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May 27, 2010

Pampering Kids in Paris

Paris has become a popular destination for families, and the Four Seasons George V is doing more than ever to ensure that every child’s stay is memorable. Claudia Caringi, the Recreations Manager, personally greets families upon their arrival and is at their complete disposal to arrange a fun-filled stay in the City of Light!



Upon checking in, children are invited to pick a welcome gift from a toy basket. Then they are given suggestions of fun things to do and places to see within the hotel and out in the city.
Each family receives a personalized itinerary to reflect the age and interests of each child.

Is 8 year old Matty into the “gooey is great” phase? How about a visit of the Parisian Catacombs! Does 6 year old Jenny want to be an artist when she grows up? What better way to merge culture and fun than a full day trip to Giverny, where Jenny could set up her easel in the countryside that has inspired Claude Monet, alongside an artist who could help her paint her first canvas?
For budding chefs, a private pastry workshop can be scheduled with advance notice. Children can test their newly inspired talent by baking and decorating French madeleines, which are later packed up and brought back to their room for Mom and Dad to taste.


Teenagers are also catered to, either with recommendations on the trendy shopping venues or our new “My First Beauty Session” in our Spa, where a beautician teaches the tricks to a tasteful and fresh make-up.

Rooms are prepared with delicious amenities from the Pastry, seasonal fruits, and fruit juice or lemonade. And children also receive a Four Seasons George V t-shirt along with age-appropriate toiletries and bath linens. Parents arriving with children under 3 will find their rooms equipped for comfort and security, including play pens and electrical outlet covers.
In a city blessed with endless opportunities to merge fun and culture, the George V offers exemplary Four Seasons service to its younger guests with as much devotion as for its adult ones.


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

- Upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability
- Daily continental breakfast for two in La Galerie Restaurant or via Room Service
- 85 EU spa credit once during stay


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









Paris Family Vacation

May 20, 2010

A Castle on the California Coast

Take a great luxury hotel brand, put it in a spectacular location, add a great golf course, spa, and wine bar, and you have a destination resort to please any type of traveler. A wedding…yes. A romantic getaway…yes. A girls’ or guys' weekend…yes. A corporate retreat…yes. But if it's going to be a great family destination, it needs something more. And the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay has that extra something.


A castle on the coast is what they call it. What better way to describe a beautiful, elegant building perched on a bluff overlooking a spectacular stretch of northern California coastline. With architecture so unique and interesting that practically every room is different, no cookie-cutter floor plans here!

The best rooms in my opinion: ground floor fireplace pit rooms.

Ground floor for me, so I have quick access right out of my room to the beautiful surroundings. But which side, north or south? To the south, what seems to be an endless view of rugged coastline and crashing surf.

To the north, still amazing views, but also quick access to the spa and a pretty courtyard filled with Adirondack chairs and a hot tub. And seamless Ritz Carlton service no matter where you're located.


So what makes this particular resort so great for families?

A staff that welcomes children – Kids get their own special welcome check-in desk, with an invitation to participate in a scavenger hunt to win a prize.


The Ritz Kids program– Children enjoy offers activities from arts & crafts to flying kites to building sandcastles, and Kids Night Out on weekends give parents a chance to enjoy a quiet dinner alone. And special events are offering for holidays throughout the year, including Easter, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

An indoor pool – It’s unusual to find one on the northern California coast since ocean breezes year round can make swimmers uncomfortable even on the hottest days . But at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, kids can swim year-round in a heated pool.

S’mores by the outdoor fire pit – Need I say more?

Many travelers stop in Half Moon Bay when touring the California coast. But there’s so much to do in the area, it’s worth staying a few nights to go tide pooling, visit the giant redwoods, or see elephant seals at Ano Nuevo State Park.
Virtuoso amenities for 2010 include a complimentary upgrade and late checkout (based on availability), daily breakfast for two, and an $85 spa credit.

For more information, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.


Half Moon Bay Family Vacation