More and more blended families are honeymooning together. Here, our favorite getaways.
By: Jenna MahoneyClub Med Sandpiper Bay
Photo Credit: Club Med Sandpiper Bay
If you think Club Med is all about swinging, single fun, think again. The first name in the all-inclusive experience has a host of family-friendly properties boasting activities for every age group. Besides its awesome location set on 216 rolling acres along the St. Lucie River, the 335-room Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida stands out for its tennis academy, golf school and trapeze and circus classes. Three property pools include a splash park for kids and an adults-only infinity sanctuary. The infant nursery program, on-site activities for children up to age 17 and the night-time pajama parties give you some just-the-two-of-us time (room rates start at $1,064 per person, per week, all-inclusive; clubmed.us).
Beaches Turks & Caicos
Photo Credit: Beaches Resort
Where else can you hi-five with Elmo, craft like Martha Stewart and splash in a waterslide, all steps from one of the world’s most celebrated beaches? At Beaches Turks & Caicos a bonanza of family-friendly activities are on offer. In addition to the “typical” Caribbean adventures like sailing, snorkeling and beach volleyball, there are also a host of never-thought-it-could-happen-to-me types of offerings. Think DJ classes and soda swim-up bars, along with a Medieval-themed eatery and a teen disco. Adults can escape to the spa and Sapodilla’s restaurant (room rates start at $680 per person, per night, rates for children under the age of 16 are $120 per person, per night, under age two is complimentary, all-inclusive; beaches.com).
Cap Maison, St. Lucia
Photo Credit: Cap Maison
With sweeping views of the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, the island of St. Lucia’s mossy peaks, jungle interior and some of the most spectacular sunsets in the region, this luxury hotel seriously sparks the romance. (The Cap Maison was the site of a Bachelor proposal after all.) While sumptuous bedding, in-room spa services and stellar cuisine are hallmarks of the intimate, beachfront property, it isn’t all white gloves and fine wines. The hotel’s Nannies and Grannies special allows families who stay in a grand villa an additional room free of charge. The pool, beach and golf program are welcoming to children, as are a host of area activities, such as snorkeling and ziplining (room rates start at $405 a night; capmaison.com).
Disney Cruise Line
Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Lines
While Disney and family fun go together like Mickey and Minnie, the thought of spending your special vacation on line in the parks may not be your idea of wishing upon a star. Enter the Disney Cruise Line, a collection of four spectacular ships that feature all the fun of the Disney name with an equal amount of pampering for parents. Champagne bars, spas and—on Caribbean itineraries—an adults-only beach are all happily served alongside Princess meet-and-greets, Goofy playtimes and pirate parties. While many cruises leave from the home port in Florida, this year the line announced New England, New York and Hawaii sailings (room rates start at $471 per person, per night; disneycruise.disney.go.com).
