By Jenny Hewett
Oct 7, 2020
Thailand is world-renowned for its service with a smile, but there are plenty of places to learn a little self-reliance, too.
LEARN TO SAIL
Put those boat shoes to good use and learn the ropes on a two-day short course at Sailing School Thailand. With its world-class marinas and warm weather, the Gulf of Thailand is the ideal place to learn to sail and the introductory courses here give a taster of what it’s like to navigate the seas. Learn about knots, rope work and rigging mooring lines—or jump straight into the fast-paced 11-day Zero to Hero course, which qualifies you to wear the captain’s hat and charter and skipper boats up to 24 meters. sailingschoolthailand.com; courses from US$395 for two days.
CREATIVE COMMUNITIES
The domed cocoons at Jaiyen Eco Resort on Thailand’s Koh Yao Noi might have a novel element, but the concept goes beyond aesthetics. A plant-based co-living, co-working space whose philosophy is rooted in community, creativity and environmental preservation, this getaway offers a laidback setting for people to tap into their imaginations. “We’ve had people write books, carve and paint coconut bowls, do body art—it really is a mixed bag,” says owner Kevin Mendoza, who supplies easels, pencils and paints, jewelry and sculpting tools and photography and music- recording equipment. They’re offering long-stay specials in return for skill contribution on topics such as permaculture, off-grid energy and art. Shorter visits are just as transformative, with lots of ways to get back to nature, including exploring the nearby national park, local fishermen’s village and coconut plantations. jaiyenresort.com; doubles from US$215.
