Gone are the days of checking into a hotel simply for a decent night’s rest.

While a number of global resorts are pushing the boundaries when it comes to F&B offerings and activities, LUX* Resorts & Hotels are tapping into some sound creative thinking to offer a unique calendar of expert-led workshops, designed to inspire creativity and boost guest health and well-being.

The new LUX* expert-led workshops feature an impressive line-up of Australian talent who will be teaching their arts, knowledge and skills on a global stage at LUX* Resorts in Mauritius, Reunion Island and the Maldives throughout 2017 and beyond. Courses include Tibetan sound healing and stress-busting meditation, painting, the art of bookbinding, or learn how to make the ultimate health tonics.

LUX* Bodrum Turkey

Designed in partnership with Sydney-based organization Work-Shop, the new LUX* expert-led workshops mirror latest research revealing everyday creative activities such as performing music, painting or drawing, writing short stories, songs and poetry can ward off stress, leading to an upward spiral of increased emotional wellbeing.

Currently the Expert-Led workshops are being rolled out in its Mauritius, Maldives and Reunion Island resorts, but is expected to be rolled out to new resorts accordingly, changing each year.

“The Expert-Led workshops will continue every year and propose exciting new experiences, offering our guests a different luxury hospitality experience; celebrating life with creative entertainment; holidaying differently, creatively.  Some will feature similar talent with evolving content, based on their success. In addition new workshops will be added,” Axelle Mazery, Group Press & Public Relations Manager told Travel Weekly.

A snapshot of the 2017 calendar of workshops and masterclasses include:

INSTAGRAM SUCCESS with Lola Berry from Sydney

This practical, hands-on two-hour workshop helps you take better Instagram photos and find out the secrets of how to engage with a community keen to see what you have to show and tell.

TIBETAN SOUND HEALING with Phoebe Joel from Sydney

Understand how to access your intuition and gain confidence in listening to your inner voice through balancing and grounding your energy using yogic tools. Experience the deep vibrations and soothing sounds of ancient Tibetan singing bowls during a sound meditation as well as through fun group activities.

DIY KOMBUCHA & HEALTH TONICS with Gillian Kozicki from Cultured Artisans from Sydney

Kombucha is a fermented health drink originating from China, which is believed to be the key to improving digestion and boosting the immune system. Reconnect with the art of fermenting in this hour-and-a-half masterclass, and explore the benefits of making beet kvass, master tonic and rejuvelac.

According to the group, they expect their portfolio to grow their Australian business by more than 50% in the coming 2 years via their new resort in the UAE and the relaunch of LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives.

To date, the Australian market has continued to rank in their top 10 source of revenue for the past 2 years in a row. Favourite Australian destinations in the collection are LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives, along with LUX* Grand Gaube and Tamassa in Mauritius, due to demand safe travel destinations, state-of-the art meeting facilities, a broad range of leisure activities including outdoor water sports and nature exploration, along with the cross packaging of resorts with special offers.

“Maldives is very popular with the Australian leisure travellers, closely followed we expect by the new launch Vietnam, by nature of location. Mauritius is also very convenient for Australian travellers at only a 9 hour flight from Perth. LUX* has strong Australian growth plans for our Mauritius resorts, with a projected increase of 10% in this market in the next 12 months,” Mazery said.

“Mauritius is also an ideal relaxing beach stay for Australian travellers visiting South Africa on safari. At present the most popular guests to our Mauritius resorts are Europeans -predominantly French and English, followed by Russian and Chinese.”

New resorts are on the company’s radar with LUX* Bodrum, Turkey opening in May, LUX* North Male Atoll, Maldives in November, and LUX* Grand Gaube, Mauritius in December. In 2018 visitors can expect to visit nature at its wildest at the new LUX* Sud Sauvage, Reunion Island.