A family vacation should add up to rest and relaxation for everyone, but with children's endless energy supply, it can sometimes mean more commotion than real life. That's why there are resorts that cater to children's needs while making room for a little (quiet) grown-up time. The good ones have kids' clubs. The best ones have great bars.
Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club, Jamaica
Though there are Beaches resorts elsewhere in Jamaica and in Turks and Caicos, the Boscobel property is notable for its access to the Pirates Island waterpark and a majestic golf club. While you're hitting the green for the day, or even getting the full Red Lane spa experience, leave your children at the supervised kids camp, where youngsters of all ages are kept very busy with water activities, cruises, karaoke, dance parties, tennis lessons and probably a visit by Sesame Street characters. The resort also features an Xbox 360 Games Garage, Microsoft's answer to the arcade. The space has Xbox 360 systems each hooked up to flat-screen TVs. Golf clinics and scuba lessons are also available for kids. At the end of a busy day, families have five gourmet restaurants to choose from, and grown-ups can enjoy unlimited premium drinks at any of the six bars.
Paradisus Playa Conchal, Costa Rica
Adventurous families will appreciate the unspoiled natural playground of beachy Guanacaste. It's full of national parks, forests and wildlife refuges. Ecotourism activities can be arranged through the resort, as well as horseback riding, fishing, diving and more. When mommy and daddy want some alone time on the golf course or at the Ahuia spa, they just need to use the Family Concierge service to book any of several supervised activities for the kids. Among them is a kids camp, painting lessons, bird watching, and sushi making. Parents can join in on the fun at any time. The whole family can also embark on canopy, bike or kayak tours together, as well as a sunset cruise. Each of the resort's suites is expansive, ranging between 538 and 1,162 square feet, and boasting a separate living area. Just before bedtime, the Family Concierge can set up the in-suite whirlpool for "Bathtime Fun."
Meliá Caribe Tropical All-Inclusive Beach & Golf Resort, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana was made for beach bums, which is an important part of this seaside resort's experience. Set on a larger-than-life sandy beach, the Meliá Caribe Tropical is also located right next door to a golf course. On top of an in-house casino, the resort also boasts a Flintstones Land mini-club for the kids. Separated into different areas for different age groups, children can play at their leisure in the Flintstone-themed gardens or swimming pools while enjoying a host of supervised activities. Adolescents will no doubt appreciate the arcade, as well as teen-oriented activities like art workshops, karaoke, beach volleyball and water polo. The family that stays together can arrange snorkeling excursions, sunfish sailing, diving lessons or have a go at the climbing wall. At night, there are over a dozen restaurants to choose from, and there's a theme party every weekend. Those who book the Royal Service benefit from a private check-in and an exclusive beach with a bar, among other goodies.
Tags: Caribe Tropical, choose from, Family Concierge, golf course, kids camp, Meli Caribe, Meli Caribe Tropical