A Parent's Guide To Kid Resorts
(working title)
by Phil Philcox and Beverly Boe
Phil Philcox and Beverly Boe are the editors of The Press Association
and authors of 46 non-fiction books on various subjects.
Click here for information on the Association.
Click for access to amazon.com and some of the Philcox/Boe books.
This could be a US-only travel book or coverage of the US, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, depending on what the publisher feels would make the best selling book. Scattered around the country are resorts that, in addition to hosting regular visitors, offer special programs for kids that allow parents to go off on their own and enjoy some peace and quiet while the trained hotel staff takes over. The programs include tennis lessons, cooking classes, story telling (for the very young), video programs, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities and even overnight trips. For example in Florida, the Breakers in Palm Beach features weeklong summer camp packages for children, including programs on the culinary arts, etiquette and money management. The children - age three to fifteen - participate in the different programs while the parents do their thing. At the Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami, daily children's program includes tennis, fishing, golf, arts, crafts, and games. Children age four to twelve have access to instruction on the property's five golf course, fifteen tennis courts and fitness center. Head south into the Florida Keys and kids can sample what's offered at Hawk's Cay Resort and Marina at Duck Key. Snorkeling and dive lessons are available for kids from age five to thirteen, aqua-cise and dance lessons are hosted every weekend, swim with the dolphins programs are very popular and nightly pajama parties with other guests' kids are held regularly, all supervised, of course.
All familes vacation together and having the opportunity to have someone look after the children is a plus and something many parents would enjoy. These are all regular resorts that offer the regular amenities (rooms, restaurant, pool, entertainment, etc.) plus the children programs. We cover each of the resorts that offer programs like this. Each listing is the name and address of the property; phone/fax number, an explanation of the special programs, the other facilities (number of rooms, etc.), the cost, room rates and other information that might be of interest to readers. We also have a wide selection of photos showing children participating in these programs. May we send you a couple of sample listings and the Introduction?
The Homestead Guest Ranch
111 North Highland Trail
Long Lake NY 52113
518-555-9858
Fax: 518-555-2121
The Homestead Guest Ranch is located in Essex County in upstate New York, about two hours south of the Canadian border. The ranch offers 8, one-bedroom cabins that will sleep 1-4, 11 two-bedroom cabins that will sleep 4-8. All cabins are equipped with twin, double or king-sized beds, TV, living room and porch, air conditioning and heat. Daily maid service is provided. There are 4 rooms upstairs in the lodge that will sleep from 1-4 guests.
Rates: May 15-September 30 Adults $1,113 W, Juniors (under 15) $722W, Kids (3-6) $393. A special weekend program is available (arrive Friday afternoon after 3 p.m., depart Sunday evening 6 p.m.).
KID STUFF
Petting Zoo. Children's horseback riding and overnight camping trip. Ages 6-17. The children are taught the art of horseback riding at a slow pace in the coral, then out on easy-to-manage trails. When they show they can ride, they can participate in an overnight, two-nite camping trail ride that departs at 3 p.m. on Saturday and returns at 3 p.m. on Sunday. For this reason, Sunday checkouts have been extended to 6 p.m. The trail ride covers a distance of ten miles roundtrip and participants camp overnight along the banks of the Hudson river. All meals are served campside. A Kiddie Program is available for children between the ages of 3-6 and involves only the horseback riding training. This is a free program provided to guests upon request. Just sign up at the lodge desk.
15 Arlington Street
Boston MA 02117
617-536-5700
Fax: 617-536-1335
Toll-Free: 800-241-1333
Built in 1927, The Ritz-Carlton is one of Boston's premier hotels, located right in the heart of town. There are 241 rooms and 34 suites with rates ranging from $220 to $1,500 a night. Rooms are funished in classic French Provincial furniture. The property includes a restaurant, 24-hour room service, exercise facilities, child care services, no-smoking room.
Kid Stuff
In addition to the guest rooms and suites, there's the Junior Presidential Suite designed especially for children up to the age of twelve. This one-of-a-kind, two-room suite was designed by Sax Fifth Avenue with design consultation from Fiandaca Interiors. The suite consists of a master bedroom for parents that connects with a unique children's bedroom and playroom with full bath and furnished with child-size furniture. A desk, arts and crafts area and entertainment center with children's videos (Wizard of Oz, Bambi, Pinocchio, Cinderella, etc.) is available to wile away idle time. The room is also outfitted with an assortment of stuffed animals, books, game and toys. A mini-fridge is stocked with healthy snacks and beverages and all of the toiletry items - including the small size luxury bathrobes - are geared toward children. Because of the popularity of the suite, reservations are highly recommended.
