Rustic Luxury on the California Coast

A wonderful gem on the northern California coast is Costanoa Resort. It’s the perfect combination of full service resort (including spa and meeting rooms) and nature retreat. And it’s perfect for families who like to be close to nature, but still want their creature comforts.

Lodging is quiet varied, guests can choose from campsites (bring your own gear) to luxury cabins to traditional hotel rooms. My favorite are the Douglas Fir Cabins, which have a down comforters, fireplaces, and a deck overlooking the coastal hills. Only hotel rooms have private baths, the others share “comfort stations” located throughout the property. And these comfort stations are quite comfortable, with upscale décor and an outdoor fireplace. In addition to the spa, onsite amenities include a hot tub & swimming pool, firepits, picnic grounds, BBQ facilties, horseback riding, grocery store, and plenty of lawn area for energetic kids to run around and burn off steam. A short walk across the road and down a sandy path leads to a beautiful, quiet beach with great tidepooling. And a Kids Camp is offered on summer weekends for ages 5-12.


The Cascade Bar & Grille serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I can attest that the food is very good, and made with fresh, organic ingredients. While there isn’t a lot offered in the way of nightlife, there is occasionally live music, Winemaker’s Dinners, and seasonal events.

A large menu of outdoor activities are available, including guided hikes, surfing lessons, cycling, wine tasting, and sea kayaking. Or families can head off on their own to local attractions such as Ano Nuevo State Park, Half Moon Bay, or Santa Cruz, or one of the many public beaches within a 10-20 minute drive. Hiking trails lead from the resort directly into a neighboring state park, or a short drive takes visitors into a redwood forest.

This is an ideal resort for a short family getaway, small group retreat (I stayed there for a Girl Scout mother/daughter weekend) , or as a stopping point on a trip down the California coast. The location is convenient, about 2 hrs from San Jose or San Francisco, and the setting could not be more beautiful.

For more information about planning your next family vacation, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.
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Pastry Chefs Gone Wild – Part 2

I’ve received more pictures of amazing hotel gingerbread houses, so I decided on a follow-up to my previous post.

Ritz Carlton Chicago
(I love the ewok theme!)

Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch

Four Seasons Austin

Ritz Carlton South Beach
Ritz Carlton Sarasota

Pleasant Holidays Corporate Offices
(a gift from the Ritz Carlton Kapalua)
Four Seasons Las Vegas


Ritz Carlton Moscow

To learn how to obtain the best rates and amenities at any of these resorts, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com
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Pastry Chefs Gone Wild

Some hotel pastry chefs make amazing gingerbread creations to display in their lobby during the holidays. I asked them to send me pictures to share.

Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa, Sedona

Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Fairmont Banff Springs


Ritz Carlton, Charlotte


Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island


Grand Floridian Resort, Walt Disney World
(See a time lapse video of its construction.)

At all of these resorts, my clients receive exclusive amenities such as complimentary upgrades, resort credits, daily breakfast, and more. For information about these and other special offers for families, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.

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A Kid Friendly Retreat in Las Vegas

I don’t generally recommend Las Vegas as a family vacation destination, but sometimes a trip there is necessary due to family or work obligations. Parents can avoid the casinos, clubs, and any other “scenery” they find too risqué for their children, yet still enjoy luxurious amenities and exemplary service by staying at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Located near the airport, in the Mandalay Bay complex, the Four Seasons offers a non-smoking, non-gaming retreat. In fact, when sitting poolside, or enjoying a meal on the terrace, it almost feels like being in Hawaii. Yet steps away are the casinos and pools of Mandalay Bay, as well as a complimentary car service ready to whisk guests in comfort to other destinations on The Strip.

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, and though I was not with my children, the family-friendliness of the hotel was evident. In fact, I ran into several parents with young children during my stay. The rooms are spacious, and the one bedroom suites are particularly nice for families as they have a sofa bed in the living room. There’s even ample space for a rollaway (which was one of the plushest I have ever seen), so each child can have their own bed.

The main Four Seasons pool is modest in size compared to other Las Vegas hotel pools, but it is quiet and well-staffed with pool attendants who promptly bring towels and a pitcher of ice water with lemon wedges. There’s even a sunglass butler to clean guests’ glasses and tighten up loose screws. A small wading pool located on the far side of the bar gives parents with young children their own retreat. And for children of all ages (even grown-ups), the Mandalay Bay wave pool and lazy river are just steps away through a private gate which only Four Seasons guests may use. The Four Seasons Hotel actually occupies the 35th through 39th floors of the Mandalay Bay tower. However check-in is completely separate, and guests take an express elevator to their rooms. It is possible to never see a slot machine or gaming table while at the Four Seasons, but for those who want to gamble, the Mandalay Bay casino is just steps away through a key carded door exclusively for use of Four Seasons guests.

My agency is a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, so my guests receive daily breakfast for two (a $76 value, which covers the wonderful buffet), a $100 spa credit per room, and a complimentary upgrade, based on availability. And suites are very affordable right now, as a Buy 1 Night Get One Free promo runs through the end of the year.

For more information about special rates and amenities at Four Seasons Resorts & Hotels worldwide, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com

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Four Seasons’ Sweet Deals on Suites and More

Four Seasons is making luxury more affordable for families with several great deals on suites or guaranteed connecting rooms.

At Four Seasons Las Vegas, buy one night get one free on suites. No limit on the number of nights, and the offer is good through December 30. My clients also receive exclusive amenities such as a $100 spa gift certificate and breakfast or dinner daily!
The Four Seasons Resorts in Hawaii have family offers through mid-December. On Maui, get a second ocean view room at 50% off. On Lana’i, families receive special rates on guaranteed connecting rooms and 4 hours of nanny service at both the Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay.

Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island announced the Family Connecting Package which includes daily breakfast and dinner for up to five, a “date night” for mom & dad, and one family activity when booking a one or two bedroom suite.


Four Seasons Bora Bora offers 50% off a second bungalow for families traveling with children, or a complimentary fifth night through December 18. At Chill Island, teens can hang out on their own private beach, playing volleyball, table tennis and enjoying beach barbecues and kite-surfing lessons. Exclusive amenities for my clients include a spa gift certificate $100, airport transfers, daily breakfast, and an indigenous Polynesian gift.


Four Seasons is known for family-friendly luxury. All resorts offer a complimentary Kids For All Seasons program with activities for ages 4-12. In the summer and during school holidays, some hotels even provide a Teen Concierge. And baby furnishings and toiletries are always complimentary as well.

I have many other exclusive offers at Four Seasons hotels worldwide. For more information, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com

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New and Cool for Kids

2009 brings some cool new parks and programs for kids of all ages!

HOTEL DEL CORONADO (San Diego)

”The Del,” Southern California’s only oceanfront hotel, recently opened two new activity centers. KIDTOPIA, for ages 4-12, features bright and fun colors, underwater murals and separate beach-themed rooms for crafts and playtime. The playroom’s center stage is perfect for talent shows, dance-offs and performances, and a separate diner-style area allows for supervised cooking activities. There’s also a cool climbing unit, a crazy funhouse mirror and high-tech entertainment stations.

VIBZ is a contemporary lounge dedicated to teens. It offers billiards, foosball, darts, karaoke, computers, movie-time media, Dance Dance Revolution and, most importantly, the opportunity for teens to meet others their own age.

Hotel del Coronado is a Virtuoso member hotel, which means my clients receive exclusive amenities: an upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), daily buffet breakfast for two, VIP services, and a $100 daily spa credit if they are staying in the Beach Village.
RIU HOTELS & RESORTS

RiuLand, a children’s entertainment program, has been launched at some all-inclusive RIU resorts in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico. The programs provide entertainment and activities for kids ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 12, revolving around a series of 12 themed days. Themes include Aqualand Day with games in the pool, Riu Olympic with group sports, Piratesland with pirate contests and treasure hunts, and Ecoland with environmental activities.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

The Carnival Dream will debut in November, featuring a water park with a 303-foot-long, four-deck-high corkscrew water slide (the longest on a cruise ship), and twin 80-foot-long racing slides. Carnival is offering an online contest for children ages 7-12, where they can win a trip to NYC to christen the WaterWorks aqua park. To enter the Virtual Book of Dreams contest, children must complete the thought, “I’m always dreaming up fun stuff. Wouldn’t it be awesome if…” in 250 words or less, from now until Sept. 18. Go to www.carnivalbookofdreams.com/ to enter.

BREEZES CURACAO

Breezes Curacao, the only all-inclusive on the island, has been undergoing renovations throughout the year. The property’s three swimming pools now include a misting pool, a children’s pool and an adults’ pool with swim-up bar. A new playground for kids has also been added just outside the expansive Kids’ Club. In addition to SuperClubs’ trademark Breezes feature, a professional circus workshop with a swinging trapeze, Breezes Curaçao also has the island’s first ice-skating rink, as well as a 30-foot rock-climbing wall.


BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS

Beaches Turks & Caicos opened Pirate’s Island Waterpark this past spring. This 10 times bigger waterpark features a lazy river, a surf simulator, seven new waterslides, water cannons, pop up jets, and a zero-entry pool for little travelers. Other features to keep the kids happy are an ice cream machine, disco, game room, 50’s style diner, and swim-up “bar.”

Beaches also unveiled the all-suite Italian Village, featuring five new restaurants, a 7,000-square-foot retail area, the island’s largest freshwater pool and the Caribbean’s largest Jacuzzi. Spacious two-bedroom suites have a bunk bedroom for kids with a play area and XBox 360, a master bedroom and sitting area for parents, and a balcony or patio. Flexible configurations allow various size suites to be connected together, and some are large enough to accommodate a family of 12!

CAYMAN ISLANDS

Black Pearl Skate Park, located on Grand Cayman, opened this summer with 60,000 square feet of challenging, multilevel concrete skateboard terrain. Beginning in June, an 11-week Skate Cayman day camp program was offered, the first skateboarding camp of its kind in the Caribbean. The challenging but rider-friendly park offers three main courses — expert, intermediate and beginner — with concrete bowls, half- and quarter-pipes and flow and street courses for each level. Adjacent to the skateboard park is Black Pearl’s surf park, a self-contained wave machine that generates 11-foot waves in a 16,000-gallon wave pool. For more information visit http://www.blackpearl.ky/.

For more information about planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.
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A Home Away From Home in Europe

Families planning a trip to Europe are often challenged finding suitable, and economical, accommodations. As most hotel rooms sleep only two people, and connecting rooms are usually not guaranteed, I often recommend apartments or private home rentals for families traveling with children. They not only provide more space and many of the conveniences of home, but they are often comparable in price to booking two hotel rooms. And travelers need not worry that that they will be foregoing any luxury, either! There are exceptional apartments that are beautifully decorated, and in the best locations, if you know how to find them.


I asked my favorite source for Europe apartments, Small and Elegant Hotels, about their top picks for families. Small and Elegant specializes in luxury boutique hotels and apartments throughout Europe, including Italy, France, and Spain, as well as charming villas in areas like Tuscany and the Loire Valley. Bonnie, the owner, visits the properties regularly to ensure they meet her high standards, and she knows London and Paris like the back of her hand!

The Collingham (London) – This fine period building is located in fashionable South Kensington near Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, overlooking a tranquil garden square. The superb shopping areas of Knightsbridge and Chelsea are close by. Well furnished apartments ranging from 1-3 bedrooms each have a fully equipped kitchen and satellite TV. Maid and laundry service is available as well as 24 hour reception and security.

Hotel Residence du Roy (Paris) – Just a few steps from Champs-Elysees, and Plaza Athenee, this tastefully decorated 4 star hotel is equipped with all the comforts of a prestigious hotel: bar, satellite TV, in-house movies, air-conditioning, internet access, concierge, room service. personal safe, and parking. They offer standard rooms, split level duplexes with full kitchens, and suites with kitchenettes. And their restaurant is rated in the top 20 in Paris!


Domus (Rome) – This is a wonderful 18th century building of prestigious flats located in the famous Palazzo Pierret in Piazza di Spagna in the heart of Rome, with an incredible view over the Spanish Steps. The spacious apartments, which sleep 2- 10, have sitting rooms, kitchens, elegant bathrooms, and are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, direct telephone lines, and internet access. Suites which sleep up to 3 guests are also available with kitchenettes. I am confident that my clients are in good hands when I book their accommodations through Small and Elegant Hotels. They not only have some of the best rates, but their expertise and personal connections are priceless. In fact, they can still guarantee 2009 rates for next year, but soon that option will go away, as 2010 is predicted to be a busier travel season.

So if you are planning a family vacation to Europe, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com. I have arranged a special amenity with Small and Elegant Hotels exclusively for my clients!

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Keswick Hall Combines History and Family Fun

Keswick Hall is located in the heart of Virginia, near Charlottesville and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. An extensive estate amid beautiful countryside, it makes an ideal destination for families who enjoy nature and history. Though the property itself is intimate, with only 48 rooms and suites, it offers a broad variety of activities. All ages can enjoy nature walks, fishing, horsback riding, tennis, hot air ballooning and indoor and outdoor pools.

Children are especially welcome at the country house, and given a Kids Only Passport at check-in, a cleverly designed interactive guide to the estate, Charlottesville and the surrounding area. Kids will have fun planning their stay from the journal’s long list of places to discover, people to meet and interesting facts about the property. They also receive an in-room amenity ranging from caramel popcorn to animal crackers with fruit flavored sodas.

Golf is one of the more popular activities at the resort, which has its own Arnold Palmer Signature 18-hole golf course. And children are encouraged to pick up a set of clubs as well. On select weeks in summer, golf clinics are held for ages 6-12, and a Junior Golf Camp for ages 13-16. Complimentary tennis clinics are also available for children 5 to 10 years old, and golf lessons are also available year round for all ages and abilities.


Through May 31, to celebrate the 266th anniversary of the third President’s birth, Keswick Hall is offering a 2 night Celebrating Jefferson package including:

* Monticello Guidebook
* Daily continental breakfast
* Passes to Jefferson’s beloved home, Monticello, his summer escape, Ash Lawn and the Michie Tavern Museum
* A three course dinner for two in Fossett’s, an award-winning restaurant named after Jefferson’s head cook
* Jefferson Vineyards tour and wine tasting


Guests who book through a Virtuoso agency receive the following complimentary amenities:

* Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
* Daily continental breakfast for up to two guests
* One complimentary round of golf for two, including cart

To learn more about Keswick Hall and how to receive the best rates, amenities, and VIP treatment, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Beachfront Bliss in the U.K.

The Nare is a privately owned country house on Cornwalls’s south coast which welcomes families with open arms. The hotel offers children not only a sandy beach with many rock pools waiting to be explored and a safe bay for swimming, but also the unique opportunity to experience the life changing ‘Visual Awareness Art Lesson’ with Jeanni, their resident artist.

Originally from England, Jeanni taught art at one of the top private schools in Sydney, Australia. Now her unique lessons are popular with Nare guests of all ages. Jeanni’s passion for art is infectious, and she believes everyone can paint or sketch if shown how. In fact, after just one lesson, everyone has a painting and a sketch to take home, along with a new found passion for art. Jeanni offers art courses to guests at the hotel, either individually or in groups, and also runs a four day Art Break in the spring and autumn.

Families can also enjoy The Nare’s outdoor swimming pool (heated from May to mid September), indoor pool, tennis court, billiards room, sauna, spa, and croquet lawn. The hotel also has its own yacht, a Cornish Crabber called the Maggie O’Nare, which can be chartered for sailing or fishing.

The Nare can be reached by direct train from London to Truro, or by regional airline from Gatwick or Standsted airport. With advance reservation, a courtesy car and driver will meet guests at the station or airport. The drive from London is approximately 5 hours.

To learn more about The Nare and how to receive the best rates, amenities, and VIP treatment, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Hawaii’s Best Luxury Travel Deals for Families

If you’ve always dreamed of a taking the family to a luxury resort in Hawaii, this may be the time to do it. For the past several years, Hawaii’s popularity as a family vacation destination has been increasing. And as a result, rates have steadily gone up and hotels have sold out very early. But the current hiccup in the economy has reversed that trend, and now there are great deals to some of the best resorts on the islands.


If traveling out of SFO or LAX, Pleasant Holidays is offering special airfares, inlcuding 50% off a companion fare (SFO only through May 31) and reduced children’s rates (one child per two adults for travel June 1- August 23). Clients also receive double upgrades on select Hertz rental cars, or a complimentary economy car.

So how does booking a package compare with booking everything separately? The price of a 7 night Pleasant Holidays package for June 13-20 in an Ocean View Suite at the Fairmont Kea Lani is $7746, including a mid-size SUV, taxes, lei greeting, and vacation protection plan. This includes roundtrip, daytime (not redeye) nonstop flights out of SFO. When I looked up these flights on United’s website, they were priced at over $2200 per person because only first class seats were available on the return flight. Nonstop flights which had economy class seats available were >$1000 per person. The best internet rate for the hotel is just shy of $4000, so that comes to over $8000 not including the rental car and travel insurance. That’s a savings of over $1000 by booking the package!

Other Hawaii luxury hotel offers include:

Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island
Their Family Package includes:
> Guaranteed connecting rooms
> Breakfast for four daily
> Two full day passes to Keiki Adventures Program.
> Fifth night free for Garden View and Partial Ocean View rooms
> Third night free for Ocean View rooms plus $400 resort credit.

For single room bookings, the following offers apply:
> Garden view and partial ocean view – every 5th night free and full breakfast daily
> Ocean view and higher – every 3rd night free and $200 resort credit

Planning a family reunion? Book five rooms and the fifth room is upgraded to a suite for free – what a way to treat the grandparents! All offers are valid through December 20, 2009.



Four Seasons Resort Maui
They have an exclusive offer for guests booking through Preferred Partners before March 1, 2009:
> Fifth night free for travel through March 12
> Full island buffet breakfast for two adults each day including tax and gratuity
> Afternoon whale watch excursion for two adults
> Two specialty tropical cocktails and choice of appetizer in Lobby Lounge


Halekulani on Oahu
They are offering clients of Virtuoso Travel Advisors who book a minimum 3 night stay:
> Reduced rates > Complimentary room upgrade (based on availability)
> Daily breakfast for two
> Private taxi transfers (or complimentary parking).


The Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa Kauai
An exclusive Suite Delight promotion is available through Virtuoso Travel Advisors for travel through December 24, 2009:
> $200 resort credit with a 4 night minimum stay in a suite
> 6th night free
> Beautiful orchid arrangement in the suite
> Deluxe fruit bowl
> Complimentary access to ANARA Spa facilities ($60 value per day)
> Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests
> One evening appetizer in Stevenson’s Library Lounge

To read more about Kauai, see my recent blog post, Kauai – A Family Vacation Paradise.

For more information about planning a family vacation to Hawaii, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

All offers subject to availability, and may be changed or canceled at any time without notice.
Restrictions or blackout dates may apply.
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