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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