Children can be downright picky when it comes to food, but most of them love to help out in the kitchen. While many families think of a culinary vacation as an adults-only experience, the truth is that a trip centered around a kitchen can be a great way for families to spend time together amassing some new skills, and, of course, having a lot of fun.

At the Forconi estate in Tuscany, the whole family can pitch in when it comes to cooking. Featuring Fabrizio’s Kids Cooking Course, the family-run estate offers kids the chance to get their hands “dirty” making gnocchi, pasta, and pizza which they then, hopefully, will eat. Budding Emerils and Rachael Rays can also learn the tricks of the trade for non-alcoholic aperitifs and easy hors d’oeuvres (making them a lot more helpful when you entertain!) (more…)

If the whole trans-fat health issue has been of concern to you when feeding your family, you’ve probably been at least curious about the food service on your family vacations.  Today, Starwood Hotels and Resorts announced the company’s goal of eliminating all trans-fats by the end of 2007 from all food and beverage operations at properties in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.  “Our goal is to deliver healthier, high-quality food selections by eliminating artificial trans-fats from our food and beverage operations,” said Paul Scott, Vice President, Food & Beverage, North America in a press release issued today.

The Starwood portfolio of brands includes W Hotels, Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, the Luxury Collection, and Le Meridien.

We’re continually stunned by what hotels will call a “package” - our latest digging turned up one that offered an oceanview room and a $50 room credit. That was it. Hello? That is not a package. That is a discount. Thanks for the effort.

What we’re looking for in a luxury romantic getaway - or for that matter, a babymoon package, or a family travel package, or any special hotel deal that we’re going to present to you - is the extras. We want to find amenities that show some thought and that are clearly earmarked for the special guests, whether they be babies or soon-to-be parents. A discount on a room - well, gee, that’s nice but we’re not exactly running to the phone here, people.

Mosaic Bar and Grille, copyright Montage Laguna Beach

This week’s luxury getaway has splurge written all over it - and if you’re looking for a package that has thoughtful details, it doesn’t get much better than the Epicurean Adventure, one of two couples’ packages we’re showcasing this week. Of course, you get what you pay for - or in this case, you pay for what you get, but that’s what luxury is all about. And that’s what Montage in Laguna Beach is all about - pampering, style, luxury. Already heralded this year with appearances on Conde Nast’s Traveler’s 2007 Gold List and Robb Report Luxury Resorts 2007 list of The World’s 100 Ultimate Escapes, this expansive seaside resort knows how to create a memorable weekend for you - check out the packages after the jump. (more…)