Spas Focus On Family Fun

People used to go to spas to get away from the kids. But now more spas are putting the family front and center, with lessons in trapeze flying, cooking and skin care. More than 4 million teens have already been to a spa, according to International SPA Association President Lynne McNees. “Spas are the perfect get-away for families that are looking for a fun experience centered on wellness, education and bonding.” Here are some of the family-friendly opportunities at spas this summer:

• The Solace Spa at Marriott’s Boyne Resort in Boyne Falls, Mich., has a Trapeze Experience class for three weeks in August, 2008 that encourages all ages to experience the exhilaration of flying and catching. The trapeze class is a tool for team-building, self esteem, and offers a full-body workout.


• California’s Ojai Valley Inn & Spa offers a variety of family-oriented activities including Saturday golf and tennis clinics, Artist’s Cottage projects, astronomy and star-gazing classes led by a NASA astronomer, and popcorn-filled evenings with dive-in movies in the pool.


• The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz., and the Phoenix Zoo have an interactive “Desert Connections” program where children can take an “Animal Yoga” on Sunday mornings.


• Hawaii’s Spa Grande at Grand Wailea Resort & Spa offers menus for children six to 12 and teens 13 and older, including Wave Massage, Chocolate-Coconut Scrub and Honey Sugar Manicure. The teen menu focuses on treatments that target adolescents’ skin, like the Acne Facial, Mud Body Wrap, and Body Bronzing, which gives a tan without the risk of sun damage. A Co-ed Teen Spa Night offers lessons on spa etiquette and bathing rituals.


• The Greenbrier Spa in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., has a hands-on children’s gourmet cooking classes focusing on themes like “Pizza Pizzazz,” “I’ll Make Supper” or “Afternoon Snacks.” Kids will learn the fundamental steps of cooking along withand kitchen safety tips.


• At Loews Hotel in Henderson, Nev., SushiSkool is in session on Saturdays through Labor Day 2008. A Master Sushi Chef leads the class designed to teach the next generation of sushi lovers the basics of ordering, using chopsticks, and etiquette.