Travel

Adult Summer Camps

Adult Summer Camps

Because summer vacation isn’t just for the kids anymore

By M.M. Cloutier

Jamming with a rock n’ roll band, swimming with dolphins, partying with chefs, orbiting to space, rubbing elbows with great minds—summer camp isn’t what it used to be. It’s better—and it’s for adults, too.

In our faster-better-more culture, grown-ups increasingly aren’t satisfied spending time “off” lying on a beach. According to the Travel Industry Association, more than 30 million U.S. adults have taken an educational trip to learn or improve a skill, sport or hobby in the last three years. Tens of millions more have taken an adventure trip during that period. Whether you consult the latest statistics or flood of anecdotal evidence, more and more adults are leaving their Blackberrys¨ and briefcases behind for a day, weekend, week or more to relish the celebratory world of what would seem an oxymoron: adult summer camps.

They’re becoming one of the most pervasive trends in summer travel and no one knows that better than Nancy Lapook Diamond, president of a Boca Raton-based company, NicheDirectories that runs a Web site called grownupcamps.com.

The site, currently the most comprehensive adult-camp directory, gets 100,000 unique hits a month—and Diamond expects its user activity may soon rival her company’s ever-popular flagship kids’ camps directory, which Diamond launched more than a decade ago.

“No sooner did we go online with kidscamps.com when we started getting e-mails from adults saying they wanted to go to camp, too,” says Diamond. “That interest has skyrocketed. As we say, why should kids have all the fun?”

It’s not exactly a surprise, then, that some kids’ camps around the country now are launching adult versions of themselves, including Florida’s Camp Ryno (“Rediscover Your Natural Obsession”) in Santa Rosa Beach, where adults soon will be able to enroll in extreme-sports weekends sprinkled with meditation and other activities.

But adults being adults and kids being kids, grown-up camps aren’t just like kids’ camps. First, it helps to play it a little loose with the definition of “camp,” since terms like “workshop,” “program” and “seminar” fall under the adult-camp rubric.

Second, accommodations and amenities typically are a far cry from tents, bug juice and mess halls. Finally, camp categories run the gamut, from hiking and canoeing to culinary, dance, sports, visual art, current affairs and more.

“Today, when people have time off, they’re interested in renewing a passion, sharpening a skill or learning something new,” says Diamond. “Some people simply want to recapture a sense of the camp experience they enjoyed when they were young or to participate in a camp-like experience they never had growing up.”

The easiest way to find an adult summer camp that suits your interests is to browse camp Web sites or search the Web with such key works as “summer camps for adults.” A plethora of possibilities pop up, which can be narrowed by indicating a state or category preference, among other things.

HERE IS JUST A TASTE OF THE MANY WAYS YOU CAN SPEND YOUR VACATION:

CAMP RYNO, Santa Rosa Beach, FL (campryno.com): The camp’s credo is to “inspire you to strengthen your body, enlighten your mind and enrich your soul. Live, laugh and learn extreme sports while becoming whom you truly wish to be.” For years, it has been geared toward teens with surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, free-diving, meditation and exploration of the area’s history and natural landscapes, but weekend-long adult camps are slated to be launched in a couple of months.

INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES, Sarasota, FL (incredible-adventures.com): It’s headquartered in Florida, but Incredible Adventures has day- and multi-day camps both in the Sunshine State and elsewhere. Florida-based adult programs range from three-day sharkdive adventures to a program at Kennedy Space Center. The space center adventure allows guests to embark on a plane for a fantasy trip through the galaxy that concludes in zero gravity “outer space” as you bounce around the cabin like human popcorn.

THE DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER, Marathon, FL (dolphins.org): Day- and week-long adult camps bring you up close and personal with dolphins. The center’s adult DolphinLab and “All About Dolphins Program” is a seven-day program that includes a blend of hands-on and in-water interactive experiences with dolphins, as well as seminars, observation time, snorkeling field trips, research and training workshops and more.

ROCK N’ ROLL FANTASY CAMP (rockcamp.com): The camp, where adults share the limelight with living rock legends, annually touches down on cities from London to New York to Las Vegas. The three-day experience includes small group instruction from celebrity musicians, playing and writing your own original song, rehearsing and recording at professional studios, and performing live to a sold-out audience at a major rock venue. Depending on your skill level, you may spend time singing backup vocals or playing tambourine.

NEW ORLEANS COOKING EXPERIENCE, New Orleans, LA (neworleanscookingexperience.com): Among other offerings, NOCE’s immersion cooking-class series includes two-, three- and fourday series in the company of a small, spirited and fun class each day with New Orleans chefs, followed by a meal and good cheer. Weekend and long-weekend culinary programs also are offered.

OUTWARD BOUND, Golden, CO (outwardbound.org): Outward Bound offers hundreds of adventure-based wilderness expeditions for all ages. Courses, as the camps are called, demand pushing your limits and working as a team. Adult summer programs include a week-long river rafting adventure in Oregon to face the challenges and rewards of the rivers. Campers also explore historical and cultural sites in the area — from Chinese miners’ houses to Native American pictographs.

IDYLLWILD ARTS, Idyllwild, CA (idyllwildarts.org): Every summer, hundreds of children, teens and adults attend Idyllwild workshops, week-long festivals and programs under the pines along hundreds of acres. Here they can pursue pursuing interests in creative writing, dance, music, theater and visual art—all under the auspices of some of America’s finest artists. Idyllwild Arts’ Family Camp is a huge draw each summer.

THE ASPEN INSTITUTE, Aspen, CO (aspeninstitute.com): The institute’s version of adult summer camp is its week-long Aspen Ideas Festival (aifestival.com), presented in conjunction with The Atlantic magazine. It brings those of us with curious minds together with an army of thinkers —from former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to actor, playwright and author Anna Deveare Smith. Activities include panels, debates, discussions and one-on-one interviews, with topics ranging from world affairs to innovations in education. Cultural events are part of the mix. V

2009 Summer Getaways

There is no doubt that this year, more than ever, travelers are looking for good vacation value. Whether traveling with the whole family, with girlfriends or with your sweetheart, most guests are looking for discounted deals and value oriented packages for their summer getaways. So we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list options and the best offerings from some of the finest resorts in the Sunshine State. We’re sure you’ll find an ideal option for your travel needs. Happy travels! —C.M. Villazon

LOEWS ROYAL PACIFIC HOTEL, ORLANDO

THE PACKAGE: Florida Resident Rate

THE DETAILS: Stay just steps away from the exciting Universal Studios parks at the beautiful Loew’s Royal Pacific Hotel. Featuring 1000 guestrooms, a lagoon-style swimming pool and on-site dining options such as Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, there is bound to be something for the whole family. This summer through August 15, Florida residents can take advantage of special pricing for weekday/ weekend rates starting at $149/$169. In addition, children eat free at lunch and dinner as select hotel restaurants with a stay of three nights or longer. For more information about this offer call 800.BE.A.STAR.

NAPLES GRANDE, NAPLES

THE PACKAGE: Summer Escape

THE DETAILS: Boasting 23 acres of waterfront and three miles of sugar sand beach, Naples Grande is a favorite among Naples visitors. Three swimming pools, a Golden Door spa, Striphouse Steakhouse and location just steps away from the famed Waterside Shops, are all the more reason to head to the west coast for a weekend getaway. Now, enjoy your weekend jaunt for rates starting at $99 per night from now until September 30, 2009. This year’s Summer Escape package includes complimentary breakfast buffet, one free half-day session of one child in the NG Kids Club, 25 percent off tee times, 25 percent off lunch and dinner daily, 15 percent off spa treatments at Golden Door Spa and much more! The best part: Stay four nights and receive the fourth night for free. Book by July 15 and you’ll even receive a certificate good for a future free night stay redeemable from May 26 through December 20, 2009. For reservations call 888.WALDORF or 888.772.1266 or visit naplesgranderesort.com.

COSTA D’ESTE BEACH RESORT, VERO BEACH

THE PACKAGE: Good Girls/ Bad Girls Package

THE DETAILS: Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s chic Costa d’Este Beach Resort offers several “Summer of Savings” packages but it’s the Good Girls/ Bad Girls package that caught our eye. This weekend package gives gals the naughty and nice options for a two-night stay. Whether you choose to indulge your inner bad girl or opt to nurture your inner good gal, you’ll love this fun filled escape featuring chocolate martinis, a chocolate lovers buffet served poolside, en suite or at the resort bar, as well as a 30-minute refresher facial and two hour guided kayak excursion. With all this, who needs the guys! Currently available through December 31, 2010, standard two night stay. Call 772.562.9919 or visit costadeste.com.

CELEBRATION HOTEL, CELEBRATION

THE PACKAGE: The Romantic Retreat

THE DETAILS: Situated in this charming lakeside city just five minutes from Disney, Celebration Hotel gives travelers a taste of Old Florida charm. Rated as one of Florida’s most romantic escapes, it’s no surprise Celebration Hotel offers a package with the same focus. The Romantic Retreat includes a one night stay, breakfast for two in the Plantation Room or in-room, a romantic turn-down service with a bottle of champagne, rose petals, chocolate and romantic tunes. It also includes the daily resort fee. To reserve your room call 407.566.6000 or visit celebrationhotel.com.

CANYON RANCH, MIAMI

THE PACKAGE: Third Night Free

THE DETAILS: Get balanced and relax in the ultra zen-like Miami haven known as Canyon Ranch. Home of the former Carillon Hotel, this posh place offers 150 guest rooms and award-winning cuisine. The Third Night Free package at Canyon Ranch Miami Beach also offers a selection of yoga and breathing classes, 10 percent off the wellness spa and salon services, and access to Aquavana, fitness room and the wellness spa. For your Third Night Free please call 800.742.9000 or visit canyonranch.com.

BRAZILIAN COURT, PALM BEACH

THE PACKAGE: One More Night Escape

THE DETAILS: Guests who book a three-night stay at the Brazilian Court will receive their third night free thanks to the “One More Night Escape.” Take advantage of rates discounted 33 percent, which equates to one night free, and enjoy a long weekend at this tony Palm Beach Resort just steps away from famed Worth Avenue. Indulge in a delectable dinner and fine cuisine at the resorts on-property restaurant, Cafe Boulud, or spend the day getting pampered at the Frederic Fekkai Salon. The One More Night Escape is available through December 31, 2009. Based on availability and rates do not include 11.5 percent total taxes. For more information call 561.655.7740 or visit Braziliancourt.com.

THE WESTIN COLONNADE CORAL GABLES, CORAL GABLES

THE PACKAGE: Reserve & Relax

THE DETAILS: The Westin Colonnade offers hot summer savings to their guests and a “Reserve & Relax” package for the “planner” in you. Stay two summer nights and you’ll save 50 percent on your second night. Stay three nights and your third night is free! Or indulge in the “Reserve and Relax” package and when you book seven days in advance, through December 31 of this year, you’ll save up to 15 percent. So plan your getaway to this Starwood property that combines the Old World ambiance with the conveniences of today for a truly heavenly summer escape. Call The Westin Colonnade, Coral Gables at 305.441.2600.

THE OMPHOY OCEAN RESORT, PALM BEACH

THE PACKAGE: Introductory Package

THE DETAILS: Palm Beach’s newest hotel (opening in June) and the only beachfront boutique hotel on the island, The Omphoy Ocean Resort offers visitors a New York-meets-South Beach ambiance in a chic Palm Beach setting. Boasting the cuisine of celebrity Chef Michelle Bernstein and an Exhale Spa, guests will enjoy the chic Asian-inspired modern atmosphere at this new hotel featuring 134 guestrooms and suites all of which offer a panoramic view of the ocean or Intracoastal. This summer to introduce this chic boutique hotel, guests can enjoy a special introductory rate of $199 per night (maximum of two guests per room). The package also includes dinner for two at the Michelle Bernstein Restaurant. Available through October 31, 2009. Visit omphoy.com or call 561.540.6440.

INTERCONTINENTAL TAMPA

THE PACKAGE: Weekend BOGO Package

THE DETAILS: Located in the heart of the city, the Intercontinental Tampa is walking distance from many popular dining, entertainment and shopping locations. It’s also just a short distance from several family-friendly attractions including Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo. Now, guests can take advantage of the Intercontinental Tampa’s weekend night BOGO (buy one, get one free) package. Visitors purchasing one weekend night (Thursday through Sunday) at prevailing retail rates will receive the second night or a second room on the same night for free. Prices start at $159 and the package also includes a disposable camera and a 5X7 picture frame to capture a memory. Available now through September 30, 2009. Call 866.915.1557 or visit intercontampa.com.

MARCO ISLAND MARRIOTT BEACH RESORT, MARCO ISLAND

THE PACKAGE: Guilt-Free Getaway

THE DETAILS: While summer vacation for many means indulging in guilty pleasures, the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort offers a guilt-free escape for you. The “Guilt-Free Getaway” includes a complimentary upgrade to an island view room and daily resort credit of up to $100 for golf, spa and dining. So go ahead, indulge. Available through January 1, 2010, nightly rates start at $244.Visit Marriott.com/mrkfl and use promotional code: D52 or call 800.GET.HERE for more info or to book your stay.

BELLASERA HOTEL, NAPLES

THE PACKAGE: Under the Tuscan Sun

THE DETAILS: Enjoy a comfortably, chic stay at this Naples boutique hotel. The “Under the Tuscan Sun” package includes resort accommodations for two nights, two 60-minute Swedish massages from Esterra Spa, $50 food credit and two cocktails for Zizi restaurant and lounge, complimentary bicycle rentals, two Bellasera beach towels and more. Packages start at $639 and are based on double occupancy. Call 239.649.7333 or visit bellaseranaples.com for more information.

INN ON FIFTH, NAPLES

THE PACKAGE: Summer Rate

THE DETAILS: The recently renovated Inn on Fifth is offering Naples visitors a special summer rate of just $119. This sophisticated boutique hotel in the heart of Old Naples on Fifth Avenue South is walking- distance from a host of Naples’ popular stores, restaurants and galleries. The updated guestrooms and in-room amenities are sure to please but it’s the prime location that will make all the difference. Special rate is subject to availability and not valid on holiday weekends. Proof of Florida residency is required. For more information call 888.403.8778 or visit innonfifth.com.

MONDRIAN, MIAMI

THE PACKAGE: Locals Package

THE DETAILS: The “Locals Package” at the Mondrian South Beach, located on fashionable Biscayne Bay, includes champagne bottle upon arrival, room upgrade, complimentary poolside cabana and 25 percent off all spa treatments. Currently available through December 31, 2009. Call 305.672.2662 or visit mondriansouthbeach.com

JUPITER BEACH RESORT & SPA, JUPITER

THE PACKAGE: Backyard Vacation Package

THE DETAILS: The Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is inviting South Florida residents to experience luxury in their own backyard. Thanks to this luxe seaside resort, you don’t have to travel far to truly get away from it all. The “Backyard Vacation Package” starts at $159 per night and includes luxury ocean view accommodations, breakfast for two at Sinclairs’ Ocean Grill, a self-guided tour of the historic Jupiter Lighthouse, daily beach chair set up and a $25 resort credit. The “Backyard vacation Package” is valid through September 30 and is per room, per night, with some restrictions. Call 866.943.0950 or visit jupiterbeachresort.com and use promo code: JUPLOC. V

Back to Your Roots

A mother-daughter escape to RANCHO LA PUERTA
BY IRVINA LEW

From the moment my daughter, Sharon, and I arrived at Rancho La Puerta, we felt its unique sense of place. On this 32-acre campus, clay-tile paths curve and wind their way up hill and down, past fountains, stone bridges, a running track surrounding a vineyard and gardens with clusters of sage, geranium or rosemary. Whether during a casual stroll, a bird-watching talk or a brisk walk between the four pools, eleven gyms and 83 casitas, this landscaped section of the 3000-acre ranch always surprises with something splendid to see.

We stayed in Villa Sol #9-a two-bedroom, twobathroom lodging-with a spacious great room topped by a vaulted, beamed ceiling and decorated with Mexican handicrafts. The dining area (for room service breakfasts) has a kitchen on one wall and a sliding glass door on the other that leads to a private patio with views of Mount Kuchumaa. The sculpture and art enriched “adult camp” with its Spanish, tile-roof architecture tells the tale of one family’s sensitivity to art, nature and beauty. Deborah Szekely-the Brooklyn-born, fruitatarianraised, mother of the spa industry, who will celebrate her 87th birthday this May-embodies the Ranch’s spirit and wellness philosophy. This always industrious, entrepreneur/activist/philanthropist married at 17. Months later, in 1940, with her late husband, Professor Edmond Bordeaux Szekely, a geophysicist and natural living experimenter, she moved to a humble, dirt floor hut in the middle of a vineyard named: Rancho La Puerta. Word spread and though there was neither running water nor electricity, invited guests paid $17.50 a week and brought their own tents to their vegetarian Shangri La. After all, it offered a climate to relish, a mountain to hike, a river to swim and an organic farm to cultivate. It was all so unusual in 1949 that a San Diego newspaper article referred to it as a “cult” led by the professor who lectured on the benefits of healthy soil, organic produce, vegetarian diets, exercise, even the value of 20 minutes of daily sunshine.

Days at Rancho La Puerta are filled with organic cooking and healthy activities for the ultimate vacation.

Experts continue to speak at The Ranch; during our week, some talks focused on the Magic of Mexico, Feeding the Future and Sex Education for Grown Ups. Best are Deborah Szekely’s weekly chats. She advocates healthy choices and recants insights gathered from the multitude of periodicals that she reads, clips, saves and shares. She even shares personal strategies: doable things, such as walking daily and eating half portions of restaurant meals.

At The Ranch, mostly vegetarian meals take place in a grand, two-story dining hall surrounded by gracious outdoor terraces. Hot and cold breakfasts and lunches are self-served from buffet stations; a wait staff serves dinners and guests sit at tables of two, four or six. As often as not, our table assembled casually on the spot. Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables predominate, though fish appears on the menu daily. Mexican specialidades, such as tacos and burritos, appear along with salads and extraordinary soups: Broccoli Corriander, Miso Lime with cilantro and a Tuscan Tomato Soup made with fresh roasted tomatoes and peppermint.

The activity schedule offers guests a finely tuned, extraordinarily well-organized and well-executed opportunity to participate (or not) in a myriad of active or passive pursuits. From 6 am hikes to 8 pm movies (and lectures), there are hourly activities (as many as eight choices an hour) geared to men and women of varying fitness levels and ages (from 20 to 80). My daughter attended tennis clinics and did yoga and Pilates; I chose Water Works and dance classes and we both tried Inner Meditation.

We each scheduled three pampering treatments during the week. Though I had one in-room massage, most services take place in one of the Health Centers the Villa Health Center has a Jacuzzi on the roof, the Women’s Health Center has one on a walled patio.

We did the Organic Garden Breakfast hike and a cooking class together. It was still dark when our small group set out on the two-mile trek to Las Tres Estrellas, the six-acre organic farm, though we arrived in clear daylight. We breakfasted in the newly constructed La Cocina Que Canta, the high-roofed, spacious Spanish Colonial style cooking school and culinary center and toured the farm before she walked back with friends (I took the van back to campus).

The first time I visited The Ranch; there was just a small farm kitchen. I clearly remember my cooking class there because I still prepare the thin-crusted, lightly cheesed, vegetable-and-basil studded pizza that the chef introduced to me in 1990, when most pizzas were oily, cheeseladen, calorie-dense pies!

This time, Ana Lorena Najar, the experienced 29-year old chef, spoke to the nine men and women in our class about the virtues of organic produce. She sweetly but firmly denounced chemically enhanced “diet” foods and introduced the farm-to-fork menu she had prepared. Each of us took our places in the grand dining room, collected our recipes and donned an apron before heading to our individual cooking stations (aides helped each cook while a discreet clean-up staff came and went to the prep kitchen; there are four staff members for each guest at The Ranch. I learned to prepare the Creamy Dark Chocolate Flan made with maple syrup and, yes, extra egg yolks and garnished with berries. (The ingredient rich recipe was served in miniscule cups!)

On Friday, when disbelief sets in that the week is almost over, Yuichi, the Los Angeles dancer arrives. For decades, he has been leading guests to the music of ever-popular tunes at both The Ranch and The Door (Ms. Szekely created the Golden Door for guests who want a more intimate and personalized spa experience). He performed after dinner, wearing a gold-lame jacket and an Elvis wig, to the music of a live Mariachi band and danced with some of the guests, including moi. I may have looked ridiculous, especially in front of my daughter, but it sure was fun and a great way to end an extraordinary spa week. What could be a better
Mother’s Day treat?

A Daughter’s Perspective
BY SHARON LEW BLOCK

After the initial shock and awe that my mother had invited me to go with her to Rancho La Puerta, it hit me that I was going away for a week alone with my Mother! I was admittedly flustered. We had never actually been alone together on a trip! While I knew Rancho la Puerta was an inspiring place and I was very excited about a full week at a spa, I was worried we would revert into our old habits of dealing with each other. Mom, being mom, and me, well being the daughter of mom.

The moment we arrived on the grounds and felt the peacefulness that surrounds The Ranch, all other worries vanished. A grin appeared on both of us. Our first two meals were awkward because we wanted to sit together, but we didn’t want to be rude and leave people out either; very quickly we made new acquaintances. The age of the men and women at The Ranch doesn’t seem to have any relevance there; three generations were sitting at every meal, at any given table, without any of us noticing.

As the days went on, we met more and more people and had such a blast with our new ‘friends’ that my mother and I didn’t even see each other ’til dinner! Our schedules were so full with wonderful activities; we barely noticed we were actually living together. The experience I remember most was the morning hike we took together to the Organic Garden. It was a fully gorgeous morning and we had so many laughs. We later harvested vegetables for the day’s meals and this city girl learned how to pluck a carrot out of the ground (You just pull! -I thought I would need a shovel! Who knew?)

A few days later, mother and daughter took a cooking class together and we had a blast. I learned how to cut vegetables properly for the first time ever, how to make a vegetable soup and how to enjoy cooking with more organic ingredients than I ever have eaten before!

All in all, Rancho La Puerta with my mom was one of the fondest most heart-warming experiences I think I have ever had.