When I recently came across the Villa Group resorts, I was excited.  All of the Villa Group resorts are incredibly family-friendly, with both their room design (huge rooms/suites with kitchens) and their activities. The New York Times named the destination of Loreto as one of the “must-see places of 2011” and it has tons of family-friendly activities including a Kid’s Club from 9am to 9pm, 24 hour babysitting services, expansive private beaches and whale watching excursions.

Villa del Palmar Cancun is on Playa Mujeres (a beach area about 25 minutes north of Cancun’s hotel zone and 35 minutes from the airport….just as accessible yet more quiet and serene). The spacious rooms are perfect for families and offer private terraces, kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access and spa tubs. For larger groups, one and two-bedroom suites have distinct living rooms, separate bathtubs and showers, fully-equipped kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers, stovetops, microwaves and utensils, plus washer/dryer. While not playing in the pool or building sandcastles on the beach, children will be fully entertained with Spanish lessons, kite-making and other exciting activities designed for all ages. Adults can enjoy dancing lessons, beach volleyball games, yoga classes and nightly live music and entertainment. Nearby activities include kayaking, surfing, sailing, horseback riding, fishing, eco-tours, bike rentals and tennis. In May and June, rates start at just $122 per person, per night, all-inclusive, based on double occupancy. Children up to 2 are free and 3-12 are $66.50 per child, per night.

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto is set in Mexico’s next “it” destination, Loreto (it’s Baja California’s hidden gem with totally untouched and unspoiled beaches).  Only a 90-minute flight from Los Angeles and set in a spectacularly secluded area along the Sea of Cortez with views of the neighboring majestic Sierra de la Giganta mountains, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto features 181 ocean-front suites, free-form multi-level swimming pools, pristine beaches and gourmet restaurants. Within the next two months, they will also open tennis courts and a stunning 35,000 square-foot spa and fitness center. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the destination, Villa del Palmar is the first property in the Villa Group Resort’s planned 1,800 acre development in the destination, “Danzante Bay,” which will feature seven resort hotels, 240 home sites, additional restaurants and a Rees Jones golf course.  Those looking for an “Ultra-Inclusive” getaway including meals, beverages, golf and many outdoor activities can book travel starting at $250 per person, per night, reflecting a 30% discount. To celebrate the opening, the resort is currently offering 30% off of rates, which comes to $146 per room, per night (an incredible value).

Disclosure: I was not compensated to write this review, nor have I been to these resorts.

Daily fitness activities include a rainforest hike, Beach Boot Camp, Pilates, muscle toning, Yoga, stretch, aqua aerobics and more. Each participant also gets one complimentary personal training session at the fitness center.

Those who sign up for the wellness week will also enjoy a choice of daily spa treatments, including an Ultimate De-stressor Massage, a Moor Mud Wrap, Classic Facial, Sabai Hot Stone Massage, and Classic Manicure and Pedicure. The Spa at Curtain Bluff is a great place to relax – every treatment room has a private balcony with ocean view. Guests love unwinding before a treatment on the relaxation deck features a Jacuzzi that overlooks the island of Montserrat.

Participants will also receive a private consultation with a certified nutritionist. To learn how to maintain healthy eating after the weekend is over, guests can partake in a healthy cooking class led by Chef Christophe Blatz, who will be creating separate wellness menus that guests can order from in the dining room each night.

Rates for the Curtain Bluff Wellness Week start at $513 per person per night, based on double occupancy and include the following:

-Daily meals and drinks
-Private consultation with a nutritionist
-Four spa treatments per person
-Healthy cooking class with Chef Christophe Blatz
-One personal training session per person
-Daily group fitness classes
-Round-trip taxi airport transportation to Curtain Bluff
-All motorized and non-motorized water sports
-Use of the tennis courts, squash courts and fitness center
-Government and service tax

To book the wellness week, call 1-888-289-9898. Visit www.curtainbluff.com for more information.

One of the many new camps to the 2011 roster is the first-ever Seventeen Magazine Fantasy Camp. Girls ages 15-22 will learn from Seventeen stylists, hair and makeup pros and fitness experts July 25-28, 2011. From morning yoga to relationship and empowerment seminars, Seventeen camp counselors and ambassadors will teach campers what it means to be a Seventeen cover girl complete with their own cover shoot with a real Seventeen photographer!

Aspiring comedians are invited to learn the ins and outs and the basics of improvisation and sketch comedy at the Second City Fantasy Camp August 1st-4th, 2011.  Hosted by the famed Chicago comedy theatre Second City, credited with launching some of the most influential names today – Mike Myers, Tina Fey and Steve Carell– the camp aims to teach basic improvisational and sketch skills, inspire creativity and develop an ensemble through simple performance style games.

Back by popular demand from young LEGO fans, the nearly 4-day LEGO Atlantis Fantasy Camp offers kids the opportunity to work with LEGO Master Builders for tips on perfecting their building skills with epic LEGO masterpieces. The LEGO Atlantis Fantasy Camp is July 11th-14th, 2011.

For those campers with hopes of becoming an aquarist in the future, the celebrated Marine Adventure Fantasy Camp is back for another year with three sessions: July 11th-14th, July 18th-21st and August 1st-4th, 2011. Campers will gain behind the scenes access with our Seakeeper and Marine Mammal team to learn how to prep food, feed and care for the marine life. Junior aquarists will also a guided Blue Adventure snorkel trip and Shark walk with Stuarts Cove to observe and learn how to protect these natural habitats.

The third annual Miss Teen USA Fantasy Camp at Atlantis is a pageant preparation program endorsed by the Miss Universe Organization^Ò which will take place the week leading up to the2011 MISS Teen USA^Ò pageant, July 12th-17th, 2011.  This camp provides prospective pageant competitors with an unparalleled, behind-the-scenes look at the preparation required to become a national titleholder or even Miss Teen USA!

The 6 day/5 night Miss Teen USA Fantasy Camp is $1,250 per camper, providing the campers with room accommodations, various activities, three meals a day, a special chic cocktail dress and more.  As an alternative, campers can opt to participate in the camp for $750 and stay in their family’s room.

The Hannah Mermaid Fantasy Camp, invites young guests ages 6-12 to experience what it is to look, feel and live like a mermaid.  A current resident of the Atlantis aquariums, Hannah is a professional Mermaid, ocean environmentalist and performance artist. Fascinated by the mermaid myth since she was a child, Hannah will share her mermaid expertise with campers from the secrets of creating your very first tail to mastering the art of interacting with the ocean’s majestic creatures including the dolphins at Dolphin Cay! The Hannah Mermaid Fantasy Camp is scheduled from July 18th-July 21st, 2011.

For more information and a full list of Atlantis Fantasy Camps or to make a reservation, please call 1-800-ATLANTIS or visit atlantis.com

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post.  I am providing this as useful information for summer trip planning.

I was thrilled to be contacted y the Jamaica Tourist Board to promote some of their seasonal offerings geared toward moms and dads in celebration of this year’s Mother’s and Father’s Day holidays.  Many of Jamaica’s accommodations, attractions and tours have designed value-added packages in honor of these special days.

Here are value-packed offerings to whisk mom and dad, with or without the kids, away for a memorable Jamaica vacation:

Airline

Families are always welcome on Air Jamaica with special offers and value fares starting at US$99 one-way, per person in Lovebird Economy class. Hospitality in Air Jamaica’s Lovebird Economy class includes complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, two pieces of checked baggage up to 50 lbs. each, and one carry-on item. Taxes and fees not included.

Accommodations for Trips without Kids

Richmond Hill Hotel

If you have childcare or can get some lined up for a week away, or just a few days, without the kids, there are some great opportunities for rest and relaxation.  Please note that all of these hotels also offer options for children, and you can inquire directly on their web sites for more information about family bookings.

Moms and dads will love Richmond Hill Hotel’s special rate of US$150 per night, double occupancy, for a one-bedroom suite (tax and gratuities not included). Situated 500 feet above the exciting resort city of Montego Bay, parents will enjoy the elegance of this quaint bed and breakfast, which is just minutes from Doctor’s Cave Beach.

Or parents can escape to the all-inclusive Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa and experience fine-living at a value price. Located just 15 minutes from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, parents will enjoy the comforts of this 400-acre property including a private beach, championship golf course, a full-service spa, sophisticated dining options, and more. All-Inclusive rates start at US$239 per room, based on double occupancy. Guests can also receive US$50 in resort credit for every two nights stayed, up to $200 per stay. This offer is valid May 1 through June 30, 2011.

The Palmyra, a Solis Resort & Spa believes Moms and Dads Deserve Paradise. Moms who book using code MD11 will receive two rejuvenating spa treatments, and golf-loving dads who book with code FD11 will be treated to two rounds of golf. Guests should book by June 1, 2011 for travel May 1 through June 20,  2011. Rates for moms begin at US$1,465 per room, and US$1,545 per room for dads, for three nights based on double occupancy. This offer does not include tax or gratuity.

Ritz Carlton Golf and Spa Resort

Moms can Escape To Luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica and relax with luxury accommodations and all-inclusive cuisine at the hotel’s celebrated restaurants. As an added bonus, this package is coupled with a complimentary fifth night, so mom can extend her stay. Rates start at US$559 per room, plus tax and gratuity. The special is available through December 21, 2011. The 427-room AAA Five Diamond Resort is also preparing a special Mother’s Day Brunch filled with champagne and gourmet cuisine, highlighted by traditional island favorites. The Mother’s Day brunch is US$45 per person, plus tax and service charges, and is available for booking until May 8, 2011.

Two Seasons Guest House invites visitors to come for Jazz and stay for Father’s Day. Guests who are heading to the Treasure Beach Jazz Escape on Saturday, June 18, can stay at this ten-bedroom abode, which is located in walking distance from beaches, shops and restaurants. Special rates for a standard room start at US$80 per room, for two persons and US$100 for a deluxe room. Rates include breakfast and free Internet access, and are available for booking until June 1, 2011.

This year, Moms and Dads Get a Break with two free nights and a complimentary massage with each one-week stay during the months of May and June at any Villas by Linda Smith. Each of these luxury properties has a swimming pool and a full staff including, butler, chef, housekeeper. For seven nights, rates vary with size of villa from US$90 to US$370 per room, per night, based on double occupancy, plus a 15 percent service charge. This special offer is valid for booking until May 1 for Mother’s Day and June 1 for Father’s Day.

Moms in need of some tee time can take advantage of a Girls Golf Getaway at Breezes Runaway Bay Resort & Spa when they book a three-night minimum. The package includes a one-hour private golf lesson with a PGA-certified instructor, one-hour Native’s Touch massage, and a manicure and pedicure at the full-service à la carte Blue Mahoe Spa. Rates start at US$149 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Book until May 31, 2011 for travel May 1 through September 2, 2011.

Attractions for Moms, Dads and Kids

Sea-faring moms and dads can celebrate with exotic marine life for half the price at Dolphin Cove. Moms and dads accompanied by family at full price, should book by May 8 for half price for moms and June 19 for half price for dads. Visitors will have an opportunity to interact with dolphins, sharks, stingrays, birds, snakes and iguanas. Rates vary with different programs and attract a 10 percent tax.

Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours honors moms and dads with a half-priced Island Routes Reggae Cruise, when one is booked at full price using the code BOGO3. The entire family will set sail on one of the state-of-the-art catamarans and head to some of the island’s iconic attractions including, Rick’s Café in Negril, Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in Montego Bay. Rates start at US$75 per adult, and US$60 for children ages 2-11. This special offer is available for booking through June 30, 2011 for travel until December 31, 2011.

Tours

Dads and kids can show their appreciation for moms with the Family Time package at Half Moon, A Rock Resort. Whether spending time together, or giving mom some alone time, this package has everything to keep the entire family happy. The package includes luxury accommodations, 5-star dining, welcome gift and champagne, nanny service (restrictions apply), activities and treats for teens and toddlers. Rates start at $639, not including tax and service. The package is good for travel through December 14, 2011, and must be booked by December 12, 2011.

Dolphin Cove

Leisure for Pleasure Holidays & Tours Ltd is celebrating moms and dads with a family adventure to discover the wonders of Jamaica. Moms can enjoy the 5 Days Jamaica Eastern Adventure Escape package valid May 5-9, 2011, featuring rafting on the Rio Grande, Somerset Falls, Dolphin Cove and Dunn’s River Falls. Dads will enjoy Green Grotto Caves, Underwater Adventure, Outameni Experience, Black River Safari and YS Falls from June 16-20 on their 5 Days Jamaica Western Adventure Getaway. Both packages include return airport transfers, hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, transportation, entrance fees to attractions, driver/tour guide, and hotel taxes and service charges. A 30 percent deposit and guest list is required by March 31, 2011 for moms, and April 11, 2011 for dad’s getaway. Rates start at US$875 per person, based on double occupancy. Mom and dad will participate for free with a minimum booking of 12 people.

For more information or to book a vacation to Jamaica, visit www.visitjamaica.com or speak to your local travel specialist.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com, or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitjamaica, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitjamaicanow or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/aboutjamaicajtb.

Disclosure: I was neither compensated nor told to have a particular point-of-view in this post.

What you may not know is something that I haven’t written a lot about: I thoroughly enjoy all-inclusive vacations, especially since having kids.  When you’re working and raising kids, there is simply no time to relax, yet alone plan a trip. I was one of those people who never thought that I’d like this kind of holiday.  I’ve always loved independent travel – discovering, exploring, and going off the beaten path.  I even enjoy the trip planning.  But after having two kids, I’ve come to realize that a trip is no longer about me.  It’s important to choose destinations, and the types of vacations, that every member of my family enjoys.

My love for all-inclusive resorts started while my husband and I were dating.  We were two years into our relationship, both living and working in New York City.   We decided we wanted to go away for a week for a romantic get-a-way but had no clear vision of what type of trip we wanted.  After a visit to our local Liberty Travel office and sitting down with a travel agent, we decided to venture off to Barbados.  I had never stayed in an all-inclusive and didn’t know what to expect.  The price was right, $1,200 each for seven nights.  Within a week, we were off.  We were greeted with cocktails which instantly made us feel like we were on holiday.  Since then, we’ve been on a few all-inclusive vacations with the kids in tow, and each one has been very successful.

Here are ten reasons I recommend an all-inclusive resort as a great destination for families:

1. Easier trip planning:

Booking a trip is easy – you can do all your research online on web sites like Liberty Travel which has whole section dedicated to all-inclusive and family vacations, or you can get in touch with their online specialists.  They’ll find the least expensive, convenient flights for your family and the best package to suit your family’s needs.  All you have to really know is where you want to go and how much you want to spend.  A package generally includes flights, room, food, snacks, drinks, tips (sometimes), airport transfers, flights as well as most on-site activities.  Depending on where you are going, you may want to take additional day trips, which requires a little leg work and extra spending.  However, you can be sure that the resort is taking care of you from start to finish and everything you need is waiting for you.  I still recommend taking a guide book or two, and knowing about the area you’re going to. 

2. Easier on the wallet:

Since pre-paying means that you know exactly how much you’re paying ahead of time, you don’t have to worry about going over-budget.  It’s a relief not to have to carry money around the resort.  The last two all-inclusive resorts we traveled to, Jamaica’s Starfish Resort Trelawny and Mexico’s Grand Parnassus Hotel in Cancun (read about why Mexico should be your next destination here) charged us relatively the same amount for everything: $2,500 all-inclusive.  We did have to pay extra for babysitting and day trips (to see Mexican ruins), but in both cases, the total amount was small compared to the amount we knew were saving.  Feeding a family of four, five, or six can be enormously expensive; it helps when the trip payment is behind you.

3. Kid’s Clubs:

One of the most important considerations for us is whether the resort has a kid’s club.  If they do, you can be rest assured that there will be enough activities and entertainment for your children, and you’ll manage to get some time to yourselves, too. My husband and I tend to need some time alone while on holiday.  You can have breakfast with them and then them drop for their own day of fun, which consists of activities catered to their interests.  

Thankfully, my kids have (knock on wood) always loved the experience.  Kid’s Clubs offer a plethora of wonderful activities in a social setting: movies, water slides, swimming, games, art, snacks, treasure hunts and more.  The facilities we’ve seen are clean and safe and the babysitters reliable and trust-worthy.  There’s plenty for them to do and keep them occupied, and there’s generally an agenda full of activities.

Most clubs take children into the kid’s clubs after age 3.  The Starfish Resort actually took my son at age 2, which is unusual.  Usually you can choose a half or full day program.  When my kids were very young, ages 2-4, we typically left them in kid’s club until after lunch until about 3pm.  Kid’s clubs range in price, so it’s important to check how much they are before you go.  Sometimes they’re included.  At the Starfish, we only paid $5 a day.  My husband and I spent the day lounging by the pool reading books, riding kayaks, speed boats and sailboats, drinking cocktails by the pool side.  Our kids went swimming, went on water slides, had lunch, and watched movies in the afternoon…my son even napped inside the club.  A lot of the kids were children of the hotel’s staff so they were truly immersed in Jamaican culture.

It always surprises me when I hear about families who visit these resorts and don’t take advantage of these facilities, feeling guilty about not spending enough time with their kids.  My kids have so much fun going off with other kids and being taken from activity to activity that it makes our trips easier.  Of course, I have heard stories about kids who refuse to be dropped off at the kid’s club.  That’s a situation I haven’t had to deal with.

4. Food:

I’ve never had a bad meal at an all-inclusive resort.  At Club Med in Turks and Caicos and the Crystal Cove in Barbados, where my husband and I went before we were married, the food was exceptional.  The chefs put special care into the menu and the kitchens are especially good at making large amounts of food.  We were also able to go eat at its sister hotels, which ranged from casual to fancy, with varying options.

Generally, there are buffets based on a theme that changes nightly.  Sometimes, you may have many options to choose from, which makes pleasing your kids easier.  In Cancun, our resort had a variety of restaurants to choose from of all types of cuisine: Japanese, NY deli style, Italian, French.  We were able to choose a different theme nightly or go back to a place
we all agreed on.  It’s definitely a head ache saver not to have to take your wallet with you to every meal.  Another good thing about buffets is that there’s no wait and there’s a wide selection.  That leads to less child angst.
 

5. Activities:

Games, water sports, exercise classes, scavenger hunts for the kids, discos, late night swimming – there’s something for everyone.  Most places offer nightly entertainment too, ranging from amateur to professional. The Grand Parnassus had weekly kids’ club show staged in a real theater and nightly family movies.  The Starfish had a different program for adults every night.  Given that and the fact that the hotel offered an open bar, we eagerly booked a babysitter for every night that we were there.  They charged us $10 an hour and we decided that since we rarely went out at home, it was worth the money.  What a treat to go to a luau on the beach one night on our own.  On another night, we took our children to the circus.

6.  Grown up stuff:

I won’t deny that given the opportunity and time to get a spa treatment that I do.  We never forget the importance of pampering ourselves while away, and all-inclusive resorts do give you the opportunity to do so.  They generally have really nice spas and you can book your appointments once you’re there.  We have also taken the time to go speed boating, sailing and had many a cocktail by the pool.

7. Staff:

The few experiences I’ve had at all-inclusive resorts all share one thing in common: good service.  The resorts really seem to invest time and energy in their staff and teach them how to cater to their guests. At the Starfish, we got to know several of the staff by name and they even called us by our names by the end of the week.

8. New friends and experiences:

A perk to staying in a resort where they offer varied activities for people of all ages and sizes is that your child will be exposed to all types of activities.  At the Starfish, our kids were exposed to Circus School which includes trapeze, trampoline class, juggling, and rock-climbing wall.  My kids were too young to experience it but they watched their first cousins in their daily performances after a lesson.  They were introduced to pools of all shapes and sizes and water slides.  They always mak new friends in the kid’s clubs.  My daughter has made friends from England, Jamaica, Ohio and New York.  We’ve even brought back email addresses so they can keep in touch.  They develop bonds in the kid’s clubs after spending full days together.  In Cancun, my daughter’s play date with another little girl from Ohio continued in our hotel room.

9. Staying disconnected:

Generally speaking, at an all-inclusive resort, you are very cut off.  You may have a TV in your room, but there won’t be much to watch.  Internet is available in the business center or lobby, usually for a fee, and probably limited WIFI, if any.  You’ll be so busy; you may not even think about your life back at home — bills, work, and obligations.  Let it all go. If you’re on vacation, it’s better to disconnect.

10. Going where you won’t see your neighbors:

I don’t know about where you live, but up here people go to Cape Cod, the Jersey Shore or Long Island for their summer holidays.  When we’ve told them we were going to these exotic destinations, they’re always shocked…and impressed.  When we started venturing off to far away destinations, the kids were just a few months old.  No one can ever understand why a sane adult would spend so much money to go somewhere far away to deal with their own children.  Think again.  It’s less money then they’re spending to go an hour away; and your children will enjoy the trip as much as you will.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive vacation for your family this summer, go to Liberty Travel’s web site or to a local office. They have specialists who are dedicated to both family and all-inclusive vacations.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, however the views and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.