Resorts Gear Up for Families Seeking Escape

Mayan dancers at Xcaret, an archaeological theme park. Families who stay at the all-inclusive Hotel Xcaret resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya on the Caribbean have unlimited access to Xcaret parks: Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, Xoximilco, Xenses, and the Xenotes and Xichen tours. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Domestic and international resorts are gearing up to provide secluded and unique getaways for families bursting to get out and be together in new and exciting locales.  From educational programming, plenty of outdoor fun (ice-fishing in Wisconsin, learning about the Florida keys, SUP boarding in Turks & Caicos), suites or cabins with full kitchens, these resorts are sure to make all members of the family happy while helping to create new memories in a much-needed change of scenery.

Many of the resort destinations are also providing flexibility in cancellations due to the current travel climate. Additionally, these international resorts have begun implementing onsite testing for COVID-19 to meet reentry requirements to the U.S.

FAMILY FUN IN THE U.S.

Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, Florida Keys

Hawks Cay Resort, a one of a kind destination resort in the Florida Keys, offers families looking for a safe spring break getaway this year, the ideal location to spread out and find entertaining programming for everyone in the family. From the full-service marina, guests have access to snorkeling and fishing charters, as well as kayaking and standup paddleboarding. The onsite Dolphin Connection offers families both in-water and dockside experiences, and for those who want to participate in activities together, the resort has a wide variety of new COVID friendly activities including an environmental education class and astronomy lesson. The resort offers guests a variety of room categories including 177 hotel rooms and 250 two- and three-bedroom townhome-style villas that come equipped with washer and dryer and a full kitchen for guests who prefer dine in, and multiple dining outlets that are offering both outdoor and grab and go options. For more information, visit www.hawkscay.com.

Sand Valley, Nekoosa, Wisconsin

Sand Valley resort, a short road trip from many Midwest states, is the ideal back-to-nature getaway for families who are looking for a secluded and safe spring break destination. With a variety of outdoor activities, cozy lodging options that are thoughtfully spaced out for added safety, stunning views, and a culinary experience to match, Sand Valley is the perfect Midwest spring break escape. Outdoor adventures available include hiking, fat-tire biking, bird watching, fishing, yoga, star gazing and snow activities when the weather permits (i.e., snowshoeing, ice skating). Since most Sand Valley cottages are furnished with a full kitchen for cooking and dining, pre-packaged meal kits with local Wisconsin ingredients and recipes curated by Sand Valley chefs await guests upon request. Guests can also arrange for a chef-curated meal in the comfort of their cottage or villa, private dining and in-home meals. From lodging options to greatly enhanced housekeeping procedures to frictionless delivery options, Sand Valley takes the health and wellbeing of visitors incredibly seriously. Find information on the resort’s COVID protocol linked here.

ADVENTURES IN MEXICO

Grand Residences, Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Grand Residences is a secluded coastal resort located about half an hour outside of Cancun and home to its own private beach area. The resort offers an array of onsite activities (i.e., Zumba class, Spanish lessons) and immersive experiences for guests of all ages. Through their Kids Club programming, younger guests, ages 12 and under, are able to learn about local culture and traditions through interactive games and art projects. Some of the activities include learning how to create and play an authentic Mexican lottery game called La Lotería, creating Piñatas, masks and bracelets, treasure. All-inclusive and stay alone travel packages are available and children 12 and under stay free. Grand Residences is also providing complimentary antigen testing for guests.

Hotel Xcaret México, Quintana Roo, México

Hotel Xcaret Mexico is located by the azure blue Caribbean Sea and verdant Riviera Maya jungle.  The premier all-inclusive resort has 900 spacious guest suites, 12 distinct dining destinations, multiple swimming pools, a world-class spa and wellness center.  The resort offers guests all the perks of its exclusive All-Fun Inclusive concept, where travelers have unlimited access to Xcaret parks: Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, Xoximilco, Xenses, and the Xenotes and Xichen tours. In addition to food and beverages, the resort offers  transportation between parks and airport shuttle.  

Rates for the All-Fun Inclusive package range from $285 – $358/night  through April 30. Guests can cancel without any penalty up to seven days prior to their arrival. 

COVID-19 Testing: Hotel Xcaret Mexico has implemented the 360 Xafety model assisting guests with COVID-19 detection tests at the company’s resort and parks.  Guests staying at the hotel have access to a complimentary COVID-19 antigen test, with results delivered the same day, or a PCR test for $140, with results delivered within 24 to 48 hours.

CARRIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICAN GETAWAYS

The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, Riviera Pacifica, Panama

The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort is a destination resort on the Pacific coast of Panama and a short flight from major cities in the U.S.  It is the perfect family getaway offering travelers a quick, yet exotic getaway with miles of uncrowded beaches, unique rainforest experiences, and plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy while properly social distancing.  The 118-room luxury resort seven swimming pools, a complimentary Kid’s Club, Nicklaus designed 18-hole championship golf course, biking, tennis, a zoo, sports club, and many other nearby experiences. 

Families can take advantage of the resort’s Family Experiences package with rates starting at $249 that includes daily breakfast, complimentary stand-up paddle boards and kayak, daily activities in the Kids Club, a visit to the on-site Zoo, complimentary Wi-Fi and the use of tennis and volleyball courts.  Guests can book from now until Dec. 8, 2021 using promotional code: MAJ.  The resort offers guests the flexibility to change their reservations without any penalty or restrictions with added benefits to reschedule for a future stay. 

COVID-19 Testing: Guests have access to an on-site private clinic, Vidatec, which offer COVID-19 PRC tests for $95, quantitative antibody tests for $35, and antigen tests for $45.  Results are delivered by email within 24 to 48 hours. 

Ocean Club Resorts, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Located directly along the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach, sits Ocean Club Resorts, two all-suite properties that provide the ideal open-air setting and direct beach access for guests to enjoy without going overbudget. Suites at both locations feature a kitchen, washer/dryer and enclosed private porch area, providing each visitor with the comforts of home. Watersports, bike rentals, tennis courts, beachside activities and an interactive learning game for younger guests known as Seafari can all be found at the resorts and are included in each stay. Ocean Club Resorts has also begun implementing complimentary breakfast. The resorts have offered guests in the new state of travel a flexible cancellation policy, discounted travel offers and a concierge service that assists with the coordination of regulations in travel to the island. With the news of the latest travel restrictions, Ocean Club Resorts has begun extending their concierge services to now include helping U.S. travelers with ensuring they receive testing on-island. See here for additional details.

PRIVATE ISLAND FAMILY TRAVEL

Cayo Espanto, Belize

Home to seven villas total and located three miles off the coast of Belize, Cayo Espanto is a private island resort perfect for a luxe family getaway. Each villa comes equipped with a personal butler, private dock area and customized meals set by the on-island world-renowned chef – allowing everyone’s tastebuds to be satisfied. The resort’s ability to tailor activities based on guest preferences enables families to ensure all members of their traveling party has the time of their life. Fishing lessons on a private dock a tropical spa treatment set to the sounds of the Belizean waters watch a movie under the stars. Strong WiFi and private docks attached to spacious villas, also allot for extended virtual work/school stays to provide a much-needed paradisal change of scenery. To adhere to new CDC travel guidelines, the resort has arranged for the island physician to begin administering COVID testing from the convenience of each guest’s villa.

Coco Collection, Maldives

Comprised of two different boutique island resorts, Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kohlhu, each create a unique Maldivian experience ranging from luxe amenities to eco-forward initiatives for families to indulge in during their stay. The secluded resorts offer the ideal dreamy escape and provide opportunities for families to learn about the local marine life through guided marine biologist adventures, taking a peek at the progress of Coco Bodu Hithi’s coral nurseries initiative or simply enjoying the vast underwater life through snorkeling. Guests of all ages also have the option to become immersed in Maldivian culture through spending an afternoon with locals on a neighboring island. From simply relaxing in your villa or along the private island’s shores, delighting in incredible cuisine, enjoying water activities both below and above (i.e., SUP boarding), Coco Collection is a dream-come-true private island escape. In response to the new CDC regulation, Coco Collection has begun offering guests PCR testing at the resorts.

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Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Montego Bay Offers ‘Suite Spring Sale’

Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Montego Bay, Jamaica

Spring Break in Jamaica will be sweeter in 2015 for guests of the all-inclusive Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay thanks to a new Suite Spring Sale. Savings of up to 50% off published rates are available in KidSuites® and One-Bedroom Suites between February and April 2015:

 

KidSuites®				One-Bedroom Suites
Savings	Travel Dates	Rates		Savings	Travel Dates	Rates
35%	Feb 1 – April 11, 2015	$443		35%	Feb 1 – April 11, 2015	$508
50%	April 12 – April 30, 2015	$314		50%	April 12 – April 30, 2015	$364

*All rates based on single/double occupancy

“Spring Break in Jamaica is always great, but in one of our suites, the experience is that much more magical,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, Group Director of Marketing & Sales. “Ultra spacious and more elegant than you might expect, our suites were fully-renovated recently to provide guests with an unmatched level of comfort for the money. Our new Suite Spring Sale makes an already great value even better.”

For families, the new KidSuites® are simply ideal. KidSuites® feature a unique room within a room concept, where kids and parents enjoy their own private space. Each unit features a partially separated sleep/play area for kids, with one set of bunk beds, cable TV with kid friendly channels, and play table or desk. The main sleeping area has a king bed, flat screen cable TV with premium movie channels, direct dial telephone with voice mail, coffee maker, in-room safe, AM/FM clock radio, hair dryer, refrigerator, iron and ironing board. KidSuites® are also ideally located on the ground floor adjacent to the resort’s award-winning KidSpree Vacation Club.

One-bedroom suites offer the ultimate in comfort and refinement for guests of the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay. Each of these ultra-spacious penthouse accommodations features a completely separate living area, full ocean view, private whirlpool, vaulted ceilings, dark wood accents, fine décor, flat screen TV with premium movie and sports channels, work desk, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, AM/FM clock radio, coffee maker, refrigerator, an in-room safe, and enough room to comfortably sleep up to five persons.

The Suite Spring Sale is valid on bookings made by April 29, 2015 for resort stays enjoyed between February 1 and April 30, 2015. There are no blackout dates and a minimum night stay of three nights is required for resort stays taking place February 12 – 17, 2015, as well as March 30 – April 5, 2015.

Savings apply to KidSuites® and One-Bedroom Suites room categories and include unlimited meals, snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), non-motorized watersports, resort amenities (tennis, mini golf, fitness center, etc.), taxes, gratuities, and free nightly shuttle service to Margaritaville in the heart of Montego Bay’s nightlife center, The Hip Strip.

As an added value, free Wifi Internet service is accessible in all rooms and suites at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego, and all kids 12 and under stay, play and eat free when sharing accommodations with parents.

Group bookings are ineligible and revisions on current bookings are not permitted. Savings of up to 50% cannot be combined with any other promotion or consumer savings and can be withdrawn at any time.

The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay is a 518-room full-service resort which combines the strength of the world’s most-trusted hotel brand with authentic Jamaican hospitality. Distinguished as the only 100% all-inclusive Holiday Inn*, the property helps travelers stretch their vacation dollars to new heights, offering a series of complimentary special programs benefiting families (KidSpree) and seniors (GoldenSpree). Those wishing to tie the knot can even take advantage of the Free Caribbean Wedding program (conditions apply). The resort continues to upgrade its facilities and amenities to better serve the modern traveler.  New room categories – Junior Suites for added elegance, and KidSuites® for more family fun – together with exciting dining options at the just-opened Kenko Teppanyaki Restaurant, upgraded rooms and common areas add a refreshed feel to the property, even for the most frequent of repeat guests. Additional amenities, such as the boutique Sol-Mer Spa & Salon, five restaurants/grill, four bars, two pools, tennis, mini golf, half-mile of pristine white sand beach and boardwalk, “Tek-it-Easy” private island, 4,000 square feet of meeting space, electronic casino, and more, affirm that the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay truly offers something for everyone.

 

For Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay reservations, visit www.caribbeanhi.com/jamaica, or call 1-888-288-6006.
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Mango Bay Hotel, Barbados Named a 2014 Family Vacation Critic Favorite

Mango Bay Barbados resort

HOLETOWN, Barbados – Barbados’ Mango Bay Hotel (www.MangoBayBarbados.com) has been named a 2014 Family Vacation Critic Favorite in the first annual hotel awards on www.FamilyVacationCritic.com.

Of the 3,500 hotels recommended on the site, Mango Bay Hotel was one of three hotels in Barbados and 400 properties worldwide to receive the honor of Family Vacation Critic Favorite. Mango Bay is also the highest rated hotel in Barbados on the website.

The hotels receiving the title of Family Vacation Critic Favorite have met a set list of criteria, based on reviews from the site’s editors and community of family travelers.  To qualify, hotels must receive four stars or higher from the website’s editorial staff and have at least 75% of families recommend the property with four stars or higher.

Located in the historic Holetown area on the famed Gold Coast of Barbados, the 76-room Mango Bay Hotel is known for its sophistication and all-inclusive value. This beachfront, boutique-style property is an ideal tropical retreat, offering spacious accommodations, a picturesque beach, a centrally-located swimming pool and superb dining. The property is just a short walk from the posh Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, where guests can shop at global luxury retailers including Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Cartier, Michael Kors and more.

Mango Bay is celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2014 with discounted rates starting at $384 per room, per night, based on double occupancy, on an all-inclusive basis when booked directly.  A Mango Bay all-inclusive vacation includes hotel accommodations, all meals, afternoon tea, all local and brand name drinks including glasses of wine, use of the on-site gym and nightly entertainment. The property is also now offering room service as well as drink and food service at the pool and the beach.  Water skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, wakeboarding, pedal boats, a glass bottom boat ride and a catamaran trip to snorkel with the turtles are also included.

“We are honored to be among this list of well-respected hotels throughout the world, as it reflects the good impressions we have made on our guests,” said Peter Odle, chairman of the Mango Bay Hotel Group.  “Our dedicated staff is eager to meet guests’ needs and is pleased to receive acknowledgment for reaching this goal.”

For more information on Mango Bay, call (246) 432-1384, email reservations@mangobaybarbados.com or visit www.MangoBayBarbados.com.

 

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Wintergreen Resort in Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains Gives 3rd Nite Free, Free Junior Golf

Whether it’s free golf for juniors or the incredible array of activities available for the entire family to enjoy vacation, the Wintergreen Resort “Buy 2 Nights, Get the 3^rd Night Free” package is enticing at the popular summer getaway atop Virginia’s magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains.

When guests spend two nights at Wintergreen, they will receive the third night free, plus two free Wintergreen Passports unlocking the key to an unlimited amount of family activities and adventures at the resort.

And since July is PGA Family Golf Month at Wintergreen Resort, children under the age of 16 can play either of Wintergreen Resort’s two courses – Stoney Creek or Devils Knob – free for the entire month when accompanied by a paying adult.

When not on the course, there is no shortage of other activities, including:

• Treehouse Programs – features the Kids in Action summer childcare program with a variety of activities and fun each day.
• Discovery Ridge Adventure Center – here kids will find video games, air hockey, pool tables, foosball tables, rock climbing wall, miniature golf course and bungee trampoline.
• Summer Tubing – the tubing park extends the length of more than three football fields and has the feel of being on top of a 10-story building.
• The Zip at Wintergreen – imagine soaring down 900 feet in under 30 seconds with speeds approaching 40 miles per hour!
• Ridgely’s Fun Park – with water balloon volleyball, water gun tag, giant bowling and broomball, the park delivers hours of family fun

There’s also the lure of Lake Monacan, a 20-acre park and park that features paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, fishing equipment and much more, as well as the resort’s swimming pools and hiking trails.

To secure the “Buy 2 Nights, Get the 3^rd Night Free” package, visit www.wintergreenresort.com or call (800) 266-2444.

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CoCo Key Orlando Salutes Military with $79 rate

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, Orlando’s newest family resort, CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort-Orlando, is reaching out to members of the U.S. Armed Forces with a special $79 stay-and-play offer. 

For $79 per night through June 15, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists can enjoy a complete resort stay-and-play experience at the new CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort-Orlando.

Located on International Drive just minutes from the theme parks, CoCo Key offers an atmosphere that captures the relaxation and enchantment of the Florida Keys.  Brightly colored cabanas, swaying palms, fragrant hibiscus, native artwork and thatched roofs welcome guests to Florida’s newest and most unique water resort.

The 54,000-square-foot canopy-covered and outdoor water park features 14 water slides; a zero-entry pool area offering water fun for youngsters; a teen pool; an interactive Play Island; three daring adventure slides; lots of dining options; and a state-of-the-art arcade. 

Reservations are available by visiting cocokeywaterresort.com (click on the Orlando tab), by calling 877/875-4681 or contacting a travel agent.

Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate

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