By Cathy Burroughs
When planning an exciting, luxurious vacation, the term “kid-friendly” usually is not the first thing that comes to mind. But, with this top 10 list of luxury resorts that not only appeal to mom and dad, but the kids, as well. All parents should start packing their bags for a tropical family getaway at these resorts because they cater not only to kids, but to the overall family experience.
1. South Seas Island Resort – Captiva, FL
This beautiful resort village and wildlife sanctuary is located on a tranquil island in the Gulf of Mexico. This resort offers villas, condos, cottages and homes that are perfect for the family and has wonderful accommodations including kitchens, guest bedrooms, and stunning views. For family fun, Skully’s Family Interactive Center, Go! Fish and Go! Sail, Sanibel Sea School, H20Whoa!, along with numerous other activities makes this resort perfect for luxury and family in the Gulf of Mexico.
2. Paradisus Punta Cana – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Located along the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, this resort is not only visually beautiful, but a place where mom and dad can get away, but the children can enjoy themselves too. With two kid pools and The Kid’s Zone, a tropical-themed playground where kids can enjoy painting, a mini-water park and an action-adventure jungle gym, children will be entertained and supervised while mom and dad can enjoy the resort’s additional amenities.
3. Grand Wailea – Maui, Hawaii
With a camp dedicated to children on Hawaii’s beautiful island of Maui, the Grand Wailea has a spacious mini-resort just for little ones. With activities such as crab hunting, going on a scavenger hunt and reef exploring, your children can explore and learn about Hawaii and still have fun.
4. Sea Island – Sea Island, Georgia
If being adventurous is part of your next family vacation, be sure to take a trip to the beautiful Sea Island of the coast of Georgia. At this luxury resort, families can enjoy great bonding activities by horseback riding on the beach, offshore fishing and boating along the coast. Sea Island additionally offers Camp Cloister for children ages 3-12.
5. Caneel Bay – St. Johns, US Virgin Islands
Even for Caneel Bay’s youngest guest, children get treated to lush bath robes, skin care products and even a nanny. At Rose Buds’ Turtle Town, kids ages 3-12 can enjoy kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and swimming. With breakfast, lunch and dinner part as well as a movie night, Turtle Town is great for parents to join their kids or relax.
6. Half Moon – Half Moon Bay, Jamaica
With shaded play areas, activity rooms, a wading pool, sand box, and expansive outdoor play area, Half Moon offers amazing recreational activities for children with their Anancy Children’s Village. Looking forwarded to swimming with dolphins? The Dolphin Lagoon is great for families who want to have a beach encounter with dolphins or even shadow a dolphin trainer for the day.
7. Terranea – Los Angeles, California
Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea is a beautiful oceanfront resort in LA that offers adventurous activities along with relaxation by the water. Families can make memories by going whale watching, paddle-boarding, scuba diving, coastal fishing, horseback riding, painting by the sea or going on a discovery trail.
8. Club Med – Cancun, Mexico
From toddlers to teenagers, Club Med has activities for babies, breathtaking adventures for teens and every age in between. Club Med offers a nursery service for toddlers 23 months and up to gourmet food and special attention from nursery staff. For kids three years old to teens, they can experience multicultural activities and exclusive areas and events created for them.
9. Las Casitas Village – Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Only four miles from the stores and attractions of downtown Fajardo and Las Croabas, Las Casitas Village is a great family destination. This resort has a private beach along with the resort’s Coqui Water Park with slides, lazy rivers and a bar and grill for the whole family to relax and have a great time; all while enjoying beautiful Puerto Rico.
10. Boca Beach Club – Boca Raton, Florida
At Boca Raton Beach Club, they offer great activities for kids including a golf academy, tennis clinics, shopping excursions, as well as Camp Boca. Along with swimming and enjoying water sports in the Atlantic Ocean, this resort caters to children and the overall family experience.
