As more and more school districts opt to go fully remote this fall, parents across the United States are facing an unprecedented school year.
While the average family is now struggling to juggle work time, school time and everything in between, the ultrawealthy are opting to take remote learning quite literally.
For those parents who can work remotely from anywhere and who can afford the high cost of living in a luxury hotel for weeks or even months at a time, certain top-dollar resorts are rolling out packages that include educational experiences for the most privileged of pupils.
Learning — not by the book
If you’re sheltering in place already, why not do it some place where you can learn algebra poolside or practice French in between paddleboard lessons?
Or so the thinking seems to go.
Since many properties lending themselves up as remote learning environments offer residential-style accommodations, it can make the transition to hotel living even easier.
“At a minimum, they want larger suites, but ideally a cottage, residence or an apartment that’s part of a hotel,” says luxury travel adviser Josh Alexander of Protravel International regarding the wealthy families looking to spend the school semester away from home.
Sun, sand and school
A little closer, Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii may prove appealing for families looking to post up long-term at a hotel where they can educate their children.
In Punta Mita on Mexico’s western coast, the new Conrad Punta de Mita opened Sept. 1, just in time for the start of the school year.
When it begins welcoming guests, there will also be an educational program in place for the youngest visitors: LFP, or, Learn from Paradise. Classes will be offered in everything from learning how to cook classic Mexican dishes to the traditions of the indigenous Huichol people.
And, on the eastern coast, the Marriott Cancun Resort is launching N.E.D. Talks, an initiative designed to focus on nature, education and discovery.
Through the program, students learn about the area’s turtle release program through a talk with an expert, learn math measurements through a kid-friendly mocktail lesson and can take hourlong introductory Spanish lessons.
At the tony Eden Roc Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, lessons are also on the agenda for the hotel’s Family Staycation package. Geared for guests planning to stay 20 to 30 days, the program includes unlimited Spanish and piano lessons, starting at $35,000 for 20 nights and $52,000 for 30.
“If you’re going to be on the island for extended periods of time, we thought it would be interesting to include an educational component for the children, so they have the opportunity to continue remotely learning outside of their school parameters,” says managing director Stefano Baratelli.
Families looking for a true home-away-from-home experience can also book a three or four-bedroom villa here, which includes butler service, a private chef and plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around.
Although Hawaii has extended its quarantine requirements through at least Oct. 1, properties, including Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea are preparing to welcome guests back in a few weeks time.
One of the new amenities is something the property is calling the Virtual Classroom. Free to guests, it’s a complimentary amenity for families staying at the resort.
No reservations for the classroom are needed, though one-on-one tutors can be arranged in advance, for a fee. The classroom comes with basic school supplies and snacks. Creative breaks, similar to extracurricular activities, will feature instruction from a lei maker, hula dancer and pastry chef, adding to the tropical classroom vibe.
Rooms start at around $700 night.
