending one of their workshops you’ll mix, measure and create exquisite dishes in a fun and collaborative environment where the ethos is all about nature and cooking with the seasons, sourcing produce locally.

For more information or to book a stay call +32 2 547 4747 or email enquiries.amigo@roccofortehotels.com 

Yoga with a view in Palermo

Breathe in the crisp, Mediterranean air and soothe your soul with a tailored yoga lesson in the serenity of Villa Igiea’s gardens or the sanctuary of your suite. Your inner balance, strength and flexibility will flourish under the guidance of a dedicated yoga teacher, and the boost in your mood will be enough to encourage you to keep practising throughout the year.

For more information or to book a class call +39 09 16312111 or email concierge.villaigiea@roccofortehotels.com 

Hosting artist workshops, mixology masterclasses, wine tasting and with cooking classes on site, Rocco Forte Hotels are perfectly placed to inspire your quest for new skills this new year.