We’ve gotten a lot of questions lately from a group of people aching to dip their toes back into the waters of spontaneity. People who haven’t been able to even consider a spontaneous trip lately, not because of COVID…but because of kids. Children add so much joy and sweetness to life but they definitely make planning a last minute get away difficult and sometimes impossible. And while the folks we’ve heard from aren’t trying to jet off in a matter of hours, they’ve asked for help in planning semi-last minute spring break trips, with kids in tow. So, if you find yourself in the same boat, wanting to get away this spring with the whole family but unsure of where to travel to, let this be your guide!
Palmaïa, The House of Aïa
If you’re looking for equal parts wellness retreat and kids haven, look no further. This beautiful hotel in Cancun, Mexico has a bit of both and the whole family is sure to fall in love. Palmïa, The House of Aïa is a short drive from the Cancun airport and set on a. beautiful beach. The food is vegan unless you request otherwise, drinks are delicious and low octane, and smack in the center of the pool situation is a killer kids pool, complete with shallow water and slides, surrounded by loungers so you can lay back and watch the kids wear themselves out. And they offer onsite Covid-19 testing for re-entry back into the US.
White Barn Inn
While it won’t be warm in Kennebunport, Maine over Spring Break, it’ll still be beautiful and the food will still be delicious. The beaches that, in the summer, are dotted with people soaking up the sun can be used to run off excess energy. In town, there are shops (including an epic candy shop), ice creameries, and plenty of restaurants that kids are sure to enjoy as much as the parents. The White Barn Inn, located just across the bridge in Kennebunk, is a beautiful new-isn property that is very accommodating for families and would be a perfect home base for a week of eating lobster rolls and blueberry pie.
Barbuda Belle
With just seven bungalows on a stunning strip of private beach, Barbuda Belle feels remote without feeling forgotten which also means kids can run around and be loud without disturbing anyone. Barbuda Belle defines the term ‘barefoot luxury’. Each bungalow floats high above the sand on stilts, the beds are draped in gorgeous linens, and the doors slide open to reveal a post card-perfect view of the Caribbean Sea. No need to force the kids into shoes for meals, just wander down the winding wooden path to the main club house and take your pick of table, each offering a beautiful view that will wait perfectly with a lovely meal.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Rosewood Little Dix Bay is a legendary property in the British Virgins Islands, set on one of the most spectacular shorelines in the Caribbean. Activities abound on the Little Dix Bay beach and throughout the property. If you’ve had your fill of kayaking or Hobie-Cat sailing, then hop on one of Rosewood’s colorful Mokes to explore Virgin Gorda or take a stroll through the hotel’s organic garden. Rosewood always go over the top for kids, and this property is no different. Our son Jack walked up to our outdoor patio to find a entire pirate’s play tent set up, complete with activity sheets, crayons, and his very own backpack with beach toys. Happy kids equal happy parents – always.
cinnamon shore
Cinnamon Shore is a serious hidden gem along the Texas coast. The beach community has everything you could look for in a family vacation – gorgeous pastel-colored beach houses, palm-tree lined streets, luxury golf carts as your mode of transportation, great onsite restaurants, community entertainment, and a beautiful beach to top it all off. Cinnamon Shores just takes family vacationing to the next level. From setting up your family’s umbrellas and beach chairs in the morning to delivering smore’s to your private beach bonfire at night, this place makes vacation with the kiddos both easy and fun.
Sunset Key Guest Cottages
The island of Sunset Key is just 27-acres in total and a stone’s throw (500 yards) off the coast of Key West, Florida. The resort and a handful of private homes are the only things on the island. Sunset Key Guest Cottages is a luxury resort that features cottages ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms. Each cottage is your own little home. They are private with an expansive kitchen and plenty of space to spread out and unwind. These cottages make for the perfect family escape without all the bustle of a big hotel.
INN at perry cabin
This colonial-style manor and spa is set right on the scenic shores of the Chesapeake in St. Michael’s, Maryland. The Inn at Perry Cabin is huge, sprawling towards the water with gorgeous gardens off to the side of the resort. Set among the blossoms are a bocce ball court and a croquet lawn, free to use while you’re visiting the Inn. Sailing lessons are available off the Inn’s dock, or you can choose to sail aboard the resort’s Oyster Catcher boat. Either way, you may find it hard to peel yourself away from the gorgeous pool area or high-end Linden Spa. Bring a book and you could spend hours lounging in one of the dozen or so adirondack chairs scattered across the lawn; the views are stunning any time of day so we highly recommend relaxing there.
The Other Side
Set on a quiet stretch of beach on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, The Other Side feels as though you’re on a private island. The solar powered property is tucked very far off the main drag and most people access it by boat, coming from neighboring Harbour Island. The Other Side touts itself as a glamping property and it’s the most luxurious glamp-site we’ve ever seen. The property is made up of tents, shacks, sheds, and huts. There are 3 communal tents – a bar tent, dining tent, and relaxing tent – and 4 beachfront king-sleeping tents. We’re talking hardwood floors, 4-poster king bed, AC, couches, so much space. The family who owns the property also lives there and you’ll likely see their kids, and dogs, running about. As a parents, it’s always a delightful discovery to find other children at your hotel for built in playmates for your brood.
La Paz Mexico
Jacques Cousteau called La Paz ‘the world’s aquarium’ and if that doesn’t entice the kids togo, we don’t know what will. The area is beautiful and full of sea life so it’s a wonderful place to consider if your children are old enough to enjoy snorkeling or kayaking (or young enough to still be napping so you can explore during nap time!). Located in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, it’s just a 2-hour drive from Cabo which should make flights easy. There isn’t a hotel that comes to mind necessarily but more so the area. We stayed a house when we visited and it was a wonderful experience. The town is lovely, the food is delicious, and the people were so kind and generous.
