Keiki (children) of all ages enjoy spa and salon treatments at Maui’s Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa.
|
While not all spas are accessible to guests of the "Hannah Montana" or "Sesame Street" set, a growing number of them are and, below, we’ve profiled some of the best, with tips and advice straight from the spa directors themselves.
EAST/SOUTHEAST U.S.
The Spa At The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Penn.
Why Go: The spa specializes in chocolate-inspired therapies for a delectable way to relax and unwind for both adults and teens.
Most Popular Treatments: Manicures, pedicures and facials
Special Policies: Teens ages 13-17 are allowed, but are not permitted in men’s and women’s locker rooms, the Quiet Room, the Silent Relaxation Room and the Inhalation Room. Massage therapy, baths, exfoliations and wraps are not available to children.
Sign Up for Our Monthly Family Getaways Newsletter
I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.
From the Spa Director: "Make sure the services and the environment are age-appropriate," said Ginger McLean, spa director. "Think about why you are sending your child or teen to receive spa services, as youngsters usually are not looking for the de-stressing, relaxation programs, which adults need. They typically are curious about spas or are looking for social opportunities with fellow teens."
www.thehotelhershey.com
Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami
Why Go: The award-winning spa specializes in teen-friendly services and programs, including belly dancing and salsa classes.
Most Popular Treatments: The Teen Facial and Totally Scrumptious Manicure and Pedicure
Special Policies: The minimum age for spa treatments is 14, and treatments are limited to the teen menu and must be approved with parental consent. Children and teens are recommended to wear swimsuits.
From the Spa Director: "Choose a trustworthy spa with a strong reputation," said Osa Mallo, spa director. "Understand that policies in place are intended for your child’s best interest. Treatments [here] are not standard beauty treatments but opportunities to learn more about maintenance and self esteem."
www.mandarinoriental.com/miami
The Spa at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, N. Carolina
Why Go: Pinehurst Resort, founded in 1895, is a haven for busy families, with legendary golf greens and Southern hospitality. The spa houses its own Teen Spa Lounge and offers Kid Spa treatments for children as young as age six.
Most Popular Treatments: The Mother/Daughter ReTreat package, Total Teen Facial, Teen Makeup Application/Lesson and the Teen Time Out Spa Package
Special Policies: A parent or guardian must be in the room during a massage session for children between ages six and 12, and children must wear a bathing suit or underwear. Therapists who provide massages to children are gender-specific. Children under age 12 are not permitted to use the private lounge and wet areas.
From the Spa Director: "We’ve designed the program around wellness and self-esteem, a key to healthy living for today’s youth," said Kim Huber, executive spa director. "The result is fun, uplifting and energizing to kids of all ages — and is a great parent/child activity they can do together."
www.pinehurst.com
Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes
Why Go: The lavish spa has 40 treatment rooms, a private, 4,000-square-foot heated outdoor lap pool, a boutique and a spa cafe, so there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Most Popular Treatments: The Teen Facial, especially effective for oily teenage skin, and Princess Fizzing Pedicures and Manicures
Special Policies: Minors are not allowed in wet areas, and a parent or guardian must be in the room when a treatment is performed on someone under age 18. Children under the age of 16 can reserve Kids and Teen Spa Adventures and Treatments. The spa pool and recreation facilities are reserved for clients over age 16.
From the Spa Director: "Ask about the locker rooms and wet areas (whirlpools, saunas, etc.) policy at a spa since, generally, spas do not allow minors to use these facilities," said Suzanne Holbrook, executive spa director. Holbrook added, "Also, ask if the parent or guardian can be in the room with the child or if they have a room big enough to accommodate both parent and child for a treatment each."
www.ritzcarlton.com
The Ritz-Carlton Members Spa Club at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Why Go: This opulent spa is exclusive, open only to members of The Ritz-Carlton Members Club and hotel guests. And no member of the family is left out, including dads and pups.
Most Popular Treatments: The Teen Friends Always and Forever Package and ice-cream manicures and pedicures
Special Policies: All ages are welcome in the salon. At the spa, teens ages 14-17 can receive a massage or facial by a same-sex therapist when accompanied by a parent or guardian in the room. Anyone under age 14 cannot receive a massage or facial. For manicures and pedicures, children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
From the Spa Director: "I encourage spa and salon treatments to parents when I speak to them and we tell them it’s certainly not considered a luxury today," said Darlene Davison, director of spa services. "It’s almost a necessity to teach your child as early as possible about the tremendous wellness advantages of taking care of your body from head to toe."
www.ritzcarlton.com
HAWAII
Spa Grande at Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa in Maui
Why Go: The spa at Grand Wailea is just that — grand — and like the resort itself, it was designed with families in mind.
Most Popular Treatments: A Chocolate Tsunami package for children ages 6-12, the Malama Ohana package for the whole family and the Wave Massage for teens
Special Policies: Guests under age 16 may receive treatments. However, a parent or guardian must accompany them, and a signed waiver must be presented. Children and teens are always required to wear bathing suits and are not allowed access to wet areas of the spa. Therapists assigned to younger guests are always female.
From the Spa Director: "When I created this program, being a mother, I wanted to make sure all parents would feel the same way I do," said Cecilia Hercik, director of spa sales and operations. "We want to give peace of mind to parents."
www.grandwailea.com
WEST/SOUTHWEST U.S.
Arizona Grand Athletic Club and Spa at Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix
Why Go: Arizona is a state known for its exemplary spas and the Arizona Grand Resort is no exception.
Most Popular Treatments: The Pretty Princess Package for children ages 6-11, an Introduction to Spa package for tweens and a Teen Tagalong package for teens
Special Policies: Parents are allowed to sit in on treatments and same-sex therapists are assigned to children younger than age 8. No children are allowed on the weight floor of the fitness center.
From the Spa Director: "A visit to the spa by kids is an educational experience as well," said Bill Price, spa director. "It’s really important that when you have a child come in for a facial, for example, that they don’t only come in to be pampered — they come in for education."
www.arizonagrandresort.com
The Spa at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Why Go: The Broadmoor’s spa is consistently ranked as one of the top spas in the U.S., so why shouldn’t the kids get to experience it, too?
Most Popular Treatments: The Tween/Teen Facial and Lesson and the Junior Ice-Cream Manicure and Pedicure
Special Policies: The third floor of the spa is for clients ages 16 and up, while the second floor offers services to children up to age 15. Teens under age 16 are not allowed in the amenity area or spa locker rooms.
From the Spa Director: "The goal of the teen [spa] experience is as much about education as is it about relaxations," said Ella Stimpson, spa director. "For children, the idea is for them to have as much fun as possible. Keeping it simple is key."
www.broadmoor.com
Pacific Waters Spa at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Why Go: The 20,000-square-foot spa, nestled within the family-friendly and oceanfront Hyatt Regency, offers a special Grommet Spa menu for kids ages 4 to 17.
Most Popular Treatments: Brown Sugar and Vanilla Pedicure and Teen Hand and Footcare.
Special Policies: While the spa is only for adults, kids receive treatments in the salon and their very own kid’s treatment room.
From the Spa Director: Spa director Kimberly Weber suggested parents ensure that a spa has child-specific treatments. "Children don’t need all the aspects of an adult treatment. For example, children’s feet do not need a callus scrubbing since they have more sensitive skin," she said.
www.pacificwatersspa.com
The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, Calif.
Why Go: Not only is the view breathtaking — the resort sits atop a bluff some 162 feet above the Pacific Ocean — so is the intimate spa, especially after a day spent riding the waves. The entire resort exudes a luxe, family-friendly vibe without the pretentiousness.
Most Popular Treatments: Manicures and pedicures
Special Policies: Guests must be at least 16 years of age to enjoy a spa treatment, however, some exceptions can be made. If clients are under age 18, treatments will be performed by a therapist of the same gender as the guest. Any client under the age of 16 must have a parent or legal guardian with them at the spa and/or salon. The salon is open to all ages.
From the Spa Director: "[Parents and their children] come to get services together and bond, but it’s also about parents encouraging their child to take care of themselves," said Amelia Winfrey, spa director. "It’s almost like they really want to relax together but, at the same time, the mom is teaching her daughter to put herself first and feel confident."
www.ritzcarlton.com
CARIBBEAN
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Why Go: This Caribbean hideaway is the perfect setting for a vacation spent relaxing the hours away with the family.
Most Popular Treatments: Ritz Kids Fizzing Manicures and Pedicures that use ME! Ice Cream bath balls and lotions
Special Policies: A parent or guardian must accompany guests under the age of 16 who receive body treatments. The salon is open to all ages.
From the Spa Director: "Spa packages for parents and children are an emerging trend," said Alena Stavnjak, director of spa and retail. "We just created a White Sugar Mango manicure/pedicure combination that allows the parent and child to be pampered at the same time while enjoying a frozen mango smoothie during the treatment."
www.ritzcarlton.com
