Beach Resorts - Pitstops for Kids

The ultimate family road trip through Spain: coast, city, and country

August 10, 2021 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Guest post written by Katie Belle.

Road trips and relaxation may seem like an oxymoron when travelling with kids. But, in fact, our two were so caught up with the sense of adventure, there wasn’t even one cry of ‘Are we nearly there yet?’. From the arid hills of Andalusia to the ultra-safe waters of La Manga, and vibrant Valencia to the mild green province of Girona, our brood covered just over 1200km. But not once did the journey seem laborious. Here’s a road map of our itinerary, easily duplicated!

Day 1-2: Andalusia

Malaga is the perfect starting point for a Spanish road trip as the airport offers plenty of international connections and has a range of car rental companies on site. All the hot spots of the Costa del Sol are within easy striking distance.

We head off for a little r and r in the rolling Andalusian hills. The villages of the Axarquia region are without doubt some of the most picturesque in all of Spain and our first stop is a sugarcube-esque villa just outside Comares. Our little ones are happy splashing about in the pool, which overlooks mile upon mile of orange groves and farmland. But, we do venture out to drive further up the Montes de Málaga foothills until we reach Comares itself.

Sitting atop a cliff some 725 metres above sea level, it’s not for those with a fear of heights. But the views are nothing short of spectacular, stretching down to Lake Vinuela and beyond. We hire donkeys for the children and follow the walking route of ceramic footprints which guide you around the narrow village streets.

But, no visit to the Costa del Sol would be complete without sampling some of this region’s bustling beachlife, so we’re soon back on the open road, heading down to the Mediterranean coastline to Nerja. It’s often referred to as the jewel of the Costa del Sol, and we can see why. The promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants, with musicians and mime artists keeping families, taking early evening strolls, entertained.

Day 3: La Manga

From Nerja, it’s a straightforward journey along the A7, which skirts the coastline, to our next destination, La Manga. After a week with only parental company, our kids are longing for other children to play with, so this is the perfect stop-off.

With a myriad of swimming pools to choose from, we opt for the complex at Los Molinos (the windmill), where the toddler pool is safe enough for our little boy and the bigger pool is challenging enough for our elder daughter. There are restaurants a plenty in the resort, but our favourite is the tapas bar in Bellaluz Square, where our daughter discovers a penchant for Spanish meatballs.

My last night is spent horse riding with my daughter on a trek from the on-site stables at La Manga through fields and down to the beach. We can’t ride on the beach in the summer season, but you can in winter so we’re determined to come back. We meet up with my other half and our youngest for a meal at La Canela, in a laid-back setting next to the riding centre. As dusk fell, the candles were lit and our prawns with garlic sauce, accompanied by a chilled bottle of white wine arrived. The children were able to run around beside the stables in safety. It truly was a magical evening.

Day 4: Valencia

Our shortest visit during our road trip to Spain was to Valencia, Spain’s third largest city. But, while it was short, it was certainly sweet, with impressive family friendly attractions. The Bioparc Valencia is the best zoo any of us have ever visited, with enclosures which faithfully recreate African habitats but allow visitors to get as close as can be to the animals. We walk within touching distance of the Madagascan lemurs – although there is a park warden there to make sure you don’t – before lunching in full view of the zoo’s resident giraffes.

The city’s Aquarium, the L’Oceanográfic, is no less impressive – on a par only with Cape Town’s Two Oceans. The biggest aquarium in Europe, it is home to 500 species from the world’s main marine ecosystems, with a dolphinarium containing a staggering 24 million litres of water.

Day 5: Girona

From city to country, our road trip is almost at an end, as we’re dropping our hire car off in Girona airport. But we’ve just time to squeeze in a few days at one of the country retreats surrounding Girona’s centre. With a grown-up vibe, there’s also a playground and mini-farm to keep our little ones happy. And, we can think of no better end to our journey as we enjoy Catalan specialities overlooking the swimming pool and the farmland beyond as the sun sets on our Spanish road trip.

Image credit: Bart & Co and elyob

Guest author Katie, a food and travel blogger from the UK, took her family on a road trip through Spain last year and is currently planning this year’s adventure. You can connect with her on twitter @delightsomeblog.

Baja vacation: Cerritos Beach review

April 2, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

During the current Covid environment, face masking and social distancing is necessary everywhere in the world. When traveling to Mexico in spring 2021, testing is required within 72 hours of returning to the U.S. Read on for testing options in Baja.

Located approximately one hour north of Cabo San Lucas on the Baja peninsula of Mexico, Cerritos Beach is a laidback surf town perfect for a relaxed, socially-distant Baja vacation. Our Cerritos Beach review includes where to stay, where to eat, and what to do.

Cerritos Beach review:

Cerritos Beach is right of Highway 19 north of busy Cabo, down a dirt road. Yep, you’ll go from the highway immediately to dirt. No worries…this is Baja. Within this small surf community, you’ll find amazing food, great bars with low prices, and plenty of vacation rentals, Airbnbs, and studio rooms to rent. The beach is casual and fun, with amenities such as surf lessons, surfboard and boogie board rentals, and beachfront food. While sitting at the beach, you can order guacamole made-to-order, fresh cerviche, cold beers, and even a massage…all for roughly half what you’d spend on a beach in the States.

Where to stay:

We found this ideal AirBnb at Puesta del Sol, in the Sunrise complex on Cerritos Beach. I highly recommend it; it was only a five-minute walk to the beach, came with two surfboards, three beach umbrellas, three beach chairs, several coolers, plenty of beach towels, and a wagon to pull them all in. Directly downstairs from our two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with rooftop lounging space and BBQ was a pool and bar (with lunch and dinner), and within a two minute walk were two other restaurants. We had everything we needed (once we’d made a stop at a grocery store between the Cabo airport and Cerritos).

There are plenty of other vacation rentals in the immediate area. We also recommend Barefoot Luxury Seaside Cerritos and the smaller huts right on the beach (check Airbnb).

Where to eat:

Where NOT to eat?? You can’t go wrong, honestly. The number one recommendation that we wholeheartedly endorse: definitely try Barracuda’s, located right next door to Puesta del Sol, directly up the dirt road from the beach. They have the best $2 tacos ever, plus wonderful margaritas and ‘surfers burritos’ big enough for two meals. The ambiance is wonderful too: all open-air in a garden-like setting.

Freesouls Cerritos Beach is also within a two-minute walk, featuring pizzas with ocean views and a pool to dip into while waiting for your food. Ditto for Riptide Bar and Grill, up the hill by the historic Hacienda (which you can usually tour, but was closed to the public at the time of our visit). And directly below our rooms at Sunrise, the Casa Maya had the hands-down best sushi and sushimi we’ve had in a very long time.

Cerritos Beach review: where to eat in Cerritos Beach Mexico

You can get cold beer and fresh cocktails at all of these locations, plus virgin drinks for the kids, and ice cream on the beach.

What to do in Cerritos Beach:

You’ll probably want to simply chill by the beach, pool, or on your personal rooftop in a hammock, but when you’re ready, there’s plenty to do. Surf lessons are about $50 for 1.5 hours, or you can get a massage on the beach for $40/hour. You can swim, surf, or boogie board (but remember that this is a surf beach, so waves can be sizable at times).

The town of Todos Santos is about 15 minutes north, offering fun shopping and more dining, and you can take just about any public dirt road toward the coastline and find more pristine beaches. From December to March, turtles are released on the beach in Todos Santos nightly; after mid-March, the releases are only every few days.

While Covid testing is required to re-enter the United States, Mexico offeres several testing options. The most affordable we found was to drive the short distance to Todos Santos where we received rapid tests at St. Jude’s for $50 U.S. each.

Cerritos Beach review: What to do in Cerritos Beach Mexico

You can drive the hour across the peninsula to La Paz to see the other coastline, but we were content to stay in Cerritos and Todos Santos, enjoying the sun, surf, and sand.

Have you been to Cerritos Beach? What are your recommendations?

Budget-friendly Spring Break destinations you haven’t thought of

March 15, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Planning a Spring Break vacation? With only a week or so off school, it can be hard to find a vacation that’s both easy to plan and easy on the wallet. Below, we have over a dozen ideas throughout the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for budget-friendly Spring Break destinations.

Desert destinations:

An easy way to enjoy a warm-weather vacation while saving money is to head to the desert instead of to the beach. Bonus points if you can easily drive to any of these California and Southwest locations:

Borrego Springs:

Never heard of it? I’m not surprised! This oasis in Southern California is generally off the radar, but a great fit for active families. Head to the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort, a boutique clamping resort where families can stay in vintage Airstreams and hike trails location less than two miles from the resort. February, March, and April is the time to come to see wildflowers, and always, the night sky displays brilliant views.

Death Valley National Park:

Located an easy drive from Las Vegas, NV, Death Valley is our top pick for outdoorsy families looking for a warm-weather destination. Camp in the park to save money, or stay at Furnace Creek Resort. Our kids love the wide open grassy spaces, the tennis and basketball courts, and the spring-fed pool. In the park, multiple hikes await: go in the mornings and evenings and spend the middle of the day swimming!

Scottsdale, Arizona:

Family travel website Global Munchkins recommends Scottsdale for spring break…even if you’re not a baseball fan. For a splurge, stay at the Westin Kierland Resort and get a full water park for the price of your stay. Be sure to take kids to the fun shops and dining options in downtown Scottsdale, and visit Phoenix, and sure, spring training, while you’re in the area!

Tip: Pick up youth baseball equipment to ‘get in the game’ before a trip to watch spring training!

On the way to… destinations:

Let’s get real: sometimes, you’re spring break trip is really just a stopover en route to Grandma’s house, a sporting event, or a longer vacation. We’ve compiled the best ‘on the way to…’ locations from top bloggers.

Bowling Green KY:

Often a stopover on the way to Florida or other southern locales, Bowling Green, Kentucky is right on I-65 and is home to an astounding 21 cave tours in the immediate area. Road Trips for Families highlights the best, along with dining and lodging recommendations in the city. If nothing else, be sure to see Mammoth Cave National Park, and perhaps stop at an area museum. You can even at at a dairy and see a car museum on the same day!

West Georgia:

Already vacationing (or living) in Atlanta or St. Simon’s Island? Field Trips with Sue has a full itinerary of West Georgia for an affordable spring break getaway. Highlights include Providence Canyon, Gaines (complete with frontier fort) and the Warm Springs pools. This type of tour offers kids a lesson in history and ecology without them realizing they’re learning…away from school.

French Lick Springs:

For those in the middle of the country, AdventureMom suggests taking a chance on scenic French Lick Springs Resort, Indiana. This resort is known for its stunning architecture, but it also offers activities year round (not just in the summer months). Families can have kids join the kids club, play foot golf, learn about the history of the hotel, and swim in the pools year round. Oh, and parents can get a spa treatment.

Beach destinations:

Want to be warm and feel sand between your toes? You can still book a beach vacation at spring break affordably! Here’s where to go:

St. John, USVI:

Going to the Caribbean for spring break may not seem like a new idea, but St. John is an unique location you may not have considered. Trekaroo recommends spending your Virgin Islands vacation on St. John because of its low-key, quiet atmosphere, and the many outdoor activities afforded. Virgin Islands National Park is here, complete with multiple hiking trails and beaches, and snorkeling is abundant. Stay in a vacation home to save money!

Ventura, CA:

Just an hour north of Los Angeles, Ventura County West is an easy-to-reach section of the California coastline. Families get both seaside charm and inland adventure. Don’t miss the whale migration at this time of year, taking place through mid-April. When we visited, we used Island Packers; rates start at $37 for adults and $27 for kids. Time your visit right, and you may also see the Celebration of the Whales Festival (March 20, Oxnard) or the California Strawberry Festival (May 21 & 22, Oxnard). Either way, definitely head out to the Channel Islands!

Zihuatanejo, Mexico:

I’d never heard of Zihuatanejo until it was recommended by Pint-Sized Pilot: see the top 10 things to do in this Mexican beach destination! This authentic, non-touristy resort village is quiet, scenic, and affordable with local eats. Visit Zihuatanejo markets, enjoy its festivals, and play in its beaches. It’s located on the Pacific side of Mexico, by Ixtapa.

Loreto, Mexico:

Located on the gulf side of Baja California, Loreto is a great pick for families who want to find an alternative to the all-inclusive resort scene. Walking On Travels recommends finding accommodations in town in her Loreto travel guide, to take advantage of local dining opportunities and the town vibe. Snorkeling, whale watching, and swimming is not far away!

Ski destinations:

Haven’t gotten enough ski days in yet? I’m with you! Some of our favorite spring break ski destinations are smaller, hometown resorts that won’t break the bank.

June Mountain:

Located adjacent to Mammoth Mountain in Northern California, smaller June Mountain offers affordable lift tickets and lessons amid the most scenic runs out there. In the backyard of Yosemite National Park, June also has a very friendly atmosphere…the lodge is cozy and warm, the instructors cheerful and not rushed, and the lift lines are usually nonexistent. Stay near Mammoth to get the best of both worlds!

Angel Fire:

Heading to New Mexico this spring break for some warm sunshine and some skiing? Get both by combining a trip to Santa Fe with a stay at Angel Fire. Trekaroo recommends this ski resort because of its great amenities for families at The Lodge and the ability to night ski here (a big plus for teens). For spring breaks without much snow, there’s a wide variety of summer activities at Angel Fire as well.

City destinations:

We love city vacations, and during spring break, we like to head somewhere that’s less likely to have frigid temperatures and snowstorms. These outside-the-box ideas fit the bill!

Seattle, WA:

Blog With 2 Kids in Tow recommends Seattle and neighboring Bainbridge Island as a temperate getaway with both an city and outdoor-venture vibe. Kids love taking the ferry, checking out the city markets, and burning energy in the excellent city parks. If the weather turns rainy, as it does in this part of the state often, several high-quality kids museums and science museums await.

Tallahassee, Florida:

Don’t overlook Tallahassee for family fun in a warm-weather environment. Family Travels on a Budget recommends this nature-studded city for its zip-lining, kayaking, and hiking. Wakulla Springs State Park offers river boat tours, and in the winter and early spring, it’s possible to spot manatees as they migrate up the river. Horseback riding and lighthouse tours are also on offer for families.

Bonus spring break pick:

The Burren, Ireland:

Ireland Family Vacations, the expert on all things families and Ireland, recommends this unique part of Ireland specifically during the spring. During this low-tourist season, families can spot baby animals in nature sanctuaries, go on cliff walks, and try kid-friendly foodie tours. Learn more at Ireland Family Vacations!

Want even MORE ideas? Here are an additional 18 spring break destinations!

Pin this post!

Photo credit | Photo credit

Give your Kids Adventure on a Riviera Maya Vacation

December 20, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

There are amazing places to go to for a family beach vacation, but few can match the Riviera Maya. Situated on the coast of Mexico, Riviera Maya offers you and other adults a chance to relax and unwind, and children an opportunity to explore, learn, play, and simply be kids.

Riviera Maya offers a range of excellent family accommodation options, especially in Tulum. The Tulum all-inclusive options, in particular, are great, especially because they offer so many options for having fun with kids.

The resorts organize a lot of tours and activities, so you can enjoy the area while you discover the Riviera Maya culture, the marvelous natural paradise of Tulum or have fun practicing sports! There are so many options for what to do in Tulum that you will never get bored!

Now that you’ve decided that you are going to Tulum in the Riviera Maya, what exactly is there to do?

Water Sports

Thanks to its coastal location, many of the better resorts have their own exclusive pools and beach. This gives you the perfect opportunity to participate in snorkeling, or stand up paddling or kayaking.

Exploring Mayan Ruins

Tulum is home to some of the most breathtaking Mayan ruins on the planet. This is a great way for children to learn about the Mayan civilization and be awestruck at what they see. Kids learn when they are having fun. Here are two you and your family should not miss:

Chichén Itzá– Chichén Itzá is one of the seven wonders of the world and was once a vibrant Mayan city. In the center, a huge pyramid dominates the region, and at certain times of the year, the sun creates an illusion that snakes are running up and down the steps.
Cobá– Forty-five minutes into the jungle and you will discover the remains of Cobá, a once-thriving Mayan city. The pyramid in the center is the main attraction with excavated roads linking the structure to other parts of the city. The visitor center helps to add context and is an excellent way for kids and adults to learn about the Mayans.

A Day or Days at the Beach

With the better resorts having their own exclusive beach, it makes sense to have a day or three relaxing and having fun. Kids love beaches as they can dig in the sand, go for a swim, and generally let off steam. You can have quality time with your kids and enjoy the sunshine soaking up rays and reconnecting with the world.

If you want to venture out of your resort, you’ll find Tulum beaches to suit all tastes. Given how great many resort beaches are, you’ll probably find you’ll make use to the one you can walk too.

A Grand Night Out

Resorts offer plenty of options for what to do if you want have fun, especially in the desirable location of the Riviera Maya. You can enjoy great food, karaoke, theme nights, and all kinds of entertainment.

If you are more sporty, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to participate in tennis, soccer, basketball, or enjoy a relaxing spa or workout in the gym.

The Riviera Maya offers you and your family the perfect vacation and staying in one of the great resorts makes it even better.

Kimpton Surfcomber review: Where to stay on South Beach with kids

April 1, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

South Beach Miami may not be the most kid-friendly destination, but as Miami’s a major cruise port, families will find themselves navigating Miami Beach with kids in tow. When we realized our red-eye flight from San Francisco to Miami would land us in the city at 6 am, a full 10 hours before standard hotel check in, I knew exactly where I wanted to stay: at a Kimpton property. I knew a Kimpton would provide the level of customer service I needed when I arrived at dawn with tired kids: ample on-site relaxation we could take advantage of before check-in, as well as a friendly staff who would do all they could to get us in our room early.

Kimpton Surfcomber was perfect. Located in the heart of South Beach, directly on the sand, Surfcomber has three sections of outdoor entertainment: 1. their pool area, which has a beautiful art deco pool and plenty of lounge chairs, with a dedicated pool staff, 2. their ‘backyard’, which is a palm-tree shaded, grassy and sandy area behind the pool with outdoor sofas, Adirondack chairs, ping-pong, and the High Tide Bar, and 3. the beach, with yet another dedicated staff on premises to set your family up with lounge chairs, towels, sunscreen, shade, and water. In addition to these three main areas, Surfcomber has the following perks:

evening complimentary wine hour for parents
morning coffee and tea service in the lobby, and afternoon ‘Arnold Palmer’ service (tea and lemonade mix)
complimentary cruiser bike use (adult sizes)
two on-site dining options: High Tide and The Social Club
exercise room (and beach boardwalk adjacent for running, biking, or walking)
bell service and easy access to South Beach locations
on-site spa services and cabanas
as always, free WiFi and honor bar credit for Kimpton Karma members

We spent our long day pre-check-in at the beach, where we were able to use the beach butler service even though we didn’t have a room number yet, and took the bikes for a spin to check out the local scene (with teens, the adult sized bikes worked well). We ate a late breakfast at The Social Club, and took a swim in the pool, all while desk services held our luggage.

I asked for an early check-in if possible, and was notified around 2 pm that my room was ready. We spent the late afternoon relaxing in the room, then took a second swim at the beach before hitting South Beach for dinner. Note: the only downside to Surfcomber’s location: South Beach is an expensive place to eat…we were hard pressed to find any truly affordable options. Breakfast at the Social Club was absolutely delicious, but well over $50 for three of us, and adult beverages at High Tide were $14 each. We did find a breakfast counter option at the Walgreens one block away (odd, I know!) but expect to pay at least $15-20 per person for dinner and lunch in the South Beach area, at a bare minimum.

Subscribe to our Pit Stops for Kids seasonal newsletter, and get an exclusive travel ‘cheat sheet’. Click here!

The beach along this section of South Beach is calm and still in the mornings, with more waves and current in the late afternoons, and there’s plenty of sand to play in as well. We tended to roam between the pool and the beach. Our room was tastefully decorated and unique, as Kimptons tend to be, but also small, which Kimptons also tend to be. I loved the generous size of the property, however, and how relaxed, artistic, and spacious everything felt outdoors. The overall vibe is very chill and cool, without being snooty. We didn’t see many young kids here, but the adult party scene was elsewhere too, which I appreciated. It got a little loud at times on a Saturday night, but nothing we couldn’t deal with.

Room rates:

We paid around $250 for our standard room with two queen beds, and with all the on-site amenities, I felt I got a good value. The Loews and Ritz Carlton practically next door ask twice as much or more, and I don’t see much addition to the amenities (I could see their pools and beaches alongside ours). And you can’t beat the style of a Kimpton!

Directions:

The Surfcomber is located at 1717 Collins Avenue, South Beach. We paid a $35 flat rate for a taxi from MIA. We were in walking distance of restaurants and beaches and 15 minutes from the cruise port.

Washington with kids: Semiahmoo Resort review

March 28, 2019 By Sharlene Earnshaw

If you’ve ever wondered what the far Northwest corner of the continental US looks like, you should visit Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, Washington. This quintessential Pacific Northwest coastal resort is located on a spit almost completely surrounded by the Puget Sound within eyeshot of the US/Canadian border.

Its location on the water and the property amenities made for a memorable long weekend getaway for our family of six. The beach and outdoor yard games alone entertained and delighted our kiddos and provided amazing coastal views for us to enjoy while supervising their play.

Semiahmoo Resort accommodations:

Semiahmoo underwent a full remodel in 2016, upgrading all the rooms, dining facilities, meeting spaces grounds, spa, lobby and added the beach activity center. This remodel resulted in a destination hotel with a casually elegant Northwest style with a large fireplace and lots of windows facing the water (and complimentary apple cider in the lobby which was well received by our crowd). Most guest rooms are a traditional King or double queen configuration. Our room was spacious enough to have two double beds, a rollaway bed and a small sitting area by the view window facing the water. Our room also had a small mini refrigerator making in-room kid meals possible. Unknown to us prior to our visit, Semiahmoo is dog-friendly, welcoming family members of all shapes and sizes. All of the first floor rooms have exterior doors and open right onto the lawn and beach making traveling with a dog or toddler that much easier.

Included resort amenities:

Traveling with kids takes a mental, physical and emotional toll on parents, as all of you reading this article assuredly know. When our family arrives on a property for a holiday, we have no desire to pack everyone back into the car to travel to yet another location (plus we still have a little one in a 5 point harness). We want to settle in and enjoy all the amenities on property, and if those amenities are included for a modest $20 resort fee per day, I’m even more on board. From our experience, Semiahmoo offered the widest variety of included family-friendly amenities of the resorts we’ve recently visited.

Semiahmoo Resort spa and health club:

As a guest of the resort, we were given access to their spa and health club which included a heated indoor/outdoor pool (my kids are still talking about this feature); deluxe locker rooms with a sauna and steam room; reservable gym time to play pickleball, tennis or basketball (equipment included); health club classes and expansive fitness equipment. Our family reserved the pickleball court for an hour exposing our kids to this Northwest favorite sport for the first time. We also reserved the on-site golf simulator, for an additional $20 per hour. If time allowed between our beach and pool visits, I would have liked to take in a complimentary yoga class in the health club or indulged upon some extra time in the sauna and deluxe showers. Those luxuries had to wait until our next visit. All to say, the spa and health club facilities offer activities and relaxation for all members of the family.

Seaview Library and games:

The Seaview Library, positioned right off the lobby with expansive coastal views, offers dedicated gaming space with easy access to board games for all ages. On Saturdays during the high season, the resort offers supervised kid activities (ages 5 – 12) for a small fee. Activities are weekly tailored to the interest and ages of the kids who participate. Around the grounds, there are numerous large yard games, horseshoes, a sand volleyball court and a large chest of other lawn game equipment easily accessible to resort guests.

Discovery Theater:

An on-site movie theatre was new to us, for which we greatly enjoyed. The Discovery theatre, which originally was likely a lecture hall, has been converted into a 50 seat movie theatre for resort guests to enjoy daily movies on the 156’ HD projector “big screen.” Guests can pick a movie from an expansive selection at the front desk and reserve the space for their own viewing pleasure or guests can slip in and join another family already watching a movie. The atmosphere was relaxed, ideal for families. You can bring your own snacks, eat and drink in the theatre and come in your pajamas. This is the way we wish our family could experience all movies on the big screen.

Activity Center:

Included in the resort fee, guests get the first hour of bike, kayak and paddle board rentals. The Activity Center has a wide variety of bike and kayak offerings, sizes and safety equipment suitable for all ages and abilities. Rentals are available 7 am – 8 pm daily. We found this offering generous and ultra fun.

Bonfire and s’mores:

Weather permitting the resort offers nightly bonfires and free smores at dusk. A storm was supposed to move in while we were on property, which we worried would also infringe upon our ability to view the blood moon eclipse also scheduled during our visit. Lucky for us the storm never matriculated and the skies cleared so we were able to enjoy the beach bonfire, smores and the blood moon eclipse – an experience we won’t soon forget.

Beach and surrounding nature:

There is literally hours of entertainment right outside the resort doors. Our kids could spend days rock collecting, sea creature hunting, beach combing, and fort building. The driftwood and ample collection of rocks make for hours of entertainment. As a parent, I was also able to safely view the kids from the warmth and comfort of my hotel room. The view sitting on a log gazing at the sea and mountains vistas weren’t too bad either. On Saturdays, the resort offers local expert, staff guided bird watching tours at 2 pm. During the summer months, resort guests for $5 round trip can board the historic Plover Ferry from the nearby marina and sail across into the town of Blaine. Plover Ferry is the oldest running foot ferry running in Washington state. Strollers, bikes and well-behaved dogs are also welcome on the boat.

On-Property dining:

Packer’s Restaurant & Bar:

The Packers Restaurant & Bar offers Northwest cuisine with amazing water views with friendly and attentive staff eager to serve kids and families. The atmosphere is a nice blend of casual dining accommodating of kids, yet elegant for us as parents to feel as though we are experiencing a night out. The kid menu offered options for many pallets and the portions were generous, allowing for our little one to enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day. There were nightly menu specials and a full bar to satisfy the parental “big kids.” In addition, Packers offers an expansive Sunday brunch buffet which satisfied all appetites and stomach sizes. Due to our busy evening schedule, one night we also ordered take-out pizza and salad from Packers. Walking through the resort halls in my slippers to grab a ready and warm dinner was a nice holiday luxury.

Since the rooms also had a small refrigerator and there is a microwave near the lobby, we also brought along a few kid-friendly meals and snacks that we could eat in our room or outside for a picnic. Semiahmoo also has the Seaview Breakfast Cafe for the parents who need espresso and an assortment of quick food options. Complimentary shuttle service is also offered to the Great Blue Heron Grill at the Semiahmoo Golf and County Club up the hill from the waterfront resort.

Being from the Pacific Northwest, I’ve heard many of friends talk about Semiahmoo Resort. This was our family’s first visit. Now that we’ve seen the beauty, experienced the ease of travel and enjoyed the affordable on-property adventures, I now know why other local and out of area families travel to Semiahmoo Resort and know our family will soon return. Our son, in fact, has already asked multiple times, on multiple occasions to go back.

Disclosure: We experienced Semiahmoo Resort as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Rustic Elegance on the Coast at the Iron Springs Resort

February 28, 2019 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Located on the rugged Olympic Peninsula in Washington about 3 hours southwest of Seattle, the Iron Springs Resort is a luxurious but rustic resort that is a perfect way for families to experience true Pacific Northwest elements in total comfort. Many families who stay here find themselves repeat visitors and it is easy to see how vacationing here could become a family tradition.

About the Resort:

There are 25 different cabins options, with some that can be combined to sleep up to 20 people and each cabin boasts wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, chairs made from vintage Pendleton blankets and spectacular ocean views. We stayed in Cabin 12 and had ample room for a family of four and we probably could have fit another family comfortably with us for our stay. The kitchen was well-stocked with utensils and it was easy to make all of our meals. A guidebook in the room told us about the area, listed the movies and games available at the General Store and gave us a history of the resort; this thoughtful handbook was a great resource and helped us feel connected to the area. We also checked out Cabin 15 and it had spectacular views. The woodbin outside the cabin is stocked daily with a fresh supply to burn so we could have a fire burning all day long if we wanted to. It was so relaxing to read while the kids played games on a table in front of a roaring fire.

The Best Time to Visit:

Although the summer offers warm weather and more chance of sun, October begins clamming season. The timing depends on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife but there are usually guided clam digs available throughout the fall season for families who want to learn how to clam. Storms also sound pretty spectacular to watch from the resort-apparently the waves crash quite close to the cabins. We experienced some heavy rain when we visited but still felt warm and comfortable by the crackling fire indoors.

What to Bring:

We packed all our food for a two-nights’ stay. Easy meals for a trip like this are tacos or burritos, pasta and sauce, hot dogs and salad, and breakfast items like eggs and toast and oatmeal. I forgot cheese for our burritos but was able to get some from the General Store which was stocked with many food and beverage items. You can also buy the resort’s famous cinnamon buns to make in your cabin-we tried them and they were delicious and the aroma from them baking in our oven made the whole place smell heavenly! There was a charcoal grill on our deck if we wanted to barbecue but we ended up roasting our hot dogs and s’mores over the fire. We were thankful we packed waterproof pants, rain jackets, rubber boots and sand toys. There is a big creek near the resort that feeds into the ocean and the kids loved splashing in the water in their boots, building sand castles and making dams for hours. The waterproof clothing helped keep us all dry and the sand toys kept the kids entertained. Having a 4×4 vehicle is also fun here because you can drive on the beach here too! Ask at the General Store where the access is, but it’s about a mile up the road. If you have a dog they are incredibly welcome at this resort too!

About the area:

We thought we might drive to nearby Ocean Shores or Seabrook where there are cafes, stores and restaurants but we were totally content just hanging out at the resort-maybe if we were there for a longer stay. The only place we ventured to was the Resort’s hike that starts just across the street from the entrance and brought us on a 30-minute jaunt through the woods where we marveled at all the giant trees.

Iron Springs is an amazing relaxing family getaway and we are already talking about coming back with my sister and her family next year. There is a “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” Special on through October 2016 and cabins average around $219 a night for a family of 4.

About the author: Terumi Pong lives in Seattle with her husband and twin boys. She writes about her daily life which consists of bakeries, coffee, shopping and trying to keep up with her family on crazy adventures at An Emerald City Life www.anemeraldcitylife.com.

Our contributor was a guest of Iron Springs Resort, for the purpose of review.

Mendocino Coast: Little River Inn review

January 31, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

The Mendocino coastal area offers stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, quaint, unpretentious towns, and outdoor exploration galore! It’s a great region in which to base your California northern coastal road trip, and a stay at Little River Inn is a must!

Tip: We tacked a trip to the Mendocino coast onto our Grown-Up Getaway to Sonoma, and the two destinations paired beautifully, but kids love the Mendocino coast as well!

Little River Inn review:

This multi-generational family business lies right on the coast at Little River, just minutes from Mendocino. Families have their pick between seaside luxury accommodations, oceanview rooms, oceanview fireplace rooms, and Victorian gables. Our oceanview fireplace room was spacious, and boasted a wood-burning fireplace, which we really loved. We also loved the value: check for current pricing on the official website, but off-season deals abound at the Little River Inn. The large patio was semi-private and featured several chairs from which to view the ocean, which is directly across Highway 1. From our room, we could even spot seals on the beach at Little River.

Yes, other area hotels probably have sea views as well, but what sets Little River Inn apart is the spacious grounds with so much to do. There’s a golf course on-site, which dips into the woods behind the hotel, as well as a putting green and tennis courts. The small but welcoming spa sits next to the golf clubhouse and pro shop, and offers a full array of services, as well as beauty services. We loved that this option existed, especially during the winter months when the weather might keep you inside.

And if it does, no worries: our room had cozy arm chairs situated by the large windows overlooking the ocean, where we settled down with books. Ole’s Whale Watch Bar is a local favorite, it seems, with a friendly staff and a deep wine list. We loved their signature cocktails, too. Families could order off a bar menu in Ole’s for casual dining, or head into nearby Mendocino for a variety of diners and cafes. Since we were visiting Little River Inn without the kids, we opted to make a reservation in the inn’s dining room, where we enjoyed a stand-out meal. Try the award-winning crab cakes! Dessert was fantastic, too.

Outdoor exploration:

We recommend booking at least a two-night stay at Little River Inn (mostly because we didn’t want to leave when it was time to go!). In the immediate area, there’s lots to do outdoors if the weather is cooperating. The best beaches can be found at Van Damme State Beach (just about one minute away), or Caspar Beach, on the Point Cabrillo Drive off Highway 1.

We went hiking at Van Damme’s Pygmy Forest (ask at the park ranger station at the entrance to the park for directions, as its in a different location, and free to enter), and we wished we’d had time to explore The Fairy Trail inside the Botanical Gardens at Fort Bragg. Jug Handle State Preserve also has hiking, including an ecological science hike for older kids.

Order breakfasts directly to your room each morning to get an early start on your day, or visit the Little River Inn dining room. Their specialty is the Ole’s Swedish pancakes, but I also loved the eggs benedict. There’s a small market and gas station across the street as well. Pets are welcome at Little River Inn for a $25/night fee, and parking on-site is free, as is WiFi.

From Little River, head up the coast past Mendocino to explore Eureka and the redwoods, or cut back to Highway 101 and back toward the Sonoma area if your trip takes you that way!

Disclosure: We were guests of the Little River Inn for the purpose of review. All opinion remains our own.

Luxury stay in Crete: Marriott Luxury Collection Blue Palace

November 1, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

The Blue Palace, a Marriott Luxury Collection resort, is located on the north side of the island of Crete, Greece, at Elounda, about one hour’s drive from the Heraklion airport. This side of the island is without doubt the more touristy side, but for good reason: its beaches are beautiful, the small towns hugging the coastline are inviting and welcoming, and the Blue Palace shines like a collection of polished stones overlooking the Mediterranean.

Comprised of bungalows, suites and villas, every room seems to have a stunning ocean view at the Blue Palace, thanks to its unique design, with rooms stacked in several floors tucked into the hillside, almost as though they have burrowed cozily into the earth. Because of this configuration, the main lobby area is at level three, with a large outdoor pool, patio space, and dining on that level. Additional dining is on level four (this is the place for your morning breakfast buffet), with more options throughout the resort, right down to the beach level. There are no fewer than seven restaurants and bars, in total. I recommend The Blue Door, which replicates a traditional Greek taverna, located right near the beach, with indoor and outdoor seating. Order an assortment of shared plates, like we did, with wine for the table, or opt for seafood dishes here.

Upstairs, the Arsenali Lounge Bar is another good place to gather in the evenings, with tables overlooking the pools and ocean as well as inviting indoor bungalow nooks with couches and lantern light.

My ‘standard’ king villa was anything but, with a large patio overlooking the sea (with comfortable furniture) and spacious main room. The en-suite bathroom had both a tub and a shower, with a frosted glass door that slid to offer privacy in the toilet area as well. Instant coffee and tea service was available, which surprised me, really…what about a Nespresso machine, perhaps? There is a stocked mini-bar, as well as an extensive room service menu with generous hours. Any time day or night, you can find food here.

On the grounds, there are tennis courts, a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, a kids’ club, a game area with outdoor ping-pong and the like, and a full fitness center with ongoing group classes, yoga sessions and private training offered. The full spa is located nearby, with 23 treatment rooms, each featuring soothing water sounds and diffused calming lighting. The Blue Palace spa utilizes therapeutic Thalassotherapy with their spa services.

When to go to the Blue Palace:

The off-season is more affordable than one might think for such luxury, with some rooms for as little as approximately 250 EU per night. Go in early fall, while the ocean water is still warm and the air temperatures remain around 70-80 degrees F. If you go in peak summer, you can expect to pay more and to endure hotter weather, but without doubt, you’ll be comfortable at the Blue Palace. The full breakfast buffet (valued at around 40 EU per person) does come included in some room rates, so be sure to ask about this possibility when booking.

What not to miss on Crete:

Be sure to schedule at least two full days simply to enjoy this resort, perhaps checking out the spa and kids’ club or just enjoying the beach and pools. Then, take a day to explore the archeological antiquities of Knossos, about an hour away, and the small towns along the northern coastline.

Portugal with kids: Martinhal Cascais review

May 16, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re visiting Portugal with kids, you’ll certainly be spending multiple days in Lisbon. Read our tips for Lisbon here. When you need a reprieve from city touring, head to the nearby seaside town of Cascais, where Martinhal Cascais is a resort destination in and of itself.

Most resorts designated as ‘kid-friendly’ or ‘family-centric’ are loud and overstimulating. Martinhal Cascais completely defies this expectation and greets parents with serenity and five-star luxury. Kids are welcomed and celebrated here—every aspect of Martinhal Cascais has kids in mind—but not at the expense of adults. Instead, this property remains elegant and calming while also maintaining a relaxed vibe.

Martinhal Cascais review:

Indoor/outdoor kid-friendly spa pool

Upon check-in, kids are greeted with goodie bags with stuffed (plush) toys, hats, ping-pong sets and the like. Parents are given the run-down of the resort: suites come as either half board (breakfast and one additional meal per day included) or full board (all three meals per day included), allowing you to create a fully inclusive experience. Or, you can opt out of any included meals, and pay a la carte (suites often include fridges and wet bars and villas include full kitchens).

We suggesting visiting Martinhal Cascais mid-vacation, and using this posh, peaceful property for some much needed R&R. Rooms and suites vary, but in general, the property has 60+ deluxe rooms that sleep four, with either pull-out bunk beds or sofa pullouts) and four suites (with a slider door division between bed and sofa pullout).

Martinhal bunks in most rooms (they fold up in the daytime!)

All rooms have kid-friendly features such as potty chairs, high chairs, and baby proofing, and additional gear such as bottle warmers or cots (cribs) can be requested. Twelve stand-alone villas line the side of the property, six of which sleep six instead of the standard four). However, these villas are awkward to reach; even though they’re adjacent to the playground area, a fence necessitates going around via road each time you come and go). Unless you really need the space for six, I suggest a suite in the main resort building or a deluxe room instead.

Martinhal villas

Bathrooms are gorgeous and feature oversized tubs and step-in showers. All rooms are bright and airy with sleek glass at every turn (but plenty of shades for when you need them). Most if not all have very spacious balconies or patios with outdoor furniture.

Most meals are had in the main dining space downstairs, which is where families meet for the breakfast buffet serving all manner of hot dishes (eggs, breakfast meats, pancakes), a wide variety of gourmet cheese and cut meats, breads, croissant and pastry, cereals, granola, and yogurt, fruit, and freshly-squeezed fruit juices. Mimosas are available for adults, as well as anything else you care to order from your server. Even the honey is presented in an actual comb, and cheese wheels are hand-cut on-site. A full, leisurely and gourmet dinner meal is served here as well, at indoor and outdoor patio seating. Lest you think this sounds pretty much awful with young kids in tow, fear not: a small playroom is located to one side of the dining room, staffed so you can let kids play there without leaving your own meal to get cold.

In fact, throughout the property, what I deemed ‘roaming nannies’ are always at-hand, ready to step in and entertain your children while you relax, read a book, eat a meal, or simply have a conversation. This is as amazing as it sounds. If you want to eat elsewhere for a change of pace from the dining room, the M Bar is located above the kids’ club, and offers a more casual (yet still delicious) lunch and dinner menu. Parents can opt for a balcony seat and watch their kids play on the playground below, or make use of the kids’ club or one of those useful roaming staff members. There’s a full bar here as well, as well as a lobby bar located by the dining room.

Martinhal Cascais kids’ club

The spa books appointments for adults as well as ‘mom and me’ and ‘dad and me’ type treatments for kids, and the additional spa facilities, including the indoor pool, hot tub and sauna and the smaller outdoor pool and lounge deck are all open to kids (accompanied by parents). This is a great opportunity to teach children about quiet indoor voices and how to behave in a spa-like environment without anyone fussing at them to leave.

I cannot emphasize enough how calming the entire property feels. Parents can truly have a restful holiday without sacrificing any of the amenities kids crave. I really don’t know how they achieve this, but it’s magic.

Outdoor pool hangout (seasonal)

What to do on site and off:

On-site, families will find a plethora of activities. The kids’ club welcomes kids up to age 12 (and this is flexible for older siblings) and baby club (for infants) are both fully-staffed and open daily. They’re located across the lawn from the suites adjacent to an impressive climbing structure, kid-sized zip lines, an in-ground trampoline and an in-ground air mattress for jumping. Right outside the brightly-lit indoor kids’ club and baby club lies an indoor heated pool (housed under a plastic dome to keep the air very warm inside).

indoor kids’ pool

Kids can be served meals in the club, or parents can check them in and out at will. Parents can also join their kids in the pool area, or in a separate play around for family use. Across the grounds, a seasonal outdoor pool complex with zero-depth entry beckons in the summer months, and all year-round, the Martinhal spa offers an additional indoor/outdoor pool where kids are welcome. Additional outdoor lounging areas and play structures are dotted across the resort grounds. If all this isn’t enough, there is also a turf futsal (soccer) field and bike rentals on-site (starting around 15 Euro for two-hour rentals…helmets available).

just part of the outdoor playground

When you’re ready to explore further afield, the beautiful Portuguese coastline awaits, easily accessible by foot or bike from Martinhal: just navigate 2-3 blocks to the coastline, then enjoy the well-maintained bike and pedestrian path that hugs the ocean. This is a rocky section of coastline, so parents of young kids will want to take care, but the views are spectacular. If you take the path left from the resort, you’ll end up in the town of Cascais (about 2 km), where multiple sand beaches and a marina await. Head in the opposite direction and a slightly longer bike ride or walk will take you to a more rugged, windy beach mostly used for surfing and kite surfing.

Cascais

It’s well worth spending an afternoon or two at Cascais, enjoying the historic town center and beaches. Several fortresses still perch on the rocky cliffside, including Cidadela Palace of Cascais that now serves as a multi-use space for restaurants and museums near town. En route, you’ll also pass by the Santa Maria lighthouse and Boca do Inferno, a dramatic, gaping cliffside attraction where kids can peer down at the sea from bridges and paths.

Let the kids play in Marechal Carmona Park, then walk the main pedestrian street of Cascais or play on the beaches. Four are located past the marina area, including Pescadores, Rainha, Conceicao and Duquesa. We think Conceicao is the largest, offering lounge chairs to rent to settle in. In town, several inviting rooftop bars offer homemade pitchers of sangria should you find yourself kid-free (or have brought plenty of kid-friendly snacks to keep little ones happy).

How to get here: TAP Portugal is the way to go, with direct flights now from New York and Boston. They even have stop-over options for travelers who can only spend a few days.

Disclosure: I experienced Martinhal Cascais as a guest of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinion remains my own.