Category Archives: Family

Family Vacations – Ready or not, it’s time to GO!

Posted on by
Reply

av_sf_6abc_med_rect

 

Another major “vacation company” has a great marketing campaign out right now, and it is what I preach all the time. Take your vacation NOW, your kids are only this age once. Don’t miss out on it.

As my son gets older, I want to freeze time.  My son is 8 and he will only be 8 once. OK, it is for an entire year I know, but I feel like he was 3, I blinked and now he is 8.  I want to soak up every minute of him being 8 and acting 8 (the good and the bad).

I do understand when people want to “Wait until their kids remember” before spending a lot of money on a vacation, or wait until their kids are “old enough” to really enjoy it. But your kids are only this age once. Every family can use some together time away from work, school, video games, homework, laptops and television.  This summer, plan your family together time on an Apple Vacation!

Plan it together by picking out destinations you want to see, hotels that have activities your family enjoys or excursions you want to experience. Or just be spontaneous and surprise them!

There is no better time spent with your family, than on an Apple Vacation!  Make the summer of 2013 one your family will never forget. Go ahead and pick out your vacation here.

 

 

Kaanapali Beach Hotel – a great choice for families in Maui

Posted on by
1

I wrote a resort review of The Kaanapali Beach Hotel. But, I also wanted to highlight why Kaanapali Beach Hotel is an excellent choice for family vacations.  Kaanapali Beach Hotel is a beautiful beach-front location. One of the best views and most picturesque beaches you can find, perfect for swimming and close to snorkeling.  But they also offer value, convenience, cultural activities and entertainment to keep families happy from the moment they arrive until it is time to depart.

Ka`anapali Beach Hotel

Ka`anapali Beach Hotel

When I go on vacation, especially with my son, I like for our family to experience the local culture, food and traditions. I especially like for us all to learn something new about each place we visit. In Hawaii, a stay at Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel, will be a must for my family!

Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers a great program for children. It is an interactive family experience. Upon arrival, children 12 and under receive an Aloha passport with their Hawaiian Name and what it means.  Then, during their stay, children complete various activities throughout the resort.  Kids receive a makana (gift) for each completed activity. This creates fun for the entire family, and children get to take home their rewards. The resort employs full-time Hawaiian “Culture Advisors” (Alaka̕i) right on property. Children can learn about the history, language and traditions of Hawaii right within the resort.

In addition to the miles of amazing beaches and fun pools to keep the family happy,  Kaanapali Beach Hotel also offers daily Hawaiian activities including free lei making,  free hula lessons and free ukulele lessons. They also offer a complimentary welcome breakfast, complimentary Hawaiian Entertainment & Hula Show in the Tiki Courtyard, and Kids 5 and under eat free at the Tiki restaurant.  All of this will help the budget while keeping the family entertained.

Upon departure from resort, Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers a complimentary Kukui Lei Ceremony. Kukui Nut Tree is the State Tree. “Kukui” means Enlightenment. Kukui Nut Lei is part of the employee uniforms.  The staff explain why the Kukui nut is so important to the Hawaiian people then they sing and present a departure gift of a kukui nut lei’.

Kaanapali Beach Hotel was the only Hawaii hotel voted in “Top 10 Family Hotels” by Trip Advisor. Make sure you look into Kaanapali Beach Hotel, for your next stay in Hawaii.

 

Ka`anapali Beach Hotel
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel Aerial
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel Golf
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel Maui Waterfall

Sandos Caracol Eco – Resort and Spa

Posted on by
Reply

 

If you are looking for somewhere different to take the kids for a spring adventure, or for a summer family vacation, take a look at Sandos Caracol ECO Resort and Spa where there is plenty for your family to discover. Sandos Caracol is great vacation for family fun all while teaching your kids about the environment.

 

Discover the Eco activities. The resort focuses on teaching children to live in harmony with nature and to take care of the environment.  They offer an Eco -Tour for kids to teach them to respectfully interact with the environment. Kids can also bike ride on the trail, plant a tree (give back to nature), or attend an interactive eco-talk.

Discover the fauna and flora of the region in the Aviary/Bird Sanctuary.

Discover the Mayan Jungle including Turtle Lagoon, Iguanas, Mangrove Crabs, Eco Club Nursery, Mayan Herb Garden, Orchids, Mangroves and the Organic Garden.

Discover the Water Park.  17 fun slides and water games surrounded by water spouts.

Discover time for mom and dad! There is a baby club for children 2-3 years old which is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There is also a kids club for children 4 – 12 years old which is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Stay tuned for my next blog on one of the most exciting kids adventure at Sandos Caracaol – The Xcalacoco Experience.

 

 

Iberostar Cancun – Great for Groups.

Posted on by
1

 

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is part of Apple Vacations SuperSale. I stayed at Iberostar Cancun last summer and I wrote a blog on the resort highlights and why it is a great choice for families, check it out here.

I have a few more reviews of the resort I want to share, starting with why it is great for groups! Iberostar Cancun is perfect for a group getaway – if it is a family reunion, couples retreat, girls’ getaway or “man-cation” you are looking for, Iberostar Cancun is a great choice.  This is why:

  • Getting there – The resort is not a far drive from the airport – about 15 minutes. So if you are all coming in on the same flight – great, but if there are different flights you can easily make your way to the resort on your own.
  • The resort is right in Cancun, and there is plenty to do in the resort. But if you want to venture out, there is shopping, restaurants and night-life just moments away.  The bus is a very inexpensive option to get to the shopping markets and you can get it right in front of the hotel.
  • There are just over 400 rooms, but it is a high rise so your rooms can be requested in the same section of the resort. It is not a mega – resort where you may not see your friends after you check in. Unless, of course, you don’t want to! ;) The resort is manageable for a group to stick together.
  • There is a lot to do right in the resort that will make any group happy from shows, to golf to the pool to the spa.
  • The pool is huge with plenty of space for chairs and sunbeds for a group. Our last trip, we never had a problem finding seats together. We didn’t get up at 7 a.m. either.
  • The resort is great for sports enthusiasts. Iberostar Cancun is the only resort in the area that has an 18-hole championship golf course.  They also have a FIFA regulated soccer field if you have a soccer club. Beach volleyball, pool volleyball, water polo, ping pong and tennis are all available for your group to enjoy.  There is a sports bar as well, so you don’t have to miss any of the big games, while you are away.
  • Iberostar Cancun has many dining locations that can accommodate a group. The main buffet restaurant is Antigüo Laguito. They have in-door air conditioned seating, as well as outdoor seating which can be arranged for groups.  With the buffet, there is sure to be selections to make any group happy. My personal favorite, when on a group vacation, is going to a Hibachi restaurant, where they cook at your table. Naga Hibachi Japanese Restaurant was a fun dinner and part of the highlights of our group vacation.

The resort is a really very nice resort, but it is also very affordable in general, but especially for a group vacation.  Apple Vacations offers two great options for booking groups. Click here for more details.

And make sure your group considers Iberostar Cancun for your next Apple Vacation.

 

 

 

Family Vacation in Punta Cana

Posted on by
Reply

It’s that time of year again for our annual family vacation.  I have vacationed in Punta Cana before and completely fell in love with the people and the culture in the Dominican Republic. Warm smiles friendly attitudes and a care free environment are the staples of Punta Cana and I was not going to chance losing that going elsewhere. The hardest part about planning an all-inclusive vacation with a family of 10, is choosing the right resort.  It’s a bit of a task finding a place that caters an age disparity that ranges 10 to 65 years old.

Set on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic in Punta Cana, this resort offers 13 different outdoor pools with gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea and a secluded lagoon.

With activities that range from arcades to casinos, The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was really a ‘no-brainer.’  The moment we stepped off the Apple Vacations van and set foot on the property the whole family was blown away by the aesthetics of the place. Flashy, yet controlled; spacious yet completely decorated in rock memorabilia, the Hard Rock is really a sight to behold. All the rooms are full blown suites equipped with Jacuzzis, personal balconies and stunning views. It really has a way of making you feel like a rock star. Something tells me that’s exactly what they were going for.

 

 

The Hard Rock features luxurious accommodations, fine dining at nine restaurants, seven bars, thirteen pool with four swim-up bars, casino and spa.

 

The resort also offers a magnificent state of the art Spa and an elegant full service Casino. And when you're hungry, you'll have a choice of 9 different restaurants, wireless Internet service, a sports bar, 24-hour room service and much more.

The resort is home to 9 restaurants, 3 deli/snack bars, 15 bars, 15 pools, lounges/nightclubs, arcades, a spa, a casino, and a variety of shops.  Plenty to keep a large family like mine completely entertained. There are also a plethora of excursions available through the Apple representative on site.

 

When the sun goes down, Hard Rock knows how to rock. The fun has just begun. You can go check out a rock show, or bet against lady luck at the casino. Perhaps you want to test your own rock and roll voice at the Karaoke, dance the night away at the club, or sit, relax and have a drink at one of the many lounges. The possibilities are endless and so is the fun.

 

The majestic Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana brings the Palace brand of uncompromising, all-inclusive luxury to its newest destination - one of the most beautiful beachfront locations in the Caribbean.

 

This vacation reminded me why I love Punta Cana so much and why its growing in popularity as the years pass. With great people, great food, spectacular service, beautiful scenery and incredible beaches its not hard to see why Punta Cana is becoming THE place to vacation.  Don’t overlook this destination next time you are in need of a great vacation!

Happy travels…

Turtle Release in Cancun, Mexico

Posted on by
Reply

This summer in Cancun, my family and I were able to experience something we never saw before – a turtle release!  It was so unique and one of the best parts of our trip. At dinner one night we were told about it, so we investigated and I am so glad we did!

Iberostar Cancun Turtle Release

We were told that each night giant sea turtles come on the beach to lay eggs. So around 11 pm we headed down to the beach. Sure enough along the shore line, there were several large sea turtles burrowing in the ground.  They had dug in and were flapping around in the sand.

Each of the turtles was surrounded by several scouts and students who were there to protect them. I spoke to a student named Chris who explained it was his social service project to go to the beach each night. When the turtles swim to shore they protect them.  They surround them so tourists don’t bother them and they can lay eggs. Until they have laid their eggs, they ask you not to go near the turtle, touch it or take photos.

The students then take the eggs to a “nest” they have created out of the way, where they mark the date and time.  It is a roped off area of the beach were the eggs are buried until they hatch.

 

Turtle Release Nest

 

If you are in Cancun next July and August, make sure you ask about the turtle release!

We were lucky on the night we went, turtles were coming on the beach, and eggs fromprevious turtles were hatching!  We got to hold the little baby turtles and release them back into the ocean.

It was an amazing experience and one my son will surely not forget. When it was approved, I was able to snap a few photos.  If you are in Cancun next July and August, make sure you ask about the turtle release!

 

 

Iberostar Cancun – A great choice for families!

Posted on by
Reply

 

Before my recent trip to Iberostar Cancun, I did a lot of research. I knew they had a kids club, a teen club and a kid’s pool. My son is 7, so I thought this would be perfect!  We had a great time, and these are some of the highlights for families…

Iberostar Cancun has one of the best kid’s pools of any resort that we have ever stayed at!  The center was a pirate ship with slides and waterfalls.  We spent part of the day, every day, at the kid’s pool.   My son LOVED it!

Iberostar Cancun Kid's Pool with Slide

 

Iberostar Cancun has Lucy’s kids club

Iberostar Cancun has Lucy’s kids club. If your kids need to be out of the sun for an hour or want to play with friends, make a craft or watch a movie, they could hang outat Lucy’s kids club located right next to the pool. The hours and schedule are posted daily, so make sure you check in the morning. The kids club was available each day and select evenings.

There were plenty of Cabanas.  If my son needed to get out of the sun, veg out or take an afternoon nap, while still in sight of mommy in the pool, it was easy to do.  There are a few cabanas right next to the pool.  We always had a cabana or chairs next to the pool where he could take a rest.

 

If my son needed to get out of the sun, veg out or take an afternoon nap, while still in sight of mommy in the pool, it was easy to do.

 

The staff was amazing! They really went out of the way to make us happy. The bartenders would make specialty drinks for the kids and the entertainment staff would play games and always include the kids. They really made the kids feel special.

The shows! Every night at 8 PM there was an interactive show for kids called the “kids disco”. They got on stage, sang, danced and played games. It was a lot of fun and one of the highlights of our trip.

Iberostar Cancun Nightly shows with live music.

 

My family really enjoyed our time at Iberostar Cancun and we can’t wait to go back!