Ritz-Carlton and Jean-Michel Cousteau Partner for Kids Program

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is one of the resorts offering this immersive experience, which is being introduced for young travelers at 84 hotels from Hawaii to Kazakhstan.

“We are very excited to continue our highly successful relationship with a unique individual whose entire life has been spent dedicated to preservation of the environment, with particular attention to marine conservation and education,” said Hervé Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

The new global brand standard for children's programming includes robust activities for resorts such as The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, in addition to multiple touch points for children at city and urban properties. The refined luxury experience for young guests aged four or five to 12 provides a differentiated program which engages children to explore the world around them. In the case of Dove Mountain, it provides a uniquely rich and diverse opportunity to experience the history, culture, flora, fauna, environment, food and geography of the high Sonoran Desert and greater Arizona.

“The fun and exciting activities appeal to a child's innate love of discovery and sense of curiosity. All kids start out as scientists, constantly asking ‘Why? What's that? How does it work?' I have spent my life exploring the natural wonders of the world, seeking to understand how our planet works and how we can better protect it,” said Jean-Michel Cousteau.

“Ritz Kids is offering something no other hotel company has before – globally consistent, immersive programming that builds upon the adventures of travel your child will always treasure. These experiences will be remembered long after their stay,” Cousteau added.

The content of the new Ritz Kids programming was created by Ocean Futures Society exclusively for The Ritz-Carlton. The environmental expertise of Ocean Futures Society allows The Ritz-Carlton to craft fascinating experiences based on four key pillars, depending upon property location:

• Water: Emphasizing the importance of sea life and health.
• Land: Encouraging exploration and discovery.
• Environmental Responsibility: Promoting the environmental health of our planet for the future.
• Culture: Exposing young minds to a variety of art forms, including music, local customs and history, as well as cuisine.

Children taking advantage of the new Ritz Kids program at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain will be exposed to an array of environmentally-focused experiences created by naturalists and fostering interaction with the world which they are visiting. The content is tailored specifically to intrigue and thrill bright young minds and is rooted in one of the program's four key pillars, with each activity designed to engage dialogue, spark curiosity and draw wonder from the Arizona resort's dynamic Southwestern locale. Ritz Kids activities at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain include Adventure Expeditions -- pre-reservable hands-on journeys exploring a variety of topics relating to Southern Arizona, from nature and science, to Native American and Mexican culture and tall tales and legends from the Wild West. Each morning or afternoon adventure incorporates exploring, discovery, creative play, education, cultural immersion, arts and crafts, and active games for the young guest to enjoy. Further new Ritz Kids activities at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain include Rodeo Round-Ups, Desert Detective Scavenger Hunts, and “Living Deserts” – a close-up look at the amazing critters that call the region home.

Jean-Michel Cousteau and The Ritz-Carlton have also introduced Ambassadors of the Environment eco-travel programs at resorts in Kapalua, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve which include an environmental and cultural education center with excursions for all ages led by expert naturalists.

More information: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/LetUsStay/Experiences/AmbassadorsOfTheEnvironment.htm