Ready for a summer vacay of a lifetime? Head to one of these kid-and-mom-friendly tropical paradises and just let it happen.
By Bettina Bush, Working Mother
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Oahu, Hawaii
[post_ads]Authentically Hawaiian in its architecture, the Aulani Resort makes a beautiful first impression of luxury and relaxation. Explore the grounds and you’ll find a playful, family-friendly attention to detail with a beautiful blend of indigenous culture and Disney magic. Rooms are well-appointed and spacious, and the resort also boasts a 3,800 square foot snorkeling lagoon with observation deck, a lazy river for innertubing, splash pads, a private beach, waterslides and pools. Excellent eateries range from very casual to fine dining, with, of course, a Disney signature breakfast buffet experience that includes singing, dancing and photo ops with beloved characters. Aulani’s impressive and thoughtful offerings afford your whole family an unforgettable vacation.
For kids: Aunty’s Beach House is a singular kid’s club experience that's included in the price of your stay. Young vacationers from 3 to 12 are checked in by warm and welcoming castmembers and spend their time playing outdoors, creating arts and crafts, immersing into computer games alongside Mickey himself and enjoying dance parties with other favorite Disney characters. For an added fee, kids can opt into local-themed activities like making homemade fish food to feed to the marine-life residing in the coral reef. Teens and tweens can also enjoy character pool parties, a spa for ages 13 to 17, movie nights, community game room, on-site snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking.
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For moms: Thr luxurious Laniwai Spa includes top-notch traditional treatments, couples and family massages and signature Hawaiian treatments that take “me time†to another level. The beautifully landscaped hydrotherapy garden and spa mixology station are a must. Be sure and venture to the adult pool and enjoy the peaceful ocean view and swim-up bar before rejoining the family as a renewed version of your former self.
Info: Rooms from $479/night, resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort.
[post_ads]Authentically Hawaiian in its architecture, the Aulani Resort makes a beautiful first impression of luxury and relaxation. Explore the grounds and you’ll find a playful, family-friendly attention to detail with a beautiful blend of indigenous culture and Disney magic. Rooms are well-appointed and spacious, and the resort also boasts a 3,800 square foot snorkeling lagoon with observation deck, a lazy river for innertubing, splash pads, a private beach, waterslides and pools. Excellent eateries range from very casual to fine dining, with, of course, a Disney signature breakfast buffet experience that includes singing, dancing and photo ops with beloved characters. Aulani’s impressive and thoughtful offerings afford your whole family an unforgettable vacation.
For kids: Aunty’s Beach House is a singular kid’s club experience that's included in the price of your stay. Young vacationers from 3 to 12 are checked in by warm and welcoming castmembers and spend their time playing outdoors, creating arts and crafts, immersing into computer games alongside Mickey himself and enjoying dance parties with other favorite Disney characters. For an added fee, kids can opt into local-themed activities like making homemade fish food to feed to the marine-life residing in the coral reef. Teens and tweens can also enjoy character pool parties, a spa for ages 13 to 17, movie nights, community game room, on-site snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking.
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For moms: Thr luxurious Laniwai Spa includes top-notch traditional treatments, couples and family massages and signature Hawaiian treatments that take “me time†to another level. The beautifully landscaped hydrotherapy garden and spa mixology station are a must. Be sure and venture to the adult pool and enjoy the peaceful ocean view and swim-up bar before rejoining the family as a renewed version of your former self.
Info: Rooms from $479/night, resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Oahu, Hawaii
[post_ads]Authentically Hawaiian in its architecture, the Aulani Resort makes a beautiful first impression of luxury and relaxation. Explore the grounds and you’ll find a playful, family-friendly attention to detail with a beautiful blend of indigenous culture and Disney magic. Rooms are well-appointed and spacious, and the resort also boasts a 3,800 square foot snorkeling lagoon with observation deck, a lazy river for innertubing, splash pads, a private beach, waterslides and pools. Excellent eateries range from very casual to fine dining, with, of course, a Disney signature breakfast buffet experience that includes singing, dancing and photo ops with beloved characters. Aulani’s impressive and thoughtful offerings afford your whole family an unforgettable vacation.
For kids: Aunty’s Beach House is a singular kid’s club experience that's included in the price of your stay. Young vacationers from 3 to 12 are checked in by warm and welcoming castmembers and spend their time playing outdoors, creating arts and crafts, immersing into computer games alongside Mickey himself and enjoying dance parties with other favorite Disney characters. For an added fee, kids can opt into local-themed activities like making homemade fish food to feed to the marine-life residing in the coral reef. Teens and tweens can also enjoy character pool parties, a spa for ages 13 to 17, movie nights, community game room, on-site snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking.
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For moms: Thr luxurious Laniwai Spa includes top-notch traditional treatments, couples and family massages and signature Hawaiian treatments that take “me time†to another level. The beautifully landscaped hydrotherapy garden and spa mixology station are a must. Be sure and venture to the adult pool and enjoy the peaceful ocean view and swim-up bar before rejoining the family as a renewed version of your former self.
Info: Rooms from $479/night, resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort.
[post_ads]Authentically Hawaiian in its architecture, the Aulani Resort makes a beautiful first impression of luxury and relaxation. Explore the grounds and you’ll find a playful, family-friendly attention to detail with a beautiful blend of indigenous culture and Disney magic. Rooms are well-appointed and spacious, and the resort also boasts a 3,800 square foot snorkeling lagoon with observation deck, a lazy river for innertubing, splash pads, a private beach, waterslides and pools. Excellent eateries range from very casual to fine dining, with, of course, a Disney signature breakfast buffet experience that includes singing, dancing and photo ops with beloved characters. Aulani’s impressive and thoughtful offerings afford your whole family an unforgettable vacation.
For kids: Aunty’s Beach House is a singular kid’s club experience that's included in the price of your stay. Young vacationers from 3 to 12 are checked in by warm and welcoming castmembers and spend their time playing outdoors, creating arts and crafts, immersing into computer games alongside Mickey himself and enjoying dance parties with other favorite Disney characters. For an added fee, kids can opt into local-themed activities like making homemade fish food to feed to the marine-life residing in the coral reef. Teens and tweens can also enjoy character pool parties, a spa for ages 13 to 17, movie nights, community game room, on-site snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking.
[post_ads_2]
For moms: Thr luxurious Laniwai Spa includes top-notch traditional treatments, couples and family massages and signature Hawaiian treatments that take “me time†to another level. The beautifully landscaped hydrotherapy garden and spa mixology station are a must. Be sure and venture to the adult pool and enjoy the peaceful ocean view and swim-up bar before rejoining the family as a renewed version of your former self.
Info: Rooms from $479/night, resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort.
Azul Beach Hotel, by Karisma
Puerto Morelos, Mexico
[post_ads]Riviera Maya has earned its reputation as a family destination where parents and kids can go at their own speed, whether it’s a slow day of relaxation by the pool or an adrenaline-filled outing of snorkeling, ziplining or exploring ancient temples. The all-inclusive Azul Beach, one of several Azul Hotels by Karisma, is well-suited for families with younger children because of its ready-to-loan baby equipment, toy lending library and kids’ clubs with activities for ages 6 months to 12 years. The hotel’s 148 rooms and suites are just steps away from the pristine, palm-covered beach. Once you’re there, take a load off: The “beach butler†will make sure all your needs are taken care of while you work on your tan. Ready for more excitement? The staff can help you select from the on-site activities or help you arrange an off-property outing.
For kids: In July, Azul Hotels by Karisma is unveiling a new partnership with Nickelodeon—SpongeBob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be seamlessly integrated into the hotel experience. Kids can dine at Nick-themed restaurants and meet their favorite characters at breakfast or dinner: the Ninja Turtle restaurant is a pizza parlor, naturally, while SpongeBob mans an ice-cream shop. There’s also a Nickelodeon Concierge to help your family navigate all the Nick-themed goings-on, including daily slimings by the pool, if your kids want to be soaked in green slime (yuck!).
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For moms: The “Gourmet Inclusive†dining program includes five on-site restaurants serving everything from family-style Mexican food to contemporary Mexican/Caribbean cuisine to Northern Italian dishes. After dinner, head to the Agavero Tequila Lounge to try more than 30 varieties of the libation. For R&R, the on-site Vassa Spa awaits.
Info: Gourmet Inclusive from $430/day/family of four, karismahotels.com. Check the "Sea Sun Save" special for a 30 percent discount on bookings through May 31 for travel through August 31, 2015.
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
[post_ads]The Carribbean's longest-running resort, the family-run Buccaneer is a natural playground for all ages. Three glorious beaches provide the backdrop for days of snorkeling, kayaking, and lounging. Never crowded, the expansive 340-acre tropical grounds allow children plenty of space to run, splash and play. Golf, tennis and free learn-to-scuba classes are on-property for teens, while the younger set (ages 4 to 12) gathers for the complimentary Kids' Camp. Beachside soccer, basketball and volleyball games are fun for the entire family. Around St. Croix, families delight in sailing and snorkeling at the Buck Island National Park, suitable for all ages and swimming abilities. Horseback riding, kayak tours, island tours, shopping in Christiansted...there's plenty to do and see for everyone.
For kids: Young Buccaneers are invited to the daily, year-round, complimentary supervised activities, including beach and pool games, crab races, treasure hunts and sandcastle building. Arts and crafts, board games and foosball in the Kids' Camp room offer respite from the day’s heat.
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For moms: The Hideaway Spa offers massage, mani/pedis, hair services, skin care treatments (including facials and makeup) and waxing services—spa packages available. You can also work up a sweat at the 24/7 fitness center, or sign up for watercolor classes with a local artist.
Info: Rooms from $285/night/double occupancy (including complimentary breakfast); second room half off for families booking two rooms in summer, and kids 4-12 stay free; thebuccaneer.com.
The Resort at Pedregal
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
[post_ads]This one's a splurge, but worth it! The majestic, award-winning Resort at Pedregal lies on Cabo San Lucas’s most coveted parcel of land—an extraordinary 24-acre site at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula. This exclusive haven, accessible only by the private Dos Mares tunnel, is just minutes from bustling downtown Cabo San Lucas, yet seemingly worlds apart. The resort offers unprecedented luxury, sophistication and tons of personalized service, including a complimentary Personal Concierge throughout your stay. A luxurious yet friendly choice for family vacations, there's a shallow pool dedicated to little ones, the Beach Club’s casual and kid-friendly open air-dining, the Kids Club and special off-resort activities for an unforgettable vacation experience.
For kids: The Tortuguitas Kids Club encourages children to interact with the unique cultural qualities of Los Cabos through edu-taining activities like piñata making, outdoor games and story-telling, tons of arts and crafts projects, interactive scavenger hunts and movies nights. The Teen Guide consults and creates a personalized adventure itinerary for older kids, with packages like the Ocean Adventure, the Extreme Desert Adventure and the Ocean, Desert & Mountain Adventure. Teens can choose from an a la carte menu of activities including ziplining, bungee jumping, sling-swinging, surfing, standup paddle boarding, horseback riding and more.
For moms: Indulge in pampering treatments and massages at the resplendant Luna y Mar Spa to reawaken the mind and body, or relax by the adults-only pool. Also enjoy yoga, pilates, tennis or boot camp, and enjoy shooping at the onsite AlmArte Gift Boutique.
Info: Rooms and suites from $675/night, theresortatpedregal.com.
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