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Posts Tagged ‘kids’ club’
Thursday, November 10th, 2011
To honor U.S. military members and civil first responders, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is offering their second year of Salute to Service specials. Resort room rates have been slashed to $99 per night for stays beginning Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2011 through January 18, 2012. Although I am neither a member of the military nor a first responder, I have had the pleasure of staying at this upscale family resort, and let me tell you, $99 is a smokin’ deal! In fact, this special rate is the lowest offered by the resort all year, representing 70 to 75% off the standard room rates of $329 to $409.
With the choice of two TPC PGA-Tour golf courses, golfers will love the Salute to Service package with unlimited golf at just $179 per night for one person. That’s a great discount for golf-loving military and first responders since the walk-up rate for a round of golf is $175.
If the spa is more your thing, head on over to the gorgeous Lantana Spa for a heavenly treatment or two.
While mom and dad are busy with these grown-up distractions kids aged 4+ will have a ball with arts and crafts, toys galore, and outdoor fun at the Range Riders kids’ camp.
If you ask me, the best part of JW Marriott San Antonio is the River Bluff Water Experience, which features pools, two huge waterslides, a 1,200-foot lazy river lined with Cypress trees, and a zero-entry tot pool with fountains and mini slides.
Active duty and retired members of the military or their dependents and civil first responders (fire, police, paramedics) should request the Salute to Service rate (rate code: SIU) when making reservations at www.jwsanantonio.com. A military or service I.D. is required at check-in. Enjoy, my military and first responder friends. You deserve it!
Read my full review of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.
You might also like:
• Cancun Should Be on Your Bucket List
• Family Fun in Texas Hill Country
• 10 Best Kid-Friendly Hotel Pools in the USA
• Top 5 Things to Do in San Antonio
A Note from The Travel Mama: I received a complimentary stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio a couple of years ago. I received no compensation or benefits related to this post. I just love this hotel and think this is a wonderful deal for military and first responders.
Photos from the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa website.
Tags: discount, golf, jw marriott, kids' club, pool, san antonio, spa, veteran's day, waterslide
Posted in Family Vacations, Grown-Up Getaways, Hotel Reviews | No Comments »
Monday, May 23rd, 2011
Disney’s FamilyFun Magazine is offering a free trip for four to the new Aulani Resort in Hawaii! I have been dreaming of a vacation at Aulani since before construction even began on this luxury hotel, when I first heard that Disney would be creating a resort in Hawaii. Aulani is scheduled to open August 29, 2011. The resort is being built on 21 acres of oceanfront property in Ko Olina on Oahu, alongside a crystal-blue lagoon and a white-sand beach. Read on to find out how to win!
Photo from the Aulani Facebook page
Disney + Hawaii = Happy Travel Mama!
Who wouldn’t want to combine Hawaii’s warm ocean waves, island hospitality, and breathtaking tropical landscape with Disney’s kid-friendly activities, outstanding customer service, and attention to detail? Disney and Hawaii are two of my favorite things in the whole world; in fact, I’ve added Aulani to my bucket list.
Aunty’s Beach House photo from the Aulani website
Aulani Family-Friendly Amenities
Here’s why you’re going to want to add Aulani to your bucket list too! Upon completion, Aulani will include 359 traditional hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom villas in two towers, each featuring angled rooms with views of the ocean, mountains, and the resort’s lush grounds. Family-friendly resort amenities will include two restaurants, a kids’ club (Aunty’s Beach House), and a spectacularly themed pool area complete with swimming pool, wading pool, waterslides, hot tubs, and a snorkel lagoon. There’s also an 18,000-square-foot spa for Travel Mamas like me who crave a little pampering on vacation!
Aulani Spa photo from the Aulani Facebook page
Hawaiian Traditions at Aulani
Disney is being careful to respect Hawaii’s traditions in the creation of this property. “We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it. The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep storytelling – and its roots are in this land right here,” said Joe Rohde, senior vice president, Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering. When Aulani opens in August, it will offer one-of-a-kind family excursions to explore Oahu during the day plus Hawaiian storytelling around the fire pit in the evening. Guests can also search for statues of Menehune, the legendary island little people, hidden throughout the resort.
Hidden menehune photo from the Aulani Facebook page
Enter to Win!
Enter the Aulani Hawaiian Getaway Sweepstakes on the FamilyFun site. The prize includes airfare, car rental, $500 spending money, and accommodations at Aulani. You have to register on their site to enter, but it doesn’t take much time and is so worth the chance of winning this incredible prize. Enter by June 30, 2011.
Learn more about this resort on the Aulani website or Aulani Facebook page.
Why would you like to win a trip to Aulani? Share your thoughts in the comments below! (To satisfy my curiousity, NOT to win!)
You might also like:
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time
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• Win a Trip to Orange County, California!
Tags: aulani, disney, giveaway, hawaii, kids' club, pool, waterslide
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways, Hotel Reviews, Theme Parks | 12 Comments »
Thursday, March 10th, 2011
Be sure to spring the time on your clocks one hour forward this weekend and then book a vacation at one of these family-friendly tropical resorts for big-time travel savings! But don’t be late…you must make your travel reservations ON Daylight Savings Day – this Sunday, March 13, 2011.
My daughter splashing in the zero-entry fountain pool at San Juan Marriott Resort
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino (Puerto Rico)
I got a chance to experience this resort first-hand last year during a tropical mommy-daughter getaway. My family flips for a fabulous hotel pool, and we certainly found one (or three!) here. The winding waterslide is a favorite of resort guests young and old. Plus poolside smoothies, kite-flying at the nearby windswept El Morro fortress, wandering through San Juan’s quaint cobblestone Old Town, exploring the hotel’s sandy stretch of beach, and eating lots of tasty family-friendly Puerto Rican cuisine make for a great getaway.
Offer: A package savings of 30% that includes: accommodations in room category of choice, breakfast for two at La Vista each day (inclusive of tax and gratuity), one dinner for two at Ristorante Tuscany (inclusive of tax and gratuity), and free hour of “Happy Hour” at La Isla Beach Bar.
Rates from: $340 per night/per room.
Valid for Travel: April 1 – September 30.
Reservations: Visit www.marriottsanjuan.com and use promo code ZJ8 in the Corporate/Promotional box, or call 1-800-228-9290 and ask for promotional code ZJ8.
Fun on the beach at the St. Kitts Marriott Kids Club
St. Kitts Marriott Resort (St. Kitts)
St. Kitts Marriott offers enough fun and activities to keep families busy from sunrise to sunset. It features three pools with shallow areas for little ones as well as a Towel Hut with copious amounts of games and snorkeling gear for big kids. The resort has eight restaurants – including a pool-side grill and a pizza shack, plus the kid-favorite gelato stand inside Cafe Calypso. If your children are like mine, their favorite part of a trip here may be spending time at the Kids Club, for ages five to twelve, while mom and dad tee off at the resort’s championship golf course, play a game of chance at the Caribbean’s largest Vegas-style casino, or at the Emerald Mist Spa (which is where you’d find me!).
Offer: Book St. Kitts Marriott’s 40% Off Sale on Daylight Savings Day, March 13, 2011, and receive 40% off room rates, plus a free room upgrade.
Rates from: $98 USD per night.
Valid for Travel: Through December 21, 2011. Blackout dates apply. Deposit is required.
Reservations: Visit www.stkittsmarriott.com and input promo code BAR (offer must be booked online).
Sandpearl Resort’s pool and beach
Sandpearl Resort (Clearwater, Florida)
Sandpearl is a luxurious resort situated along a 700-foot expanse of pristine Gulf Coast pearlescent white sand beaches, surrounded by sparkling water. The resort blends eco-conscious luxury with unparalleled four-diamond services and amenities, featuring a lagoon-style beachfront pool, unique lifestyle enrichment programs and fine and casual dining. Sandpearl has various experiential offerings for all ages to enjoy, including Club Ridley, an exclusive children’s activity program designed specifically for guests ages five to eleven. I know my family would adore the nightly Beach Campfire Cookouts, where guests gather around a campfire underneath the night sky to make culinary concoctions over a fire such as s’mores or a campfire pie while singing songs and sharing stories.
Offer: Enjoy 40% off room rates at Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida when you book on Daylight Savings Day, March 13, 2011.
Rates: $149 USD per night (bay view rooms only). Two-night minimum stay.
Valid for Travel: April 24 – May 26. Based on availability.
Reservations: Call 1-877-726-3111 or visit www.sandpearl.com and input promo: DAYLIGHT.
You might also like:
• A Mommy-Daughter Vacation in Puerto Rico
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• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
A Note from the Travel Mama: My daughter and I were hosted by the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino last year. I did not receive any compensation or goodies related to this post – I just wanted to share these great deals with traveling families!
Tags: kids' club, pool, San Juan Marriott, Sandpearl Resort, spring, St. Kitts Marriott, travel savings, tropical resort, vacation, waterslide
Posted in Family Vacations, Hotel Reviews, Travel Tips | No Comments »
Friday, February 11th, 2011
After a hectic day that included a trip to the emergency room for one of our children (don’t worry, she’s fine!), the minute my husband and I stepped into the lobby at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Scottsdale we could feel our tensions begin to drift away. During our trip to Arizona to visit family this past fall we dumped left the kids at my parents’ house and checked into this luxurious resort for a mini romantic getaway filled with fine dining, good wine, spa treatments, relaxation and, of course, romance.
Intercontinental Montelucia in Scottsdale, Arizona
A Hopeful Welcome
At check-in we were invited to choose from a myriad of colorful rocks in a decorative wooden box. We were to then make a wish when dropping the stone into the Joya Fountain located at the entrance of the resort’s on-site Joya Spa. Never mind that I dropped my wishing stone in the wrong fountain, my wish was granted.
Joya Fountain Tradition
A Meal to Remember
A bellman dropped our bags in our room while we headed straight to our overdue dinner reservations at Montelucia’s signature restaurant, Prado. While this fine-dining restaurant’s decor and name are Spanish, the menu was filled with Italian-inspired offerings thanks to the influence of its Head Chef Claudio Urciuoli, who hails from the Cinque Terre region of Italy. Two classical guitarists, the Sonas Brothers, played Spanish flamenco music intermingled with renditions by the Eagles and other well-known artists.
To ease our rattled nerves, we ordered a bottle of a wine. I was a little surprised to find a few Arizona wines on the menu and even more surprised by how much I liked the sangiovese blend from an Arizona winery, Paige Springs.
The signature restaurant, Prado
Next, we ordered a scrumptious antipasto platter to ease our rumbling bellies. It was a delightful mixture of tastes and textures including Manchego cheese, prosciutto, olives, giant toasted almonds, orange blossom honey, and crackers. The we split the Local Lettuces. While the salad was visually stunning with its curls of bright, thinly sliced carrots and hot pink watermelon radish, the sherry vinegar dressing was too acidic for my palate. Next time I’d try the Panzanella – an Italian salad made from homemade bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta and wild oregano.
You can choose both a pasta and main course in the Italian tradition, but we skipped the noodles and went straight for the entree. My husband sopped up any remaining broth from his bowl of Caciucco, a traditional Tuscan seafood stew. Meanwhile the tangy, pillows of olive gnocchi were the highlight of my Coumbia River Coho Salmon dish.
Caciucco, traditional Tuscan seafood stew
After my husband and I (playfully) argued over which dessert to order, our waitress brought us all three choices: a white chocolate coconut cake served with passion fruit, a warm chocolate cake served with vanilla gelato, and an apple crostata served with bourbon caramel. The argument then continued over which confection was the best. My husband insists it was the crostata but if you like chocolate, the Moelleux au Chocolat is absolutely not to be missed.
Grounds for Romance
Not quite ready to turn in for the night, we took a stroll through the resort’s fountain-filled grounds before warming up in hanging chairs nestled beside a roaring fire pit. It was the perfect way to top off our romantic evening.
Warming up by the fire after dinner
Room with a View
Our room had a rustic Spanish elegance featuring carved wood furniture accented with a modern crimson couch on which to snuggle up before climbing into the plush platform bed. The massive tiled bathroom with sunken tub and separate two-head shower was impressive but the best part was the view. Giant doors slid open onto our balcony, which overlooked the pool, the resort’s plentiful fountains, and the burning fire pits below. In the not-too-far distance we could see the outline of the camel’s head of the famous Camelback Mountain illuminated by the light of the moon.
View of the resort and Camelback Mountain from our room’s balcony in the morning
Breakfast for Two
For a casual breakfast of gourmet coffee and house-made pastries, we considered popping into Crave Cafe. Instead we opted to return to Prado for the breakfast buffet. We chose the continental version with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, bagels with cream cheese and lox, and an array of pastries. Those seeking a heartier meal can order the full buffet with eggs, meats, and other savory selections.
Yogurt and granola parfaits on display at the Prado’s breakfast buffet
A Spa Escape
No romantic getaway would be complete for me without a trip to the spa. Joya Spa invokes the feeling of an exotic Morrocan escape with its decorative tile-work, an abundance of bright throw pillows, and sheer curtains draped across entryways. My husband worked out in the spa’s fitness center while I indulged in a massage treatment. Afterward, we relaxed together beside the Joya Terrace roof-top pool.
Traditional spa treatments like facials, nail treatments, hair service, massages, and body treatments of all kinds are available. If you’re looking for a unique experience, check out their hypnotherapy, tarot readings, meditation sessions, and even belly dancing classes!
Traveling with kids? Drop off children ages 5 to 12 for a few hours of FREE childcare in the Planet Trekkers kids’ club with the purchase of any spa service 50 minutes or longer!
Joya Spa
Worth Wishing For
What was my wish? To relax and connect with my husband, forgetting about our stresses and responsibilities for a little while. The Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa certainly made that wish come true. It would have been nice to have time to lounge by the main Kasbah Pool, take a spin on the rentable bicycles, and hike Camelback Mountain. But our parental duties called. Maybe next time we visit this resort we’ll bring the kids. Then again…maybe not!
Where do you wish to go for a romantic getaway? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
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A Note from the Travel Mama: Thank you to the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa for hosting our romantic getaway!
Tags: Arizona, Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, Joya Spa, kids' club, Prado Restaurant, romantic getaway, Scottsdale, spa
Posted in Grown-Up Getaways, Hotel Reviews, Restaurant Reviews | 7 Comments »
Thursday, January 6th, 2011
Located on one of the most spectacular spots of real estate in the world, everything at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona seems to have been created to allow the scenic landscape take center stage.
Sedona’s famed Enchantment Resort
An Enchanting Welcome
The minute we arrived at Enchantment, someone was there with a warm welcome to walk us to check-in. There was no ornate, grand entrance to the hotel’s lobby. Instead, natural elements like stonework, vibrant green vines, colorful flowers, and cyprus trees led to an unobtrusive stucco building. The children were greeted with a gift bag filled with a stuffed toy coyote and a coloring or puzzle book. You can warm up by the fire in over-sized leather chairs in the lounge here before dinner or duck into the game room to watch television or play board games with the kids.
Entrance to the Enchantment Resort lobby
Boynton Canyon Hiking Trails
One of my favorite memories from this trip was hiking the Vista Trail with just my little girl, Karissa. We paused to stare at tiny wildflowers, note the strange purplish hue of the prickly pear cactus fruits, and guess where our room was from where we stood on the trail. Karissa kept asking if we could take Sedona home with us. When I asked her what she meant, she said, “I want to keep it and put it in our back yard because it’s soooo pretty here!”
There are several hiking trails accessible from Enchantment. Two of Sedona’s most beloved trails are located just behind Mii amo Spa. Head to the left for Boynton Canyon Trail, which is 2.4 miles each way. Go to the right to hike Vista Trail up to Kachina Woman rock formation, which stands guard over one of Sedona’s famous energy vortexes. This hike should take about 20 minutes up and 15 minutes down, unless you are hiking with a five-year-old, then it takes longer! Both were too rigorous for my two-and-a-half-year-old to hike for any distance.
My daughter beaming with pride at the top of Vista Trail below Kachina Woman rock formation
Camp Coyote
Our daughter begged to go back to Camp Coyote after her half-day adventure here. This kids’ camp is for children ages four to 12. Choose from half-day or full-day camps plus summer evening camps. The camp is renowned for incorporating its natural surroundings and the Native American heritage of the area into its activities. Campers might take guided nature walks where they learn about Boynton Canyon’s plants, insects, mule and white-tailed deer, jackrabbits, and other inhabitants. Or they might do sand painting, weave dream catchers or design arrowhead necklaces. Standard kids’ camp fun is available too in the form of trucks, toys, and craft projects.
Camp Coyote
Mii amo Spa
This spa is located on the same property as Enchantment Resort and is open to Enchantment guests but is also a destination spa with guest rooms of its own. From sunrise stretches to medicine walks, aqua aerobics, and cooking demonstrations…activities and lectures abound at Mii amo. I didn’t get a chance to try any of these out, but I was able to indulge in a massage at this world-renowned spa. The facilities are nearly as stunning as the setting. After my treatment I took a dip in the indoor pool with its soothing fountains. Then I relaxed in the outdoor hot tub while staring at the breathtaking view of Boynton Canyon, overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude to experience such beauty.
Indoor and outdoor pools with a spectacular view at Mii amo Spa
Dining Options
Two of the onsite restaurants feature expansive windows to allow diners to gape at the gorgeous red rocks in which the resort is nestled. One of the most upscale dining options in all of Sedona is located here, Yavapai Restaurant, which offers 180-degree views of Boynton Canyon.
We had dinner one night at Tii Gavo, the more casual dining option at Enchantment. With its candlelight and swanky bar-like atmosphere, this would make a lovely date night option. However, eating here with our noisy young children was like leading a marching band blaring through a church as my husband and I (unsuccessfully) attempted to keep our offspring from annoying the other diners. The mushroom empanadas appetizer was the star of the meal with its earthy mushrooms, flaky crust, and tasty tomatillo sauce.
Mushroom Empanada at Tii Gavo
A third restaurant is available at neighboring Mii amo Spa. Since the spa is for guests 16 and older, don’t plan to bring little kiddies here to eat. Before my spa treatment I enjoyed a quiet solo lunch at Mii amo Cafe of miso soup and a salmon Caesar salad. Everything was fresh, light, and delicious -the picture-perfect spa cuisine.
Each morning, a charming bucket of orange juice and a USA Today is delivered to resort guests. We brought a few breakfast items with us and supplemented them with coffee made in-room and a couple of room service items, which saved on time and money. Try the homemade granola – it’s heavenly!
Morning delivery of orange juice and the paper
Accommodations
Guest rooms are designed for comfort at Enchantment. If you are traveling with children and can afford a glorious upgrade, I suggest booking a casita. Our one-bedroom casita was decked out with a patio and outdoor barbecue plus my kids’ favorite, a gas-powered fireplace around which we warmed our tootsies after chilly fall hikes.
The eat-in kitchen featured a stove, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, pots, pans, dishes, eating utensils, and even a toaster. The spacious family room was so large and comfy; it felt more like a home than a hotel. The Murphy bed was more restful than a sofa pull-out and took up no space when stowed away. The bedroom had two queen-sized beds and a second television plus its own bathroom.
My kids warming up by our in-room fireplace
So, Is It Worth the Splurge?
Although there are more affordable accommodation options in Sedona, I think Enchantment Resort is worth a splurge. My husband announced during our stay, “I never want to leave here.” I asked him why and he said, “Because it’s beautiful and there’s a fireplace and even the soap smells good. Seriously, there are no worries here.” (The soap, by the way, was made with olive oil and it did smell really, really good!)
This is the most upscale resort in Sedona. Could you stay somewhere for less money? Yes. But you come to Sedona to stand in awe of something bigger than yourself, to breathe in fresh air, listen to the sounds of gravel crunching beneath your feet, climb to the top of something majestic, and forget about your inbox, laundry, and to-do list for awhile. Staying at Enchantment submerses you in all that beauty and relaxation. Isn’t that the point?
What resort do you think is worth the splurge? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
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A Note from The Travel Mama: The Enchantment Resort provided my family with complimentary accommodations, our dinner at Tii Gavo, and my spa treatment. I always provide my honest opinion, no matter who’s footing the bill.
Tags: Arizona, Camp Coyote, Enchantment Resort, hiking, kids' club, Mii Amo, pool, Sedona, spa, Tii Gavo
Posted in Family Vacations, Grown-Up Getaways, Hotel Reviews, Restaurant Reviews | 7 Comments »
Sunday, October 24th, 2010
Think the days of luxury traveling are over once you have kids? Not even. Here are a five of my favorite luxury resorts for family escapes ideal for even the most discerning little travelers. Mom and Dad might even have fun too!
Curtain Bluff Antigua, West Indies
A classic Caribbean resort, Curtain Bluff boasts that it “works” for the entire family, and third generations of families (a.k.a. repeaters) who return year after year would agree. As an all-inclusive resort, you and your kids will enjoy a myriad of activities including sailing Hobie Cats and windsurfers, diving, water-skiing, snorkeling and fishing trips, and tennis. The convenience factor: meals, drinks and activities are all-included. While Mom and Dad enjoy the signature Caribbean Green Coffee body wraps at the Seaside Spa, your kids can also have treatments tailored to young adults.
The Resort at Paws Up Montana, USA
How cool would it be to have your own personal Santa? You can at this luxury resort and ranch when you book the “Last Best Christmas Vacation” package which also includes a ginger bread house building contest and more. The resort is a winter wonderland offering cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice skating, tubing and snow shoeing. This all-season resort also offers a Kids Corps of Discovery Program plus Spa Town for the big kids, where you can relax in the great outdoors. The activities are endless year-round.
Hotel Guanahani & Spa St. Barthélemy, French West Indies
The glamour of St. Barts in the French West Indies is not just for stylish adults. Hotel Guanahani is the largest resort on St. Barts located on two beaches ideal for families. Book the Family Suite with private pools or the Butler Suites for the ultimate in pampering. There’s an array of activities for everyone including sailing, scuba diving, horseback riding and tennis. While the kids participate in the Junior’s programs and the daily Kindergarten, parents can relax on the beach, enjoy duty-free shopping in Gustavia or spend the day at the award-winning Spa by Clarins.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Florida, USA
This luxury resort is a fantastic choice for families seeking a sophisticated yet fun beach resort. In addition to the fabulous views of the Gulf of Mexico and miles of immaculate beaches and excellent dining, this resort also has a fabulous learning program for your little marine biologists. Nature’s Wonders offers daily interactive discovery programs for children ages five and older. Watch Discovery and National Geographic programs with the whole family in the Nature Vision Theater. Book the Resort Reconnect package to decompress in luxury with family and friends.
Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya Mexico
This five diamond resort offers endless stretches of beaches, calm sea, three pools, exotic flora and fauna and their own Little Fans Club, with a host of activities for children aged four to 12 years. Parents, while the kids are busy, hit the Spa where you will enjoy the VIP couples suite for an Itzam (Earth) Experience. Then visit the Mayan Temazcal for a Shaman Blessing. Book the Family Travel package in the Two-Bedroom Grand Selva Family Suite offering personal butler services to ensure Mom and Dad don’t lift a finger.
Which of these resorts appeals to you most? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
Tiffany Dowd is a regional hotel inspector for a leading luxury travel publication based in Boston, MA. For more luxury travel tips, read Tiffany Travels or follow @LuxeTiffany on Twitter.
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Tags: Antigua, Curtain Bluff, Florida, Hotel Guanahani & Spa, kids' club, luxury travel, Mandarin Oriental, Mexico, Montana, Pools, Resort at Paws Up, Ritz-Carlton, spa, St. Barts
Posted in Family Vacations, Hotel Reviews | 6 Comments »
Sunday, August 29th, 2010
Whether splashing in the waves, searching for fishies while snorkeling, or sipping a tropical drink from a lounge chair, nothing says “family vacation” more than a day at the beach! I asked some of the best family travel bloggers to tell us about their all-time favorite family-friendly beach hotels. From where to take a dip with babies and toddlers to the best beach hotel for active families, there’s sure to be something on this list that will appeal to you. As a beach-loving mama, I couldn’t resist including a favorite of mine too!
Last summer I posted a story about the 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools. There must be a lot of water lovers out there because this is consistently one of the most popular posts on Travel Mamas. Grab your sunscreen and sand toys - this year we’re headed to the beach!
Hilton Waikoloa Village on The Big Island, Hawaii
(Photo courtesy of Sharlene Earnshaw)
Most Superb Slice of Tropical Paradise by Sharlene Earnshaw, Trekaroo
With its lagoon surrounded by white sandy beaches, three unique pools, relaxing spa, two championship golf courses, and dolphin program, it’s hard to beat the family friendly fun at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii. Where else can you snorkel with sea turtles, slide down a 175-foot waterslide, take a luxurious coconut milk bath, and chow down Polynesian style at a luau without ever leaving the resort? Kids will love the crafts, games, and water activities they can participate in at the resort’s Camp Menehune, while parents experience some child-free time participating in one of Waikoloa Village’s many activities or simply savoring some peace and quiet at the adults-only pool. With so much to do at this tropical island resort, your family may never want to board that airplane home!
Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado, California
(Photo courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado)
Grande Dame of Beach Hotels by Colleen Lanin, a.k.a. The Travel Mama
Lucky for me, the Hotel Del Coronado on the Coronado peninsula across from downtown San Diego is a mere half-hour drive from my home. A tourist attraction in its own right, many people stop by “The Del” (as it is known to locals) just for the day to eat its famed brunch, enjoy its immaculate stretch of beach, peruse its fancy-schmancy shops, or snack on fresh crab legs and sip martinis in its swanky seaside bar. Adding to its old-school charm and glamorous vibe, many movies have been filmed here, most notably Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe. This is a favorite place to bring out-of-towners; its stunning beach and turreted architecture always elicit oohs and ahhs. After years of daydreaming of spending the night at this grande dame of beach hotels, my husband, then baby daughter, and I checked in for a long weekend. It lived up to all of my inflated expectations…and then some! During the summer, the resort offers family-friendly activities like S’mores Night on the beach and Flick N’ Float movie night, where kids can watch a film from an inner tube. For the holidays visitors and guests alike can take a spin on its oceanside outdoor ice skating rink!
Holiday Inn on the Beach Destin, Florida
(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Close)
Most Affordable Beach Hotel for Busy Kids by Jennifer Close, Two Kids and a Map
Holiday Inn on the Beach Destin, Florida is perfect for parents on a budget who are looking for activities to keep their kids busy. The hotel’s KidSuites come complete with bunk beds, a separate area for mom and dad, and video games. The Buccaneer Program for kids runs through the summer and includes carnivals, treasure hunts, Parent’s Night Out and much more. There is a DVD rental box for watching movies in your room but there is plenty to keep the kids busy in the clubhouse area. Besides sitting on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there are two pools (one of which is inside for those rainy afternoons). The hotel is also very close to many family friendly activities like Big Kahuna’s Waterpark, miniature golf, and tasty restaurants.
Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Corinne McDermott)
Best Beach Resort for Babies & Toddlers by Corinne McDermott, Have Baby Will Travel
Sapphire-blue Pacific water meets the golden sand of Playa Quieta to create a wonderful setting for a fabulous resort that welcomes every member of your family. Club Med Ixtapa Pacific offers spacious, renovated rooms, lush gardens and grounds, two great pools, plus all the usual Club Med activities. There’s the Mini Club for kids four and up, the Petit Club for guests aged two to four, and the Baby Club, for babies as young as four months. You’ll also find baby-welcoming amenities like cribs, high chairs, baby baths, baby food and snacks, as well as several stations for preparing baby’s food and bottles.
Viva Cala Mesquida Resort on Mallorca, Spain
(Photo courtesy of Andrea Fellman)
Best Quiet Island Beach Retreat by Andrea Fellman, Have Kids Still Travel
Mallorca is just off the coast of Spain and is apart of the Baleric Islands. It is the hottest European vacation destination and for good reason, it has over 200 beaches! Unlike the neighboring party island of Ibiza, Mallorca is a great family destination. Viva Cala Mesquida Resort is a perfect choice for a private family getaway. The hotel even has a mascot, Bufo the Galactic Super Hero! Bufo entertains the kids nightly at the Bufo Disco. Plus, the Bufo Mini Club offers childcare daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The resort has two sandy playgrounds complete with all of the buckets, shovels, and toys your kids will need. The kiddie pool has a few different slides and is shallow enough to splash around with young ones. The beach is only a short walk down a paved path and it is set in a very private and secluded bay.
Forte dei Marmi, Italy
(Photo courtesy of Amie O’Shaunessy)
Beachy Destination Most Worthy of the Journey by Amie O’Shaunessy, Ciao Bambino
Most people think of Cinque Terre or Positano when they dream about the coast in Italy. Both are incredible and must be experienced. For families with young children, however, these destinations can be tough with rugged terrain and limited open space for running around. Not so in Forte dei Marmi. A plethora of beach clubs offering chairs, umbrellas, and fresh meals plus calm waters and a flat sandy beach make this venue a joy for a family beach holiday, Italian style. We recommend the California Park Hotel in Forte dei Marmi on Ciao Bambino. This hotel is just blocks from the beach with friendly service and a comfortable atmosphere for all.
Azul Beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Kara Williams)
Top Pick for Pampering by Kara Williams, The Vacation Gals
I have at least a half-dozen favorite family-friendly beach hotels, but one that really stands out among my frequent tropical vacations in Mexico is the all-inclusive 98-room Azul Beach. Kids are greeted with smoothies (parents get champagne!). The resort partners with Fisher-Price, so you can borrow toys for use during your stay. Also on complimentary loan for little ones: a baby monitor, stroller, bathtub, bottle warmer and more. For older children (ages four to 12), every day brings fun activities at the Azulitos Kids’ Club. My family loved lolling on one of the comfortable beach beds just steps from the ocean, especially because we enjoyed the services of our very own beach butler! He brought us cold drinks and offered snacks, and when we left our bed to frolic in the mellow waves, he’d fluff the pillows, tidy it up, and leave our kids towel animals! If Azul Beach is booked when you’re looking to travel consider the sister property, Azul Sensatori, just down the beach. This is a newer and bigger property, with 438 spacious rooms, including guaranteed family connecting suites. Both Azul properties are near Puerto Morelos, on the Riviera Maya, a short 20-minute drive from Cancun International Airport.
The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida
(Photo courtesy of The Breakers)
Awesome Active Family’s Resort by Amie O’Shaunessy, Ciao Bambino
I get restless on the beach so it’s always important for us to find beach hotels that have plenty of alternate activities. The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida fits this requirement in every way. Golf, tennis, a world-class spa, boating, croquet, shopping, excellent restaurants…check! They also offer top-notch children’s amenities including a kids’ club for ages three to twelve and an enormous game room. There’s no getting bored at this hotel, even in bad weather. Top it off, the service is exceptional and there is nothing that staff won’t do to ensure every age is happy and relaxed while on vacation. Read our complete family-friendly hotel review about The Breakers for more information and offers.
Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club on Kauai, Hawaii
(Photo courtesy of Glennia Campbell)
Beach Resort Most Deserving of Multiple Visits by Glennia Campbell, The Silent I
My favorite beach hotel in the world is the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club on Kalapaki Bay in Kauai, Hawaii. My family likes to try a new place for every vacation, but Kauai Marriott is one of the few places we go back to repeatedly. The hotel is situated on a strip of golden sand overlooking peaceful Kalapaki Bay. The beach is usually far less crowded than Poipu on Kauai’s South Shore. If you don’t want to get sand in your suit, there is a narrow strip of grass shaded by palm trees where you can pull up a deck chair and read while the kids frolic in the gentle waves. The last time we visited, our nine-year-old took a surfing lesson right in front of the hotel while we sat and watched from the patio at Duke’s Canoe Club, tropical drinks in hand. The hotel also boasts the largest single-level pool in the state. We love the Kauai Marriott so much, we bought a half timeshare so we can go back “home” every other year.
Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in New Port Beach, California
(Photo from www.CrystalCoveBeachCottages.com)
Coziest Seaside Cottages by Debbie Dubrow, Delicious Baby
Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in Newport Beach, California are the perfect place to recuperate after a few days at Disneyland. These restored historic cottages, located in a secluded cove, aren’t fancy, but you and the kids will be outdoors enjoying the sunshine, the sand, and the tide pools all day anyway. Each cottage has a microwave and refrigerator, so while you won’t be doing any heavy cooking, you can certainly pour yourself a cold glass of wine after the kids are in bed. Reservations can be made up to seven months in advance and the cottages fill up quickly.
Did your favorite make the list? Leave comment below about which beach hotel you like most and why!
Learn more about these fabulous family travel bloggers:
Glennia Campbell (Beach Resort Most Deserving of Multiple Visits) writes and publishes the family travel blog, The Silent I, chronicling her family’s adventures around the world. The three of them have traveled to 25 countries, kid in tow, including Greenland, Libya, and the Galapagos. She is co-founder of MOMocrats, a political collaborative blog for progressive moms, and is a contributor to the Korean-American parenting blog, Kimchi Mamas.
Jennifer Close (Most Affordable Beach Hotel for Busy Kids) loves to explore and take new adventures with her family. She writes about her adventures on her family travel blog, Two Kids and a Map, and writes about exploring Pensacola at Pensacola with Kids.
Debbie Dubrow (Coziest Seaside Cottages) blogs about traveling with her three kids (ages five, three and one) at DeliciousBaby.com. Check out her kid friendly city guides for ideas about things to do with kids in cities around the world. Follow her on Twitter at @deliciousbaby.
Sharlene Earnshaw (Most Superb Slice of Tropical Paradise) is the Blog Editor in Chief for Trekaroo, and mother to two travel addicted toddlers. If you can’t find them enjoying the day at one of California’s spectacular beaches, then they are probably off discovering something new on one of their many travel adventures. Follow her on Twitter at @doubleadventure.
Andrea Fellman (Best Quiet Island Beach Retreat) is a mom who hasn’t lost her style to Motherhood. She is the creator of Savvy Sassy Moms an online destination and information source for everything fun and fashionable for moms, babies and kids. She also writes about her passion for traveling with kids over at Have Kids Still Travel.
Colleen Lanin (Grande Dame of Beach Hotels) Hey! That’s me! I’m the creator/editor of TravelMamas.com, a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in Babytalk Magazine (sister publication of Parenting), San Diego Family Magazine, and 101 Things To Do San Diego. Want to know more about me? Check out About Travel Mamas. It would be sweet if you would follow me on Twitter too at @TravelMamas.
Corinne McDermott (Best Beach Resort for Babies & Toddlers) is the mother of two and the founder of Have Baby Will Travel: Your Online Guide for Travel with Babies and Small Children. She’s appeared on Canada’s top-rated talk and morning shows delivering tips on travel with tots, and her writing’s been featured in such magazines as Canadian Family and Oh Baby magazines. Corinne contributes a monthly column to parent resource sites across North America as a Family Travel Expert. Connect with Corinne online at Have Baby Will Travel or on Twitter at @hvbabywilltrvl.
Amie O’Shaughnessy (Awesome Active Family’s Beach Resort & Beachy Destination Most Worthy of the Journey) is a mom with perpetual wanderlust and the editor of Ciao Bambino, a worldwide family travel resource providing the insight and information parents need to plan everything from weekend getaways to multi-week vacations with kids. Ciao Bambino makes it easy for families to uncover the best of where to go, where to stay, and what to do once they get there.
Kara Williams (Top Pick for Pampering) is a freelance writer who co-owns TheVacationGals.com, where she and her buddies cover all things related to family travel, girlfriend getaways and romantic escapes. She makes her home in the Colorado Rockies with her husband and two school-age children. Follow her on Twitter at @karasw.
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Tags: babies, beach, family travel bloggers, golf, island, kids, kids' club, luau, pool, resort, snorkel, spa, surfing, tide pools, toddlers, tropical drink, waterslide
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