Unique Breaks for Singles

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  • Pottery week in Spain image

    Pottery week in Spain

    calendar/duration icon 6 nights location icon Spain
    • Available throughout the year
    • Accommodation and all meals included
    • Learn and develop your pottery skills with an expert
    • Guided visits to Arjonilla, Linares and Arjona included

    Price from

    £1310 pp*
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  • Photography Holiday Essaouira image

    Photography Holiday Essaouira

    calendar/duration icon 7 Nights location icon Morocco
    • Available from February to October (July and August are on a request basis)
    • Luxury Riad with breakfast and transfers included
    • 5 days of photography tuition in different locations
    • One-on-one tutor sessions with an expert photographer

    Price from

    £1492 pp
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  • Jewellery Making Holiday image

    Jewellery Making Holiday

    calendar/duration icon 7 Nights location icon France
    • Full board (3 course gourmet dinners) & refreshments (including wine)
    • 4 x Jewellery making workshops
    • 2 x culinary excursions to local villages or towns
    • All materials and equipment for jewellery making

    Price from

    £2260 pp*
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  • A Creative Week in Spain image

    A Creative Week in Spain

    calendar/duration icon 7 Nights location icon Spain
    • Available during April, May, September, October and November
    • Accommodation, meals and transport included
    • Learn a different craft each day

    Price from

    £1563 pp*
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  • Jewellery Making and Cooking Holiday image

    Jewellery Making and Cooking Holiday

    calendar/duration icon 7 Nights location icon France
    • Full board (3 course gourmet dinners) & refreshments (including wine)
    • 2 x jewellery making workshops 2 x cookery lessons
    • 2 x culinary excursions and 1 x day excursion
    • Vineyard and Armagnac distillery visit

    Price from

    £2415 pp*
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  • Painting Holiday in Emilia Romagna image

    Painting Holiday in Emilia Romagna

    calendar/duration icon 7 nights location icon Italy
    • Dates in May, June , July, September and October 2026
    • All of your meals with wine and beverages
    • Daily morning and evening art sessions and personalized tuition
    • All art supplies needed during your holiday

    Price from

    £1867 pp
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  • What our travellers are saying...

    I had a wonderful time. Poul Erik (chef) was generous with his knowledge and skills, and Niall (CEO) is endless entertainment. They're a great combination.

    A Clements

    Best Trip Ever!!! My husband took this course and I just got to thoroughly enjoy the food and the company. Chef Poul and Niall are an incredible team that make you feel like family in their home. My husband learned a lot--not just amazing recipes, but useful techniques that in our week back home he says have already made him more efficient and a better cook. The accommodation was private, comfortable, clean, and felt like a special getaway. The

    Megan F

    This course is an amazing experience. Regardless of your level of cooking ability you will learn such a lot. Poul is a Michelin trained chef and is not only an amazing, knowledgeable chef but an amazing man. He has a wonderful sense of humour and makes the week lots of fun while he teaches you so much. This is a very hands on course and Poul helped us produce amazing food while we learned so many techniques we can apply at home. Naill is also a

    Elaine

    It far exceeded my expectations. Great location, wonderful hosts, excellent food and wine.

    H Riley

    I had a relaxing 7 days in Bergerac, particularly in Les Leves et Thoumeyragues, where I stayed with host Jo, and her partner Stan, beautiful scenery, fantastic food, gorgeous animals, and lots of art tuition. My favourite day was the day we went to Bergerac, Jo and myself sketched a typical Bergerac Street, whilst Stan played the guitar, bliss. I wish I could have stayed there longer.

    Paulina P

    Painting and wine tasting in south of France (Le Peyrail) July 3rd-6th. After a long journey to Bergerac airport, I was met by my host Jo and from that moment I felt at ease. The accommodation was rustic, eclectic and comfortable, first time sleeping on a waterbed - so relaxing. At the house there was a ‘collection’ of animals, dogs, cats, hens, doves, horse, donkey, pigs and a baby blackbird. It all added to the experience. I have ‘dabbled

    Jacqui Taylor

    A beautiful place to stay and Jo was a wonderful host and teacher. Delicious meals and great ambiance.

    V Amos

    Jo is very generous and welcoming and I and my five children (aged 13 - 21) loved our time with her. Her house and studio are very relaxed and we were encouraged to treat them as our home. We produced some marvellous paintings and learnt some new skills. A perfect family holiday!

    A Streets

    Had an amazing and memorable experience on this painting holiday last September. I'm from Canada and decided to do this solo trip, unsure of what to expect. Jo-Anne is a super-talented artist and great teacher who was very warm and welcoming. The property was gorgeous, and very serene. Great setting that was both very calming and inspiring for me as a beginner painter. Jo tailored her lessons and the overall experience to meet my learning needs a

    D Sherman

    Kate is fantastic. I went on her course a beginner, I had never painted with oils before and I have come away with a portrait I am very proud of. Kate is a warm, generous and patient teacher. You get thorough one to one tuition and laughs on this course - it is a perfect balance. In addition to painting Kate provides sight seeing, wild swimming, trips to neighbouring villages, cocktail bars and of course lots of cheese and wine. Accomodation is s

    Beth 2023

    Kate is very organised and made the logistical aspect feel very smooth and efficient. I stayed in the little guest house and the accommodation was comfortable and clean. On the first day I learnt how to treat my canvas and map out the portrait that I chose to paint. It was really clearly explained. Lunch and dinner were always really big with so many delicious courses including delicious desserts.Kate is an excellent teacher and provided really

    Finn 2023

    The hosts are lovely people, very welcoming but also allowing guests space and time to do their own thing. Food and wine were excellent too!

    Annette W

    I really loved my painting holiday, and Jo was great and so passionate about what she does and a brilliant artist! I loved all of her animals too with beautiful doves giving an impressive fly by display. Visiting the Châteaux for the wine tasting and lunch was spectacular. I would definitely recommend!

    Karen C

    Jo is a fantastic teacher. Lots of patience and expertise. The biggest lesson I learned was draw the light not the line, as I often do the opposite. My paintings will be better as a result. I also learned how best to set the composition so it attracts the eye into the painting. I had the best night’s sleep in ages! I loved the waterbed and the area is so peaceful and calming. I also thought the food was great and Jo was very accommodating with

    Linda Mc

    Painting and wine tasting in south of France (Le Peyrail) July 3rd-6th. After a long journey to Bergerac airport, I was met by my host Jo and from that moment I felt at ease. The accommodation was rustic, eclectic and comfortable, first time sleeping on a waterbed - so relaxing. At the house there was a ‘collection’ of animals, dogs, cats, hens, doves, horse, donkey, pigs and a baby blackbird. It all added to the experience. I have ‘dabbled

    Jacqui Taylor

    I had the best time learning new skills in watercolour in a fabulous location along with excellent service and teaching from Jo. I highly recommend this if you enjoy art, peace and quiet surrounded by nature (and animals) and enjoy wine on the side! The perfect combination for a relaxing time away.

    S Lee

    Set in a peaceful and inspiring location in a charming house. Jo and her partner are wonderful, generous hosts welcoming us wholeheartedly into their home. They kindly invited us to join them to meet their friends, giving us a special pan-European, cultural experience. Jo is an encouraging teacher.

    H Bowers

    The whole experience was wonderful from start to finish and exactly what I needed. Lee at GoLearnTo was very helpful and managed to meet my booking requirements and locate this trip for me at very short notice. My host Jo is a generous, talented and creative lady who has a breathtakingly beautifully home.

    L Watts

    This workshop was all I'd hoped for,and so much more!! The home/studio is located in a medieval dream location.Paul, is a master photographer in all genres, and a patient, excellent instructor. Pam, is a gourmand with her meals, and charming!! If you love photography, GO! You will not regret it:)))

    b mcrae

    Paul and Pam are the most amazing hosts. Paul's patience is endless and Pam's cooking is fantastic and beautifully presented. I have gone from a very nervous beginner to a more confident photographer in just a week. I was made to feel welcome from the outset and with just one other person on the course, there was ample time for help and tuition, without being overbearing. Having said that, when your co-guest is a world renown wildlife photographe

    J Frampton

    I had a fascinating and very engaging short painting holiday in Florence. I learned a lot, stayed in a monastery, which is a very interesting experience, and had a wonderful time.

    Lynda Yates

    Just returned from a wonderful week in the mountains of Villa Minozzo, Italy. A great location for a painting holiday. We were a party of three. We had daily tuition on any art skill we wanted to learn about. In our case it was watercolour. Also we had really interesting visits to the local regional Parmesan and balsamic vinegar makers. We enjoyed leisurely lunches and dinners made by our host with local produce and wine. We had our own rooms in

    Gillian H

    All as described in the information supplied. The group worked hard throughout the week. Pheona provided tutoring 6 hours each day, responding to individual needs, conducting structured classes with handouts for beginners and improvers and supporting those who preferred to work independently. Recommended.

    H Bennett

    H Sandmeier

    Don and Tricia are wonderful hosts. Don is passionate about all things photography and knows this region of France extremely well. Tricia prepares gorgeous food and helps make sure everything runs smoothly.

    M de Bethlen

    I knew nothing about digital photography when I arrived and learnt a huge amount during the week - excellent tuition and wonderful accommodation. I highly recommend this course.

    A Galbraith

    This was the best week I have ever had with any other company. Tuition, visits, accommodation and food were all outstanding! I cannot recommend the programme enough!

    P Fortune

    Our photography and cooking course in Morocco was phenomenal! It was just us, so we got lots of one-on-one instruction and learned a lot as well as seeing the area from more of a local's perspective. I will keep an eye on this site for future travel programs.

    Jessica

    Great location, both for the variety of photo opportunities and hanging out and be on holiday!

    A Line Christensen

    This was a wonderful tour. Educational and enjoyable. Many thanks!

    C Schwartz

    Just spent a wonderful week on this art retreat. A truly remarkable venue with great food and top hosts. Rooms were beautiful as was the setting, and the art workshops were a great way to spend the day. Thoroughly recommend and look forward to my next stay!

    Jo Ryder

    Just spent an amazing week at the River House on their residential course. Very well organised and run with a great art teacher who was patient and encouraging. Excellent accommodation and wonderful food provided by Cheryl and her husband Graham. Great company and beautiful location. Can’t praise the week highly enough and hope to return again next year.

    Ann Peak

    River views, fresh meals, local culture, and art lessons from a friendly skilled professional made for the perfect holiday retreat. The River House is a gem in the Algarve countryside. I spent a week relaxing to the peaceful sound of birds and goat bells, enjoying walks through the surrounding landscape, and lounging poolside after lively morning art sessions. Our host, Cheryl, and teacher, Tracy, were very knowledgeable and lovely to work with.

    A Rose

    It was a lovely 5 days of painting and drawing with a fantastic teacher and a beautiful environment. The River House is a special hidden place in the Algarve! I was glad I was able to join the retreat as an Alagarve resident. I definitely recommend it!

    M Gieling

    This was an amazing holiday! The tuition was excellent - I learnt so much from Tracy and my confidence has increased. I am inspired to try painting more. The riverside house is a lovely villa set in beautiful surroundings. The owner Cheryl was very welcoming and an amazing cook! Perfect week.

    R Ali

    This was a very different holiday for me and I loved it. A great relaxing location with fantastic views. Cheryl made us welcome and cooked some amazing vegetarian food from local fresh produce. Tracy our art teacher was extremely knowledgeable in a variety of techniques, gave you confidence and always made you feel at ease. A lovely break from normal life.

    S Pye

    I had such a great time on my photography holiday, I learnt so much and met so many great people.

    F Harper

    Because I have been taking photographs for over 60 years I was not sure exactly what to expect as well as how much I would actually learn, from my week in Morocco. I need not to have concerned myself as tutor Darren was marvellous (very knowledgeable and a nice chap too!). I learnt a lot about using 'Lightroom' the photo manipulating software (plus other things) and because of Darren's help in 'opening doors' to many local people I was able to co

    R Jones

    Lovely riad hotel. Great location with fantastic settings for photography. Good individual tuition.

    S Stinchcombe

    Fantastic and unique experience that was good value for money. The food and the cooking experience was great and there was a nice mixture of activities and leisure time. The hosts were great and ensured I had a great experience

    Yaso E

    One of the most enjoyable holidays I’ve ever had. Great hospitality from Cheryl and Graham. A lovely place to visit. Wonderful communal cooking experiences and fabulous food as the result. A fun and relaxing break!

    Liz J

    "I spent a wonderful few days with Cheryl and Graham on a festive vegetarian cooking holiday. Each of the day's menus and recipes had been carefully planned out and tested in advance and, as a group, we prepared the dishes for multiple celebratory brunches and dinners with gentle guidance from our hosts. Sooo much yummy food! The accommodation was stylish and comfortable, with everything I needed."

    Julie F

    "We had a fantastic 3 days spent with Cheryl and Graham in their beautiful home. The cooking course was great fun and very informative with hands on cooking at all times. We learnt loads and the food that we all created was truly delicious. Cannot recommend this course enough!"

    Rob T

    What a very special place! In a beautiful riverside setting this was the perfect venue for a cooking course. Very comfortable rooms (mine had a view of the infinity pool), well equipped kitchen and charming company. Graham & Cheryl are the perfect hosts with nothing being too much trouble from arrival to departure. We worked our way through many Portuguese and Portuguese influenced dishes, my favourites being the Bacalhau com Natas and the Catapl

    Johnathan Rowe

    Just returned from a wonderful 4 day cooking retreat. It's an idyllic setting in the Algarve countryside complemented by fabulous hosts Cheryl and Graham who immediately create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere among the guests. I'm no chef but I got so much more out of the experience than expected. Great fun and conversation with the other 'cooks' and magnificent food was the output. An added bonus was to stay in one of the glamping tents which

    Richard Parker

    What a lovely group to share the Ottolenghi vegetarian brunch experience! The cooking result was terrific . Graham and Cheryl are such gracious hosts.

    Mary Armstrong

    "Cheryl and Graham were wonderful hosts who guided us through cooking a wide array of delectable Portuguese, Goan, South Africa and Macaun dishes. My husband made the most delicious orange cake having never baked before. The villa is in such a relaxing and picturesque spot. A beautiful setting in which to unwind in between the cookery workshops."

    Claris D'cruz

    "Amazing cooking class, Graham and Cheryl were so hospitable and friendly. We learnt how to cook some delicious dishes and have fun with the other people who came along. I would highly recommend."

    Aliya J

    "A wonderful few days with excellent host and hostess. The cookery was fun and informative. The area was very beautiful. We learnt so much. I totally recommend staying and doing this course. I do hope to return and see them again."

    Madeleine K

    What an amazing holiday we had. From the moment we arrived we felt at home and relaxed. It was a pleasure to cook the delicious food and of course to enjoy it afterwards. A big thank you for an unforgettable adventure.

    Heather Robinson

    What a really lovely experience, in a beautiful house having the opportunity to relax or wander in the countryside. Cooking so many fabulous dishes, alongside others in such an informal but well organised kitchen, and have the joy of eating so many different dishes. Most of all I enjoyed being part of your family and sharing a relaxed, friendly and chatty time.

    Elaine England

    What a very special place! In a beautiful riverside setting this was the perfect venue for a cooking course. Very comfortable rooms (mine had a view of the infinity pool), well equipped kitchen and charming company. Graham & Cheryl are the perfect hosts with nothing being too much trouble from arrival to departure. We worked our way through many Portuguese and Portuguese influenced dishes. There was a visit to a small local market and museum and

    Jonathan R

    I can’t say enough about my jewellery workshop experience. From the moment I arrived, my hosts, Caroline and Adam, made me feel genuinely welcome. Caroline’s depth of knowledge in metal clay jewellery is exceptional, and her guidance was both inspiring and empowering. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Southern French countryside, their charming château, thoughtfully planned excursions, and the incredible meals Adam prepared made th

    Linda

    I loved everything about our holiday! Our gorgeous hosts Caroline and Adam who cared for and spoiled us! Learning new skills in jewellery making from master craftswoman Caroline. Having wonderful meals outside under the awning with the family. Swimming in their lovely pool. Learning some super dishes from chef Adam and enjoying his cuisine every evening. Trips around the district to historic towns and lovely meals out. Visits to local vineyards a

    Karen

    It was a fantastic week in the south of France making jewellery. Caroline was funny, relaxed, full of energy and knowledge. The food cooked by her husband, Adam was just exquisite! The accomodation was fabulous as was the day outings visiting markets etc! Thank you so much and hope to return!

    Michelle

    Caroline and Adam were the best hosts, welcoming me into their home and providing delicious food, plentiful amounts of wine and lots of laughter. The excellent tuition from Caroline enabled me to make some beautiful pieces of jewellery which I am thrilled with. Will definitely return.

    Mary

    Adam and Caroline are hosts extraordinaire! From the initial welcome to the final goodbye, they make their guests feel apart of their family and friends. Adam is a patient instructor and makes the preparation of gourmet dishes appear achievable and fun. Caroline is an incredible artist in metal clay jewellery and willing to share her talents with novices. This vacation was a perfect balance of activity and relaxation.

    Anon

    Caroline and Adam were the best hosts, welcoming me into their home and providing delicious food, plentiful amounts of wine and lots of laughter. The excellent tuition from Caroline enabled me to make some beautiful pieces of jewellery which I am thrilled with. Will definitely return.

    Anon

    From the moment I was picked up to the moment I left I had a fantastic time. Caroline absolutely gave 100% of herself, tutoring and making me feel welcome and confident. Her whole family, as a matter fact. Her husband cooked delightfully. We also travelled around. Wonderful experience!!!

    Mali Zilberman

    Painting and wine tasting in south of France (Le Peyrail) July 3rd-6th. After a long journey to Bergerac airport, I was met by my host Jo and from that moment I felt at ease. The accommodation was rustic, eclectic and comfortable, first time sleeping on a waterbed - so relaxing. At the house there was a ‘collection’ of animals, dogs, cats, hens, doves, horse, donkey, pigs and a baby blackbird. It all added to the experience. I have ‘dabbled

    Jacqui Taylor

    I can’t say enough about my jewellery workshop experience. From the moment I arrived, my hosts, Caroline and Adam, made me feel genuinely welcome. Caroline’s depth of knowledge in metal clay jewellery is exceptional, and her guidance was both inspiring and empowering. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Southern French countryside, their charming château, thoughtfully planned excursions, and the incredible meals Adam prepared made th

    Linda

    Everybody involved made this a trip that will never be forgotten and forever treasured! The 'teaching' was informal and friendly and Caroline and Adam simply couldn't do enough to make sure we had an amazing time. The surroundings, the pool and activities were an added bonus although we were busy wine-tasting, eating local delicacies, completing jewellery projects and visiting Bordeaux! We loved every minute of it and I would wholeheartedly recom

    Deborah & Claire

    Best French Holidays is so aptly named. Of all the trips we have made to France this was the best. Nothing is too much trouble for Caroline and Adam and from the time they picked us up until the time they dropped us off, everything was perfect. Gourmet meals were provided every lunch time and evening with as much amazing French wine as we could mange ! The tuition we received in art was second to none and we loved learning to cook and also e

    Anon

    Caroline and Adam were warm, kind and generous hosts. The tuition of both the jewellery and cooking classes was first rate. I was very very pleased with the pieces of jewellery that I produced and Adam made the cookery class great fun and I came away with lots of ideas. Their school is in an idyllic, peaceful setting with beautiful views. I can thoroughly recommend this course. Lots of laughs, fun, sun and good food.

    A Smith, Marlow, United Kingdom

    A brilliant holiday. Caroline and Adam are excellent hosts. I came back with several pieces of jewellery to many compliments. The cooking experience was fun and there was much wine tasting and laughter. It is a beautiful part of France and I was taken to some of the little villages nearby, to markets and Toulouse too. I made new friends. It was one of the best holidays I have had. I hope to go back again!

    B Marie, Bromley, United Kingdom

    The classes were fun and well taught; the food was excelllent; the mix of classes and tours made for a lovely experience.

    D D Wakeman, New Orleans, United States

    Break away from the ordinary

    With our handpicked solo holidays designed for creative, curious minds. Whether you’re into photography, painting, jewellery making or dance, we’ve searched the world for inspiring, offbeat escapes where you can learn something new, meet like-minded people, and come home with more than just memories.

    From pottery in Andalucía to painting in Italy, these unique experiences are about more than ticking off a destination – they’re about personal growth, creativity, and connection. Many holidays even combine multiple passions, like cooking and ceramics, yoga and painting, or surfing and photography.

    If you’re looking for something different – something with soul – this is your place.

    Pick your Unique Breaks for Singles location

    France

    Explore charming villages and rolling vineyards while learning jewellery making, painting, or cooking. France offers elegance, culture, and creativity in every moment of your solo adventure.

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    Italy

    From sketching Tuscan landscapes to mastering Italian cuisine, Italy is a solo traveller’s dream - rich in history, art, and authentic experiences that feed the soul.

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    Morocco

    Dive into a sensory world of spice markets, mosaics, and music. Try photography, painting, or cooking in Morocco’s sun-soaked medinas and dramatic desert settings.

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    Portugal

    Soak up the relaxed pace of coastal Portugal. Surf, shoot, paint or cook while exploring picturesque towns, Atlantic beaches, and a culture steeped in creativity.

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    Spain

    Get inspired by Spain’s fiery energy. Learn flamenco, cook paella, or paint Mediterranean coastlines - all while travelling solo with like-minded, creative companions.

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    Learn From Local Creatives

    Each break is hosted by passionate local experts — from goldsmiths in France to painters in Portugal — who bring their craft to life and share it with you through hands-on, small group workshops.

    Travel Solo, Not Alone

    These trips are created for solo travellers who want meaningful connections. You’ll join a small group of people with similar interests and enjoy shared meals, creative sessions, and memorable local experiences — with no single supplement in sight.

    Not Just a Holiday – An Experience

    It’s about more than learning a skill. It’s about stepping into a rhythm that suits you, doing what you love in beautiful surroundings, and leaving with renewed inspiration and new friends from around the world.

    Unique Breaks for Singles blog posts

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    FAQs

    Are all NITGB experiences ‘on request’?
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    As we work with local hosts, in most cases we need to check with them that they can accommodate your customers availability request.  This can take up to 48 hours however our hosts are very responsive and often come back to us within 24 hours.

    We do have a number of experiences on the website however that have live availability and are able to be booked immediately.  The easiest way to identify whether something is on request is if it has a pink button saying ‘check availability’.    If you are able to book immediately the pink button will say ‘book now’.

    Do I need to know how to ride a horse?
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    Not at all! If you don’t know how to ride a horse then you can take one of our beginners holidays. There you will learn from an expert rider all you need to know about riding a horse. Then, when you’re feeling more confident, take on an advanced holiday.

    Do NITGB overseas multi day experiences include flights?
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    There are a range of products with which we can include flights as per request post-booking. So, once you've made your booking you can speak to our team about adding flights to your holiday, we do this so our customers have more options for transport to and from their trips.

    What products do Not In The Guidebooks offer?
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    We have three collections:

    • Arctic Adventures: Short, unforgettable winter adventures in Iceland, Norway, and Finland. Unique and amazing accommodation packed with bucket list experiences.
    • Immersive Exploring: Private, flexible itineraries in 30+ worldwide destinations, designed from a locals perspective filled with authentic experiences and premium, unique stays.
    • Special Interest: For customers who want a holiday where they can learn a new skill or do something they love as a hobby. From foodie and creative, wellness, to active holidays.

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