Finding a resort where both grown-ups and kids feel welcome can be tricky. Here are five that fit the bill.
1. The Sebastian, Vail, Colo.
This cozy Rocky Mountain resort offers families a year-round, home-away-from-home in a world-class destination. During the winter months, the Base Camp's ski-in, ski-out valet service makes accessing the area's legendary terrain stress free. The kids can also take part in game and movie nights and put snowman-making supplies to good use. During the summer months, the Sebastian's center-of-the-action location means opting in for hiking, biking, concert-going, festivals and shopping is a breeze. The Battle Mountain Kids Club and the Tykes Room will keep youngsters engaged while the grown-ups sample treatments from the Bloom Spa menu or burn calories in the fitness center.
Contact: thesebastianvail.com
2. Grand Wailea Resort, Maui, Hawaii
This island haven may be most famous for its beaches, but don't pass up the chance to discover all this resort has to offer. Set within 40 lush, tropical acres, you'll want to check out the expansive water wonderland via the "river." Float past curvy slides, pulsing waterfalls, caves, a water elevator, a swim-up bar, rope swing and more. Take advantage of beach cruiser bikes, yoga sessions and scuba classes. Opt in for adventure camps and discover teen and youngster hangout spots. New for adrenaline junkies is the Fishpipe, a unique water ride that simulates a mile-long water slide.
Contact: grandwailea.com
3. Ritz Carlton, Grande Lakes, Orlando
Catch a glimpse of Old Florida and the abundant wildlife that make the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades their home. Shingle Creek, just minutes from the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes, is a world away from the bustling, Italian palazzo-inspired resort. Nestle into a kayak for a leisurely two-hour paddle during which your guide will point out the resident native species and share the region's history. For contrast, spend the following days at the pool, in the 40,000-square-foot spa, on the golf course or at nearby theme parks.
Contact: ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Orlando/Recreation/Kayaking.htm
4. Curtain Bluff Resort, Antigua, West Indies
Intimate and charming yet family-friendly, this laid back, luxurious island resort has been welcoming clans to the stunning sanctuary since 1962. Guests return time and again for beautiful beaches, outstanding service and the expansive all-inclusive options that include water skiing, sailing, rafting, deep-sea fishing, paddle-boating, diving and kayaking. Kids will make a beeline to the shaded base camp, where they will learn to make chocolate and "mocktails" or sail a Hobie Cat.
Contact: curtainbluff.com
5. Caneel Bay, St. John, Virgin Islands
Once a favored getaway for Laurance Rockefeller and family, this 170-acre island paradise is tucked within the Virgin Islands National Park, a protection made possible by Rockefeller's land donation to the government in 1956. Today, family travelers can hike park trails and swim, snorkel, dive, kayak and sail in the pristine waters of the resort's bays and inlets. Youngsters head to Turtle Town for a learning-based kids club experience while parents opt for tennis, relaxation on one of seven beaches or a massage in an open-air cabana. Club Calabash offers teens and tweens their own refuge.
Contact: caneelbay.com
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(Lynn O'Rourke Hayes is the editor of FamilyTravel.com
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