CHICAGO — March 27, 2013 — This summer, education and vacation will go hand-in-hand for families that embark on global travels with the Preferred Family collection from Preferred Hotel Group. Whether raising an aspiring professional athlete or a budding historian-to-be, parents can extend the learning opportunities for their curious children beyond the classroom by visiting www.PreferredFamily.com and booking stays at more than 230 family-friendly hotels and resorts worldwide.
Recommendations for hands-on experiences in Summer 2013 include:
• Learn to Golf Like a Professional – Ojai, California, USA
Where to Stay: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, a member of Preferred Golf
For 90 years, dozens of Hollywood and PGA Tour greats – from entertainer Bing Crosby to World Golf Hall of Famer Arnold Palmer – have tested their handicaps at the historic golf course at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, a member of Preferred Golf located just 35 miles south of Santa Barbara. This summer, children can learn to golf for free with a new “Kids Play Free” stay-and-play package that includes overnight accommodations and a complimentary round of golf for one child (16 years and younger) when playing with a paying adult after 1 p.m. After tallying their score for the day, children can enjoy other on-property activities through the Camp Ojai (ages 3-12) and Teen Club (13-17) programs.
• Experience Greek Culture and Mythology – Crete, Greece
Where to Stay: OH! All-Suite Hotel, a member of Preferred Boutique
Taking learning beyond the textbook, Crete’s famed Capsis Minoan Amusement Park – the only Minoan Mythological Park in Greece – engages children in a hands-on lesson about Minoan culture and Greek mythology through a variety of interactive games, ranging from archaeological treasure hunts to mini-Olympic trials. Families looking to experience the educational fun can stay at OH! All-Suite Hotel, a brand-new luxury home-away-from-home that is located less than 300 steps away from the amusement park and presents spacious accommodations, the best of authentic Greek cuisine, and other exciting activities and services to entertain travelers of all ages. Day-trips to Crete’s historic sites such as the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Haeraklion can be arranged.
• Practice An Ancient Art Form – Koh Samui, Thailand
Where to Stay: ShaSa Resort and Residences, a member of Sterling Design
Children looking to explore their creative side can practice the ancient art of batik painting at ShaSa Resort and Residences, Koh Samui, an all-suite retreat set on a hillside along the Gulf of Thailand. Daily art classes offered at the property’s Kids Club (ages 3-8) teach the history of batik – a wax-resistant dyed fabric and a symbolic product of Koh Samui – and show them how to paint the fabric in the style of local traditions. In between painting sessions, families can explore nearby sites, which include the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo and Nu Muang Waterfall, or relax while enjoying the resort’s multiple pools and surrounding gardens.
• Study Up on World History – Washington, D.C., USA
Where to Stay: The Jefferson, a member of Preferred Boutique
From the Smithsonian and the Spy Museum to the Washington Monument and the White House, Washington, D.C. abounds with destinations where children can learn about world history. Located mere blocks from the top sites in the United States capitol, The Jefferson helps guests maximize their sightseeing time by providing complimentary house car service from the hotel to any destination within the city limits. In between the history-rich excursions, families can relax in spacious suites and take advantage of the hotel’s unique just-for-kids spa services and dining menus.
For more information on Preferred Family and to book special offers from its certified hotels, visit www.PreferredFamily.com.
About Preferred Family
With more than 230 hotels and resorts in 40 countries, the Preferred Family collection celebrates the specific needs of traveling families by providing exceptional experiences in the world’s greatest destinations. Representing a unique dedication to travelers of all ages, the Preferred Family Certification program qualifies hotels based on their offerings for children from infants to teenagers, requiring them to meet comprehensive criteria in five age-specific categories: hotel amenities, facilities, programs, services, and entertainment.
About Preferred Hotel Group™
With a global reach extending into more than 85 countries, Preferred Hotel Group represents more than 650 of the finest hotels, resorts, and serviced residences in the world. Preferred Hotel Group’s brands include Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, Preferred Boutique™, Summit Hotels & Resorts™, Sterling Hotels™, Sterling Design, and Summit Serviced Residences™. Travelers gain valuable benefits through branded programs that include Preferred Residences™; Preferred Golf ™; the I Prefer™ Guest Benefit Program; Preferred Pride, a collection of TAG-approved or IGLTA-member hotels; and Preferred Family, a collection of hotels and resorts certified to provide a rich experience for travelers of all ages. For more information, visit www.PreferredHotelGroup.com and follow the brands on Facebook and Twitter.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
AMERICAS
Caroline Michaud Senior Manager, Media Relations
Tel: +1 312 542 9218
cmichaud@preferredhotelgroup.com
EMEA
Aysem Monaco Senior Manager, Public Relations – EMEA
Tel: +44 20 7647 5184
amonaco@preferredhotelgroup.com
ASIA PACIFIC
Arlene Benger-Tan Senior Manager, Public Relations – Asia Pacific
Tel: +65 6577 2487
abenger@preferredhotelgroup.com
For high resolution imagery of member hotels, please visit the Preferred Hotel Group Image Library at www.preferredhotelgroupimages.com.