Resort or Hotel - Pitstops for Kids

Northstar-at-Tahoe with kids: dining on and off the mountain

February 10, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Let’s face it: feeding a hungry family at a ski resort can be pricey! Northstar-at-Tahoe is no exception, but with a thriving village scene and the addition of a brand new mid-mountain lodge, guests have more choices than ever. And we all know that more choices mean greater food freedom for families. Plus, with most lodging options including kitchens or kitchenettes, it’s easier than ever to bring groceries and eat in-suite for convenience.

On-mountain: We loved to see rehydration stations dotting the top of lifts, and quick snacks to be had at the several EuroSnacks kiosks (we never slowed down long enough, but I’ve heard the waffles are to die for). We ate two lunch meals at the brand new Zephyr Lodge, which offers a quick but extensive salad bar, full grill, pizza kitchen, and Asian bowl station (which, with teriaki shrimp and soba noodles, was my ten-year-old’s favorite). More dining can be had at both the Day Lodge and Summit Grill, both of which offer Mexican food choices in addition to grab-and-go sandwiches, burgers, and the like. Best of all for those of us who hate fighting crowds, the addition of the Zephyr Lodge has ensured that even when stopping for a break in the middle of lunch hour, on a weekend, we didn’t have trouble finding a table. Plan to spend approximately $15 per adult for a regular meal, and $10 per child, plus drinks (use those free hydration stations!). In our experience, kids’ meals were generously portioned. Brown bag lunches are permitted in the Day Lodge (at the base of the mountain), but consider there to be a $10 surcharge: the cost of a locker to store your food.

In the Village: Families must eat at Rubicon Pizza Company (my husband swears the Thai Red Curry Chicken pizza will change your life). Not only does this family-friendly restaurant bring games and toys to the table (without having to be asked) and serve gourmet pizza and salads (well-earned after a day of skiing), but it’s located directly adjacent to the village ice skating rink, Cabana Bar, several sweet shops, and outdoor fire pits. In addition to the aforementioned Thai Curry, we loved the Apple-Pecan salad (big enough to share, not that I did) and wings. For dessert, don’t pass up the chance to have the Out of the Oven Chocolate Chip Cookie, which is just that. Baked after you order, it’s served with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. After eating at Rubicon, plan to spend the rest of the evening soaking up the village fun! (If you’re needing a night in, however, Rubicon does offer take-out!)

Directly before the shuttle drop-off and pick-up area at the edge of the village, families will find TC’s Pub, which offers a great pub atmosphere for the adults while still catering to kids. Watch the latest ball game (or winter sports) on the multiple flatscreen TVs over the bar, and try the Cadillac margarita. Our server, Michael, was as friendly as he was knowledgable, and steered us right toward the burgers, BLTs, and deep-fried everything.

At either family dining option, plan to spend $7-9 per kid and $13-20 for adults, not including appetizers or drinks (individual pizzas at Rubicon are $13). And we can guarantee: your kids will want to roast marshmallows afterward in one of the many outdoor fire pits! S’mores kits can be purchased from True North (across from the ice skating rink), but a word of warning: the store closes up at 8 pm. Nearby EuroSweets is open later, but sells fancier marshmallow creations that just might be too cute to roast!

If you’re planning to take advantage of Tahoe Mountain Resorts lodgings’ full kitchens, or are staying in a rental home or condo nearby, stock up on groceries in either Reno or Truckee for the best prices. If you’re flying into Tahoe and don’t want to hassle the expense of a taxi for groceries, the Tahoe Mountain Resorts concierge can direct you to several companies who will shop for you and deliver. We ate every breakfast in our kitchen, and loved the convenience and savings!

Thank you to Northstar-at-Tahoe, Rubicon Pizza Company, and TC’s Pub for providing our meals during our time exploring the village and resort.

Northstar California with kids: a stay at Big Horn Lodge

February 3, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

As with any large Tahoe ski resort, families have many lodging options at California’s Northstar-at-Tahoe, from rental homes to studio suites and condos, to hotel rooms. For our three-day weekend family getaway, we choose to stay in a luxury condo at Big Horn Lodge. Operated by Tahoe Mountain Lodging, Big Horn Lodge is located ideally in the heart of the Northstar Village. From our 5th floor balcony, we could watch the Big Springs Gondola whisk skiers and boarders up the mountain and eye the comings and goings on the lively village street below.

Last winter, our family enjoyed a week in an isolated vacation home on the south side of Lake Tahoe, so at first, the kids weren’t sure how much they’d like being so close to the action. They were won over by ‘village life’ almost instantly; they loved being steps away from the village ice skating rink (open afternoons and evenings and free to use), the hot tubs (directly across the village street from the Big Horn building), and most importantly, enjoying the novelty of grabbing their skis out of our assigned Big Horn locker and walking 35 steps (yes, they counted) to the gondola.

Our 1300 square foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom Big Horn condo included a full, gourmet kitchen (stocked with everything you’ll need except groceries), a dining area, living area (with fireplace), and sleeping space for six (two bedrooms, plus a quite comfortable pull-out sofa). The kids loved the deep tubs, and I appreciated having a full-sized washer and dryer…no more damp gloves! Our ski locker downstairs fit six pairs of skis, and the proximity to the lifts made getting three kids ready to go each morning very easy. Ditto for the reverse: it was so fun to ski right down to our door!

In the evenings, we stepped outside Big Horn (located at the end of the village next to the slopes) and walked just a few doors down to all village shops and restaurants, as well as the ice skating rink (rentals are $10, and run big), where the kids (and me!) loved roasting marshmallows on the big fire pits (surrounded by welcoming outdoor seating). Tip: S’mores kits are available for purchase at True North, directly across from the ice skating rink, but plan ahead…they close at 8 pm!

All Tahoe Mountain Lodging guests enjoy the use of fitness centers and hot tubs located within their properties (the closest to us was right across the street in the Catamount Lodge) and the heated outdoor pool (with lap lanes) in the Village Swim and Fitness Center (directly across from the village near the Hyatt). All amenities were within easy walking distance for our family.

Bottom line? Our condo at Big Horn Lodge was beautiful inside and out, but what guests are really paying for (and is it ever worth it!) is the location. At the end of our stay, I asked the kids again if they would rather be deep in the woods like last year, and they couldn’t decide! They truly loved both experiences, but if a relaxing stay for you, Mom and Dad, is paramount, go for village living! Our experience at Big Horn Lodge was the epitome of logistical ease: everything we needed was at-hand, and we never even saw our car again until we checked out!

Date last visited: January 26-28, 2012

Distance from the interstate: Several miles off I-80 near Truckee CA.

Rates and reservations: Rates vary by season and condo size. The rate for our two-bedroom, two-bathroom Big Horn condo was $425/night, at the time of our booking. Rates for a similar condo range from $300-900.

Directions: Northstar-at-Tahoe is located 30 minutes from Reno, NV or three hours from Sacramento, CA off of the Highway 267 exit on Interstate 80 (I-80). Follow signs from Big Spring Drive to the second loop (by the Hyatt), where you’ll see parking for Tahoe Mountain Lodging. Check-in is easy at their offices (open to 11 pm nightly).

As I disclose whenever applicable, Northstar-at-Tahoe and Tahoe Mountain Lodging generously hosted our stay at Big Horn Lodge. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Northstar on Dwellable

Family-friendly paradise: a stay at Velas Vallarta

January 16, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Guests arriving at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s Velas Vallarta resort should expect to be greeted in the spacious, breezy lobby by a friendly staff offering a cool, freshly scented towel and an ice-cold bottle of water. My husband and I were also greeted by a resident peacock.

Throughout our four-day stay, we also made the acquaintance of a trio of iguanas, a turtle, a school of koi fish, and the rumor of crocodiles residing in a nearby river. The adjacent Pacific teamed with schools of fish, after which majestic pelicans dove. Suffice it to say, our kids would have been in heaven.

Of course, much more than a menagerie makes Velas Vallarta ideal for families. The following amenities make for a stress-free, kid-friendly family vacation, all in a stunning beachfront location.

All-suite room configurations. Velas Vallarta began as a condo development. As such, every room, from studios to three-bedroom units, include kitchenettes with stove-top, mini-fridge, sink, microwave, dishes, cups, and silverware. Studios sleep up to two adults and two children (making use of a pull-out couch), and one to three bedroom units provide separate space for families up to eight.

All-inclusive food. Any parent who’s vacationed with kids knows the truth: not worrying about meals and their costs is worth its weight in gold. Velas Vallarta provides all-inclusive guests with three meals a day in up to three on-site restaurants (our favorite by far was La Ribera, located directly on the beach). In addition to meals, additional snacks, beverages, and desserts are available virtually 24 hours per day, through their swim-up Aqua Bar, poolside service, and room service. Each room’s fridge is stocked with bottled water, soda, beer, and snacks daily, all at no extra cost. We loved that by showing their resort wristbands, parents could keep their kids properly hydrated all day, and that families could eat casual meals wherever they choose: the beach, the pool, the restaurants, or the balcony of their rooms.

Family-friendly activities. On the resort grounds, families have the run of three connected, free-form swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, ping-pong tables, beach volleyball courts, scheduled activities, a full kids’ club, and beach access (complete with cabanas to help reduce sun exposure). Velas Vallarta’s pool-side kids’ club is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily for kids ages 4-12, is professionally staffed, and is included in the all-inclusive nightly rate. Kids’ Club staff take kids to the pools, organize games and sport tourneys, teach arts and crafts, and provide meals. Each evening, themed entertainment is on stage in the lobby bar. Tip: for beach rentals such as snorkeling gear, kayaks, and boat rentals, Velas Vallarta recommends neighboring resort Malia Vallarta, located a 5-10 minute walk down the beach. We rented a kayak from their beach rental tent for $15/hour.

Attentive activities desk. Organized tours such as whale watching, snorkeling, hiking, or horseback riding in the nearby Sierra Madre mountains can be easily arranged by Velas Vallarta’s activities desk, located in the main lobby. Activities can be arranged once you arrive, or before your reservation date.

Proximity to town and airport. Velas Vallarta is only five minutes from the airport, and only a 10 minute (or 80 peso) cab ride from downtown Puerto Vallarta’s famed Malecon boardwalk (definitely worth touring). Though most organized tour operations do not pick up guests directly at the resort, it’s 2-3 minutes by cab or car to all Marina Vallarta pick-up points.

Relaxed atmosphere. When we travel with our kids, above all, we want to feel comfortable. Kids are welcomed with both arms at Velas Vallarta; in every pool (though one is designated ‘quiet’), every restaurant, and every activity. The Velas staff is friendly and attentive, from the poolside waiters who ensure you’re never wanting to the groundskeepers and service staff. Wherever you and your family go in the resort, you’ll hear ‘hola’ or ‘buenos dias’ or ‘hello’.

Options. Most guests at Velas Vallarta don’t realize the hotel actually has a sister resort, on the coastline in nearby Nayarit. The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit defines five-star (and four diamond) luxury while still managing to be very family-friendly. I spent a good deal of time there, and can vouch for its elegance, attention to detail, and delicious fine dining. If you prefer a luxury stay, be assured that kids will be welcomed!

Tip:Velas Vallarta always has a lot going on, and guests need to know where to find information. Be sure to check the day’s poolside activities at the dry-erase board near the Aqua Bar; the evening entertainment is listed by the elevators. For any other activities or information, stop by the activities desk. Information is also listed on the Velas Vallarta website, but guests do pay for internet service (currently $16 per day).

As I always disclose whenever applicable, my stay, transportation, and meals were hosted at Velas Vallarta by Velas Resorts, for the purpose of review. And as always, all opinions are my own.

Fun family hostels for an international stay

November 21, 2011 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Wake up in a Turkish cave, a rainforest treehouse, or aboard a 747 airplane that never flies when you check into one of these unusual hotels the adventurous folks at Hostelbookers recommend for families. Besides being easy on the purse strings, these off-beat kid-friendly hotels add a playful, relaxing atmosphere to your vacation that you won’t find at pretentious resorts!

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Kadir’s Tree House, Olympos, Turkey: Tarzan would feel right at home in the jungle-style accommodations at Kadir’s Tree House where your family is invited to “go native.” For the ultimate back to nature experience, claim your territory at their campsite and enjoy the rugged life while having access to a real-life pizza hut, hot showers and bathrooms. Get a taste of life in the canopy snuggled in a tree house hut perched among the branches with cozy bunks and hammocks. If you prefer more civilized comforts, opt for the air conditioned bungalows with private bathrooms and mosquito-proof windows.

Designed like a tribal village around a central courtyard, the friendly staff welcomes guests to join in fun activities like the daily volleyball game or take the half hour walk to the coast and spend the day at the beach. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the delicious meals included in the price served buffet-style three times a day. Dance the night away at their swinging lounge with two bars or swap stories around the firepit.

Aydinli Cave Hotel, Göreme, Turkey: Treat your family to the Flintstone experience at the Aydinli Cave Hotel carved into the hills surrounding a pre-historic looking Turkish city. This family-run hotel doesn’t have Stone Age facilities though–all six rooms have free Wi-Fi and family suites include stone fireplaces and jacuzzis. The Turkish-style bathrooms with hamam basins and walk-in showers make getting clean as much fun as getting dirty!

Enjoy complimentary breakfast in the on-site restaurant and savor your Turkish coffee on the rooftop terrace overlooking the honey-colored walls of the city below. Your helpful hosts can arrange a rental car or guided tour exploring such wonders as the Fairy Chimney Rock Formations in the Göreme National Park.

Jumbo Stay, Stockholm, Sweden: For what may be the best night’s sleep your family ever has on an airplane, check into the Jumbo Stay, a cleverly converted–and permanently grounded–747 jumbo jet. The kids will love exploring this massive plane that’s as much fun as a ride–but seat belts aren’t required!

Live it up in the cockpit suite with a private bathroom or opt for the more budget-conscious dorm-style rooms with single or double beds complete with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs that even display the airline schedules. The eight compact bathrooms are wheelchair accessible and include efficient showers. Downstairs in the Jumbo Lounge you can enjoy airline-style drinks, snacks and a hot breakfast.

When you’re planning your next family vacation, consider these unusual hotels where the accommodations make your trip twice as much fun while costing even less than boring hotels!

Written for Pit Stops for Kids by HostelBookers, a leading authority on family-friendly hostels.

Best Ski Towns: Keystone Resort, Colorado

November 7, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Vail, Colorado has long been synonymous with top-notch skiing, but vacationing families may overlook one of the most family-friendly gems in its crown: Keystone Resort. Less well-known than nearby Vail, Beaver Creek, or Breckenridge, Keystone is located an easy two-hour drive from the airport hub of Denver on I-70, right in the heart of the Rockies. Operated by Vail Resorts, Keystone is a ski town unto itself, with a quaint slopeside village, a full scope of lodging options, fine and family dining, and so many apres-ski activities, kids will certainly sleep well at night!

I had the opportunity to visit Keystone last month, and the moment I arrived, I knew it would make my list of Best Ski Towns. All the essential elements for a great family ski vacation can be found within the resort: convenient, cozy lodging, easy and affordable dining, great skiing, a top-tier, full-service ski school, stunning scenery, and most importantly, a dedication to the family ski experience on the mountain and off.

During the high season, Keystone is literally buzzing with activity. While I was visiting in the fall off-season, construction crews were hard at work on a brand new, full-sized family ice skating rink, located in the heart of the village, and despite the fact that the snow hadn’t yet begun to fall, I kept hearing about KidTopia, a family festival running on scheduled weekends throughout the ski season. KidTopia is a full program of winter events, movie nights, themed parties, and entertainment, at the center of which is a real-life ice castle snow fort (remade each winter, of course!) for kids to explore slopeside. Families can also snowshoe, snow tube, and take sleigh rides when not hitting the slopes.

For quality ski and boarding instruction, Keystone offers their Ski and Ride School, where families can choose between group lessons by their children’s age, family lessons in which the whole family is involved, or private lessons. All take place in a centralized section of the mountain, where fun interactive elements vie for kids’ attention and offer a whimsical addition to lessons. Keystone also offers a full-time daycare for the littlest ones, and–most appealing to my family of skiers–an adventruous Cat Skiing and Riding program that delivers families (or just mom and dad) deep into unexplored power to make new tracks! Every level of skiing is catered to, and with such mix-and-match options, families won’t feel ‘boxed in’ to lessons that take them away from each other.

Tip! As with any ski resort, don’t forget about the off-season! Temperatures may rise, but prices drop in the summer and fall, making the off-season a great time to visit Keystone. During our stay, we enjoyed the many hiking trails in the immediate area (Keystone employees at both the lodge and condo registration offices can point out great hikes on a map). Bike and jogging trails criss-cross the resort, offering miles of beautiful scenery, and only 25 minutes away by car, Lower Cataract Lake awaits with a family-friendly two mile loop amid quaking aspen and high peaks. Summer activities also include river tubing, fishing, and rafting.

Lodging: Keystone offers so many different types of lodging, it’ll make your head spin. Every level is accommodated, from lodge hotel rooms to home rentals. During our stay, we called the family-friendly River Run condominiums home. Comprised of two and three bedroom condos in beautifully themed multi-level buildings, the location is perfect: right in the heart of the River Run village, it’s ski-in, ski-out, so there’s no hassling with shuttles or parking. The lobby of our building housed a roaring fireplace, comfy couches, and ski lockers, and the outdoor patio welcomed us with a steaming hot tub and guest-use BBQ. Laundry facilities are located in-house as well; though I’ll tell you they’re on the top floor to save you from looking for them as long as I did! Our unit in River Run was very spacious and comfortable for a family with a full kitchen, living and dining area, and two bedrooms and bathrooms. We were able to shop for food on our way into Keystone and cook most of our own meals, and from our balcony, we could see a main gondola.

Dining: Right in River Run village are a vast number of family-friendly pizza parlors, pubs, quick-service sandwich shops, coffee shops, and even a small grocery store. When not dining in, any type of food you might want can be found within a few steps of your condo, and most deliver. For a special night out, I recommend one of two fine dining restaurants, with or without the kids: the dining room of the Keystone Lodge and Spa serves delicious, locally-inspired options from top chefs (I had a house-made ‘pocket pasta’ that was to die for), and the unique Ski Tip, housed south of River Run in the historic Ski Tip Lodge offers an amazing wine list and four-star culinary options paired with the wonderful ambiance of a cozy ski cabin (the original home of Keystone’s founding owner). If the weather is nice, take cocktails on the outdoor patio, and ask for your dessert by the cavernous fireplace in the living room. Kids are welcomed at Ski Tip with their own varied and inspired kid menu, but keep in mind that your fellow patrons and inn guests will most likely be seeking serenity and relaxation after a long ski day.

Getting there: If you’re driving, Keystone is very accessible on I-70. From Denver, travel west on Interstate 70 and exit at the Silverthorne/Dillon exit (#205). At the end of the exit ramp turn left (East) at the stop light onto Highway 6. Travel 6.2 miles into Keystone Resort.

While staying in River Run, cars are parked in the nearby indoor, underground garage, but you may not need it again until you depart: the Keystone shuttle service, operated by Colorado Mountain Express, got us everywhere we needed to be in the resort. For those flying into Denver, the same shuttle service gets families efficiently and safety to Keystone straight from the airport.

Tip! Keystone Resort is situated at over 9,000 feet above sea level. Families not used to this altitude will want to take it easy on their first day, and be sure to hydrate while on vacation and before arriving! I was raised at 5000 feet, and still felt the effects quite strongly!

As I disclose whenever applicable, Keystone Resort hosted me during my stay, covering accommodations, transportation, some dining, and a spa treatment. While generous, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai with babies and toddlers

November 2, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Kauai, and Hawaii in general, is a great place for a family vacation, especially if you’re staying at the impressive Grand Hyatt Kauai. However, when you’re traveling with children who are much too small for local and resort activities like surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking, how do you meet baby and toddler needs while still enjoying all the island has to offer? The following amenities at both the Grand Hyatt Kauai and local businesses ensure a great Hawaiian vacation for both adults and kids:

Camp Hyatt: While we were searching for things that would be fun for our three-year-old, we came upon Camp Hyatt, the kids’ camp offered by the resort. After doing a little bit of research, I soon discovered that this was much more than a day care program. Camp Hyatt offers full day, half day, and evening sessions full of fun activities that take your child all over the hotel grounds, including the beautiful pool and waterslide.

“Sure, sure,” you’re thinking. “But my kid will never go for it.” That’s what I thought too—to say that it takes a while for our three-year-old to warm up to new things is an understatement. But he was won over within a few minutes by the friendly, professional staff. Some of the activities offered include making a volcano, feeding the fish in the Koi ponds, “Parrot Talk” (a program led by the Hyatt’s wildlife attendant where kids get a hands-on session with the parrots that live at the Hyatt), and swimming in the salt-water pool. With all that fun and excitement, it’s no wonder our toddler begged to go back the next day!

Tip: Kids are required to be potty trained, and they mean it. Even pull-ups are not allowed, so if you’re child is not fully trained, maybe this activity is best left for the next trip.

The details: Camp Hyatt’s daytime session runs from 9am¬–4pm, then offers a nighttime session from 4pm¬–10pm. Price is $80 for a full day including lunch, or a full night including dinner. $50/$60 for a half session without/including meal.

Complimentary family activities: The Grand Hyatt lobby atrium plays host to a variety of complimentary activities each day including lei making, hula lessons, or ukulele lessons. Very young kids may be not want to stay long, but the river pool and active pool (complete with basketball and volleyball) and water slide (must be 42″ to ride) are only steps away. Parents can trade off, or simply stop by the atrium to take in the atmosphere and show their kids what traditional Hawaiian crafts look like.

Happy Kids Kauai: For those of you with children that are too young for Camp Hyatt, I recommend a nanny service called Happy Kids Kauai. During our stay, we found ourselves looking for a night out, and therefore…a nanny to watch the kids! Happy Kids Kauai enjoys an exclusive contract with the Grand Hyatt, and they provide much more than a typical babysitter. The people who work with Happy Kids provide quality care, often for multiple days during a family’s vacation. They are experts in childcare, carefully screened, and extremely reliable. Rather than simply supervise your children, or rely on TV or video games to entertain them, they play with the kids and provide fun and lasting memories of your vacation while you get a vacation of your own.

We were lucky enough to book Dale Rosenfeld, a former educator who currently runs Espirit De Corps, a riding academy for kids and adults in nearby Kapaa, Kauai. Our kids have very little experience with childcare; our idea of a babysitter is having someone come over after bedtime so that we can sneak out and neither child will be the wiser! So when some events for a wedding we were attending in Kauai required that we have someone come to the hotel and get the kids through dinnertime, bath time, and bedtime, I wasn’t optimistic. But Dale was a true professional. Within minutes, she had our three year old under her thumb, and she was unperturbed by our 10-month-old with an acute sense of stranger-danger. We enjoyed our events, and for two nights in a row, we not only got some time off, but we also had peace of mind knowing that Dale had it all under control!

The Details: Happy Kids nannies require a four hour minimum block of time, three hours in the evening. Other than that, their times are flexible and will accommodate whatever you have planned. Fees were $20 per hour for two children, varies with number of children.

Tip: If you have someone watching your children during meal times, it’s polite to offer the nanny a meal as well. Simple rule of thumb: if the kids are eating, your nanny is probably hungry too!

For more information about a stay at Grand Hyatt Kauai, visit their reservations page. As I disclose whenever applicable, Pit Stops for Kids experienced a portion of the above programs and childcare options listed above complementarily, for the purpose of review.

North Country Farms: a stay on Kauai’s north shore

October 27, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

When it comes to staying somewhere funky and off the map, I’m all in—and this time, on a family vacation to the north shore of Kauai, HI, it paid off! We spent three nights and four days staying at, and exploring around, North Country Farms in Kilauea. North Country Farms is a family owned and operated organic farm with three acres of planting beds, orchards, and even a pineapple field. There are two cottages on the property, both equipped with a kitchenette and plenty of room to sleep 4-6 people (and even more, if you have someone in a pack and play). Children are warmly welcomed, and encouraged to explore the grounds and even pick their own fruit. We stayed in the Orchard Cottage, and in the morning, our three-year-old went out and foraged for oranges, grapefruit, and plenty of avocados for the baby!

The cottage was an oasis—the trade winds blowing through the big windows kept the room cool, with no need for a noisy air conditioner. The abundant geckos kept the bugs away, even on a pesticide-free farm (and provided endless entertainment for our toddler). The owner of North Country Farms, Lee Roversi, is friendly and efficient—available if you need her, but not at all intrusive. (My husband has a phobia of B&Bs; just the thought of making awkward small talk with a stranger sends him running for the hills. But even he admitted that North Country Farms was a great fit for us!) All in all, I can’t say enough good things about North Country Farms. After our stay, we spent a few days at a mega-resort. Don’t get me wrong, it had its perks, but I found myself homesick for our little cottage on this beautiful tropical farm.

Date last visited: September 17-20th, 2011

Room/cabin rates: $150/night, including taxes and cleaning fees. Learn more by contacting North Country Farms via email or phone: [email protected] or 808-828-1513.

Food services: You’ll get some granola, yogurt, and coffee upon check-in, and throughout your stay you’re welcome to pick fruit in the orchards. For a more substantial meal, there are some good take-out options in the area, specifically the Kilauea Fish Market, just a minute down the road (4270 Kilauea Rd, Ste F, Kilauea).

Website: http://www.northcountryfarms.com/index.htm

Directions: It’s somewhat off the beaten path, but Lee will send you good directions when you book your stay!

Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa: dining guide for families

October 6, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

During any resort family vacation, dining is a huge factor…both on the budget and in terms of enjoyment. While at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, I made it a point to try every dining option at least once in order to get the skinny (oh, don’t I wish!) on taste, value, and ambiance, both for kids and adults. Because Aulani is not an all-inclusive resort, families will be making choices during their Hawaiian vacation. Here’s what you need to know to make the best dining decisions for your family:

Dining options on the Aulani property can be classified into three categories: fine dining, buffet dining, and quick service dining. Unfortunately, a Disney dining plan is not yet available at Aulani, though for the convenience of families (if not for possible savings), it is my hope that one is offered soon.

The fine dining option is AMA’AMA, located idyllically lagoonside, where families will enjoy their meal alfresco in the open air dining room or out on the patio. The selections are delicious, but pricy at $31-market price per entree for adult meals, $13 for children’s meals (see ‘ways to save’ below). Also included (by me) in the fine dining category is room service dining, also spendy, but oh-so relaxing and convenient after a full day’s activities. Families can ask their server to set up their meal on their private patio or balcony, or inside the room, where kids can fall asleep into their plates in private.

Buffet dining at Aulani includes the Makahiki Buffet, located beside the Olelo Room bar and opening up onto the Waikolohe Valley. Prices are $27 for adults and $14 for kids at breakfast, and $43 for adults, $21 for kids at dinner for an all-you-can-eat dinner meal. If you have kids who’d like some extra time with the characters, this is the place to be on Wednesday or Saturday mornings, when the breakfast buffet upgrades to a character breakfast. In addition to one-on-one character time, kids participate in parades with Mickey, Minnie, friends and Aunty herself, hear stories, and sing songs. The buffet is varied and includes special attention to international flavors and dietary needs (think Boma in Hawaii), and is certainly worth the breakfast price. Tip: If you don’t want a full buffet, but are not eating in your room, a continental breakfast is served daily at the Olelo Room.

Quick service dining at Aulani includes One Paddle, Two Paddle and the Lava Shack, as well as a limited menu at the beach side Off the Hook lounge. The meals offered at both One Paddle, Two Paddle and Off the Hook overlap, with a few exceptions (for instance, the fish tacos are available from both locations, but the veggie wrap is only available at Off the Hook). I appreciated the vegetarian quick service options, and the comfortable poolside seating serving both restaurants, where we could watch guests braving the Volcanic Vertical tunnel slide for entertainment while we ate. The fun (and yummy) Papalua Shaved Ice stand makes for a great afternoon snack option, with generous servings priced at $3.75.And easily forgotten, Rip Curl is tucked away in Painted SKy (the teen-space), offering a frozen yorgurt station open to all. (It was by far my favorite, due to the pineapple soft serve. Anyone who’s had a Dole Float knows what I’m talking about!)

Generally speaking, families can expect all food at Aulani to be ‘resort-priced’, and though freshly prepared, sustainable, and somewhat more adventurous than the typical fare, the food wasn’t the highlight of my stay. Come ready to spend, and focus your attention on the wonderful ambiance!

Ways to save:

Eat a few meals off-site. It’s important to know that while Aulani can feel like a world apart, families are not limited to dining on-site. Directly across the street from Aulani (a two minute walk), an entire shopping center awaits, offering a quick service taco shop, sandwiches, and an ABC Store stocked with groceries.

Eat breakfast in your room. Thanks to the inclusion of mini-fridges in Aulani rooms and the nearby ABC store, it’s easy to make and eat simple breakfasts even in standard rooms (though for a major grocery shop, families will want to stop at the more affordable Costco or Target en route from the airport). I’d also buy and store snacks and bottles of water.

Buy refillable mugs. It’s easy to get dehydrated in Hawaii, and the cost of iced tea, lemonade, and soda (if you allow it) can really add up fast. Aulani’s refillable mugs are $18.99, which seems steep until you realize how often per day your family will fill them up. Refillable drink stations are located throughout the resort (most conveniently at the Lava Shack and One Paddle, Two Paddle). Oh, and coffee is included!

Splurge on lunch instead of dinner. The food at AMA’AMA, Aulani’s fine dining restaurant, is just as tasty at lunch as it is at dinner, and the prices are far lower. Consider the plate lunch (ask your server for the day’s choice) or try the fish tacos…they were fabulous! Sit outside on the patio with your family and watch the paddleboarders and snorkelers in the lagoon while you eat, then plan out your afternoon while enjoying the breeze.

Treat the adults, not the kids. Sounds harsh, doesn’t it? But if you have kids (like mine) who don’t appreciate a fine dining meal (or sitting in a restaurant for the time required to enjoy it), drop them off at Aunty’s Beach House (for $12, they have dinner delivered to them there) while you enjoy a beautiful meal at AMA’AMA with your spouse. Trust me, everyone will be happier!

For the adults, a note on Aulani’s cocktails and drinks: For those (like myself) who like to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine, the options at Aulani are many. As anyone would expect, cocktails at both Off the Hook and the Olelo Room are somewhat overpriced, but adventurous and good. An extensive wine list is on offer at AMA’AMA. Spirits and liquors are for sale in the main gift shop by the Aulani lobby, but if you need to stock up, you’re far better off walking across the street, where you’ll find a wide selection at the ABC Store. Enjoy!

Aulani, a Disney’s Resort and Spa: what’s included in the Aulani value

September 28, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

There’s no doubt about it: Aulani, Disney’s new Hawaiian resort on the leeward side of Oahu, is jaw-droppingly fabulous. Throughout my stay, I experienced first class service, amenities, and activities across the board. For the average traveling family, however, it’s also jaw-droppingly expensive. Utilizing a quick room rate and availability search on Aulani’s reservations page, I was hard pressed to find a standard room for under $400 a night. Families of five or more can go ahead and double that (though room rates vary considerably depending on season, type, etc). Is the value worth it? I believe the answer is yes, if families take advantage of all that comes included with a stay and educate themselves on resort values.

So what is included in that rack rate? Much more than is offered at most high-end destination resorts. With the price of a room, families will not pay a penny extra for the following amenities:

Within the room itself, families will love the extra touches provided for convenience. For starters, all rooms come pre-stocked with a port-a-crib. All rooms also feature a mini fridge (snacks and breakfast foods are available in Kalepa’s Store as well as across the street from the resort for a more reasonable price), flat-screen TV, wireless internet (at no extra charge), an iPhone/Pod docking station, and a large-for-standard-rooms table and chairs. Suitcase storage is provided under every bed to increase usable space in the room, bathrooms include deep bathtubs as well as showers, and toilets are separate from the main vanity, making heavy bathroom traffic more bearable.

Your kids will love the kids’ club at Aunty’s Beach House. Designed for kids ages 3-11 (up to age 13 welcome), Aunty’s is a cozy and welcoming respite where children are fully supervised for no additional charge. Just drop in anytime during open hours (open until 9 pm or 11 pm). With multiple (adorably themed) rooms for different ages and activities, as well as a large outdoor play area, kids have the run of the place, enjoying individualized attention from staff and engaging in fun and educational activities (think volcano or space goo creations!). While I stopped by during my Aulani stay, I watched a ten-year-old girl receive an impromptu ukulele lesson, preschoolers play dress up with the many Disney costumes, and a group of boys engaged in a computer game competition. Daily special events are also offered (to be listed in each day’s resort schedule.) The Disney details are abundant at Aunty’s: kids love the way it always rains outside the windows of the media/movie room (because you can only watch movies in Hawaii when it’s raining outside!), the climbing fort outside, and ‘Uncle’s workshop’, an extensive art and craft center. What I loved best: special toddler programming for kids too young to be dropped off at Aunty’s is offered for parents to enjoy with their kids…and these programs are scheduled for select mornings at 7:30 am, a time when kids are up and restless, but other activities are not yet open. (Bonus: parents can go off-site while kids are at Aunty’s…nearly unheard of in the resort business!)

Everyone will love the unlimited water recreation in the Waikolohe Valley. Cruise the lazy river (complete with volcanic bubble action underfoot!), play in the free-form pool, slide down the plunge and tube slides, soak in the whirlpool spas, or just hang out in the lush garden areas. Papalua Shave Ice is the best deal going: for $3.75, kids get a huge snow cone with up to three tropical flavors.

The instant beach access means time and money saved on a car rental. Not only can guests dip their toes in the Pacific just a few steps from their room in the Aulani Lagoon, but miles of additional beach access is available as well. Snorkeling is an option right in the lagoon, but only two short coves away by foot (past the JW Marriott) is an absolutely fantastic snorkeling location. Bring your own snorkeling gear, or rent gear for a reasonable fee at the beach rentals shack on the lagoon (you get to use it all day). If you have young kids who might be intimidated by the (small) ocean currents, Aulani also offers Rainbow Reef, a manmade snorkeling cove in Waikolohe Valley. There is a $20 fee per person, which seemed steep until I realized that for the price, you can keep your gear all day, using it in the ocean as well as the reef. (Tip: If you want to try Rainbow Reef, be sure to rent your gear from that location, not the beach shack. You can take Rainbow Reef gear into the ocean, but not vice versa.)

Fish feeding viewings are both free and fun to watch. Families can watch the fish feeding at Rainbow Reef (at 8 am and 1:30 pm), or go next door to the JW Marriott to watch their daily 7:30 am ocean feeding. Tropical fish will swim right up near shore, where kids can watch them as they gobble up fish food.

Free cultural tours, evening entertainment, and fun is offered multiple times a week. At any time during their stay, guests can drop in at the Pau Hana Room, the starting point of the interactive Mehehune Trail (a bit like a scavenger hunt) and location for Mo’Olelo Storytelling, offered multiple times nightly. Additionally, ‘Ohana Disney Movie Nights are held every Friday on the Makaloa Garden lawn, starting at dusk.

Access to characters are free at Disney Friends Meet and Greets. Three times daily (on the week of my visit), Disney characters such as Stitch, Mickey, and Chip and Dale made appearances.

Teens can hang out at Painted Sky. Designed for kids ages 14-17, Painted Sky is one part teen spa, one part teen dance club, and one part teen computer cafe. Events are planned there daily, such as Xbox Zumba Fitness or teen movie nights, but kids can also just congregate there to hang out and chat.

Parents will appreciate the state-of-the-art Mikimiki Fitness Center. Located adjacent to the impressive Laniwai Spa, the fitness center includes weight-lifting and toning equipment, cardio equipment, and classes both in the center and on the beach (though a fee applies to some).

Do all these perks add up to that pricy rack rate? I believe they do, especially when you add the intangibles on top: I’m speaking, of course, of the Disney touch. In addition to the total immersion into the culture and fantasy Disney so effortlessly seems to provide in all their experiences, guests can also count on the Disney standard of guest services and quality. Could you spend less at a another hotel brand on Oahu? Certainly, but when families pay Disney prices, they get…well, Disney. And that’s pretty priceless.

Honolulu on Dwellable

A stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa

September 26, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

I’ll admit it: as my airport shuttle pulled up to Aulani, Disney’s destination resort on Oahu, I expected to find Mickey front and center. I was prepared to greet that familiar pair of mouse ears from every angle: in person, in silhouette, in every scrap of signage and decoration. I was wrong. And while I have nothing against the guy, I’m so glad I was wrong.

Throughout my four-night stay, my experience at the resort emphasized one key fact time and again: Aulani is not a Disney resort that just so happens to be in Hawaii. It’s a Hawaiian resort that just so happens to be (expertly) owned and operated by Disney. Put another way, if Aulani were a cupcake, the Hawaiian environs and culture would be the cake, its people and traditions the frosting. Disney would be only the sprinkles on top. What does that mean for vacationing families? It means you’ll be treated to a true Hawaiian experience, a rarity at large destination resorts. Will your kids also see Mickey? Of course! But as with everything at Aulani, the mouse and his friends are only one part of the greater Hawaiian story being told.

Families are immersed in the Hawaiian culture in a multitude of ways at Aulani, some of which most guests will never notice. The attention, of course, is in the details (this is Disney, after all). Hawaiian artwork by local talent is implemented throughout the resort (from the Maka’Ala lobby murals to the kapa textile in every guest room), taro fields (the indiginous plant used to make the food staple poi) line the outside entry, and everywhere you look (if you think like a kid), menehune, Hawaiian culture’s legendary mischief makers, are celebrated in sculpture and wood carving.

Guests who’d like to know more about any one of these features need only ask: Aulani Cast Members not only exemplify the Disney standard in guest relations, but are very knowledgable about the traditions and customs illustrated throughout the resort. Or join local artists, storytellers, and experts at one of the many family activities scheduled daily: take Ohana Hula from a local practitioner, attend Mo’Olelo storytelling in the Pau Hana Room, or learn how to carve a pineapple or prepare poi. Walk the Menehune Trail or take one of several self-guided cultural or environmental tours.

The design of the resort itself is a nod to Hawaiian tradition as well as Disney’s tradition of nurturing childhood delight. I had the pleasure of meeting several of the talented artists whose work adorn Aulani’s walls and corridors, and the word each of them continually used was ‘pride’. When asked about his vision from an engineering standpoint, Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Vice President and Creative Executive Joe Rohde explained that he tried to design the resort in a way that would make children notice the details before adults do.

Of course, Aulani is also all about recreational fun: there’s so much for families to do together on-site, you could be outside all day. The resort’s two main towers cradle the central Waikolohe Valley, where the Waikolohe Stream (lazy river) flows, the Menehune Bridge (water play structure) beckons, and the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon promises tropical fish sightings. In addition, families will love the zero-depth entry pool, water slides, infinity whirlpool spas, a quiet pool, and of course, the beach, with floating swimming platforms, snorkel and recreational gear rentals, and plenty of space to sit back and relax is located only steps away.

While there’s plenty to do at Aulani, families will want to book excursions at the Holoholo Desk, where it’s possible to choose from a number of off-site Oahu experiences in three distinct price ranges. Book an adventure with an affiliated local tour operation (fully vetted by Aulani), opt for one of several Adventures by Disney two-hour to half-day excursions, or participate in a multi-day Adventures by Disney program. The Excursions Guest Services team has done all the work for you, finding the best Oahu has to offer, and no less.

No matter how much families do (or don’t do) while on an Aulani vacation, one thing is certain: they’ll be surrounded by the rich storytelling tradition that always equals a magical time. From the moment I stepped onto the property, I was fully emersed in this wonderful story being told, a feeling emphasized during a meeting with Bob Iger, President and CEO of Walt Disney Company, and Tom Staggs, President of Parks and Resorts. Both emphasized what I was already finding true at Aulani myself: that Disney is indeed in the experience business, not the hotel or theme park business.

Date last visited: September 20-24, 2011

Room rates and options: Standard Aulani rooms feature five distinct view categories (all of which are very decent), and sleep up to four. They are just under 400 square feet, and include a spacious balcony or veranda. Rooms come with mini-fridges, coffee makers, hot water kettles, and bathrooms with deep tubs as well as showers and separate spaces between toilet and vanity. Parlor suites sleep five and include a separate bedroom area and additional half-bathroom. (Tip: for families of five, it’s more economical to reserve two adjoining standard rooms.) Aulani is also a Disney Vacation Club property, and guests also have the option of reserving DVC one-three bedroom villas as available.

Rates vary depending on view, season, and room type, so it’s best to check the reservations page online for current pricing.

Kids’ Club: Aunty’s Beach House is included in guests’ room rate, and offers unlimited care and fun for children 3-12. Painted Sky, also complimentary, is designed for kids 14-17.

Dining: Aulani includes several quick service dining options (including One Paddle, Two Paddle), two bars (The Olelo Room, which teaches you the Hawaiian language while you sip your cocktail, and Off the Hook, which also serves a poolside menu), Makahiki Buffet (with a character breakfast option two days per week), and ‘AMA’AMA, a signature dining restaurant. Dining is not inclusive, and menus reflect typical resort pricing, but families have the convenience of charging meals and snacks to their room card. Reservations can be made through the room phone or in advance (recommended for character breakfasts).

Directions: Aulani is located in Ko Olina at 92-1185 Aliʻinui Drive, Kapolei, HI, only 17 miles from the Honolulu International Airport. Car rentals are available at the airport of course, as is The Bus, the local public transportation (which will get guests within 1 mile of Aulani).

As I disclose whenever applicable, my stay at Aulani was fully hosted by Disney. My opinions, however, remain my own: this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.