Beach Resorts - Pitstops for Kids

Omni La Costa Resort and Spa

January 5, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

A wellness resort that works for family travel? Yep, we’ve found one. Carlsbad California’s Omni La Costa is one part golf and tennis resort, one part spa retreat, yet somehow, 90% family-focused. Those familiar with the Omni brand will understand how we arrived at this conclusion, but for everyone else, let’s break it down.

The Omni La Costa is a sprawling resort located in the hills about three miles from the Pacific. (If you want to be closer to the beach, opt for the for the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront.) With beautifully landscaped gardens and walkways and waving palms rising above artfully situated hammocks, I felt as though I was in Santa Barbara or even in the tropics. Only the mission-style architecture shouts San Diego county. It has an award-winning spa and a full fitness center, including a yoga studio, plus tennis courts and a gold metal golf course. With extensive conference facilities, the La Costa certainly has a thriving business travel clientele…until school holidays and summer hits.

Because La Costa is an Omni, you can count on kid-friendly touches, even amid definite luxury. Like with all Omnis, kids get a welcome backpack upon reception, which will include activities to do (save these for restaurant waits), things to know about the area, and little treats. On site, the La Costa Splash Pool and Sandy Beach Family pool offer tons of kid-friendly water play features, including splash pads, zero-depth entry, and yes, a sandy beach. There are some serious waterslides for older kids (height requirements are in place), and hot tubs and cabanas to keep parents happy. If you have older kids, you can certainly escape to the adults only pool complex, which includes no fewer than four hot tubs and an outdoor pool, surrounded by fire pits, more cabanas, and a full bar.

Speaking of fire pits, they’re all over the property, along with those aforementioned hammocks. Plus kids have a full activity schedule to peruse, a game/arcade building, and Kidtopia, which offers kids’ club activities throughout the day.

What could be more kid-friendly:

My list of downsides are short, but it has to be mentioned that you’ll pay a premium for meals at La Costa (we’ll be bringing our own breakfast items to our room next time). In the La Costa Marketplace area, a coffee bar serves Starbucks coffee and lighter fare, but sit-down meals will set you back. Along this line of thought, the mini fridges in the standard rooms are for minibar items only, which is a bummer if you’re bringing snacks and milk with you. With three growing boys, we need to bring breakfast and snack supplies to keep everyone happy, and we always appreciate the use of a mini-fridge.

Rooms:

I stayed in both a standard room and a suite during my La Costa stay. Standard rooms are larger than most, likely due to the historic nature of the hotel (it’s been in existence, though not as an Omni, for many decades). Bathrooms are spacious as well, though my standard room only had a walk-in shower, not a tub. There’s room for a roll-away in standard rooms, and some do have balconies. Even my room without a balcony featured windows that open, letting in a nice breeze during the day.

Omni La Costa suites are very spacious, and their two-bedroom sleeps eight, with a pull-out couch in the living room area. There are two bathrooms, both with tubs and separate vanity areas. You’ll find the same issue with the mini-fridge, but there’s certainly room for a regularly-sized cooler in the rooms. For whatever reason, my kids always love bathrooms that have open windows into the bedroom area (which can be shuttered)…if yours have the same affection for this feature, they’ll be happy.

Room rates start as low as $199 in the off-season (come during late fall through early spring for the best deals).

Parking and getting around:

The La Costa is huge, which means you’ll want to ask for a room in the 100-200 block if you want to be close to the Marketplace and pools. The 800 block isn’t too far either. Rooms in the 900 block are far enough away from the main complex that the Omni offers complimentary golf cart rides to and from. Honestly, your kids will count this as another plus. You can self park or valet park your car, and parking costs upward of $40/day. Budget this into your room rate! Everywhere I went onsite, Omni staff was there to greet me, give me a smile, and ask if I needed help with anything; service is at a very high level here.

Dining:

The Blue Fire upscale dining experience at La Costa is not stuffy; families can sit outside on the patio and enjoy live music and those great fire pits. Bistro 65 is even more casual, and situated on the lower level, near poolside. As mentioned, both are higher priced, but families wanting to save some cash for other aspects of their trip can find lots of family-friendly dining all over Carlsbad. I’d start with these dining reviews from Trekaroo.

In the area:

No matter where you stay in Southern California, you’ll be utilizing your car and driving from attraction to attraction. Omni La Costa is a good home base, located in Carlsbad, which is between Disneyland to the north and San Diego to the south. You’re about 10 minutes from the beach, five minutes from Legoland, and 30 minutes from the many attractions in downtown San Diego.

Directions:

The Omni is located at 2100 Costa del Mar in Carlsbad.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced Omni La Costa as a guest, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

West Palm Beach vacation: Marriott’s Oceana Palms

November 17, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Interested in a West Palm Beach vacation? I was curious about the Florida coastline, so for my first trip to Florida outside of Orlando, I checked out the Palm Beaches area north of Miami. Um, it’s kind of ok here. Maybe I should venture beyond Disney more often!

I stayed at Marriott Oceana Palms, which is a Marriott Vacation Club property. I knew I’d be happy with the resort, as I’d absolutely loved my stay at the Marriott Vacation Club in Boston, and recommend it every chance I get. However, when many parents see the words ‘vacation club’, they think it must not be for them…they either assume they can’t book if they’re not a member, or worry they’ll be pitched to once on site. I can assure you: Marriott Vacation Club isn’t your grandparents’ time share. This points-based vacation ownership program is completely different, with tons of flexibility. However— and this is the kicker —you don’t need to be a Marriott Vacation Club owner to book Marriott Vacation Club villas, anyway.

Quite honestly, this is one of the best ‘think outside the box’ alternatives to booking standard hotel rooms. For the cost of one beachfront hotel room (usually with a square footage of under 400), families can reserve an entire two-bedroom villa with over 1000 square feet of living space, including a kitchen and washer-dryer.

The Oceana Palms is a small, intimate resort right on the beach of Singer Island in West Palm Beach. It looks and feels like any other high-end Marriott resort: you get kids’ clubs, activities and programming, dining, pools and exercise rooms, and beach access. There are two towers in Oceana Palms: the Sunrise Tower and the Sunset Tower. At first glance, it appears that the Sunrise Tower, which is closest to the beach, is the obvious choice. However, thanks to great architectural design, both towers have ocean views. And some villas in the Sunset Tower have larger balconies.

What’s in your villa:

All villas at Oceana Palms are the same: two-bedroom units with everything you need, right down to the whisk in the kitchen. You’ll find laundry soap next to the washer, dish towels and plastic garbage bags, and hair dryers and shampoo. Sometimes, when families rent vacation homes or units, they don’t know what will be waiting for them. We had one unfortunate trip to a vacation home in which we discovered the ‘full kitchen’ lacked an oven! At Oceana Palms, everything is here. You also get two full bathrooms, one on which has a walk-in shower and the other of which has a large tub. Free wifi is available in the rooms and across the resort. The photo below shows a view from a Sunset Tower villa. Get up-to-date room rate information here.

What to do on site:

Oceana Palms boosts ideal beach access…the surf and sand is just steps away past the pool area. At the beach equipment stand, check in with Tony, who can hook you up with snorkel gear, boogie boards, and cabanas. Otherwise, lounge chairs are free for guest use. I split my time happily from beach to pool (which older kids could do on their own quite safely).

In the pool area, you’ll find a zero-depth entry area for young kids, plus a splash zone. On the other end, a lap pool is situated in a quiet corner, and additional pool space occupies the area in-between. Oceana Palms schedules quite a bit of daily activity, with DJs, movie nights, and lessons in everything from crocheting to guitar (a staff member actually learned guitar in order to teach it). If you’re an activities person, you’ll find as much here as you would in an all-inclusive resort. However, if you want a quieter environment, it is possible to escape it.

For additional entertainment, the resort has small details that go a long way. Throughout Oceana Palms, you’ll find ping pong tables, pool tables, lawn games, BBQs for guest use, and a large, fenced play area for young kids. My children spend hours at simple entertainment venues like this!

Oceana Palms has a drop-in dedicated kids’ club space and a teen space, both of which are fun and inviting…and casual, which is nice for families on vacation. There is a casual dining Marketplace, plus poolside Reflections, both good for burgers, sandwiches, and drinks. You won’t find upscale dining on site, but that’s what your full kitchen is for: I recommend shopping before arrival and making many meals in your villa.

What to do in Palm Beaches:

You’ll want to venture off-site while at Oceana Palms. We took a short drive off Singer Island to Jupiter Beach, where to toured the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. The guided tour includes a walk up the many spiral steps to the top of the lighthouse, where amazing views await, and a stop in the small but well-done museum. Pair your excursion to the lighthouse with lunch at Guanabanas, a waterfront bar and grill located adjacent. Guanabanas is more than a restaurant; it’s a full dining experience with the best ambiance I’ve seen for a classic Florida feel. The whole place is outdoors, with vegetation, overhangs, and straw roof shelter.

For another night out, consider heading to the Sailfish Marina on Palm Beach Shores. Part fish market, part marina, and part upscale seafood restaurant, Sailfish has something for everyone. The large building is fairly loud, which means kids will fit right in, and when they get squirrelly, take them outside to the marina, where they can purchase fish food to throw into the water. Wait for the feeding frenzy to begin!

How to get here:

Marriott’s Oceana Palms is located at 3200 North Ocean Drive, Riviera Beach, Florida. It’s just over the bridge on Singer Island, 15 minutes from the West Palm Beach airport.

Where do you stay in West Palm Beach? Would you consider trying a Marriott Vacation Club villa?

As I disclose whenever applicable, my stay with Oceana Palms was hosted, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

Luv Surf: Best San Diego vacation home rental

May 20, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Pay attention, family travelers. I’ve recently discovered a gem of a San Diego vacation home rental option. If you’re not in the San Diego area, you probably haven’t heard of Luv Surf, but this local company should absolutely be on your radar before your next visit to Southern California.

Luv Surf is a boutique rental company with half a dozen beach home rentals in the Mission Beach and Mission Bay area of San Diego. Each home is beautiful, in an ideal beach location, and pet and baby friendly. While in a Luv Surf rental, families can enjoy both beach living and city living. Since I hadn’t heard of them before our stay, I admit to being skeptical. As soon as I opened the door to our vacation home rental at 812 San Rafael in Mission Beach, however, I was blown away. Check out our video:

How Luv Surf differs from standard home rental options:

Service and hospitality: Before I’d even arrived at our home rental, I called my rental contact Sheila (as instructed by Luv Surf). I thought I was calling just to get the key code for the front door, but instead, I got so much more: cheerful instruction for how to find the house, where to park, how to make my way to the rooftop deck (more on that later), where to find the SUPs and beach toys (yep!), and what I’d find complimentary in the fridge. In Luv Surf’s words: wine should always be waiting!
Amenities and extras: Many vacation homes are luxurious and beautiful (and 812 San Rafael is both of those things), but rarely do they have everything you need with turn-key readiness. We were advised to poke through our home’s kitchen cupboards before grocery shopping for our stay, which turned out to be great advice: already on-hand were all the small items we thought we’d need to buy, such as ziplock baggies, spices and oils, laundry detergent, soaps and sponges, and even standard over-the-counter medications such as cold medicine. The bathrooms were stocked with shampoos and lotions, and wine and beer were in the fridge.
Recreation items: We were so excited to see two SUPs (paddle boards) waiting for us, as well as boogie boards, a skim board, kids’ life vests, sand toys, beach towels, and cruiser bikes. This is such a savings in recreation rentals! Right away, we were riding bikes along the many bike paths and paddling around Mission Bay!

The 812 San Rafael location:

We stayed at the San Rafael home, which is located just three homes from the water of Mission Bay. On the other side, it’s only one short block from Mission Beach. The location absolutely couldn’t be beat for our family: we were in the area to explore San Diego (all within easy driving or public transit distance) and play on the water. Our school-aged kids could absolutely walk by themselves to the bay or the beach, and we could all ride bikes straight from the front door. There’s ample dining and shopping within walking distance—Mission Beach is a lively, vibrant, and fun community—and the beach is lifeguard-manned. Stop by the Luv Surf retail store just a few blocks away!

The home itself is three stories (in addition to a rooftop deck). The first floor houses one bedroom and bathroom plus the garage (with full laundry facilities). The second floor has two bedrooms (one of which is a children’s bedroom with bunk beds) and two bathrooms (one of which has a jacuzzi tub). Each of these bedrooms have their own private deck. On the third floor is the kitchen and living area (with yet another deck), and upstairs from the kitchen is a fabulous rooftop deck with fire pit, outdoor table, and seating.

A few extra ‘extras’ you can expect:

BBQ
granite counters
gourmet kitchen
espresso maker
flat-screen TVs
complimentary WiFi
pet amenities such as dog beds and toys
high chair and baby-proofing items

Get more tips on what to do in San Diego during your stay!

A word on parking:
The home is located in bustling Mission Beach, which is notorious for having little street parking. The property features two spaces to park: in the single car garage or in the parking space adjacent. The garage and space are located at the back of the house, in a narrow alley. We have a standard-sized minivan, and had a hard time fitting into the garage space (it involves careful navigation). We opted to park in the space instead, which meant that when we had a friend stop by for dinner, she had to find street parking, which was very difficult. This solitary inconvenience would in no way prevent us from renting a Mission Beach home, but it helps to go in aware.

Rates:

All Luv Surf rentals have rates that change seasonally. The San Rafael house ranges from $325-$620 nightly. It is absolutely a luxury home property. Once there, you’ll save on parking, entertainment, dining, and recreation.

Directions:

Mission Beach is only minutes from all points in San Diego. It’s also less than 30 minutes from Legoland and Carlsbad beaches.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we stayed with Luv Surf as guests of the company. Hosted visits make up-to-date reviews on Pit Stops for Kids possible.

All inclusive Riviera Maya hotels: ClubHotel Riu Tequila

January 27, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

For families looking for all inclusive Riviera Maya hotels, yet want to stay away from the beach hotel zone vibe, ClubHotel Riu Tequila fits the bill at a value price point. Located adjacent to Playa del Carmen and within a few kilometers of cenote excursions and eco theme parks, this family-friendly all inclusive is situated directly across the street from white sand beaches (with beach access), with a tucked-away jungle feel.

The open-air lobby’s decor suggests a Spanish hacienda, and the winding, lush walkways between the buildings and pool and restaurant areas house squirrels, birds, and even the raccoon or lemur-like coatis that dart about, looking for handouts (don’t feed them!) While not located directly on the beach, Tequila has access to the additional Riu hotels located beachside via a short walkway, and sports two large pools with pool bar and a nice outdoor recreation center with sand volleyball, water basketball and polo, ping pong, and a full kids’ club called RiuLand. The beach is wide and perfect for sunbathing, and the waves are usually small and fun to play in. Free boogie board and kayak rentals are available at the Scuba Caribe desk on the beach (just show them your Riu wristband and sign out for them).

Dining:

The dining options at Tequila are standard for an all-inclusive Mexican resort: primarily buffet offerings with menu-service restaurants available by reservation. We ate the majority of our meals at Jalisco, the main buffet restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. Lunch buffet options are available at pool-side Lupita (which also offers a continental breakfast mid-morning after Jalisco closes) and Beach Club, located at the end of the beach walkway on the white sand beach. Jalisto offered a big variety of foods, but it’s large size definitely called to mind a ‘cattle call’ mentality. That said, for families with kids who want variety and to eat fairly quickly to get back to the fun, it serves its purpose well. Alcoholic offerings at the buffets are not highest quality, but there are several resort bars to fill that void, plus the pool bar during the day. Our favorite meal at Tequila was at Beach Club, where we could get a higher quality buffet meal before hopping into the warm ocean. Because these offerings are all-inclusive, it’s easy to say yes to kids wanting an ice cream cone while swimming or a smoothie at the rec area.

Because we filled our days in Riviera Maya with excursions away from the resort, we never experienced the by-reservation restaurants, but definitely loved the convenience of returning to the resort and being able to dip into Jalisto for a quick snack or dessert.

Room amenities:

Our family of five stayed in a junior suite, which included two double beds and one roll-away (brought by request). Cribs are also available for families needing one. While we had plenty of space, including a living area with couch, we did wish the couch converted to another bed, as the doubles were hard to share. Rooms include a mini-fridge that’s filled with water and sodas, plus liquor dispensers. We never used the dispensers, so cannot speak to the liquor quality, but as the tap water is not potable in this area, it was very convenient to have large bottles of water delivered daily. Our room included a nice patio with seating, and space to hang wet swim suits. Our view was of jungle, which suited us. The buildings are no more than three stories in Riviera Maya, so the resort didn’t have a big hotel feel. We wouldn’t describe it as a ‘bungalow’ feel either, but the low buildings did aid to the hotel not feeling too huge and impersonal.

Rates and value:

Our rate at Tequila reflected that of a quality all-inclusive, without too many frills. (At the time of our visit, a night’s all-inclusive stay for a family of four was approximately $600, or $300 less than that at a boutique or luxury all-inclusive). This is not an exact rate, as it will change depending on your family’s ages and number, but is a good number for a point of comparison. For a family on a budget, it’s a good value, as you have access to food, a good location, comfortable rooms, and fun pools, but note that what is sacrificed by the lower price point (at least in our experience) is personalized attention and service. For example, for the entirety of our three night stay, our mini-fridge was not working properly. Despite several requests that it be fixed, it was not taken care of. Because we were off-site often on excursions, the lack of cold drinks was bearable, but had we spent the majority of our time on-site, we would have greatly missed this amenity.

Location:

Tequila is located in Playacar, an exclusive community adjacent to Playa del Carmen. Cab fare is only about $10 to nearby Xcaret eco-park or Playa del Carmen’s lively 5th Avenue. A ride to the ruins at Tulum won’t cost you much more, though this excursion is best done through a guide service. Families have easy access to the beach, and could easily spend full days on resort grounds. The drive from Cancun airport is approximately 45 minutes. The location cannot be beat!

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I experienced Tequila as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. While appreciated, this hospitality came with no expectation of a positive review.

Top three hidden gems of the Caribbean for families

July 22, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

As a top destination for cruises and tours, the Caribbean has no shortage of enticing tropical landscapes and attractions. The region’s predictably warm, balmy weather and aquamarine sea attract visitors year-round. And yet, the Caribbean still harbors some lesser-known places which can offer a more low-key excursion. These are not the types of places you’ll find all-you-can-eat buffets or “tourist trap” restaurants and souvenir stands. These are hidden gems.

Away from the attractions most tourists flock to, these three places still exude untouched natural beauty. Visitors can dine in solitude or swim in pristine waterfalls. These three quiet escapes provide alluring tranquility amid the natural beauty of the islands.

1. Dominica: Isle of Delights

Dominica is an island whose beauty is founded on its unspoiled natural setting. The island has been subjected to much less development than many of its island neighbors. Made up mostly of rainforest, the island is known for the abundance of deep green jungles filled with exotic flora and fauna. The island boasts over 365 waterfalls, springs and rivers, all of which beckon visitors inland from its soft sandy swaths of beach.

The island’s rugged inland terrain is marked by volcanic activity, providing warmth for several hot springs and even a boiling lake unfit for swimming but frequented by intrepid hikers. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a World Heritage Site that features a mix of Dominica’s tropical flora and fauna and volcanic rock formations. The hit film “Pirates of the Caribbean” was filmed on and around Dominica, adding to its mystique as an island of intrigue and drama. Those hoping to catch a glimpse of Captain Jack Sparrow might be disappointed — he is, after all, a fictional character — but might be delighted by the actual sparrows in the sky, as Dominica is a hotbed for tropical bird-watching.

2. Saba: Suspended in Time

Because the island of Saba receives fewer than 25,000 visitors a year, it manages to maintain a timeless natural mystique. The nearby islands, St. Maarten and St. Bart’s, just a stone’s throw away, are both frequented by major cruise companies making them far more crowded than Saba. Visitors will first notice that Saba is lacking in resorts and fancy shops. There are no designer retailers to be found. However, Saba makes up for the lack of posh shopping by offering up its own variety of lushness in the form of gorgeous nature and eco-tourism.

Saba represents the original, raw beauty of the Caribbean, prior to commercialism and human intervention. The beauty of Saba is not limited to its lush hills or secluded beaches — it extends underwater to the surrounding sea. Saba is actually one of the world’s top destinations for scuba diving and is considered among the best spots on earth for underwater exploration. For such a tiny island, Saba boasts a dizzying diversity of beautiful aquatic life. Adventurous visitors can spend the morning underwater exploring Saba’s rocky reefs, and then in the afternoon ascend its tallest peak, Mount Scenery. Above water and below, Saba’s ecology is inspiring, timeless and well-preserved. Its beauty highlights the fragility of a region impacted by heavy tourism.

3. Los Roques: Radiant and Lovely

Officially under the jurisdiction of Venezuela, Los Roques is an archipelago that is designated as a national park. The magnificent marine ecosystem of Los Roques is protected by the national park status, and is just a short hop from the capital city of Caracas. Los Roques has become a popular destination for nature lovers seeking to explore its unique flora and fauna. The island welcomes tourists who support its small local economy and offers several friendly inns. Visitors can also opt to stay in posadas, which are former houses of island fishermen and have been renovated for use by tourists. The Los Roques experience is both more rugged — and more radiant — than many other destinations in the Caribbean.

About the Author: Louise Barnes is a travel writer and author of several books about Caribbean history. She enjoys exploring options for Caribbean excursions on Expedia where she finds deals on vacation packages.

Photo credit.

Best Beach Towns: Newport, Rhode Island

May 6, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s time to start planning beach vacations! Our series of best beach towns for families is constantly building. Our latest addition: Newport, Rhode Island. For a New England beach feel, plenty of shopping and seafood, and quaint lodging, Newport can’t be beat. Its location along Narragansett Bay is ideal during the summer months, but Newport has much to offer families in the ‘shoulder seasons of spring and fall, too.

What to do in Newport:

1. Tour the Newport mansions along Cliff Walk: Starting from the easy-to-access public beach, Cliff Walk takes visitors along–you guessed it–the cliff overlooking the beach, where a long string of impressive mansions stand sentinel. These mansions are mainly relics of Newport’s golden era of wealth (pre-Depression), but many are still in use today. The walk is 3.5 miles, but it’s just as easy to turn around at any point and return the way you came. You’ll get great views of sailboats on the water as well, and there are numerous benches to stop and picnic or rest.

2. Play at Easton’s Beach (First Beach): This wide-open beach comes with a $20 parking fee during the summer season, but you get a lot for your ‘entrance fee’: a carrousel and concession stand, lots of space for setting up camp along the beach for the day. There’s even a small aquarium, though this certainly isn’t ‘destination-worthy’.

3. Explore the Newport Historical Museum: The Newport museum is located in the heart of historic downtown and while small, is very well done. It’s fee is by donation only, and will take guests from native times to colonization and war periods. It’s great for school-aged kids, with exhibit descriptions just for them, and a welcome relief from the sun and sand for all kids.

Where to stay in Newport:

The Newport Harbor Hotel is located downtown right on America’s Cup Drive. During the high-traffic summer months, you can park your car and leave it, walking to all the area attractions and beaches with kids. The Newport Harbor Hotel is convenient for families with an indoor heated pool, saunas, and on-site dining for easy meals. They offer seasonal packages, and many rooms have great views of the harbor and boats coming and going. Read a full review on Trekaroo!

Photo credit: Dougtone.

Where to stay in Parksville, BC: Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Spa

September 4, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

The first thing my kids noticed upon entering the grounds of Parksville BC‘s Tigh-Na-Mara Beach Resort was the pool house. Then the kids’ club space. Then the playground and the basketball and tennis court. Finally, they spotted the beach access leading to one of Parksville’s famous warm sand beaches. The first thing I noticed was the Cedars restaurant and Grotto Spa. To say Tigh-Na-Mara has it all is a true understatement, however, because what they don’t have on-site, they bring to their guests in the form of off-site activities and family excursions.

Our accommodations at Tigh-Na-Mara consisted of a two-bedroom log cabin adjacent to the tennis courts and playground (and just steps from beach access). The cabin was bigger than I expected, with a nice living room area with fireplace and flat screen TV, full kitchen with a dining table for four, and a futon-bed in addition to the queen bed in the first bedroom and two twins in the second. We also had a nice porch and picnic table. Other cabin loops are more secluded, but farther from the beach and playground, so families will need to assess priorities.

Parksville beaches are a phenomenon, or at least seemed so to us, used to beaches in the states: the tide varies by full kilometers here, so at low tide, the. Tigh-Na-Mara beach is over a kilometer in length from the resort to the water (bring something to haul your stuff, and chairs…the sand is constantly damp), but at high tide, the water laps the shore steps from the path, and is incredibly warm for the Northwest. Both high and low tide make for fun beach-going.

When not at the beach, Tigh-Na-Mara offers a drop-in kids’ club for no additional charge (a huge value) and an entire schedule of family off and on-site activities families can sign up for (additional charge). We participated in Twilight Golf, which was held at Morningstar Golf Course nearby. This activity, fully set up by the resort, included a private golf lesson for the family members with a Canadian PGA pro and plenty of time on the driving range. A Tigh-Na-Mara recreation staff member drove us to and from, and had the adults wished to spend the time in the spa (more on that to come) or the Cedars Restaurant, a rec staff member would have stayed with the kids (we opted to stay and watch). Adults are welcome to join the lesson, too! At $39 per person, Twilight Golf is a good value, and would be a perfect evening before setting up a full nine or 18 holes the next day.

The following morning, we consulted our resort schedule again and my mom (along with us for the trip) joined the kids for Tigh-Na-Mara’s Underwater Exploration of nearby tide pools with a marine expert while I enjoyed a day pass at the Grotto Spa. While they learned about intertidal wildlife in the sunshine, I treated myself to BC’s only mineral spa pool and hot tub (heavenly, if you’re wondering) and an hour in their relaxation room with complimentary tea, coffee, and fruit.

Tip: Check the resort’s activity schedule online when you book to sign up for popular activities beforehand. The kids’ club can be more spontaneous, but advanced notice is useful. Kids have to be potty trained to attend the club and activities without a parent, but can attend at any age with an adult. One on one babysitting is also available.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Only minutes from Canada’s BC-19.

Rates:

At the time of our visit, rates for a two-bedroom log cabin started at $380. Packages and deals abound, however, especially in the non-peak season of summer.

Dining options:

The Cedars offers fine dining, but kids eat free with adults from 5-6 pm, and they offer pizza delivery as well. In the morning,a pancake breakfast is $7.95 per person. We ordered a few pizzas during our stay and made use of our kitchen. Additional Parksville dining is only minutes away by car.

Directions:

Tigh-Na-Mara is located at 1155 Resort Drive in Parksville. From BC-19, take Island Highway to Resort Drive.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced Tigh-Na-Mara and the Grotto spa at no charge, for the purpose of review. While I appreciate this opportunity (and the opportunity to share it with my readers), it came with no expectation of a positive review.

Parksville on Dwellable

Where to stay in Tofino BC: a review of MacKenzie Beach Resort

August 24, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

As you might guess, the outdoor excursion, storm-watching, and surfing mecca of known as the west side of Vancouver Island offers more lodging in Tofino than anywhere else we visited on our July 2012 Vancouver Island trip. Families can choose from B&Bs, five-star resorts, vacation home rentals, and our favorite, beachfront resorts with individual cottages for let.

We made the MacKenzie Beach Resort our home base while exploring Tofino, and loved its laid-back atmosphere, can’t-beat-it beach access, and comfortable cottages. Located directly on MacKenzie Beach, the resort is the oldest in the Tofino area (though is now joined by several more along the same strip of sand). Families can choose between campsites or cottages, some of which are directly on the sand. We stayed in Cottage 3, which is a two-bedroom unit with a living room area, wood-burning stove, full kitchen, bathroom with whirlpool tub, and two bedrooms (one of which has bunk-beds). It slept five comfortably, and while the decor is not new and the furnishings have seen a few summers, we found the cottage to be just perfect for a relaxed stay.

MacKenzie Beach itself offers constant entertainment for busy kids: when the tide is low, it’s one of the best for Tofino tide pools, and families can even walk out to a small island to spot literally hundreds of sea stars and sea anenome. MacKenzie Beach does get some waves, though the south end is protected. In addition to beach activities, MacKenzie Beach Resort offers an indoor heated pool and hot tub (great for warming up after a dip in the ocean) and grass space for outdoor activities. There’s a small corner of the office that’s been made into a bit of a convenience store, but for most things, you’ll want to head into town (5 minutes away).

We loved experiencing Tofino during the day, and returning in the late afternoons for long evenings on the beach. At night, camp fires can be built on the sand, and the Tofino sunsets are amazing.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right on Highway 4.

Rates:

At the time of my visit, peak summer rates were $399 for a two-bedroom cottage. In winter, families can certainly snag a deal. I found it interesting to note that rates for comparable cottages in the resorts adjacent to MacKenzie Beach Resort were listed as approximately $25 less per night. This is not significant, but does bear mentioning. Expect accommodations at MacKenzie Beach to be comfortable, but nothing fancy. Note:: maid service is not included in a stay. Fresh linens and towels are available.

Dining options:

Cottages have full kitchens (but no dishwashers) and a communal BBQ pit outside. Guests are expected to clean the kitchen up before departure.

Directions:

From Highway 4 heading into Tofino, follow signs to MacKenzie Beach. A large sign will point the way!

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced MacKenzie Beach Resort free of charge, for the purpose of review. While I appreciate this opportunity to bring a review to my readers, it came with no expectation of a positive review.

A stay at the Morgan Hotel, San Simeon CA

June 5, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

I discovered the wonderful value for families at Broughton Hospitality boutique hotels during our stay at Mill Valley CA’s The Acqua, and our experience was equally positive at The Morgan Hotel, a San Simeon hotel for families.

The Morgan can be found just five minutes from Hearst Castle and the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon, and is only 45 minutes from the California wine country near Paso Robles, but the appeal for families is in its amenities, not its location (as there are plenty of motel choices in the area, some with better beach access). Like other Broughton hotels, the Morgan is the perfect hybrid between a economy motel and a boutique hotel: it looks pretty standard from the outside, but inside, it’s clear that this is no run-of-the-mill motel.

The lobby is very well decorated, with soft couches and an oversized checker board, and features a sunken dining area for the morning breakfast buffet (more on that later). The rooms are oversized (deluxe fireplace rooms are only marginally more per night) and nicely decorated, and free wifi is included throughout the hotel, including in guest rooms. Parking is free, as is the breakfast buffet, which was pretty standard (cereal, oatmeal, packaged pastries, and a variety of toast and bagels) but perfectly adequate. The real draw for kids is the lovely outdoor heated pool. It’s located in a walled courtyard behind the lobby, and best of all, it’s protected from the wind off the ocean. (If you want beach access, it’s only a few blocks away, behind the Best Western. We found fun tide pools there in addition to a nice, wide flat beach to play on.)

Our only complaint about the Morgan was that it’s showing its wear here and there: some of the bathroom fixtures were less than sparkling (due to age), and dust did accumulate behind dressers and the like. It takes a lot to bother me in this regard, so I was content, but pickier families might take issue. (Of course, for me, free wifi beats out almost anything!) There’s a decent Mexican restaurant located next door, but we drove three miles to Cambria, CA, where we had a nice pizza and burger dinner at J B J’s Round-Up Pizza.

Date last visited:

May 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right off Highway 1.

Room rates:

Standard rooms (double or king) were listed at $109 at the time of our visit, while deluxe rooms (large, with canopy beds and fireplaces) were listed at $119. We found either rate to be a very good value for the amenities offered. Add ons can be made at the time of reservation, like wine selections, cookies and milk delivered, or an in-room massage by certified massage artist.

Directions:

The Morgan is located at 9135 Hearst Drive. From Highway 1, turn onto Vista Del Mar to hotel.

As I disclose whenever applicable, the Morgan hosted our family at no cost, for the purpose of review. While we appreciate this hospitality as it allows us to bring relevant information to readers, it came with no expectation of a positive review.

A stay at Monterey’s Portola Hotel and Spa

May 29, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Stepping into the spacious lobby of Monterey CA’s Portola Hotel and Spa, you just might think you’ve taken a wrong turn and stepped back outside instead. The wide, open space is canopied with lush, live trees giving way to bright skylights, and the front desk staff is equally sunny. Upon arrival, my kids (and the adults!) were offered warm chocolate chip cookies, and the kids were ushered into the Portola Pirate Program, a fun and inventive perk including a goodie bag of pirate treasure and an interactive scavenger hunt around the hotel grounds. The boys immediately departed to scour the lobby for their first clue (an impressive pirate ship model), while my husband and I left the car with the valet service and trailed after them.

The Pirate Program serves a duel purpose that parents can appreciate: it gets the kids moving after time in the car, introduces parents to the amenities of the resort (the treasure hunt includes stops at the hotel’s two restaurants and adjacent candy shop), and emphasizes the hotel’s policy of valuing kids and family. We really appreciated how welcome our boys were to literally have the run of the place.

After settling into our courtyard-view room (which was very nicely decorated, and included welcome, if not fairly standard) amenities like a mini-fridge, ample closet space, and spa robes as well as extra touches like slatted blinds and chic decor, we checked out the outdoor heated pool (adjacent to the spa, which sadly, I didn’t have opportunity to try out). We did enjoy taking a glass of wine to the hot tub while the kids splashed in the pool before dinner. We were tempted by the outdoor fire pit and fresh California cuisine at the hotel’s Peter B’s Brew Pub, but in the end, the kid-friendly offerings on Fisherman’s Wharf (only steps away) won out. Note: Jack’s, the hotel’s main restaurant, looked a bit too dark and stuffy for our taste, decorated more like an old-school nautical club, though the staff was friendly and kid-welcoming.

We ate in our room in the morning (easy with the mini-fridge and plenty of counter space), but plenty of coffee and cafe-style breakfast spots are in walking distance (including a coffee shop right at the hotel). Also on-site: a candy store, a great bike and outdoor equipment rental shop, Adventures by the Sea, and a fitness center. I loved how close Monterey’s Historic Walking Tour was (the historic custom house was right outside the resort), and how easily families could connect with the many bike and walking paths. We could easily walk to the Coast Guard Pier to see the seals, and all the way to Cannery Row, should we desire. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Carmel’s 17 Mile Drive are only minutes away by car. All in all, the Portola is a great home base for visiting Monterey with kids.

Distance from the interstate:

Five minutes from Highway 1.

Room rates:

Rates at the time of our visit varied from $225 for a standard (courtyard view) double room to $309 for a harbor-view room. We experienced a courtyard view, which was still lovely…upgrading is not necessary for a peaceful, pretty view. The Portola offers valet parking for $20 a night or self parking for $17.

Included amenities:

The Portola’s nightly rate does not include a complimentary breakfast, but does include a heated outdoor pool and spa, fitness room, and kids’ Portola Pirate Program. Free wifi is available in the spacious (and comfortable) lobby area, and available in-room for an additional fee. Room service is also available.

Directions:

The Portola Hotel and Spa is located at 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA. From downtown Monterey, it’s an easy few blocks to the hotel (right outside the busy Cannery Row area and adjacent to the Historic Fisherman’s Wharf.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the Portola Hotel and Spa as guests of the hotel and Monterey County. Though their hositality is appreciated, as it allows us to review amenities for traveling families, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.