9 Best Resort Concierges for Families

Here"s a magic trick that will delight ski-loving families: Take a load of cold, soggy ski equipment, deposit it in the care of a fairytale helper, and the next day, pick-up your dried, pre-warmed ski boots, organized gear and a planned itinerary along with fresh muffins, hot chocolate and a friendly greeting. Sound dreamy? This marvelous feat is performed daily by the Ski Concierge -- magical assistants who will schlep your gear and book your kids ski school sessions -- at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail. In fact, they"ll do practically everything but ski for you! While anyone can appreciate the star-studded service, Four Seasons Resort Vail"s Ski Concierge is especially helpful to novices and families traveling with young children. And as you know, the latter are the real VIPs in our minds.

Got avid collectors in your crew? Take them on a hunt for conch, coquina, junonia and other local treasures with the Shelling Concierge service at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Florida. Staffed by naturalists from the Sanibel Sea School, two-hour shelling excursions offer families an opportunity to get expert tips and practice the local tradition known as “The Captiva Crouch” while exploring one of the world"s best spots for shelling. Expert help is also available at the Sea School"s South Seas campus on a drop-in basis, where Shelling Concierges are available to help identify guest finds, provide advice on shelling etiquette and offer tips for locating coveted specimens.

Sunshine and snow cones go naturally together like surf and boards, so it"s no surprise that the Piragua (aka Puerto Rican Snow Cone) Concierge at El Conquistador Resort and Las Casitas Village in Fajardo, Puerto Rico is a bright attraction for sun-loving families. Dishing out local tradition along with classic flavors from a traditional push cart, the Piragua Concierge instructs guests in the art of creating the perfect syrup-topped shaved ice pyramid, which can be enjoyed poolside at the resort"s sun-splashed, 2.4-acre Coqui Water Park. Now that"s our idea of “chilling” on vacation!

Boasting 2 miles of secluded beachfront and situated on a private nature sanctuary at the foot of El Yunque National Forest, the five-star St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is a delightful destination for luxury-minded nature lovers. For those who long to get close to nature, the resort has an extra-special luxury in store--a full-time Marine Biologist Concierge who will help school your kids in local wildlife and conservation efforts. On kayak tours and nature walks organized by the resident naturalist, guests can learn about common local species like singing coqui tree frogs, bioluminescent plankton and giant lizards, as well as endangered species like Caribbean manatees and Leatherback sea turtles. You can meet naturalist Marcela Cañón at the resort Nature Center, where there are regular touch tank demonstrations geared towards children.

First there were in-room babysitters, then came “vacation nannies.” Now, families traveling with infants can enjoy Baby Concierge, a service available exclusively at Grand Velas Resorts in Riviera Nayarit and Riviera Maya. Offered on a complimentary basis to tot-toting resort guests, the service includes all the essentials and extras you need to pacify baby on vacation. From baby bouncers and bottle warmers to nanny service, cribs and special toiletries, Baby Concierge provides the amenities so you can leave your gear and cares at home.

For a fee, Baby Concierge at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit will go one indulgent step further, and arrange for Baby"s First Haircut or a baby Sunrise Massage. Designed for guests ages 1 to 3, the latter special spa treatment stimulates positive sensory responses with soothing touch and calming Mozart music.

Family Concierge at Paradisus Cancun takes a winning arrangement for families--all-inclusive dining and recreation--and gives it a kid-friendly customized service boost, to attain practical, tactical luxury for traveling relations. In addition to an in-room refrigerator stocked with favorite beverages and treats and exclusive access to a family pool and a lounge with video games, Family Concierge guests enjoy personalized service throughout their stay, from dining, pool bed and activities reservations to customized gifts for the kids, such as backpack, toiletries and sunscreen and special gifts delivered directly to the guestroom.

Lots of hotels do a paws-itively great job of catering to four-legged family members, with special amenities and services designed for furry friends. But what about when you have to leave your beloved companion behind at home? Select Fairmont Hotels and Resorts have the answer, with “Canine Ambassadors” who will provide your children with one-on-one time, fresh air, exercise and wet sloppy kisses. Four U.S. and five Canadian Fairmont properties boast resident dogs who happily offer polite people greetings and walks upon request, with two additional furry ambassadors stationed in Africa at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club.

You can connect with Fairmont"s “socially savvy” canine concierges online -- via their personal email accounts -- or if you prefer, you can send them an old-fashioned letter via “ani-mail.” For those who are able to bring their dogs along, Fairmont offers a friendly welcome to family pets. Policies vary by property and a nightly fee applies.

Do your kids want to learn to surf? Four Seasons Residences Club San Diego Aviara will set them up with gear, expert tips and hands-on instruction in all they need to do to catch a wave, from the practical (like attaching the leash and carrying the board) to the tactical (paddling and anticipating a wave). For those with less nerve, boogie boarding lessons give enthusiasts the opportunity to learn to ride a wave, with less likelihood of “wipe-outs.” The service is $100 per person for ages 6 and up and is offered from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Situated in London"s upscale Mayfair district, within a five-minute walk to Buckingham Palace, the five-star Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments has a loyal following amongst couples and business guests who appreciate luxury and attention to detail. When it comes to its youngest guests, the family-owned property doesn"t skimp on service -- in fact, they offer a dedicated Kids" Concierge who treats children (and their accompanying adults) like royalty.

From a mini-bar pre-stocked with children"s favorites to customized family itineraries, board games, video games, and complimentary birdseed, kites and scooters for an excursion to nearby Hyde Park, The Athenaeum"s Kids" Concierge provides notable treatment that"s suitable for nobles.