Family Values In A Four Season Style

Kids

oi-Staff

By Staff

Tuesday, June 2, 2009, 13:32

As every parent - and child - knows, the key to having the very best family vacation is to combine fun-filled new experiences with tried and true favourites.

As always, Four Seasons understands this completely. Since the early '80s, its complimentary programme for children has become synonymous with high-quality, enriching, and participatory holiday activity. Offered at most resorts, the Kids For All Seasons programme encompasses activities ranging from outrigger canoeing in Hawai'i to learning how to make pottery with a local artist in ProvenÇe.

Over and above Kids For All Seasons, Four Seasons understands that the most successful family holidays offer something for everyone. This summer, the astounding variety of complimentary services and activities geared towards families is greater than ever before. Here is just a sampling:

Own a Pony Day

For those with children who plead for a pony, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, England can make these wishes come true ... at least, for a day! Guests aged 7 to 16 can adopt a young colt – either Chocolate or Minnie – from the Hotel's on-site equestrian centre. Besides riding their new four-legged friend, they'll experience firsthand the work that goes into caring for them, from cleaning the tack to feeding, brushing manes and mucking out stalls.

Just for Teens

Vacationing with your parents or younger siblings can be a challenge for teenagers – and Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has the perfect solution! A five-minute walk from the main beach, Chill Island is reserved for kids 13 to 17 years old. Here, they can hang out in their own clubhouse or on their own private beach, playing volleyball, table tennis or various water sports. Organised activities range from lessons in kite-surfing and coral propagation to beach barbecues and dancing under the stars.

Insider Tips from the Teen Concierge

Younger guests vacationing with their families at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel throughout July and August can quickly tap into the coolest things to see and do in L.A. – from the best adventures to the hottest shops and most hip places to be seen. With a wealth of knowledge on the latest fashion, dining and entertainment trends, the Hotel's Teen Concierge is the perfect resource for travelling teens.

Idyllic for Water Lovers

On a private coral island, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa provides an impressive array of water sports to satisfy the most energetic member of any family! Complimentary activities, along with sporting equipment and instruction for beginners, include kayaking, windsurfing and catamaran sailing.

Eating with Kids

Four Seasons strives to make family dining as much fun as possible. Besides providing special children's menus, most of our hotels invite children under 5 to eat for free. At Four Seasons Hotel Doha, in addition to under 5s eating for free, children age 5 to 10 are given 50% off (half-price menus are also offered to children from 4 to 12 at other properties). A unique offer at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver permits children under 12 to eat for free.