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Travel By Darcy

Creating Memorable Vacations Since 1996

Blog

Family Friendly Resorts in the Caribbean & Mexico

Candid snapshots of smiling, on vacation faces are a highlight of every family photo album—but we all know it’s not easy to keep a smile on those faces while traveling. Requirements for happiness differs between toddlers, tweens, teens, and adults. How, then, do you find a place that’s right for everyone?

There’s a world of travel possibilities, and I’m here to help you narrow down your choices to a handful of safe bets. I’ve got three boys, and I know there’s often a fine line between merriment and meltdowns on a family vacation. Over the years, I’ve developed a few rules to travel by with kids:

A. Book early to budget accordingly for your family vacation, especially if you want to travel during holidays or school breaks;

B. Focus on all-inclusive resorts (saving you money in the long run by including all meals, beverages, and activities) and villa-style properties (which give you all the comforts of home along with access to hotel amenities and services);

C. Look for destinations which offer family fun programs and activities—bonus if there are special programs just for kids so grown-ups can get a break; and

D. Consider inviting your extended family—having grandparents or older kids along enriches the experience (and, between us, gives parents built-in babysitting options).

Now that you know the rules, join me on a tempting tour of nine of my favorite destinations for a family vacation. When headed to any one, pack your camera to capture all the fun—and all the smiling faces!

  1. Nickelodeon Resort, Dominican Republic

Who vacations in a pineapple under the sea? Your family does! Following Disney World’s lead, this resort invites children of all ages to vacation with some of their favorite animated characters (like SpongeBob Square Pants) with accommodations to match (like “The Pineapple Villa”). Their version of all-inclusive includes gourmet cuisine and premium drinks as well as personalized service and activities hand-selected for guests, from getting slimed at Nickelodeon Place to serving an ace at the Sports Hub. And though certainly geared towards high-energy families, the resort also has a 14,000-sq.-ft. Vassa Spa and a slew of “Romance” activities to ensure you have lots of love alongside the laughs.

  1. Generations Riviera Maya, Mexico

As the name implies, this is the place to visit with multiple generations, from a baby to a baby-boomer grandparent, with something for everyone. Set along the glittering blue of the Mexican Caribbean, this beachside resort pampers with an all-inclusive concept featuring a la carte dining and bars, relaxing treatments at Náay Spa, fun activities for kids of all ages (including Eko Kids Club and Little Eko Chefs), and more. At Generations, every room is a suite with butler service and 24-hour room service—and you can choose the suite that’s perfect for your family from nearly a dozen different options (perhaps you’ll choose the suite with an oversized terrace and private infinity pool?).

  1. Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Jamaica

Once you arrive here, you never have to leave—and you may never want to! Oriented for adults and kids of all ages, your stay here includes unlimited dining at a number of unique restaurants (as well as dining carts and 24-hour room service; they also have the ability to handle special dietary requests), beverages (from freshly brewed Jamaican coffee to cocktails), beach and pool concierge service, a 24-hour gym (offering yoga, pilates, and cardio classes), watersports, games on the pool deck, and a nightly show at the outdoor theater. Where to regroup each night? The resort offers plenty of unique rooms and suites, including the Swim-Up, which gives you and your family (ages 13+) access to a private pool.

  1. Azul Beach Resort, Mexico

Though managed by the same company that oversees the Nickelodeon Resort in the DR, this beachfront boutique resort is a decidedly more low-key, ultra-pampering affair. Case in point: upon arrival, adults are given a glass of champagne while kids receive a Nickelodeon smoothie to sip while making a selection from the aromatherapy and pillow menu. Intimately set on a half-mile of white-sand beach, everything at this all-inclusive oasis is just a stroll (or stroller ride!) away, including six gourmet restaurants, swim-up bars, Vassa Spa, and lot of fun for kids, from My Gym (for guests ages 4 to 12) to special spa treatments for guests ages 5 to 17—also, their all-inclusive baby amenities program provides everything parents need, from strollers to sterilizers, bottles to baby food. Accommodation options include newly renovated Deluxe Rooms and spacious suites, all with goodies like built-in daybeds, Jacuzzi® bathtubs, and air-conditioning. Should you feel the need for a change of venue, Azul Beach Resort is close enough for a day trip to Playa del Carmen.

  1. Atlantis, Bahamas

This is a mega resort and, as such, it offers mega delights for your family, with lots of beaches, restaurants, and kid’s camp activities as well as a chance to swim with dolphins or sea lions and an on-site casino for grown-ups. It’s also home to Aquaventure, a one-of-a-kind 141-acre waterscape with 20 swimming areas, 11 swimming pools, a water-play fort for kids, a mile-long river ride, and high-speed water slides. There are seven different accommodation areas, from the Royal Towers to the Atlantis Marina; larger families should consider a suite or multiple rooms. Though not all-inclusive, a trio of Dining Plans are available (and children 11 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult dining plan).

  1. Beaches, Turks & Caicos

Beaches is the pioneer of ultra-all-inclusive family vacations. As such, they set the bar really, really high with delights like four distinct villages (reflecting the architecture and attitude of Italy, France, Key West, and the Caribbean), a 45,000 square-foot waterpark (with everything from lazy river journeys to a swim-up soda bar), 19 restaurants, 15 bars, six pools (including a dedicated toddler pool), and fun for the under-18 set, like Sesame Street® characters for tots, Xbox Play Lounge for tweens, and Liquid at Beaches, a disco for teens, as well as a supervised camp for kids of all ages. Located on the north shore of the island, on 12 miles of white-sand beach along calm and clear turquoise waters, it’s a perfect place to experience every type of water sport. Last, but not least, there are more than two dozen accommodation options, from ocean-view rooms to private villas.

  1. Coconut Bay Beach Resort, St. Lucia

You know when you fear your boisterous kids are bothering the singles around you? You won’t have that feeling at Coconut Bay. Because moments after you arrive—a quick five minutes from the airport, and after you accept a cold towel and either a glass of champagne, rum punch, or bottled water—you’ll turn your back on the adults-only wing of this 85-acre, all-inclusive resort as you head for Splash, the casual, family-friendly wing. Translation: boisterous kids aren’t just welcomed, they’re expected! And you’ll keep those kiddos moving with delights like the island’s largest waterpark (complete with aquatic playground, lazy river, and water slides), a paintball facility able to host 10 players, a fully supervised 50,000 square-foot Kidz Klub (with daily adventures like mini zip lines and petting zoo), and an air-conditioned indoor playroom; there are also numerous restaurants and bars and fun for adults with a complete fitness center, full-service salon, and oceanfront spa. All rooms are air-conditioned and overlook the sea; adjoining rooms are available for those who need extra space.

  1. Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic

Stretching out over 7,000 acres, with what seems like 7,000 things to do, it actually takes some effort to be bored at this villa resort. Choose from a number of guest rooms, one- and two-bedroom suites, and spacious villas, then take on the seven restaurants (with meal plans and dine-around options), five bars, a night club, spa, wellness center, and activities that range from world-class golf to water sports, sport fishing, and horseback riding. When the kids want to be with other kids, or the adults need alone-time, there are lessons for little ones (like Junior Shooting Academy for ages 7+ and Junior Tennis Academy for ages 5+), Summer Camp 2017, and a variety of award-winning half- and full-day programs for toddlers, kids, tweens, and teens; the resort also offers professional nanny and babysitting services.

  1. Half Moon, Jamaica

A resort gets no higher compliment than that of a repeat guest—and, for 60+ years, this villa resort has hosted many repeat guests, watching children grow up and return with their own children and grandchildren. Start your own Half Moon legacy! Set on 400 manicured acres with two miles of beautiful beachfront, Half Moon offers multi-generational fun, from family dive trips to tennis tournaments to horseback riding adventures, along with family-friendly accommodation options, like interconnecting rooms or a villa with private pool, cook, butler, and housekeeper. For the grown-ups, there’s Jamaica’s largest award-winning spa and an 18-hole par-72 championship golf course; for kids ages 3 to 12, there’s Anancy Children’s Village (a learning, play, and discovery village inspired by Jamaican folklore) and, from mid-July to mid-August, Camp Half Moon keeps kids ages 4 to 12 busy; and for the smallest travelers, a nanny service gives parents a break. Half Moon is affiliated with Penn State University’s esteemed “Better Kid Care” program, so parents can rest assured that all nannies and counselors are certified in best practices and age-appropriate activities.

This list is by no means complete. Finding it hard to choose your favorite? Let me match your family with your just-right escape—it might even be a place not on this list! As a Travel Specialist, I’ve spent the last 20 years helping families plan and enjoy dream vacations—and I know the best places to visit, whether you’re a family of three or an extended family of 13.

Contact me today (call 603-418-8698 or send an email to me at info@travelbydarcy.wpcomstaging.com) and let me know how I can help!

Escape The Ordinary

From tree houses, beach huts, luxury tented camps, ice hotels and castles. Try something new.

Most people who love to travel get a kick out of new and novel experiences — it’s part of travel’s endless appeal, after all. Around any corner can be some unexpected, fun, informative surprise. Seasoned travelers are often trying to think of new places to check out, trying to find “the next” best beach, mountain, urban, or rural destination.

 

One thing that travelers sometimes overlook are the options for novel, quirky accommodations on their trips. They might spend months planning transportation, sightseeing, or food — but the default lodging is often a typical hotel. And there’s nothing wrong with that, of course — but if you’re up for a new level of adventure, check out these outside-the-box accommodation ideas from around the world.

 

Live out a childhood fantasy.

Remember watching Swiss Family Robinson as a kid and thinking that looked like the most amazing adventure ever? Treehouses are not just for kids! From the jungles of the Amazon to towering tamarind trees facing the South China Sea, there are plenty of treehouse lodgings that look like something pulled straight from a childhood reverie. You can look at gorgeous photos and start filling your head with high-up dreams here.

 

An ice hotel.

The cold and snow are not for everyone, and if you’re strictly a warm-weather kind of traveler, this might not sound appealing. But if you are at all fascinated by Northern cultures, aurora borealis, and the mysteries of a winter wonderland, this might be just the thing to pass a freezing weekend while waiting for Spring to arrive. Many of these hotels are extremely well-appointed, with luxurious design, high-end restaurants and bars, spas, private igloo-suites, and even wedding chapels located right in the structures themselves. Take a look at this list to start thinking about your next frosty foray.

 

The ultimate in recycling.

Taking the idea of overnight accommodations well beyond just the remodeling of historic buildings, people all over the world have found unexpected objects, forms of transportation, and natural spaces and have transformed them into comfy, beautiful places to spend the night. Train cars, airplane hangars, caves, lighthouses, windmills, boats — basically, the only limit is the imagination.

 

Camping for people who don’t like camping.

Want the best of camping — fresh air, breathtaking views, cozy fires, wildlife watching — without the crick in your neck or the twigs in your morning coffee? You could try “glamorous camping,” otherwise known as glamping. Spend the night in wall-tents, yurts, teepees, or island huts that feature nothing but the most luxurious amenities.

 

If you’re ready to take on a vacation and rest your head in a space that’s definitely outside the typical hotel room, check out http://www.quirkyaccom.com. From huts, castles, and boutique hotels to a re-creation of a Hobbit’s Shire in rural Montana, this site allows you to search for lodging ideas from all over the world that will really send you on a trip. And once you get some inspiration for the type of place you want to stay, I can help you find it in your dream location and book it at a great rate!

 

Ready to plan your next adventure? You can get in touch with me today by clicking here!

The Perfect 72hrs in Bermuda

Credit: Gavin Howarth and TABS

If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from the East Coast or a close-to-home cruise, Bermuda has it all.  Beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, aquatic adventures, romance and family fun. Check out this 3 day itinerary filled with the highlights of Bermuda.

Day 1: Friday

BEACHES, CULTURE & COCKTAILS

BERMY BUZZ: ROCK ISLAND COFFEE

Kick-start the weekend with a trip to Rock Island Coffee, which serves the only locally roasted coffee in Bermuda. It’s served alongside treats like scones, muffins and biscotti made in-house by Kerry Petty. Be sure to check out the colourful Bermudian art that lines the walls.

PRETTY IN PINK: BERMUDA’S BEST BEACHES

Bermuda is home to some of the world’s greatest beaches, so you’ll definitely want to sink your toes in the legendary pink sand. Horseshoe Bay Beach (one of USA Today’s Best Caribbean Beaches) is one of the most popular choices. If you’re in search of something a little more secluded, head to Jobson’s Cove, a photogenic sliver of pink and blue framed by steep, jagged cliffs.

GASTRO GRUB: TRIBE ROAD KITCHEN

This local favourite in Hamilton blends classic island flavours with modern kitchen creativity. Chef/co-owner Karsten Krivenko studied at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America before returning to her native Bermuda. For lunch at Tribe Road Kitchen, try the Fidel Gastro, a Cuban-press grilled-cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread that’s filled with roast pulled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, thinly sliced smoked ham and spicy mustard.

HISTORY AROUND EVERY CORNER: THE TOWN OF ST. GEORGE

Founded in 1612, the Town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest continually inhabited English settlement in the New World. There’s history down every street, and in each pastel-hued house. Attractions include St. Peter’s Church, a circa-1612 house of worship, and Fort St. Catherine, one of Bermuda’s most formidable fortresses.

FRIDAY NIGHTS: PICK YOUR PARTY

Bermuda does weekend nights right, no matter the season. Set sail on a sunset cruise aboard an elegant ÜberVida celebration yacht, or kick off your shoes and cozy up to a beach bonfire at Tobacco Bay. During the summer, you might soak up a spectacular sunset, cocktail in hand, at Marina Nights, an enticing dockside happy hour at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. You could also enjoy the warm night air at Elbow Beach’s Friday night Big Chill, which features sushi, tapas and cocktails, plus a DJ. Whatever you decide, it’ll be a fitting finale to your first day in Bermuda.

Day 2: Saturday

MAKING A SPLASH & SIPPING TEA

GOOD MORNING: THE CODFISH BREAKFAST

On weekend mornings, locals all over the island sit down for a hearty, classic codfish breakfast. It’s a heaping plateful of boiled or steamed salt cod with boiled potatoes, onions and sliced bananas topped off with a hard-boiled egg and, occasionally, avocado slices. You may want to skip lunch after this big Bermudian meal.

GET WET: AQUATIC ADVENTURES

A jet ski tour in Bermuda

The sparkling turquoise ocean that surrounds Bermuda isn’t just mesmerizing to look at – the island is a serious sport fishing destination, with waters filled with big-game catches like marlin, tuna and wahoo. A jet-ski tour around the island is an automatic adrenaline rush, as you zoom across the blue to secluded beaches, hidden coves and sunken ships. Speaking of sunken ships, Bermuda is a magical undersea playground for divers. Go beneath the waves to explore such amazing shipwrecks as The Constellation, which was the basis for Jaws author Peter Benchley’s The Deep.

HISTORIC HUB: THE ROYAL NAVAL DOCKYARD

Once known as the Gibraltar of the West, the Royal Naval Dockyard was a symbol of Royal Naval might in the Western Atlantic for more than 150 years. You could spend a whole day exploring here. Dive into maritime history at the National Museum of Bermuda and Bermuda Maritime Museum or head to the Clocktower Mall to browse shops and boutiques. For lunch, try the Frog & Onion, a classic British-style pub that’s also Bermuda’s only craft brewery.

ROYAL TEA: TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA

Bermuda hits “pause” every day for that oh-so-British activity, traditional afternoon tea. One of the most popular spots for tea time is the Crown & Anchor at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. The restaurant, overlooking picturesque landscaped gardens, puts a modern spin on this favorite pastime. The presentation is impeccable, with servers offering tiered, three-foot-high silver trays filled with homemade pastries and steaming pots in a bright and airy setting.

BERMUDA HITS “PAUSE” EVERY DAY FOR THAT OH-SO-BRITISH ACTIVITY, TRADITIONAL afternoon tea.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: FRONT STREET NIGHTLIFE

Enjoy Bermuda’s thriving nightlife with music and dancing at island hot spots, many of them on Hamilton’s jewel-toned main drag, Front Street. Grab a Dark ‘n Stormy® – one of the island’s signature drinks – and mingle with locals at the Bermuda Bistro at the Beach. Or dance the night away at the Cosmopolitan Ultra Lounge & Nightclub, where the indoor/outdoor dance floor and bar attracts the island’s most stylish souls.

Day 3: Sunday

HIDDEN GEMS

BEACHSIDE BRUNCH: OCEAN ECHO

Sleep in and then head to The Reefs Resort & Club, where the open-air terrace at Ocean Echo will let you savour the first meal of the day while taking in spectacular views of pink sands, blue sky and shimmering sea. We’re willing to bet your Eggs Benedict never tasted so good.

RIDE THE RAILS: THE BERMUDA RAILWAY TRAIL

Spend the rest of the morning taking a cycle ride filled with island history and rich, flora-filled landscapes. The 18-mile Railway Trail is named for the transit route that once wrapped around the island. Today, it’s the perfect cycling adventure, leading you to intimate beaches, panoramic ocean views and remnants of the past like an old drawbridge.

Cooper’s Island, perfect for snorkeling and relaxation

 

JUNGLE TREK: HIDDEN GEMS ECO-TOUR

Discover Bermuda’s very own jungle. The Hidden Gems Nature Hike takes you deep into the heart of the Walsingham Nature Reserve (Tom Moore’s Jungle to locals). You’ll hike through lush green trails, swim in gorgeous blue waters and explore subterranean caves. Afterwards, climb the steps to the top of St. David’s Lighthouse for a 360-degree, bird’s-eye view of the island. Top it off with a trip to Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve for snorkelling and relaxing on the beach.

THE WORLD’S FINEST FISH SANDWICH: ART MEL’S SPICY DICY

It’s served all over the world, but in Bermuda, the fish sandwich is a national obsession. Opinions vary, but many say that the island’s best can be found at Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy. With their off-the-beaten-path location – in the City of Hamilton  – this take-away joint is the definition of a hidden gem. (Tip: Grab a cab – it can be tricky to find). Their beloved (and big) sandwich’s fresh snapper is flash-fried in soybean oil, making it taste incredibly light.

[Repost from GoToBermuda.com]

Ready to plan your holiday to Bermuda? Contact me today for complete vacation planning assistance.

France for Foodies

Nowhere else in the world is food more revered than in France, which is why it rates very high on every foodie’s bucket list. In fact, when Travel + Leisure released its “World’s Best Awards” Paris and Bordeaux were listed among the “Top 10 International Cities for Food”.

PARIS

Start off by staying in the “City of Lights”, known for its tempting pastry shops. From chocolate croissants and eclairs to napoleaons and macaroons, you’ll be set. Take a 3-hour cooking class, where you will learn to make delicious macaroons.

LOIRE VALLEY

Next, visit the “Garden of France”, where castles and fairy-tale landscapes exist. Rolling hills give way to fragrant vineyards and lush lawns are peppered with chateaux. Explore many of the wineries around the valley before settling in for the night in a romantic Chateau.

BORDEAUX

End your trip in the world-renowned vineyards of Bordeaux. Begin on the right bank region for an intimate wine tasting, then take a walking tour of Old World town, where you can explore Romanesque ruins and local wineries. End with a sampling of wine in one of the village cellars.

Sample program is 10 days/ 8 nights from $1899 per person staying in charming boutique hotels.

Let us tailor an itinerary to match your individual interests and tastes! Contact me today for more information.

 

Spain for Foodies

A mix of lively nightlife, fresh seafood and endless tapas create the ultimate culinary experience in Spain. Get the best of the flavors by visiting Madrid, San Sebastian, and Barcelona.

MADRID

Start off by staying in Madrid, where the history of the city can be tasted in the casual gathering known as tapeo. From rich, local cheeses and meats to refreshing gazpacho, enjoy the city’s humble, tasty tapas. Take a half-day Authentic Tapas Walking Tour, and experience the city’s favorite local spots.

SAN SEBASTIAN

Next, travel to a small Basque town, San Sebastian, considered to be one of the world’s great food cities. Explore the culture and hospitality with a pintxos tapas tour, and taste a range of traditional rustic bites to petite servings of gourmet dishes.

BARCELONA

Finish in Barcelona and discover an ethnic enclave with its own language, traditions and flavors. Stay in a traditional country manor, where you can learn how to make cava and sample from the home’s barrel cellar. Then, take a tour of Oller del Mas Castle

 

Sample program is 8 days/ 7 nights from $1499 per person staying in charming boutique hotels.

Let us tailor an itinerary to match your individual interests and tastes! Contact me today for more information.

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About Me

I’ve come nose-to-nose with a giraffe during an African safari. I’ve strolled along the ancient pathways of Machu Picchu. I’ve honeymooned in the Australian Outback. I’ve stayed in villas, enjoyed all-inclusive vacations, and gone on cruises and escorted bus tours. Collectively, these experiences—and many, many more—add up to a pretty impressive travel resume but, more importantly, they make me a great choice for your go-to travel agent. Read More…

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