 Family Travel Files Ezine Family Vacations Resource |
Caribbean: Southern and Western, Away for the Holidays - Sunshine, Beaches and Surf.  Pack the flip flops and head for the Caribbean with your kids. There is a lot to be said for leaving chilly gray winter days and stepping off a plane and on to a soft sandy beach; exchanging a pine tree for a palm tree and mittens for sunscreen. There will be no scarcity of holiday spirit. It will just be translated with sea breezes and an aqua blue ocean. From along Mexico’s Caribbean Coast to FDR in Jamaica and to the jungles of Belize, families can celebrate Christmas with a tropical twist.
Jamaica: Montego Bay, Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa – Beaches, Golf, and Sugar Mill Falls. Nestled between lush mountains and the deep-blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, Rose Hall maintains an atmosphere of casual elegance providing guests with an easy space where fun is effortless. Situated along the pristine shores that once served as the site of an 18th century sugar plantation, this Caribbean haven exudes an unforgettable ambiance in a stunning tropical setting. Everything is taken care of before you arrive from meals and beverages to gratuities for the staff. Relax in spacious rooms and suites offering simple Caribbean elegance. Spanning 400 beachfront acres, this enchanting all-inclusive Jamaica family resort offers something for kids of all ages. There are daily activities and games for the whole family including volleyball, day and night tennis, 54 holes of championship golf, miles of fishing, dive-in movies on site, and live music each day. From parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing to the energizing Sugar Mill Falls water complex, the resort offers an endless host of activities so your family can play together. Bonus points: 36.5-meter free-form pool with a children's section, supervised Kids Club, Game Zoon for teens, children's menus, babysitting services onsite. (Rose Hall Resort & Spa, A Hilton Resort, Montego Bay.1(866) 799-3661 or www.RoseHallResort.com)
Belize: Ambergris Caye, Caribe Island Resort, Private Beach, Diving, and a Jungle Adventure. If an off-the beaten path Caribbean style Christmas vacation is the right fit then this vacation spot will exceed your expectations. Belize fits solidly in the “family travel secret” destination category. Located in the Western Caribbean the beautiful tropical island of Ambergris Caye is just south of Mexico's famed Yucatan Peninsula. It is known for awesome diving, great fishing, jungle access and friendly people – a combination for family fun. The Caribe Island Resort sits on the edge of the sea and offers guests a private beach, a delightful fresh water pool, tranquil sunsets and a comfortable vacation atmosphere for families wishing time to slow down just a little. The caye provides easy access to awesome snorkeling/diving and family adventure options include cave tubing, zip lining, horseback riding and exploring ruins within the jungle. Caribe Island Resort 26 attractive vacation suites with options for families. Bonus points: Bikes are a popular mode of transportation and the resort has “free” bike usage for registered guests. Guests may take advantage of free pick up to and from the San Pedro Airport or water taxi stand. They also offer a complimentary nightly shuttle into and back from town. Need to know: The Belize dollar is tied at $2 to $1 US dollar which is really great news for families with Euros. Holiday rates in a condo begin at $220 per unit per night. From the US or Canada toll free 1-866- 5 SUN FUN (1-866-578-6386), the resort 011-501-226-4091 (office) or www.caribeisland.com)
Jamaica: Runaway Bay, FDR Resort and Spa, Away for the Holidays. The island of Jamaica celebrates every season with a friendly style and plenty of energy. The holiday season is particularly joyous and for guests just fun. Holiday weeks at either of the FDR Resorts will be rewarding. The holiday fun is automatic and effortless. The Franklyn D. Resort & Spa, located in Runaway Bay is Jamaica's boutique all-suite; all-inclusive resort for families that allows guests to vacation in a private setting similar to that of an elegant Jamaican home, complete with your own dedicated Vacation Nanny. Boasting 77 beautifully decorated suites, complete with IPOD Docking Stations and DVD Players, this all-inclusive holiday features meals from a choice of four restaurants, open bar, wine, live entertainment, tennis, basketball, scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking, sunfish sailing, games room, pre-teens and teens centre with activities and a Mini Club for children. Bonus points: The Resort has just added a Heely track and an infant/toddler water play pool. Children younger than six stay for free. Need to know: Holiday Early Booking Cash Back Bonus for Winter 2009. Families who book before November 18th, 2009, and travel between January 7th, 2010 and August 31st, 2010 will save up to US$700. (FDR Resort and Spa 1(876) 973-5657-8. USA & Canada toll-free at 1-888-FDR-KIDS or 1-800-654-1FDR, 1(888) 337-5437 or www.fdrfamily.com) Jamaica: Falmouth, FDR Pebbles Resort, Two Holidays, One Price. Celebrate your winter break; bring the kids or grandkids; stay with us and be casual and carefree. Our tropical family resort is an ideal spot for a Caribbean Christmas holiday. Our family paradise is on Jamaica's historic north coast, just a short 30- minute ride east of Montego Bay. With the green draped mountains as a backdrop and the Caribbean Sea at our backdoor, we offer barefoot informality along our 600-foot beach. Our air-conditioned junior suites are family friendly, complete with mini refrigerators, multi-channel TV; full bathrooms king size beds, a day-bed and generous balconies. You are free to choose whether to share activities with your kids or do your own thing. We have programs for children of all ages and interests. Bonus points: From a full-time Vacation Nanny for toddlers and children to pre-teen and teen activities, we know how to create the magic for kids. At Pebbles, we deliver a worry-free, cashless vacation; there is no fine print. Need to know: Holiday Early Booking Cash Back Bonus for Winter 2009. Families who book before November 18th, 2009, and travel between January 7th, 2010 and August 31st, 2010 will save up to US$700.(FDR Pebbles 1(876) 973-5657-8. USA & Canada toll-free at 1-888-FDR-KIDS or 1-800-654-1FDR, 1(888) 337-5437 or www.fdrfamily.com)
Mexico: Cancun, Le Méridien Cancun Resort & Spa Invites the Whole Family to Fun. Surrounded by rich historical sites, blue waters and lush landscapes, Cancun has blossomed into a full-fledged family-friendly destination. At the forefront is Le Méridien Cancun Resort & Spa which offers travelers a luxurious, fun-filled vacation featuring specialized value packages, an on-site Penguin's Kid Club and nearby attractions and adventures for family members of all ages. Once settled into one of the resort's 213 residential-style rooms, families will never be short on entertainment. Le Méridien Cancun Resort & Spa offers on-site water sports and deep-sea fishing, providing guests with the ultimate in aquatic escapades. For those seeking activities on dry land, families can play doubles on the two on-site tennis courts, or enjoy horse-back riding on the beach. The resort's 24-Hour Concierge Service is also always on hand to recommend additional attractions and plan excursions in downtown Cancun and the surrounding area. During visits to the Mayan Rivera region, guests can explore: the Aztec ruins, showcasing the ancient civilizations; Merida & Valladolid, colonial cities within driving distance offering insight into the region's rich culture; world-class golf courses to practice their drive-shot; and ecological parks such as Xel-Ha and Xcarat, where families can snorkel and scuba dive with dolphins in a natural setting. Combining European charm with gallant Mayan architecture, Le Méridien Cancun entices all five senses for a luxurious, culturally enriching stay. (1-800-543-4300 or book online through www.starwoodhotels.com)
The "Away for the Holidays" offers and ideas mentioned above were selected from our extensive Family Vacation Directory or provided to us by industry partners. For an expanded list go the Caribbean Vacation Ideas Directory or review one of our family vacation folders. Images provided by the resorts mentioned. Copyright 2009.
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