Sun, sand and a few good tiles.
MAHJONG ON VACATION · ST. PETE AND CLEARWATER
On vacation in St. Pete or Clearwater and looking for something new to do together? Learn American mahjong at your rental or resort, or join one of my classes in town. Nobody needs to know how to play, and you'll play a real game before you leave.
Everyone is talking about mahjong.
You've probably heard about it back home. It's the fastest-rising social trend in the country.
4,467%
one-year jump in searches for mahjong clubs
Yelp 2026 Trend Forecast
819%
one-year jump in searches for mahjong lessons
Yelp 2026 Trend Forecast
350k+
members of the National Mah Jongg League
NMJL
The wave isn't coming to Tampa Bay. It's already here. WUSF reported in 2026 that mahjong is growing across the region, with new clubs popping up from Tampa to St. Pete.
"Men have golf. Women have mahjong."
Two ways to play.
WE COME TO YOU
A private party where you're staying.
At your vacation rental, resort or hotel suite. I bring the tiles, racks and cards, teach your group, and you finish with a real game. Every group gets a custom quote.
YOU COME TO US
A class in town.
Join a class at one of the spaces I teach in around St. Pete. A Taste of Mahjong is 90 minutes and $28, an easy yes on a three-day trip. Staying longer? Mahjong 101 gets you playing on your own.
Made for a day off the beach.
- Girls' trips and bachelorette weekends
- Family reunions with three generations at one table
- Snowbirds here for the season
- Couples and friends who want one afternoon off the beach
- The rainy day that wasn't in the plan
Here for the winter? Make it a habit.
Learn in your first week, then keep playing all season at open play around St. Pete. You'll leave with the game and a few new friends who want you back next year.
See open play
Who's behind it
Meet Gaia.
I'm Gaia Banovich, founder of Master Your Mahjong. I've taught more than 3,000 students since 2023 and built mahjong programs with more than a dozen venues around Tampa Bay. My Mahjong Made Simple method takes people from their first tile to a real game, and keeps them coming back.
Certified American Mahjong Instructor · Founding Member, Mahj Life Instructors Guild · 2025 AMJA Favorite Instructor nominee · Featured on FOX13
From the table.
What groups say after their first game.
★★★★★
"It was a delightful and FUN experience. Gaia is a wonderful, patient instructor. She persevered with four novices who now are hooked."
★★★★★
"My friends and I had a private lesson with Gaia and then joined an AR Open play night. Amazing lesson, great training tools provided."
Questions about mahjong on vacation.
Do we need to know how to play?
No. Most groups start from zero.
Can you come to our rental or resort?
Yes. Around St. Pete, Clearwater and the beaches. Tell me where you're staying and I'll bring everything.
How much is a private party?
Every group gets a custom quote, based on headcount, length and where we play.
Can I join a class on my own?
Yes. Classes are open to visitors, and tables form from who signs up.
What if it rains?
Even better. Mahjong is the best rainy-day plan in Florida.
Do we need our own sets?
No. I bring a set for every table.
Pack the sunscreen. I'll bring the tiles.
Tell me where you're staying, how many are coming and your dates, and I'll send you a plan.