The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach Elevates Teen Experience

11-14-2007

MANALAPAN,Fl- Teenagers can make or break the mood of a family on any given day and vacation getaways are no exception.  Recognizing this incredible “teen power” has prompted The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach to take a closer look at the wants, needs and desires of the often overlooked set of 13-17 year-olds.  Coast, designed to be a state of mind, not a stuffy, over-organized club or program, will launch in time for the holiday season and take the teen vacation experience to the next level with a new concept and space for them to gather, socialize and chill out. 

 

From a state-of-the-art production studio, DJ booth and model-style photography set to a pool table and informal chalk board deciding the day’s activities based on the group’s whim, Coast is a place teens will want to be.  Coast sets the stage for vacationers to socialize with peers and meet new friends who share similar interests.  This subtly-supervised, no-parents-allowed concept was created in large part as the result of feedback collected in teen focus groups.  The comments help shape, and do away with, various components of this first-of-its-kind teen hotspot.  Here’s a closer look at what Coast has to offer:

 

Coast Production Studios: With state-of-the art equipment, teens will get to experiment with creating their own live radio program, dubbed Coast fm live, or podcasts to share with their friends back home.  Not only can they host radio spots, but want-to-be DJs can try their hand at mixing and scratching on DJ turntables.  If music isn’t their thing, a video production and editing station is available for aspiring filmmakers to create their own vacation videos to bring home on DVD.

 

Beauty@Coast: A salon-like setting offers a special selection of buff-and-puff treatments including hair styling, manicures and pedicures.  There will also be make-up, nail polish and other beauty accessories for teens to experiment and play with.  Girls can use this area to prepare for their Coast by Night experience. 

 

Coast Freeze Frame: Teens can take their catwalk dreams for a spin under studio lights against a photographic backdrop, as true models do!  Make-up pointers, tips on how to pose, how to take the photos, clothing, accessories and more will set the stage for the very best “photo op.”  These glamour shots can be printed and taken home to share this star-studded moment with friends.

 

Coast Chill: As the focus groups reported, a vacation is about relaxing and letting today’s over-scheduled teens kick back and chill.  In response, Internet, videos, Xboxes, PS3 units, pool table, games and more allow teens to just “chill.” 

 

Coast by Night: On a family vacation the entire brood is usually in the room, fighting over the remote by 9:00 p.m.  Coast by Night eliminates the TV battle and gives teens, and parents, some after-dinner freedom.  Dancing and club nights, movie showings, and chill evenings will keep teens buzzing until midnight.  Those who have perfected their spinning skills in the production booth could be chosen as the featured DJ of the night!        

 

The Coast experience will extend beyond the walls of the physical space and incorporate a bevy of beach and water sports (the focus group reported that bringing a tan back home was very important!).  Kayaking, banana boat rides, surfing lessons, beach volleyball and more will keep kids interacting, exercising and in the sun and fun.  While the club will officially open at noon (Coast by Night attendees will want to sleep in), there will be a morning exercise program for Coast workout fanatics.

 

Being that Coast is not a club, it is a state of mind, the design and décor has been carefully planned to help teens get into the Coast mindset.  A professional graffiti mural creates the ultimate hangout setting.  Miami’s premier urban artist, Daniel Aaron Fila was commissioned to design these graffiti masterpieces.  Fila, who has lived and worked in South Florida for over ten years, has a particular interest in murals and is a graffiti artist who has worked on corporate and neighborhood projects alike.  His inspiration for the 9-by-16 foot wall was a sculpture at the Frank Lloyd Wright Museum. 

Upon check-in, teenagers will receive an invite to check Coast out.  This no-parents-allowed, subtly-supervised (young, cool staff only!) space has one entrance exclusive for Coast participants and requires a swipe card to get in and out.   

 

 “Resorts tend to focus on the adults and young children, teenagers are often overlooked.  We believe the young adults need a place of their own while on vacation, and this should be a serious consideration for families when making their decision on where to travel.  We invested a lot of time and attention into what teenagers wanted, liked and disliked,” said General Manager Brad Cance.  “From the graffiti-designed décor, to keeping them ‘connected,’ every element of this teen experience has been created to establish an informal atmosphere where teens can socialize, relax and be among their peers.”

 

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