More Than Just Cooking Classes @ Life Resorts in Vietnam

In keeping with its mission to deliver the fullest resort experience in Vietnam, the Life Resorts group is introducing on-site art and language lessons for guests who crave intellectual stimuli and a deeper knowledge of Vietnamese culture.

The classes were developed in response to guests’ interest in stress-free, Vietnamese-centered learning.

“In a novel destination like Vietnam, travel is about exploring the country and its culture,” said Chris Duffy, Group Director of the Dutch-owned Life Resorts collection. “Through these different classes, guests are given a chance to meet real local citizens, hear their unique stories, and learn skills they can use here and back home - all at the same time, and in a spectacular setting.

At the Blue Ocean Resort in Mui Ne, complimentary Vietnamese language lessons are held in the breezy Senses Restaurant overlooking Phan Thiet’s beautiful beach. At the Life Heritage Resort Hoi An, artist Vo Van Trong Sinh patiently leads “Introduction to Painting” classes as boats drift down the scenic Thu Bon River a few yards away.

Chris Duffy noted that while similar classes are available in town, by opening its own informal sessions, Life Resorts is able to ensure high quality and guests’ convenience. A minimum of two students is needed to schedule a class. All the needed art supplies, pens and worksheets are supplied by the resorts; and with advance notice, classes are customized to suit guests’ itineraries.

“Many of our guests-cum-students choose to take classes in the morning or early afternoon, out in the open air, over a cup of local coffee,” said Blue Ocean Resort General Manager, Shane McKirdy. “Later they review their notes and practice with the resort staff. Often they’re surprised we don’t charge anything for the classes; and we’re surprised how interested they are in studying.”

More than just a relaxing diversion, Shane McKirdy believes Life Resorts’ classes give vacationing guests a special opportunity to absorb their Vietnamese surroundings, in a time when traveling is as much about emptying the mind as it is about refilling it with new awareness.

At the Life Heritage Resort Hoi An, artist Trong Sinh shares his remarkable story, from growing up as an orphan, to becoming internationally recognized for his talent. For $12 per one-hour class, Trong Sinh instructs guests on the fundamentals of Chinese character painting. Guests create hand-painted note cards they can keep or mail abroad, while a tenth of Trong Sinh’s proceeds go to the Lifestarts Foundation, the charity which funded his artistic schooling.

Offering art and language classes is not a financially profitable venture, admitted Group Director Chris Duffy. Nonetheless, he said Life Resorts is pleased to be upholding its commitments to encourage a sense of local culture and foster change and excitement, through the challenge of learning.

“I can’t imagine a more enjoyable, inspiring classroom than the Life Resorts properties. Best of all, once our guests leave, they are able to bring a little piece of Vietnamese culture away with them.”

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