Islands Family Getaways Islands May 2010 : Page 1

pre s ents Fun F& All for for All un Kid-friendly programs and all-ages adventures make island travel a treat for the whole family By Kim Carmel Photo: Grand Palladium

All for Fun & Fun for All

Kim Carmel

The pressure is on. Time to plan the family vacation, that highly anticipated week or two when laptops and cell phones are stowed (mostly), carpools and business meetings pause, homework can wait, board games are played, dinner is a group event, and time slows. This year, head to the islands for a trip you will never forget. Islands off er a wide range of activities, making them ideal vacation spots for families. For a successful group getaway, don’t plan on spending every minute together. Many resorts have programs for specifi c age groups, so your 5-year-old can make crafts while you and your teenager embark on a guided rainforest tour. Meanwhile, your spouse can catch up on poolside reading while your in-Laws peruse local art galleries. In the afternoon, you can all play a friendly game of beach volleyball before returning to your villa to clean up for dinner. A healthy balance of time alone and together makes for lively conversation and happy memories. Involve everyone in planning. Spend time together researching online tourism boards and fl ipping through travel brochures. Once you’ve settled on a spot, divvy up the planning checklist and encourage family members to add activities, restaurants and more to the itinerary. Building a schedule together ensures that everyone has something specifi c to look forward to. Now, for the most fun detail — choosing accommodations. Whether your clan favors sleek and modern or rugged and eco-chic, island lodgings promise an idyllic escape. So where will it be? The Caribbean, Hawaii or Mexico? Read on and start drumming up excitement for your unforgettable getaway. Caribbean & Bermuda Turquoise waters, dynamic steel drums, pirate legends, unparalleled diving and more await visitors to the lovely, lively Caribbean. With so many islands to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start, but there’s no wrong choice here. The interactive map at islands.com, can help you get started. Once you’ve selected a few frontrunners, sift through their local tourist board sites for exclusive off ers and info on the area. For instance, aruba. Com highlights family-friendly island activities, festivals and Aruba’s One Cool Family resort promotion running this summer. Heading to theCayman Islands? Visit caymanislands.ky for info on childcare, transportation and the annual Summer Splash, when parents save big on lodging, excursions, restaurants, car rentals and more. The booking period for these exclusive deals is March 1 through September 2, valid for travel May 15 through September 6. Family-friendly Beaches Resorts have a reputation for dependable quality. Your toughest decision may be choosing just one of the four resorts. All Beaches havens boast pristine sand, spacious suites and activities galore. Plus, their “Luxury Included” concept means you can forget your wallet and spend your vacation enjoying unlimited food and beverages, organized games, golf (in select locations), water sports, live musical performances and more. The whole family will have a blast at Pirates Island Waterpark, recently expanded to 27,000 square feet, at Jamaica’sBeaches Boscobel and Beaches Turks & Caicos. Younger folks may prefer rubbing elbows with Elmo and friends at The Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street while their siblings unwind in the XBOX 360 Game Garage (all locations). Teen guests at Beaches Negril or Beaches Turks & Caicos can chill in the new under-21 nightclub, Liquid, complete with VIP sections, cabanas and international guest Djs. Families who favor long days on the beach will lose themselves at the tranquil Beaches Sandy Bay on Jamaica, one of the region’s best values. Check online for special rates and packages. Beaches.com For pristine beaches and expansive views of the dazzling Caribbean, indulge in a suite at the Hilton Barbados. With deals such as free lodging for two kids under age 18 with paying adults, plus free food and beverages for tots under 5, free breakfast for 5- to 12-year-olds and more, you, too, can aff ord fi ve-star luxury. All rooms feature aPrivate balcony, high-speed Internet access and deluxe bath amenities. Scuba lovers can explore nearby reefs and swim with endangered turtles, while snorkelers and kayakers scan the vibrant scenery from above. Many families spend the day at the pool complex, complete with whirlpool, and nearby fitness center and tennis courts. Parents looking for time alone can rest easy knowing their children are entertained at the resort’s KIDZ Paradise Club. Historic Bridgetown nearby makes for a fun shopping and cultural excursion. Hiltoncaribbean.com/ barbados Another Barbados gem, The Crane Resort, offers two free nights of babysitting this summer. Kids also stay and eat for free at this historic treasure, originally built in 1887 and fully restored and expanded to suit modern tastes. A must-visit for beach lovers, The Crane was dubbed one of the 10 best beaches in the world by television show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Parents and children can wade through the gentle waves, occasionally spotting a turtle. Thecrane.com Your 4- to 10-year-olds will love making new friendsWhile doing art projects, playing games and listening to stories at the Radisson St. Martin Resort, Marina & Spa’s popular Kids’ Club. Older children can swim in the well-protected cove while mom and dad catch rays or take advantage of organized activities such as Creole/ French cooking lessons or rum tasting. Kids ages 11 and younger (limit two) stay for free when rooming with two adults, and they eat free breakfast. On Tuesday nights, an outdoor movie at the “dive in” brings the whole family together. Radisson. Com/stmartin Family-friendly activities abound at the new Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa on the island’s picturesque northern coastline. This luxurious, modern facility offers three buffets and seven restaurants guaranteed to suit all palates. Grown-ups will love the spectacular scenery, playing golf on the famous Johnny Walker World Championship Course or indulging in a spa treatment. Children can boogie at the mini-disco, play video games and enjoy a number ofOrganized activities geared toward 4- to 12-year-olds. Guests also have access to all the facilities in the neighboring Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa. Fi estahotelgroup. Com Several members of the Elite Island Resorts group are off ering special packages geared toward families in 2010. Treasure hunts, crafts, fi eld games, cookie baking and more keep tots entertained at Antigua’s St. James Club & Villas’ awardwinning, complimentary Just for Kids Club. Teens canShoot pool or challenge new friends to pingpong at the new Teen Room while adults can enjoy living the life of movie stars at the resort’s two whitesand beaches. Ecominded travelers should consider The Verandah Resort & Spa, Antigua’s newest all-suite facility, with spacious 700-square-foot accommodations that comfortably sleep four. Tel: (473) 443-8783 toll free USA: (888) 883-2482 email: islands@truebluebay.com visit: www.truebluebay.com BN_016793_ISL0510.indd 1 2/22/10 2:32 PM Fond Doux Holiday Plantation Located in Soufriere, St. Lucia home to the m ajestic Pitons. RED ROSE ROMANCE PACKAGE • 5 nights accommodation • Roundtrip Airport Transfers • Breakfast Daily • 60 minute couples massage • Sunset Cruise • Candlelit dinner for two • Picnic lunch with a select bottle of wine • Bottle of chilled champagne with a fruit basket • Welcome Cocktail • All taxes & Service charge Tel: 1 758- 459-7545/ 459-7548 Email: fonddoux@candw.lc www.fonddouxestate.com FondDoux_16801_ISL0510.indd 1 2/23/10 2:49 PM Great Summer Rate Sale. Family 7 Nt. Adventure Packages begin at $1899 including ocean view room, breakfast each day, rainforest hike, catamaran cruise, St. Kitts scenic railway, taxes, transfers, welcome drink, one dinner. Toll Free: 877-94-BEACH (US & Canada) info@timothybeach.com www.timothybeach.com Timothy Beach Resort, St. Kitts ”The Ocean Lovers Choice” TimothyBeach_6th4c_BN016673 1 2/19/10 2:00 PM Larger clans can add a connecting suite for half the cost, and age-appropriate activities stimulate young minds. Families with older children can enjoy the relaxed British Virgin Islands while rooming at Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas on Tortola. For an indulgent stay, reserve an estate home complete with private swimming pool and up to four bedrooms. From April 15 to December 20, a family of four can book all-inclusive or European plan packages at any three of the above resorts for the price of one person. Stjamesclubantigua.com; theverandah.com; longbay.com Headed to Bermuda? Snap up a chic, New England-style cabana perched above the water at 9 Beaches, one of the island’s best values. Learn to scuba or try kayaking or snorkeling at one of (you guessed it) nine beaches on the property. The FamilyFun Time package includes beach bags, hats and other goodies; and the Family Splash Around package offers 25% savings on turtle watching tours, 15% off catamaran cruises and more. 9beaches.com Recently named the World’s Leading Golf Resort by the World Travel Awards, Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic attracts golfers from around the world. When the adults head out for tee time, kids ages 1 to 17 can take advantage of award-winning daily programs. Families looking for group bonding will build memories while horseback riding, playing games on the beach and splashing in the pool. Casadecampo.com.do Old World elegance meets contemporarysensibility at FondDoux Holiday Plantation Lucia. Verdant foliage surrounds this 19th-century colonial charmer set in the island’s historical center, Soufriere, just minutes from the Pitons. The plantation house and surrounding cottages are rustic and peaceful. Families can relax here, playing cards on the porch, sipping iced tea and savoring the tropical breeze. A special package includes seven nights’ accommodations, free meals and beverages daily, free babysitting, rainforest sky rides, a beach shuttle and more. Fonddouxestate.com Active groups can swim, sail and snorkel at Timothy Beach Resort, the only St. Kitts hotel situated directly on the beach in Frigate Bay. Condominium suites are ideal for families, with spacious balconies and wireless Internet, plus full kitchens and living/dining rooms. Children 18 and younger stay free with their parents in select accommodations from May 26 through September 10. Timothybeach.com Families looking for a quiet, boutique resort experience will love eco-friendly True Blue Bay Resort, perched on Grenada’s picturesque southern coast. Paddle out to sea in a complimentary ocean kayak or take in the view from the infi nity pool. Solar water heaters in all rooms,Recycling programs and on-site vegetable gardens refl ect True Blue Bay’s commitment to the environment. Guests under age 12 eat free when dining with parents and ordering from the children’s menu. A kids’ playground and special activities are also available. Truebluebay.com Hawaii Hawaii’s laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, vibrant heritage and diverse ecosystem make this archipelago a favorite for family travel. A gathering place for surfers, divers, snorkelers and paddle boarders, Hawaii’s waters off er endless opportunities for exploration and recreation. On land, volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls and more await. This year, there are a number of festivals and special packages sure to please those traveling with children. May 27 through 30 marks the fi rst annual Na Hoku O Hawaii Music Festival at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. Live musical performances, hula demonstrations and more take place during four days of cultural celebration,With an anticipated crowd of 75,000. Other family-focused events include Oahu’s Pan- Pacifi c Festival and the Kamehameha Festival on the Big Island, both in June; the July 4 Concert in the Sky on Kauai; and the annual Prince Lot Hula Festival on Oahu in mid-JulyFor a complete calendar of upcoming celebrations, visit gohawaii.com. Aston Hotels & Resorts, a collection of 25 properties located on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, off er breathtaking scenery and all the comforts of home with a wide selection of living arrangements. Those looking for action can book a room in downtown Oahu, while families seeking quieter times may opt for a condo on the Garden Island. Anywhere you choose, you can expect the most from your vacation budget. Their year-round Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE off er makes group travel even more aff ordable. Kids 17 and younger stay free with their parents, while those under age 12 receive free admission to top island attractions and enjoy complimentary meals at popular local restaurants when accompanied by a paying adult. New in 2010, Aston is also sponsoring a $50 credit to off set the costs of checked baggage for guests staying in select locations (travel must be booked by the end of April). Astonhotels. Com Outrigger Condominium Collection is another convenient,Luxurious option for families. Spacious one-, two- and threebedroom units spread over four islands off er great fl exibility. Most condos come with a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, a private balcony and a swimming pool. Parents can barbecue on the beach while their kids run free in surrounding picnic areas. All residences are managed by Outrigger so guests can expectSuperior service, including inperson check-in and helpful guidance in discovering your new surroundings. Outriggercondos. Com Spend time reconnecting at Kona Village Resort, an 82-acre hideaway on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. You won’t fi nd televisions, radios or phones here — just cool island breezes and paradise to explore. Black lava cliff s, lagoons and leaning palms testify to Hawaii’s natural splendor. Children can learn local pastimes and traditions through Kona Village’s com- Plimentary kids’ programs. Teens can partake in sailing lessons, snorkeling tours and other water adventures. Pricing includes all meals and many activities, along with your French Polynesian-style thatched-roof hale. To help encourage the Village’s concept of “togethering,” families who book one bungalow receive half off the second bungalow and meal rate. Konavillage. Com No Hawaiian vacation is complete without an authentic luau. Honua’ula at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is the only luau dinner production in this exclusive section of Maui. Oceanfront performances run four nights each week on the sacred Paeahu (Altar Landing) and feature animated storytelling, creative costumes, ancestralGames and classic Hawaiian fare. Children under age 6 are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult, and those ages 6 to 12 receive discounted admission. During the day, resort guests ages 10 and older can learn to play the ukulele, while younger siblings make leis and otherTraditional crafts. Families also love Wailea’s Family Pools and Slides, where children and parents play in the waterfall, splash in the sandy beach pool and enjoy quality time together. Waileamarriott.com Mexico Whether your family craves a fi esta or a siesta, you’ll fi nd it all in Mexico’s beautiful beaches and islands. Wade in the Caribbean near ancient Mayan temples in Tulúm. Pose for a photograph near Los Cabos’ famous natural archway at Land’s End. Dive Cozumel’s spectacular reefs. Listen to mariachi music while eating plates of authentic, mouth-watering fare. Try your hand at kitesurfi ng in the mornings, then swing in a breezy hammock all afternoon. Mexico’s hospitality, culture and aff ordable prices keep visitors coming back. Check the local tourist boards for information on popular excursions, upcoming festivals and special packages. One of Mexico’s most wellknown resort groups, Dreams Resorts & Spas, has enchanted family travelers for years. Their “Unlimited Luxury” philosophy means you won’t have to worry about a thing. Personalized check-in service, included food and premium beverages, spacious suites and organized activities make it easy to please your wholeCrew. Choose from multiple locations — Cancún, Los Cabos, Tulúm, Puerto Vallarta and more. Niños ages 3 to 12 have free access to the Explorer’s Club, where the weekly itinerary includes sandcastle contests, camping adventures on the beach and bouncing on the ocean trampoline. The Core Zone Teens Club encourages new friendships through sports and games and off ers nightly entertainment. Guests at Dreams Cancún can swim with live dolphins through the Delphinus Dolphin experience, while families rooming at Dreams Los Cabos or Dreams Puerto Vallarta can hold a newly hatched sea turtle before coaxing it into the sea. Be sure to ask about the Kids Stay Free promotion running May 1 to June 25 and August 28 to December 23. Dreamsresorts.com For a limited time, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Los Cabos is off ering half off accommodations, plus kids stay and eat for free — a spectacular deal for this secluded 50-acre resort perched on the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Pueblo Bonito promises a relaxing vacation full of possibilities. Spacious suites sleep four to six guests and off er a balcony, a living room area and a separate bedroom with a king-size bedFor parents. After a full day of deep-sea fishing, hiking through the desert, shopping in town and soaking in one of six refreshing pools, families will enjoy watching the sunset from their private terrace. Youngsters ages 4 to 11 can spend the day playing organized pool and beach games, watching movies and making crafts at the resort’s Kids Club. Mother-daughter bonding at the spa while father and son take golf lessons make for an unforgettable vacation. Pueblobonitosunset beach.com Families accustomed to elegance and luxury will find Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort an ideal Riviera Maya getaway. Guests enjoy space and tranquility here, whether appreciating ocean views from their private plunge pool or cooling off beneath a shady thatched umbrella on the beach. All-inclusive meal plans and 24-hour room service make flexible eating schedules a breeze. For an extra-special treat, book an excursion to Xcaret Eco Park and float along underground rivers, explore the butterfly pavilion and spy on spider monkeys in their natural habitat. Ceibadelmar.com Natural beauty, Maya culture and professional experiExperience converge at the Riviera Maya’s all-inclusive Hacienda Tres Rios. Tucked within a stunning 326-acre ecological paradise, the resort is committed to operating in harmony with its surroundings. Suites feature Mexican mahogany furniture and marble floors, 300-threadcount sheets and a custom pillow menu. Spacious junior suites accommodate two adults and three children. Kids Club programs include mask-making, cooking classes and beach games. Haciendatresrios.com Fun-seekers will delight inThe brand-new Aqua Park at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa on the Riviera Maya, which offers 17 water slides and multiple pools. Parents can lounge poolside with a drink while kids swim nearby under lifeguard supervision. All resort guests receive free admission to the park. Through the daily Kids Club, young visitors can take dance lessons, build sandcastles, play piñata games and otherwise enjoy time with their new amigos. Sandoshotels.com Finding room to splash around is never a problem inThe grand pool at the fourstar Hotel Cozumel & Resort. Here, a variety of meal plans caters to your family’s specific needs. In addition to food and beverages, all-inclusive guests are treated to a free introductory scuba lesson and receive discounts on room upgrades and gift shop items. Children stay free with their parents during certain seasons and can spend time with others their age at the resort’s Kid’s Club. Hotelcozumel.com.mxWherever you and your family decide to head this year, be thankful for the time you have together. Special packages, all-inclusive rates and family-oriented excursions make group travel more affordable and exciting than ever before. Do your research to take advantage of moneysaving opportunities; a family vacation to the islands may be more affordable than you think. The memories you create for your children will be priceless.

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