Vacations Blog

Scottsdale Sunrise - photo by Dru

It’s full-tilt summertime here in Arizona, and everyone and everything – flora, fauna, and us poor mind-cooked inhabitants – are wilting… wilting. Like, envision the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz, except instead of a house crushing her, she’s crushed under the weight of the relentless summer sun. Melodramatic, perhaps, but oh so accurate.

Accurate as 116 degrees, baby. Which, coincidentally, is what tomorrow’s high is supposed to be.

But we’re coping, we’re coping. And the hotel and resort industry in Scottsdale is helping us to cope, by kindly offering some excellent summertime deals.

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Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin Resort

Visiting Walt Disney World on your Birthday could quite possibly be the most inexpensive vacation you’ve had in some time. Not only will you get the advertised free admission to one of the theme parks on your birthday, but the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is giving every guests a free night stay. Those celebrating a birthday at the resort will receive a complimentary night and birthday cake prepared by their two-time world champion pastry chef.

Any guest booking a minimum three-night stay, which includes their birthday, will receive their birthday night free. And, as an added surprise, birthday guests who dine at one of the resort’s signature restaurants during their stay will receive a complimentary cake prepared by the resort’s executive pastry chef and only two-time world pastry champion Laurent Branlard. Well, it was a surprise.  The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s signature restaurants include the celebrity chef venue Todd English’s bluezoo, the football-themed, award-winning Shula’s Steak House and the acclaimed Il Mulino New York Trattoria.

Interested guests can find more information or reserve their “Celebrate Your Birthday” package by calling 1-888-828-8850 or visiting www.swandolphin.com/offers. Guests must bring valid ID and proof of their birth date. Offer valid through Dec. 31, 2009. Based upon availability.

Read more about this and other celebrations at The Disney Blog.

Pool fun at Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin Resort

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Celebrating Christmas at Disney World – How The Happiest Place On Earth Spends The Holidays

Girdwood, Alaska, located right in the crook of Turnagain Arm, in the Chugach National Forest, south of Anchorage, is a gem surrounded by outstanding scenery. Our family of 4 stayed at the Alyeska Resort last month, and enjoyed three days of relaxing and revitalizing.

Arriving on the weekend, we checked-in quickly to our junior suite, on the 8^th floor, with a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains and forests. We splurged on the bigger room, which had two queen size beds (with the most wonderful down comforters) along with a sitting area. This extra space is important to us when traveling with our two young kids. Another bonus – each room comes with a mini-fridge, and we were able to save money by bringing in milk, cereal and yogurt for breakfast.

During the day, there was plenty to do – one morning, we took a hike on the Winner Creek Gorge Trail, did a little geocaching (great for reluctant hikers), and were chased by a moose. For lunch, we took the tram to the top of Mount Alyeska. Our tram tickets included lunch in the Daylodge café – a good deal from our perspective, $28 for adults and $13 for kids under 8 for the tram ride and lunch. Before dinner, my kids had fun at the indoor pool while my husband checked out the workout center.

Another day, we drove up to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and spent the afternoon checking out Alaskan animals in a park-like setting. On our way back to Alyeska, we stopped at Turnagain Arm to view the bore tide. Lucky for us, it was a good day to see one!

The town of Girdwood has several restaurants and services to support this resort community. We enjoyed lunch one day at Chair Five, with many different burgers, and dinner one night at the Double Musky Inn, a local favorite. When we did not feel like venturing out of the resort, we had several dining options – our favorite was Katsura Teppenyaki, which reminds me of Japanese dinner theater. Our daughter was fascinated watching our chef prepare our dinner on the grill right in front of us.

During the winter, Alyeska turns into a world-class ski resort, with visitors coming from all parts of Alaska to enjoy the slopes. Fun in summer and winter!

From guest blogger Marsha Takeda-Morrison of Sweatpantsmom

Are the triple-digit temperatures getting you down? How about immersing yourself in a vat of bubbling hot water? Believe it or not, it can be a refreshing experience, as long as you’re in a Jacuzzi at a nice spa. In other words, don’t try this at home.

Here are some spa retreats that you might want to check out for a cooling, calming break from the summer heat. Don’t forget to hydrate!

A popular destination for spa-loving Angelenos, Burke Williams is a chain so there’s probably one close to where you are. Definitely in the upscale realm of spas, they offer a standard menu of massages, facial treatments and spa facilities in lush surroundings. I’ve been to the Pasadena and Santa Monica locations, and while I got a decent massage at both, I found the experience unremarkable considering the steep price: $125 for only a 50 minute session, much more than what I’ve paid at other spas. Perhaps you’re lucky enough to have a rich friend (or husband) who will gift you with the $790 all day spa experience, titled ‘A Day Beyond’ (apparently they left out the words, ‘My Budget.’)

For a more down-to-earth experience why not try the Beverly Hot Springs, located in Koreatown. This no-frills spa boasts L.A.’s only pure-alkaline mineral water spa, and also a celebrity clientele. I tried to impress at a party once by telling them how I had seen Brooke Shields in the lobby, but was quickly trumped by someone else who had seen Madonna, naked, in the boiling-hot spring pool. Their prices are reasonable – $30 will get you the use of the hot springs and for another $60 you can have my favorite, the Body Care treatment, which consists of a 50-minute massage and skin conditioning session using milk, oil and cucumber. Besides feeling great, you come out of there smelling like a nice salad.

If you’re really feeling crazy on one of those sweltering days, why not drive for two hours to the blazing hot desert to Two Bunch Palms. Located on what was once Al Capone’s hideout in Desert Hot Springs, this resort is also a celeb favorite – Meryl Streep and Bette Midler have been known to escape to this ultra luxurious resort. Known for theier mineral springs, they also offer a full menu of spa and pampering services ranging from a standard Swedish massage (a fairly reasonable $115 for 60 minutes) to something called Watsu, which has you “cradled in the water in the amrs of your therapist” while your receive a shiatsu treatment. Sounds a little freaky to me, but whatever floats your boat, er, body.

Introduction
TangoDiva.com founder, Teresa Williamson, is frequently asked to speak at conferences around the world. She let me know of her next speaking engagement at ClubMed in Cancun from June 21 to 28, 2008 and it sounds like a great Oprah-like girls getaway. It is about transforming your life, having fun and meeting some great people. Once the event starts, she will posting about it on our blog. Here is her description of the event:

“It can take some time creating the life you want. And usually, it takes years to get on the right path, but I am involved in a conference at Club Med where the whole point is to start aligning your life with your goals and start living abundantly. They have invited a group of world-class speakers to help you transform your life. During this weeklong escapade, you will spend quality time with these speakers and participate in casual activities with this cadre of life-changing mavens. This format gives you an opportunity to interact with the speakers and guests throughout the week on a personal level. Swim, stroll, and relax with leaders in business and personal growth. Read More »

Hawaii’s spectacular natural beauty are no longer just for honeymooners. According to Babycenter’s survey, “beach” is the No. 1 family summer vacation choice (38% of 11312 responses). Hawaii welcomes kids and family with its warm and shallow waters, Hawaiian resorts incorporate natural beauty into fun kids’ program. In the coming weeks, we will pick the best kid friendly resorts or hotels in each island of Hawaii. We are not going to rank the resorts here and you can click on the points on the map and then click on the photos t0 read hotel reviews.

Interactive Map: Best Kid Friendly Resorts in Kauai, Hawaii

In the interactive map above, we can see most of the hotels are around the two best beaches in Kauai: Hanalei Bay Beach in the north and Poipu Beach in the south. Poipu Bay Golf Course has hosted the star-studded PGA Grand Slam of Golf for 13 consecutive years. While there are a few on the east part of the island which is relatively closed to the airport. Except of Hanalei Colony Resort, all other hotels have children’s pools, or keiki pools; kids under 17 (or 18) can stay with parents for free, but room services are mostly avaliable in limited hours.

Highlights for each resort (in thinking to take kids):

• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa: has a 150 feet water-slide which makes it kids’ paradise; 24 hours room services, complimentary daily continental breakfast in Regency Club, afternoon cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and upgraded room amenities; Camp Hyatt for kids 3.5 – 12 years old.
• Sheraton Kaua’i Resort: Playstations in game room, kids (under 12) eat free at Shells; access to Kiahuna Beach; Most rooms are connected to others by a lock-off, which are good for families needing multiple rooms.
• Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club: Access to Poipu Beach Par and Poipu beach, full kitchen with cookware and tableware in guest kitchen.
• Hilton Kauai Beach Resort: Complimentary scuba lesson in pool; has a sandy beach pool and water slide.
• Aloha Beach Resort Kauai : Access to Lydgate Beach Park, has restaurant where kids under 12 can eat free; Sony PlayStations in every room.
• Hanalei Colony Resort: Free maid service twice a week, fully-equipped kitchens(lack dishwashers) in guess kitchen.
• Kauai Marriott: Spectacular circle pool; Nintendo in rooms.
• Princeville Resort: 24h room services; access to Pu’u Poa Beach, keiki program for kids from 5 to 12.
• Poipu Kai Resort: access to Brennecke, Poipu Beach and Shipwreck Beach.
• Kiahuna Plantation Resort：Access to Kiahuan Beach, has a sand-lined pool.

We are researching for the best kids’ clubs and kids’ programs provided by family friendly hotels/resort on each Hawaii island. Camp Hyatt of Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa (formerly as Hyatt Regency Kauai) is one of the top picks for Kauai.

Grand Hyatt Kauai is in Poipu which is to the south of Kauai island. The hotel has beautiful grounds and was voted as “Best for Romantic” in 2006 by tripadvisor members. One of the highlight is the Anara Spa which Grand Hyatt Kauai has spent millions to expand and which will be completed sometime this year. Camp Hyatt Kauai operates from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It provides various activities to kids from 3 1/2 to 12. Full day admission is $70 (with lunch), half day without lunch is $45 and with lunch is $55. Night camp is perfect for parents who want to some quality romantic getaway, $10 per child, per hour.

It is difficult to get program reviews since the participants are kids. Here are some reviews by parents I collected in my research:

“…We had two kids ages 4 and 7 with us. They went into Camp Hyatt for one day. The price was about 75.00 per child including lunch and there were about 8-10 kids in the camp with two to three helpers. They both said it was fun. They made crafts, painted t-shirts, watched a movie, ate a nice lunch, and swam in the pool….”

“…Camp Hyatt is very-well run (same director for 16 yrs) and our kids had a good time there doing Hawaiian themed crafts and playing games…. “

Besides the camp, it is the water-park (pools) that makes the Hyatt Kauai our top choice. There are salt water lagoons and freshwater river-like pools. The upper swimming pool is for adults and the lower pool is an “action pool” with a volleyball net, waterfalls, spas, and an area for children. The connector between two pools are the undoubted kids’ favorite -a 150-foot water-slide. Activities includes drifting gently on a floating chair, taking a two-person kayak or taking snorkeling and diving lessons from experienced instructors. Be sure to explore the pools and there are surprises on the islands. What’s more, a white sandy beach, Shipwreck Public Beach, is adjacent to the resort. Note: all the water activities is no lifeguard on duty, kids must be accompanied by an adult. The water-park is open from sunrise to 8pm.

Photo courtesy of Sumomo-Chan

What about babies and toddlers? The website says the resort provides babysitting services and I have emailed to request detailed information. Will update once I get the reply.

With the camp and the pools to kids, we picked Hyatt Kauai as one of the top choices for family vacations in Kauai.

Quick Facts:

• Rooms: 603
• Restaurants: 7
• Pools: 3
• Average prices: Spacious rooms (600 sq. ft.) are $430-$910. Suites (866-2,463 sq. ft.) are $1,540-$5,140. (an early departure fee might apply.)

We’re starting to investigate family friendly beach resorts as a potential destination for the time between Christmas and New Years. On Kango, we compiled some of our ideas for family friendly resorts in California, Florida, and Hawaii.

“On Maui, the Grand Wailea Resort and Spa is a combination between a huge water park and an impressive art museum. The multi-level pool has waterfalls, caves, a rope swing and slides for kids to explore and play on. Masterpieces by Picasso and Warhol provide exciting learning opportunities for adults and kids. On Oahu, the kid-friendly beach resort called Sheraton Princess Kaiulani will make your kids feel like royalty. Programs for kids 5-12 include snorkeling, boogie boarding and star gazing. Kids even get a throw-away camera to capture all of their adventures. A great kid-friendly beach resort on The Big Island is the Hilton Waikoloa Village. A lagoon with dolphins and Disney-themed attractions ensure that your kids will never be bored, and kids can explore the island’s volcanic past and present on supervised fieldtrips.” Here’s more on Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Our last family reunion, we stayed at the Kea Lani Maui and my brother stayed at the Grand Wailea Resort , both in South Maui (Wailea area). If you are focused on kids activities, a great toddler pool with sand at the bottom, fun waterslides and a river current, I recommend the Grand Wailea. The pool area was very satisfying for our kids (and us!). The beach is also highly convenient, just right next to the toddler pool area. The pool facilities at the Kea Lani paled in comparison. However, we had a suite (the Fairmont Kea Lani is an all suites hotel) so we were able to sleep better than if we were all in one room. The downside on the Grand Wailea is the cost…we rented a poolside cabana for $150 per day! The Four Seasons Maui, located right between the Kea Lani and the Grand Wailea is extremely civilized, and provides poolside cabana and Kids Club for no extra charge, according to a friend who recently stayed there. So be sure to calculate kids’ club and cabana costs into your cost equation when you book.

Anyway, we’ll be looking at Hawaii family friendly resorts and probably Mexico family friendly resorts as well. Any advice to us? We’ll be traveling with 2 grandparents, 4 kids (6, 5, 2, 1), and 4 exhausted parents of young kids and toddlers ready for a break!