Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Winter 2014 - (Page 82)

FA M I LY T R AV E L BACK TO BA SICS Clockwise from top left: The Tilin family in front of Sawmill Lake; Isaac and Leila skipping rocks; Isaac builds a cairn by the water 's edge. INTO THE WILD EAGER TO S PEN D A FE W D IG ITA LFR EE DAYS W I T H HIS K ID S, O N E DAD PLACES H I S FA IT H IN T H E C HAR M S OF LA K E TA H O E BY ANDREW T I L I N W We're not yet in the thin air of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, and already I remind myself to breathe deeply. In the airplane seat next to me, Isaac, my 13-yearold, watches "Mysteries at the Museum" on his laptop. Meanwhile, Leila, my 11-year-old, occupies the window seat. She might as well be in solitary conﬁnement, so long as the prison permitted iPods. "Can you see the mountains?" I ask her. "What?" she replies, pulling out an earphone. Katy Perry is obviously more engaging than distant scenery. Screen worship is a big reason why the opportunity to spend a couple of days at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe was song to my ears. Pine trees! Mountain lakes! Don't get me wrong: My kids are great and they enjoy the outdoors. But as Isaac and Leila grow they increasingly 82 W W W. R I T Z C A R LT O N . C O M resemble, well, me - Digital Dad, the Northern California native and longtime outdoor nut who, now having transplanted everyone to Austin, Texas, is too frequently on a laptop. I thought the three of us could beneﬁt from time spent mixing it up with the earth and elements, and of course enjoy the rewards of legendary food, service and shelter. The tucked-away and understated resort, only minutes from crystalline Lake Tahoe, sits at nearly 7,000 feet, midway up the mountain at Northstar California, one of the nation's top family ski resorts. We land 45 miles away in Reno, Nev., on a clear fall day and before any snow has stuck - which means there are no plans to schuss but still endless opportunities to play. Ritz Kids, offering full days of activities ranging from forested hikes to participatory experiences in biodiversity, promises to draw my kids toward nature and keep them busy, too. Available at Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts, Ritz Kids experiences are tailored to highlight a destination's unique characteristics and environment. "Check out those walls of granite," I say, stealing views of the Sierras on the drive from the airport. I glance at Leila in the front passenger seat. She's immersed in a book. I suggest she put it away for the moment. "You always want me to read," she replies before fumbling for her bookmark. We arrive, and everyone's eyes soon follow the contours of the hotel lobby. It's treehousemeets-Windsor Castle: a high-ceilinged, windowed and circular room with beams extending from the massive trunk of a stone chimney that's surrounded by clusters of http://WWW.RITZCARLTON.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Winter 2014

Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Winter 2014
Contents
Contributors
Editor’s Letter
President’s Letter
Falling in Love With ... Bangalore
Design
Shopping
Gifts
Beauty
Jewelry
Watches
Tradition
Behind the Scenes
Family
Local Knowledge
Outdoors

Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Winter 2014