Family Vacations and Spa Time with Teens. It is no secret we are always on the lookout for resorts with family-friendly spa options. Seven resort spas offer innovative family spa programs which include interactive teen spa options created for families seeking to chill out together. 

Here’s the scoop. Spas have become much more family friendly and 12 years of age is no longer the benchmark age for entry.  In recent research I learned many places have unique spa experiences for children as young as six and the best of them expanded menus for teens.

Given the turmoil (and selective hearing) of teenage years spa time is a logical solution. Teen health spa experts understand how to listen and to offer useful advice in a neutral setting. Adolescent options focus on not just relaxation or skin consultations but also learning about science of healthy living. In artfully innovative ways teens are invited to slow down and engage touch, smell, sound, taste, and sight to find personal harmony and balance, if only for a few hours.

 
I have included highlights from seven of the best resort spas for families. The general idea of family spa time or any spa time is to practice living in the moment. For spa goers of any age it means achieving a personal balance resulting in – you guessed it - relaxation.

Topnotch Resort and Spa in Stowe, Vermont. Topnotch combines excellence in hospitality with the natural beauty of the mountains and a family-friendly atmosphere. During the winter months, guests may enjoy exceptional Alpine and cross-country skiing, as well as a variety of other winter sports. Teen Spa Time: The 23,000 square-foot spa facility, one of the top 10 in the U.S., offers guests of all ages a variety of services, programs, and treatments. Options for teens include facials which cleanse, soothe, and also educate as well as massage sessions for the new spa-goer and one-on-one session with a certified personal trainer.  (Toll-free 1-800-451-8686 or www.topnotchresort.com).

Grand Velas Resort and Spa Riviera Nayarit in Mexico.  Edging the tranquil waters of Banderas Bay, Grand Velas offers families all-inclusive tropical luxury with sunshine, beach time, and fine dining family-style. Enjoy daily yoga practice along with Pilates, Zumba, Polynesian dance classes, and meditation sessions. Personal trainers are available for guests. Teen Spa Time: Teens sixteen or older may take full advantage of the spa complex including the famous water rituals. For younger spa newbies Riviera Nayarit's Kids Spa offers relaxing massages, interactive facials and chocolate, strawberry or vanilla malt baths. (Grand Velas Resort and Spa Mexico Toll-free 01-800-822-7830 USA & Canada 1-877-418-2722 Grand Velas Spa)

El Conquistador Resort and Spa in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. This tropical Caribbean resort complex offers luxurious accommodations for families in five distinct resort villages including an enclave of private villas complete with butler and concierge services. For relaxation and rebalancing stroll the labyrinth, join a yoga class or enjoy the newest guava spa pampering treatments at the spa. Teen Spa Time: A children’s spa program known as Ki’ (the Taino word for “Earth Spirit”) focuses on explaining and demonstrating healthy living practices. Using the organic garden as a lab, the young participants learn the value of the freshest ingredients and how to fuel & heal. Youth spa services include delicate tropical scrubs and gentle massages for back, neck and shoulders. (El Conquistador (787) 863-1000 or El Conquistador Spa).

Paradisus Resort and Spa in Cancun. Experience the dramatic beauty of the sea and the exceptional hospitality of Paradisus (AAA 4-Diamond) offering families extras to complement their tropical vacation time. From beach time or water games at one of the four lagoon-inspired pools to concierge planned family excursions or dinning dining in any of nine on-site restaurants, excellent service is the benchmark. Healthful choices include yoga and Pilates classes as well as one-on-one wellness training programs. Teen Spa Time: The new YHI Spa for Kids offers treatments created for spa newbies. The menu of relaxing choices includes options for girls and boys. From mother/daughter facials and pedicures to father/son massage time, the goal is put mind and body balance and offer useful suggestions to teens and parents for maintaining the habits once back home. (Paradisus Resort and Spa (52) 998 8811100 or Paradisus Resort & Spa).

Windflower Spa at Hyatt Hill Country near San Antonio, Texas.  Vacation with your family at a resort framed by a prairie landscape dotted with live oaks creating and offering guests Texas ranch-style hospitality. Miles of bike trails, a 950-foot long Ramblin’ River, Texas lore and magical starry nights support relaxation and rejuvenation. The Windflower - The Hill Country Spa adds an additional dimension offering space for recharging with customized family spa services available. Teen Spa Time: For young adults ages 14 or older the spa offers facials, pedicures and manicures as well as clothed massage treatments. “All about Me” is the perfect choice for the spa newbie (boy or girl) and the “No Filter” facial, also for either sex, comes with skin counseling.  (Windflower Spa (210) 767-5577 or Windflower - The Hill Country Spa).

 
Spa Grande at Grand Wailea Resort on Maui. Forty acres of tropical island gardens, soft sea breezes, and magical sunsets meld with the beauty of Wailea Beach to provide the atmosphere for a luxurious family beach vacation designed for relaxation. Spa Grande within the resort complex adds an additional level for parents who wish to introduce their children to the rejuvenating benefits of spa time together. Teen Spa Time: The Teen Spa Grande menu focuses on treatments that target adolescents' skin. Artfully blended massage treatments include crystals or waves gently targeting stress areas and exhausted muscles.  The Kelekele (mud) treatment includes a wave massage, mud body wrap and a facial while the Kokolea (chocolate) treatment offers a cocoa butter massage along with a chocolate-coconut scrub and a facial. (Spa Grande (808) 875-1234 ext. 4949 or www.spagrande.com).

Anara Spa at Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort on Kaua‘i. According to spa experts at Anara, the closer you are to nature, the closer you are to discovering yourself. And with that philosophy in mind spa specialists blend traditional healing practices to inspire lokahi - unity, harmony, and balance for participants. What better combination for a family spa break? Families may join a variety of yoga, fitness, dance, meditation and wellness classes during their stay. Teen Spa Time: Relaxing choices include pineapple-coconut mani/pedis, island hair braiding, and flower power polishes. Special facials address teen skin care needs and the traditional massage of Hawai‘i  - lomilomi soothes is offered to release tension, easing body, mind, and spirit. (Anara Spa (808) 240 6440 or www.anaraspa.com).