Learn to Be a Sports Broadcaster at Saddlebrook Resort (Tampa, Florida)

If you’ve ever narrated your favorite game, or watched a sports broadcaster and thought, “I could do that,” well, at Saddlebrook Resort near Tampa, Florida, you can put that to the test. Through a new partnership with Play-by-Play Sports Broadcasting, and as part of its recent $92 million transformation, the resort now offers the chance to learn the world of sports broadcasting from the former journalists, radio hosts, and TV personalities themselves.

As part of the program, you’ll rotate through real studio-style setups (from talk radio shows to panels to podcasts and even sideline reporting) and may even get a surprise visit or industry insight from some of the biggest names in the NFL, NBA, and MLB.

Talk about upping the stakes on your next bachelor party, company retreat, team-building outing, or family reunion—this activity is one thing everyone can agree on. These private sessions range from just a two-hour dip into the sports broadcasting waters or a multi-day immersion for those eager to pursue the field.

Master Off-Road Driving with Land Rover at The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa (Manchester, Vermont)

You know how to drive, but do you know how off-road in a Land Rover? Probably not. Fortunately, The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Vermont’s gorgeous Green Mountains is a particularly scenic place to change that.

As part of the Land Rover Driving School experience, you’ll get behind the wheel of the newest Land Rover on the specially built 80-acre Land Rover Course to work on both knowledge and technical driving ability. According to the team at The Equniox, lessons cover “the basics of expedition-style driving and mastering off-road obstacles such as steep ascents and descents, side-tilts, log and water crossings, rock crawls, and boulders.” In other words, don’t try this at home.

When your one-hour drive is up, there’s still more to enjoy; the resort has 11 miles of trails to hike as well as a championship golf course, full-service spa, and year-round outdoor activities.

Learn to Surf at The Shores Resort & Spa (Daytona Beach, Florida)

It’s nearly impossible to sit at the beach and watch surfers having a blast on the waves without wishing you were out there experiencing the thrill for yourself. But surfing is an intimidating sport to start.

Luckily, Pure Life Surf School is located directly on the beach behind The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, and they make it easy to pop up and ride your very first wave, even if you’re a complete beginner.

Beginning on the sand before progressing out into the waves, the CPR-certified instructors work with you one on one to cover everything from surfing fundamentals to ocean safety and get you comfortable on a board. Lessons are tailored to your skill level and experience, so you don’t have to worry about falling behind or being bored, and once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be hanging loose on every beach vacation from here on out.

Learn to Restore a Hawaiian Canoe at Wayfinder Waikiki (Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi)

Anyone who’s watched Moana knows just how impressive the seafaring Polynesian cultures are. And at Wayfinder Waikiki, you can deepen your appreciation all the more by taking part in the restoration of a traditional Hawaiian canoe.

In partnership with the nonprofit Friends of Hōkūleʻa & Hawai’iloa, the hotel hosts a monthly workshop during which attendees not only enjoy a true cultural heritage experience, learning the history and significance of Hawaiian canoe-building, but also directly participate in the restoration of boat parts, woodworking traditions, and more.

This hands-on experience will teach you something new while also providing you an authentic Hawaiian experience that most will never have.

Learn to Salsa Dance at Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa (Vero Beach, Florida)

Dancing and vacation go together like beaches and sunshine. But if you want to actually know what you’re doing—and maybe even impress your audience next time you tear up the dance floor—consider taking dancing lessons on your next trip, like the salsa classes available at Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa in Vero Beach, Florida.

Owned by music icons Emilio and Gloria Estefan, it only makes sense that this would be a place to learn a new rhythm. Salsa classes are held on certain Thursdays each month and include lessons with an experienced instructor that will take you from basic steps to confident spins,making salsa dancing feel as effortless as it looks.

Inherently social and open to all levels, it’s a fun and fulfilling vacation souvenir you can take with you anywhere—around the world or just back to your own kitchen.

Whether you’re going on camera, on a board, or behind the wheel for the first time, a skillcation is a surefire way to make your travels all the more enriching, memorable, or perhaps even life-changing. Because your friends and family would certainly rather salsa dance with you than watch you swipe through vacation photos on your camera roll.

Explore more destinations across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.