In the world of vacations, there seems to be two means of travel: the path of relaxation, or the path of adventure. While many agile travelers skillfully blend both mindsets, switching from lounging in the sun during the day to exploring town in the evening, some go-to adventurers are always alert, constantly diving into the culture of locations they visit.

Maui, Helsinki, and Paris offer the perfect cultural amenities for any type of traveler, whether they be the adventurer or indulgent (or both). From participating in ancient Hawaiian rituals, to taking in classic works of art, one can explore the vibrant cultures of these three cities while still taking time to relax.

Maui, Hawaii

From rain forests to sandy beaches (many times right next to each other), Hawaii offers plenty of opportunities to admire the island’s natural beauty. Surrounded by such vivid native land, Hawaiians feel a deep connection between the island and the ocean, a bond they celebrate in various rituals.

Guests at the Andaz Maui at Wailea can participate in these cultural activities, expanding their knowledge with the optional “Welcome to the neighborhood” package. A ceremonial cleansing at the beach starts the day’s activities, with the hotel’s cultural director leading a traditional Hawaiian chant. Following this, guests canoe paddle to an ancient Hawaiian fishpond, where the native caretaker of the pond helps explain various aspects of Hawaiian life that help them interact with the beautiful natural landscape around them.

Other activities hosted daily by the hotel include the opportunity to make your own Ti-Leaf lei that is used to celebrate special occasions in Hawaii. This complementary service teaches guests various lei techniques, like Mailestyle or braided. Visitors can also observe the art of husking a coconut (a dietary staple in Hawaii), during complimentary coconut husking demonstrations, and see how Hawaiians use the “niu” tree’s leaves to thatch roofs and weave baskets and hats.

If you are looking to add a tad more culture to your Hawaiian trip, the Andaz Maui at Wailea hosts an educational walk to Mokapu Beach, where a native guide explains Hawaiian’s views on land management.

Helsinki, Finland

The waters around Helsinki, Finland may be a bit colder than Maui, but locals of these two cities share a love of the sea. There are more than 300 islands off the coast of this Nordic town, and any trip to Helsinki would be incomplete without exploring both the water and land that gives the city so much natural character.

Visit Suomenlinna, a maritime fortress off the city’s coast, to view a landscape of walls and buildings that seem to melt into the grass around them. Built in 1748, the island is a World Heritage Site and home to 850 residents, hosting a range of museums, cafes and restaurants. For a more recreational visit to the sea, the swimming beaches at Pihlajasaari Island are open during the summer months. Complete your dip with a visit to the island sauna, an authentically Finnish experience.

Another island, Seurasaari, is a district in Helsinki and home to the infamous openair museum of Seurasaari that hosts a range of cottages, manors, and farmsteads relocated from around Finland. Families can wander around these buildings and observe actors in traditional Finnish garb spinning wool or weaving tapestries.

If you wish to stay a little more land-locked in Helsinki, there are still plenty of cultural locations to explore. Cut your sightseeing time down by jumping on one of the city’s popular trams. Depending on the route, the above-ground public transportation will pass by famous landmarks such as the national opera house, Helsinki University Botanical Gardens and Senate Square.

Located in the center of the city is the Klaus K Hotel, the first DESIGN HOTELS™ in Helsinki. Subtle references to Finnish culture are scattered throughout the hotel, including Vironlahti Granite from Finland and discrete egg shapes incorporated into the design—a reference to the creation story of the Kalevala.

Paris, France

One doesn’t need to go far to experience the plethora of culture and arts packed into the Paris city limits. From the Louvre to the Impressionist-haven that is the Musee D’Orsay, almost every type of art style and medium—from sculpture to architecture— can be found in Paris.

Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris hotel makes it easy to take in all this culture. Located on Avenue Hoche, the hotel is within walking distance to the Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, and Parc Monceau. The hotel can suggest a customized schedule for guests, and arrange private tour guides for a range of activities around Paris.

While staying in the city offers visitors many opportunities to take in arts and culture, one must take a quick drive from Paris to truly discover the splendor of France in the 1700s.

Versailles, the palace of the Sun King Louis XIV, is home to opulent decor, frescoes, marble walls, and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Outside in the massive grounds, one can find formal gardens, acres of fountains, groves, and Greek sculptures. Take a walk to Marie Antoinette’s private estate, where she sought a haven from the rigorous lifestyle of the court. Opened in 2006, the compound is enclosed from the surrounding park and offers a more eclectic look into Marie Antoinette’s personal tastes.

From palaces to beaches, visitors to Maui, Helsinki, and Paris have plenty of locations to visit to experience the unique culture of these cities.