RAYMOND BLANC'S Le Manoir has just undergone a major refurbishment and introduced six new one-day courses. It is the only school in the world to offer the chance to watch, learn and practise in the kitchens of a two-Michelin star chef.

Among the courses are 'Le Nutrition et la Cuisine Moderne', which looks at healthy cooking and is presented by Blanc himself. Guests can stay overnight in one of Le Manoir's luxurious rooms or suites.

Raymond Blanc Cookery School at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Great Milton, Oxford, England (0044 1844 277202; manoir. co. uk) offers one-day courses from �?�355 throughout the year. A deluxe double room costs from �?�450 per room per night, with breakfast

2. COOK COUSCOUS IN MARRAKECH

In La Maison Arabe, a small luxury hotel that began life as a restaurant in the 1940s, guests can take part in two half-day Moroccan workshops led by a dada, a traditional cook. Learn how to make weightless couscous or a pastilla (a Moroccan speciality) that melts in the mouth. Guests lunch on the meal they've just made. Afternoons are free to laze by the pool or explore the city.

On the Menu, La Maison Arabe, Marrakech, Morocco (holidayonthemenu. com) is available year round, except June to August. Three nights cost from �?�460 per person including three nights' b&b, lunch, and guided trips to the souk

3. TAKE IT SLOW IN PIEMONTE

The Cascina Papaveri Cookery Course combine a relaxing holiday with the best of Italian fare. The Cascina is a converted farmhouse in the middle of its own organic vineyard, with views of southern Piemonte's hills. Classes of eight are tutored by one of Italy's top teachers, Pietro Baldi. The five-bedroom property has flatscreen televisions, a heated pool, steam room, sauna and gym.

Cascina Papaveri Cookery School, Piemonte, Italy (cascina papaveri. com) offers courses every week from 1 May. Four-night courses cost from �?�900. Prices are per person and include all accommodation, food and drink

4. SHOP TILL YOU DROP IN FRANCE

Join Michelin-star chef Matthieu Fontaine in the five-star Chateau de Bagnols hotel for his three-day course, using the recipes for which nearby Lyon is famed.

Visit the local market in Lyon and learn how to pick the best produce. The beautiful gardens are perfect for calorie-burning strolls.

Chateau de Bagnols, Beaujolais, France (00 33 474 714 000; roccofortehotels. com) offers three-day courses from 31 March to 3 December. Packages from �?�2,000 for two

5. TRY A TASTE OF MAURITIUS

The new one-day Culinary Class at five-star Le Prince Maurice will introduce you to traditional cuisine every Wednesday at the hotel's main restaurant, L'Archipel. Guests prepare, create, cook and taste Mauritian specialities under the guidance of the hotel's renowned team of chefs. Learn how to cook traditional recipes with a modern twist.

The Le Prince Maurice Culinary Class costs �?�70 per person but covers two people dining and is payable locally. Contact www. princemaurice. com