 |
Resort Guidelines
For the listings on this website, I then translated the numerical scores from the checklists into symbols of  for baby-making potential (romance) and of  , denoting a happy baby, or baby-taking potential (child-friendliness). A five-symbol rating represents the best possible score for each category, with one symbol indicating the lowest. My ranking system for both categories could be read as follows:
5 = Outstanding. Best of the best.
4 = Above average. Very good. Excellent on many levels.
3 = Average, acceptable. Decently equipped. Affords a pleasant stay.
2 = Insufficient. Not quite what one would hope for.
1= Poor, lacking, deficient
Thus, a denotation of and (such as that received by the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa and certain other listings) represents a perfect score on both fronts, whereas a score of and (given for instance to L’Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa) would be very romantic and reasonably (but not exceptionally) baby-friendly. In other words, in the latter case, you would not meet with hostility or ill-natured feelings bringing your youngster here, but, at the same time, you would not find the full spectrum of possible conveniences for him/her at this particular resort. In some instances, this may be acceptable. For instance, you know you have to be in Del Mar for a few days for a convention, and you want to take your partner and young child along. L’Auberge Del Mar would be an exceptional destination. While this resort offered no children’s programs per se during the time of my visit, it provides convenient stroller access in spite of Del Mar’s hilly terrain, an upscale child and infant boutique, and a bonded babysitting service, while your family is surrounded by stunning Pacific Ocean views in an exclusive English Tudor styled resort. Perhaps most importantly from a parent’s perspective, at the L’Auberge you would not confront the crude and cold stance that many other elegant resorts adapt towards parents vacationing with babies and youngsters.
This represents just one example. In order for a resort to be featured in this site, it had to possess sufficient scores in both categoties.
|
|
