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 Top 10 Getaways for Tiny Travelers 2007
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Revisit FTF's 1998 award winners to see how family travel has evolved -- and if these resorts still cater to infants and active kids. Ten years ago the concept of "family travel" was not as refined as it is today, with hotels mainly targeting the 5-12 age set when it came to services and activities. Therefore, in 1998, Family Travel Forum set out to discover the best getaways for new parents with infants and toddlers under 3-years of age. After months of research, investigative reporting, site inspections and networking with moms, we came up with 10 great resorts that were certainly above the curve when it came to pleasing babies and parents. After a decade of tremendous change in the travel industry, it was time to revisit these winning pioneers. Today, every niche market can use technology to make its needs known, and moms and dads have demanded a more personalized and richer family vacation experience. To celebrate FTF's 10th anniversary of the "Top 10 Getaways" awards, we examined the 10 original winners to learn how they are meeting new demands, how they have changed and in what ways they grew to accommodate today's family customer. And lastly, as our original tiny travelers become 4th graders, what does the evolution of these resorts teach us about the phenomenon that is family travel? Top Beach ResortsBeaches Boscobel (formerly Boscobel Beach) And as waterparks began to dominate the theme park business, the Beaches chain responded with its own impressive array. Boscobel's Pirates Island Waterpark has just received a US$3 million expansion featuring an Aqua-Play area; tube, body and speed slides; and a crawl around cargo net among nine new rides. This waterpark's Kid's Zone even caters to the tiniest of travelers with a zero-entry pool, misting crab, squirting sea turtle, and splashing seahorse. We know we can expect more from this savvy family brand as innovations spread to their Beaches Negril and Beaches Turks & Caicos properties as well. Franklyn D. Resort Tina Yap, Marketing Director for Franklyn D Resort, notes that families have always been attracted to the property because of the intimate size, the 1:1 staff to guest ratio, and spacious suites, a winning formula that's little changed. In 1998, the resort offered Mini-Clubs for children and a Teen Program with all the usual activities (arts'n'crafts, nature walks, snorkeling, and kid parties). Today, the resort entices families with these same favorites plus more: the latest game systems and computers, aerobics, bike tours, glass-bottom boat rides, disco nights, soccer and cricket clinics, Jamaican fruit tastings, cooking classes, spa treatments (for a fee) at the BodyWorks spa, and whatever guests want next. Franklyn D Resort has also noticed two other growing trends: increased demand for family-together adventures and child-enrichment activities, and familymoons. To meet the first need, FDR's concierge can arrange Canopy tours, ATV tours, watersports and more. To meet the latter need -- more couples flocking to the property for destination weddings and honeymoons with children from previous marriages in tow -- Franklyn D Resorts has built a two-bedroom honeymoon suite with its own private 500-square-foot deck right on the beach. And, for those families seeking a more casual atmosphere with a focus on ecology, nature and even more adventure, FDR has opened Pebbles, a second resort in Jamaica. Located near Montego Bay on the north coast of the island, a perfect spot for learning about the sea and the extensive coral reefs, Pebbles also offers the Vacation Nanny and programs for all ages. Top Country ResortsSmugglers' Notch In one of the industry's best new childcare centers, Treasures, infants and toddlers from 6-weeks to 3-years-old can enjoy 5,400-square-feet of indoor space divided into age-appropriate areas for both playing and resting. A new addition is Smuggs' Little Rascals on Snow program, a learn-to-ski program for 2.5 to 3-year-olds that runs in cooperation with the ski school, so tinies are able to head out for quick outings on the snow and then return to the center's cozy atmosphere for meals and naps. This athletic enrichment began on a trial basis in the winter of 2004-2005 and, due to parent demand, has become permanent. In a trend towards greater personalization, 3- to 4-year-olds may graduate to Discover Dynamos, another recently added program. Smuggs' other excellent camps include Trail Blazers for the 5-6's and recently added teen programs with evening skiing and snowboarding options, mountain biking and boarding, X-box and Playstation 2 facilities, peer parties and purpose built "parent-free" zones. New physical plant conveniences at Smuggs also cater to avid skiing parents, including ski-in/ski-out access to more condos, an enhanced base villlage, and heated "snowmelt" walkways to prevent slipping and sliding. Other thoughtful features (and at Smuggs, they are always thinking about how to improve the family experience) include the nursery's one-way mirror wall (for parents with separation anxiety) as well as tiny toilets and sinks off the slopes for easy access. The Tyler Place Family Resort on Lake Champlain There have been no changes in the childcare programs which still cater to newborns through 16-year-olds with age specific programs. And there is still a big focus on the healthy, locally grown and tasty food as well as nature walks and outdoor activities (what Co-owner and Tyler-Family member, Pixley Tyler Hill calls, "endangered life skills." The reason being: guests do not see a reason for change. At least not yet. The Tyler Place can verify this by the questionnaires that it requires guests to fill out after their stay. Ms. Tyler Hill states, "We try to take all the ideas we are given to see what our guests really want." Thus, all the new programs initiated at the classic summer camp resort, such as an extensive new bike trail system and free bike rentals for all guests, have been generated by the families who keep returning year after year. And according to Tyler Hill, the resort has a huge return rate of 80%. It is no wonder that The Tyler Place continues to set the bar for other family-friendly resorts nationwide. Top European GetawaysThe Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments Located in the English countryside just 25 miles northwest of London, The Grove offers a myriad of kids' activities include biking (helmets provided), tennis, croquet, children's indoor pool, and a walled garden. For infants and toddlers, Anouska's Kids Club offers supervised activities for babies 3-months-old and up, while parents golf or spa. An outdoor adventure playground, bouncy castle, face painting, cake decorating, jewelry making, teddy bear picnics and more are available to entertain its young guests. Though there is no fixed age limit at the supervised club, its activities are appropriate for infants, toddlers, and young children. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, rates run £6/HR and include all snacks, meals, and drinks. Parents looking for a more intimate one-on-one childcare, or after-hours service, can opt for private babysitting. Advanced reservations for both the club and babysitting services are strongly recommended, particularly over weekend breaks. The hotel can also arrange for family excursions to nearby attractions including Bowman's Farm, horseback riding, and the always popular Legoland in Windsor. Sheraton Algarve Pine Cliffs Sarah Moreira, Marketing & PR Manager for the Sheraton Algarve, notes that today's families tend to have children later in life, which often means more income for luxury travel. And because most parents who arrive at the resort are both in the workforce, a family vacation is more important than ever to renew bonding and promote relaxation. The resort recently underwent a careful study of what family guests are looking for, then worked to meet new demands by implementing children-only experiences, varied childcare options, indulgences like gourmet food and beverage choices (especially for children), and a stress-free and uncomplicated guest experience, among other key factors. Still a staple of the resort after 10 years is Porto Pirata, an imaginative children's village for ages 6-months to 12-years that entertains tinies and big siblings year-round. The 7,000-square-meter play area has two pirate ships, one private pool, playground, mini-golf and a bouncing castle, as well as napping quarters, room for treasure hunts, and other counselor-led activities. The youngest family members ages 6- to 36-months are cared for in an exclusive nursery by a university-trained, multi-lingual staff with a ratio of 3:1. Kids 12 and older can participate in activities ranging from bicycling, basketball, tai chi, step aerobics, archery, video games, beach walks and more. Private babysitting is also available, ensuring a customized vacation experience for families seeking a tranquil resort in a picturesque setting with upscale amenities and services. Top Ski ResortsJackson Hole Anna Olson, the Brand Director of Jackson Hole, comments on the need to satisfy a tremendous growth of winter family travel at their resort in recent years. Instead of offering more of the expected Kids Club fare of arts'n'crafts and sing-a-longs, she adds, "Lots of these kids want to spend time in the terrain parks and pipes." Thus was born the resort's Park and Pipe Camp, a three-day extravaganza in a terrain park filled with pipes, ramps and rails, exclusively for teens ages 12-17 who are intermediate or higher level skiers or snowboarders. While Jackson Hole has excelled at meeting the needs of families with teens, parents of tinies should keep in mind that since 1998, pricing for slopeside childcare has nearly doubled. And with its focus on snow-filled fun and activities, it does not offer the wide variety of all season kid-friendly activities that some of our other past winners provide today. Taos Ski Valley Other family benefits abound: kids up to 18 may ski and stay free (with some restrictions) at Taos Ski Valley. The adolescent crowd will also be pleased to know that since 1998, the resort's famous ski school that once taught only children ages 3-12, has grown to accommodate kids as old as 15. Also, this season is one of the first that has seen the comfy Taos Teen Center open with video games, a TV, snacks and drinks (for purchase). It is a place for the older kids to hang out, take a break from Mom and Dad and make some new friends. Yet, catering to teens has not stopped Taos from taking even better care of the younger set than they did a decade ago. KinderCare, Taos' licensed childcare program, once grouped together all children from 6-months-old to 3-years of age. But now, with the addition of BebeCare, the tiniest of travelers younger than 12-months have their own personal staff, where the ratio is one caregiver to two infants. Top SpaThe Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa The Peaks has also responded to the latest trends in healthy family travel with their "family fitness" programs tailored to the family dynamic. The Peaks Family Yoga and Family Walk classes are the perfect way for families to work out and stay fit together. Additionally, to meet an increased demand for more adventure activities, The Peaks, located outside the Telluride mountain resort, has its own ski school and snowboarding lessons for kids 3-years and up. At our 1998 visit, the resort featured an unusually wide variety of year-round children's camp options including Pioneers, Explorers and private babysitting to accommodate both a child's need for age-appropriate fun and parents looking for a relaxing and renewing break. While those popular clubs still exist today, a new Base Camp welcomes infants from 12-weeks through 5-years for half or full days of playing, swimming, arts-n-crafts and other fun activities under the care of a trained staff. Amy Campbell, Area Director of The Peaks, notes that today's families are looking to connect with each other, and has seen an growing influx of travelers with children since 9/11. Therefore, in addition to 174 luxury rooms and suites with ski-in/ski-out access (many only partially renovated due to a recent change of ownership) and 12 penthouse condominiums, The Peaks Resort now offers 15 cabins to meet the increased lodging demand being made by multi-generational families and family reunions. Built of logs and stone, these three- to six-bedroom lodges, decorated in a mountain style, are luxurious getaways with private whirlpool tubs and other amenities. Still catering to a special fitness and wellness oriented crowd, the cabins are within walking distance of the brand new Telluride Gondola, the Golden Door Spa, and the village's fine restaurants and golf, and are connected to each other (and perhaps to guests' relatives) by a heated cobblestone walkway. Top Wilderness CampMontecito Sequoia Lodge, High Sierra Family Vacation Camp Ten years ago and still today, some family-favorites include boating, waterskiing and fishing (on the Montecito's private lake), tennis, horseback riding, hiking and biking, rock-climbing, or cross-country skiing and ice skating, as well a crafts shop, heated swimming pool, and hot tub. There is sports instruction for ages 5 to 11 and supervised group activities for kids 2-18, with a heavier emphasis on teen programs since 1998. Although there is no organized childcare for infants and toddlers from 6- to 23-months, Montecito Sequoia is known for its great team of teen babysitters, who can be hired to take tinies to the special Infant Play Yard full of toys and infant paraphenalia, with our without parents, so babies can play and make friends. Not much has changed in the activities or programming at this rustic camp. However, despite being aware of many new trends in family travel, Vincent notes that most families who choose this getaway actually desire the simple and traditional fun of yesteryear, with campfire songs, variety shows and friendly counselors being the focus. Having completed a new physical plant renovation in 2007, the Montecito believes that the most important thing for vacationing families is that they get the best value with less stress. To meet this need, Vincent states they have simplified the details of all-inclusive packages, making the vacation planning and booking easier. Another change necessitated by family demand -- the resort can now accommodate larger families of up to eight people in their cabins.
Comments: I have been to the Peaks in Telluride before and find it to be over priced and some of the worst service I have ever experienced. I only returned to the resort because I thought it was the only full service hotel with a Spa in Telluride which is true, but probably not for long. A great alternative is the Mountain Lodge at Telluride which is Ski & Ski out and a fabulous option for families, great value and personalized service there lobby bar is my favorite place for an apres ski drink or to view an afternoon lightning storm in the summer. Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008 2:27pm by tiasmith Please log in to post a comment Not an FTF Member yet? Sign up today for blog and boards access, our award-winning vacation deal alerts, and custom trip-planning assistance from our staff of family travelers. |
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888/BEACHES; 876/975-7777 
Stacy Royal, PR director for Boscobel, notes that 10 years on, many more moms and dads are bringing along extended family and grandparents on vacation, so the resort (a Superclubs property back then and a Sandals resort now) has renovated to offer multi-room suites accommodating families large and small. The second biggest change is that more time-starved parents are looking for time off while their children are engaged in entertaining and age-appropriate activities. As a result, Boscobel, as well as all Beaches Resorts, offers more certified Ultra Nanny care and a wider variety of activities including a petting zoo, glass bottom boat rides, an Xbox Game Center, and new programs like Crayola Art Camps. Cementing its FTFQ (fantastic for families quotient) with young parents, Beaches teamed with Sesame Street to entertain and educate its tiny guests with weekly character parades, delightful character breakfasts, and superb learning activities. And while toddlers can try Baking with Cookie Monster, Boscobel has also stepped-up to parents' demand for healthier (and a few ethnic) meal alternatives to the standard kid-favorite chicken fingers and fries requisite back in '98. 
Franklyn D Resort remains a popular choice among families because of its signature service: rivate Vacation Nannies assigned to each arriving family throughout their stay. While working conditions for nannies have improved over the years, the cost for additional nanny service has only gone up $1 since 1998 -- it's now $4/HR if parents want to hit the nearby reggae clubs at night. Safety and quality standards are still ensured because each FDR Nanny, recommended by the Jamaica Tourist Board, is trained in the hotel's Vacation Nanny Training Program, which includes CPR and FirstAid. Perhaps just as important to today's over-worked parents, nannies also keep the condo accommodations tidy and stocked, arrange for excursions off the property, and assist as a family helper, making for a worry-free vacation.
Barbara Thomke, PR Director of Smugglers' Notch, gave us some insight on how family travel has changed the ski resort business since 1998: "Once, simple arts'n'crafts would keep youngsters occupied. Today we offer them adventure and games, nature and hiking, sound and stage participation. We have grown from one pool with a diving board to four water facilities with multiple pools including four water slides, an Aqua Jump, fidget ladder, canoes and paddleboats." In 10 years, Smugglers' Notch, like many of the top ski resorts, has also evolved into a year-round mountain destination that serves all children -- young and old -- and their adults, as guests or condo owners, with myriad recreation and learning facilities. And that's the best news for families with tiny and not-so-tiny-any-longer travelers.
Coincidentally, we are revisiting The Tyler Place as the resort celebrates its 75th anniversary as one of the original family travel destinations. Since 1998, there has been much physical growth on the 165-acre lakeside grounds. To extend the popular swimming complex, a family fun Splash Pad has been added. Additionally, the Field House, with various sports courts and an arts'n'crafts room, serves as a foolproof solution to the occasional rainy day. The Tyler Place has also tried to expand its activities off the grounds with family trips across the border to Quebec, Canada to different shops and even chocolate factories.
When we revisited The Athenaeum we learned that, while one of London's top hotels still offers a comfortable atmosphere and warm, personal service in the traditional British style (as well as the private nannies, children's DVD library, robe, milk and cookie service, baby supplies and toy chest that earned them FTF's 1998 award), their new sister property exceeds any B.U.P.P.Y's (British Urban Professional Parent) expectation. We believe that The Grove (
The Luxury Collection's Sheraton Algarve Hotel in Portugal, overlooking the Praia da Falesia and the Atlantic, remains popular with families for its townhouses, villas, golf suites, and the new Pine Cliffs Residence apartments. With cooking facilities available, families can prepare their own meals (a huge potential savings with today's Euro) or take advantage of 24-hour room service. Guests can also enjoy the housekeeping services, concierge, reception, restaurants, bars and leisure activities of one of the region's most luxurious coastal resorts.
Originally opened in 1966, Wyoming's Jackson Hole mountain resort has always encouraged and promoted family travel. In fact, when FTF first reviewed it in 1998, it had just opened a Kids Ranch to provide families with a licensed daycare option for infants 2-months through 5-years-old. Ten years later, however, the program has grown tremendously, now catering to all ages and stages from 6-months through 17-years with activities that are specifically tailored to each age group. Teenagers, who previously had no recreational programming geared towards them, especially reap the benefits as they now have peer movie nights and customized snowboarding instruction.
The huge news here is that in 2008, the formerly skis-only Taos opened up the mountain to snowboarders, and even has plans to incorporate a snowboarding class for kids ages 6 and up at its legendary Ski School. Why? Taos' Marketing Manager, Adriana Blake, explains that snowboarding had become such a huge family sport in recent years that many family guests could no longer enjoy the village. But in order to make families feel more welcome, over the past 10 years, Taos had already introduced a myriad of other activities such as a terrain park for freestyle skiers, a NASTAR Racecourse, snowmobile tours, a tubing hill, visits to historical pueblos, ice-skating and even hot air ballooning in fair weather. 
Over the past 10 years, and through a variety of ownership, The Peaks has maintained its standard for luxury wellness services in a resort setting. And families continue to benefit, with special treatments including skin care, a variety of massage techniques and saunas available to guests whose offspring, ages 8-weeks to 11-years-old, are cared for by expert staff. New to the resort? Guests 16-years and older can immerse themselves in the Golden Door Spa "Kivas" (ceremonial shelters in native American lore) for a complimentary Peaks Purification Ritual, including use of the steam room infused with Colorado aromatic herbs and the use of a cedar-filled sauna and mineral-water whirlpool -- about the only free pampering teens can expect. 
In 1998, the Montecito-Sequoia Lodge boasted that its year-round family programming had a "do your own thing" motto. Ten years later, the resort still maintains that everyone can enjoy their vacation no matter what they wish to do. Judy Vincent, the Office Manager, asserts, "It's a place where every family member gets to choose what he or she wants to do. Everyone has fun either individually and/or as a family." Vincent also notes that throughout its 60-year history, the Montecito has heard from many families that traditional camp activities have helped build a stronger family bond and create friendships with other guests.