Combine the joys of slow travel in niche destinations with the opportunity to expand your skillset and meet new people …

For yoga and nature fans

“In simple terms, people aren’t just travelling to escape anymore – they’re travelling to feel better,” believes Emily Bunbury, who was ahead of the trend in creative retreats. She introduced yoga and sleep retreats at Lisnavagh Estate, Co Carlow over twelve years ago. A recent sleep retreat with Laura Lochab and even a witchcraft retreat sold out! “Lisnavagh has a lot to offer – a historic estate with lots of space for people to walk around and take solace in the calm surroundings.” Coming up is a Return to Peace Retreat with Johanna Wakeham (June 12-14) which will include forest bathing, a sound bath, dance, wild swims, sauna, nature journaling, foraging and a fire ceremony. There’s also a Summer Solstice Retreat with Lisa Quish (June 19-21) which includes a “grianstad” yoga practice, with a range of accommodation to really enjoy the setting. @lisnavagh

For decoratistas

I’ve never not returned from Marrakech without interior design inspiration and some homeware items, though some things travel better than others. Interior designer and television presenter Sophie Robinson, nicknamed the queen of colour, helps guests truffle out the best tufted rug makers, zellige tile producers, ceramicists and artisans during her annual interior retreat at El Fenn, the colour-drenched hotel co-owned by Vanessa Branson (sister of Richard). Professional and amateur enthusiasts will discover their colour identity and get tips on styling from Sophie; she recommends that attendees come armed with measurements, fabric and paint swatches to help with design plans. In addition to learning more about Marrakech’s creative scene, there’s plenty of downtime. Check out the Yves Saint Laurent Onstage exhibition that explores his designs for theatre, ballet and the cinema. Or pop into L’Hotel Marrakech, owned by designer Jasper Conran, decorated with some pieces he acquired from the personal collections of YSL and Bill Willis, a leading light of Moroccan-style interior design. @elfennmarrakech

For art enthusiasts

White Willow Studio outside Baltimore in Cork is where Irish contemporary artist Monica Jones hosts small group retreats in July and August blending painting, journaling, and sketching for beginners and more experienced artists. “The light here is unlike anywhere else,” she says. “It shifts constantly, illuminating the land in ways that feel almost spiritual. It’s that magic I try to capture in my paintings.” Depending on the weather, sessions may begin outdoors with walking and observation, before returning to the studio for deeper exploration in oils and mixed media. “The focus is on process, not perfection. It’s about being present, tuning in to the landscape and your own intuition, and rediscovering creative flow.” @monicajonesart

Deià in Mallorca’s Tramontana mountains has always been known for its bohemian spirit, a magnet for writers and painters, such as Anais Nin and David Templeton. Inspired by this legacy, the posh hotel Belmond La Residencia hosts an ongoing series of sculpture and painting classes under the guidance of its resident artists. @belmondlaresidencia

A must-visit is designer Matthew Williamson’s colourful new concept store, Caserra 71. Williamson is leading an artistic retreat in the Maldives in October, during which he will demonstrate his distinctive abstract style and favourite palm tree motif, of which there are many fringing the beach at this design-led hotel. @finolhu_maldives

For foodies

Angela Hartnett, Dame Prue Leith, chef Robin Gill, food author Valentine Warner and Lily Ramirez-Foran, founder of Ireland’s first Mexican grocer and cookery school, are some of the guests at Irish chef Richard Corrigan’s intimate, full-board Homegrown Retreat in October where accommodation is provided at Virginia Park Lodge and Richard’s neighbouring pub, The Deerpark Inn or in some of the shepherd’s huts on the grounds. While food is central to this celebratory experience with special dinners, demonstrations and foraging workshops, guests can also enjoy yoga and kombucha classes, cold water swims in the lake followed by saunas, and fireside entertainment with special performances by jazz singer Mary Coughlan. @virginia_park_lodge

For gardenistas

At the recent Festival of Gardens and Nature at Ballintubbert in Laois, one of the headline speakers was Sarah Raven, known for creating gardens full of colour and scent. She often hosts courses at her home, Perch Hill in East Sussex where, together with her head gardener Josie, she teaches practical skills, planting ideas and expert advice for a making a garden “sing”. @sarahravenperchhill

Combine a visit with a stay at Tillingham, a trend-setting terroir shaking up England’s wine scene. @tillinghamwines

For herbalists

On my wishlist is a visit to Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany which brings together 22 individually designed suites within an estate shaped by owners Claus and Jeanette Thottrup. It also encompasses restaurants, a holistic spa, Seed to Skin Tuscany skincare line, a bespoke yacht and an extensive working farm. From May 29 to June 3, the estate is partnering with herbalist Anne McIntyre to host a six-day residential workshop exploring the practice of herbal medicine. Designed as both an introduction and a professional development opportunity, it’s for curious beginners alongside practitioners including naturopaths, homoeopaths, acupuncturists, osteopaths, chiropractors, doctors, nurses and nutritionists. Anne will lead in-depth sessions that balance foundational knowledge with hands-on preparation and application, with the estate’s gardens, woodlands and farm forming an integral part of the learning experience. @borgosantopietro

Find more retreats in THE GLOSS MAGAZINE in stores now …

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