travel Archives - Page 10 of 68 - Have Sippy Will Travel

Visiting the Poconos

March 3, 2016 by Samantha 11 Comments

This most recent visit to the Poconos, we stayed at Split Rock Resort & Golf Club and visited Jack Frost Mountain ski area during the day. It was only a short ride, making spending the day outdoors easy (and coming back to our room was relaxing).

Winter is a great season to enjoy time at a resort- and to take advantage of the winter-weather sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing while you are there. Split Rock Resort and Jack Frost Mountain are the perfect escape combination that you are looking for this season. Split Rock Resort is not just for winter, however. Every season is a good time to visit, with a different experience each and every time. Located in the western region of the Poconos, you will find the sense of adventure that you have been missing from everyday life.

Split Rock Resort has over 1,200 acres to explore, and is lots of fun for the entire family. The resort offers lots of on-site events and live entertainment, as well as a pool and several restaurants and eateries. You can check out local bands and award-winning festivals. There is something going on every single week, so while you are there you can soak in some music and festivities. There is also an arcade, movie theater, and bowling alley, all for additional fees.

The resort has all sorts of accommodations, so whether you want to stay in a suite, lodge room, villa, or cottage, you have that choice. Lake Harmony is the gorgeous view that you will get from the lodge rooms. If you are planning on a longer stay (or you have a larger family), you may want to look into the suites or the villas, which offer a fireplace, full kitchen and even a dining area. The bathrooms were amazing in our room- there were showers and a whirlpool tub, which we loved. What a great way to relax after a day outdoors! It’s like a home away from home, and in some cases, better. The cottages are perfect for an intimate stay.

There is also the H2Oooohh! waterpark you and your family can visit, but that is a separate price from the rest of the resort. Ticket prices range from $16 for observer only (you can enter, but not ride or take part in anything) to $32 for adult and children over 12. There are 53,326 square feet of water attractions, five exciting body, tube and raft slides, a wavepool, activity pool, water dumping bucket, and more. There is also a surfing activity, where kids and adults can try to ride a wave standing up or body-boarding style on the Komodo Dragon – Pennsylvania’s First Indoor Flow Rider. There are also hot tubs and a kiddie play area. This was the highlight of the trip for my son, and the place where we spent most of our time.

While you are staying at the Split Rock Resort, you should take the time to visit the Jack Frost Mountain ski area. It is just as iconic as the resort that was founded for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company to get away as a retreat. In 1942, it was built along the shores of Lake Harmony and had an adjoining Hazzard ski slope. When the lodge was sold in 1947, the ski slope was renamed to be known as the Big Boulder Ski Area. This was the first commercial ski resort in Pennsylvania and was where snowmaking was first used successfully for commercial enjoyment.

Fun fact? John Guresh, an employee who was instrumental in building Big Boulder Ski Area, perfected the snowmaking machine. In 1956, there was now a sprinkler type machine that released crystals that looked and acted like snow. Jack Frost was born in 1972 and is now a resort that is a companion to Big Boulder Ski Area. These two resorts are now a big part of the skiing community in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

My son had the best time snow tubing (his favorite winter activity). After you choose your tube, you drag it a short way to a tow-rope lift. The way it works (for anyone who has not tried this before) is that you sit inside the tube, and an employee snaps the rope onto a tow-rope that drags you up the hill at a not-too-brisk pace. Once you get to the top, you hop out of the tube, take the rope, and wait for your turn to go down the hill. This saves you from having to drag it up the hill yourself over and over again, which we all know is exhausting. (And if you have small kids, to drag them, their tubes, and your own tube up as well!)

At Jack Frost, the parking and tubing areas are at the top of the resort. You will find everything that you need in the Main Lodge, and the Tubing Park is right there as soon as you arrive. Parking is no problem, and it’s not far to walk to. There is also Big Boulder Park that operates mostly at night, but does have some daytime and weekend hours. They also have a tubing park. With a multitude of different runs to experience, there is never a dull moment.

Head over to http://www.splitrockresort.com/ to book your stay. You and your family will have a great time!

Filed Under: family, travel Tagged With: family travel, PA, travel

The Buccaneer Resort in St. Croix

January 24, 2016 by Samantha 7 Comments

Modern hotels that have a historical background are always a treat to visit. The Buccaneer St. Croix is an amazing hotel in a beautiful, perfect paradise. From sugar, to cotton and cattle, the Buccaneer has pretty much seen it all. It officially opened for business in 1947 and had only eleven guest rooms at that time. It was the first hotel in St. Croix and was a major achievement for the family who founded it.

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The guests were known as “continentals” and would enjoy their stay with drinks, visits to the beach, painting furniture, and of course with great meals. Nightly cocktails were a must. Things have not changed all that much, and you can now enjoy music and great food along with the cocktails. There are several restaurants to choose from, and some must try cocktails include the Cruzan Confusion, Raising Cane, Caribbean Sunset, and Jump-Up-and-Kiss-Me. The food is amazing, and no matter if you choose to eat in the restaurant or beach-side.

It’s amazing to think that the Buccaneer has been around for 70 years and three generations that have made the St. Croix community that much more lively and enriching. The Buccaneer is proud to be a supporter of the National Park service with the three month turtle watch program. They are also very committed to community services around the area and to funding scholarships for students to attend college.

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There are lots of fun things to do while you stay at the Buccaneer, and you can be sure that you are being environmentally friendly while you stay. The hotel has tons of environmental practices in place to make sure that they are not creating excess waste, are conserving energy, and also that the wildlife is able to live around the hotel freely as it should on the 340 acres. You will see iguanas roaming about fairly regularly, for instance.

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The Buccaneer has been named as One of the Best Family Resorts and with great reason! They have lots of activities and amazing accommodations when it comes to family fun, as well as relaxing time with your spouse and kids. There are three beaches where your family can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and just plain lounging around. Children have lots of room to explore, splash, and play without being overrun by a lot of people. The waters are calm, clear, and warm- perfect for anyone.

The waters are warm even at night, and the sun sets over the water. Boats can come pick you up for a day trip right off that dock- ask the front desk for some information. (Big Beard is great!)

If you were looking to learn something new on your trip, there are classes to learn how to play golf, tennis, and even scuba diving that teens and adults can participate in. For the younger crowd (4-12) there is a complimentary Kids’ Camp. Fantastic. There are also activities for the whole family to enjoy together such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball. You can sail and snorkel. If horseback riding is more your style, then you can have that arranged as well.

The restaurant by the main lobby has amazing views from every angle, and the staff is friendly and courteous. It’s a hard place to leave. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served here, and live music is often played.

The Kids’ Camp has all sorts of activities for the younger of the clan to enjoy. These include activities on the beach, treasure hunts, nature walks, games, and crafts. These are all available to you during your stay year round. The kids are allowed to stay for the entire day or they can stay for just a little while to give parents the time to explore and enjoy activities on their own.

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St. Croix is more than just the Buccaneer, however and you will want to explore the town and it’s monuments. There is also a rainforest, rum factories, historical sites, and botanical gardens to cross off your list to see while you are visiting. (I’ll tell you about my favorites in the next post.) Try something new or see something that you have never seen during your stay, this place is amazing. Easily one of my favorite places, and that’s saying something. If I were you, I’d look into a stay in St. Croix as soon as possible. The people, the food, the music, the history- it’s a place that stays with you long after you land home.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: islands, travel

Saybrook Point, CT

December 31, 2015 by Samantha 12 Comments

A vacation with a great place to stay, a spa to enjoy and of course greats eats sound like the perfect plan. Saybrook Point Inn & Spa has all of this and more. The small town feel of your stay is going to leave you wishing that you could stay forever. The friendly faces, marinas and of course the history is going to make make your visit a unique one. The Saybrook has been in business for over 130 years, so they know how to give you the perfect balance between extravagance and charm of amazing hospitality.

You will want to experience it all from a day at the spa, to a one-of-a kind dining experience at Salt and your accommodations will be the perfect end to your day after you explore and find the shores and the marina. The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is all about southern New England charm. You will feel it as soon as you arrive. This waterfront destination will make you happy that you chose this part of Connecticut to get away. Many hidden gems are just waiting to be discovered during your stay.

One of the places that you are going to want to visit will be the Katharine Cultural Arts Center. People around town will affectionately call it The Kate. The building was built in 1905 and has seen multiple changes since then. In 2003 the building was restored in honor of Katharine Hepburn to honor her life and of course the legacy that she left. You will also want to book a charter and explore the beaches and open water as only a boat can allow. Adventure is good for the soul.

Now, with adventure underway you will also want to be pampered and revitalized, so visit the spa. There you will be able to indulge in facials, massages, and a feeling of overall wellness. If you would like to see all that the Spa offers, check out the printable spa brochure.

Ready for something good to eat? Fresh Salt is more than just a great restaurant. There are views from the restaurant that are sure to leave you speechless. Their chef uses only the freshest and most seasonal ingredients to make your dish something to never forget. It will truly be Connecticut authentic. The restaurants’ commitment to only using local food makes it so that the quality is outstanding. You can check out the menu and dine here daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Fresh Salt also offers a lighter affair of food to eat and cocktails made to enjoy an intimate evening together if you are enjoying time as a couple.

A relaxing and adventure filled time awaits you once you book a stay at the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa. There are adventures to entice your wild side and relaxing atmospheres and good food to take your mind off of life’s hectic pace.

The time is right for a getaway- book your stay now at http://www.saybrook.com/ .

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, new england, road trip, travel

Have a Howling Good Time at @GreatWolfLodge in PA

December 7, 2015 by Samantha 16 Comments

Great Wolf Lodge is a terrific place to take your kids to year round, not in the least because your hotel was also your waterpark, restaurant, activity center, and more. All I had to do was park the car and bring in the luggage and we were good to go.
The huge indoor waterpark is reserved for guests only, guaranteeing that you will never have to wait on a long line.

Making it “snow” from the decorated ceilings at Great Wolf Lodge

Once you arrive, you are greeted and checked in by friendly staff, and you make your way to your room. It is decorated for the season right now, and so pretty. From the minute you walk in, the ceiling to the floors are decked out for the season. Even the characters are wearing their holiday best as they meet the kids and walk around the resort.

Great Wolf hosts its annual Snowland celebration for guests from November 28^th to January 3^rd, where they turn the resort into a winter wonderland complete with indoor snow showers, spectacular decorations, visits from Santa Clause, “Polar Wolf” Walks, North Pole Letter Depot, a Great Clock Tower Howl-iday Show, and more.

New this year, Great Wolf Lodge will introduce special Snowland Suites complete with twinkling garland, decorated tree, oversized snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, and a plush blanket and Great Wold Lodge book to take home with you. To up the holiday ante, Wiley and Violet the Wolf will also be hand delivering cookies to each suite booked. My boy got a milk and cookie delivery from Oliver, and he was so excited. We’ve never met Oliver before, and my son couldn’t have been happier to see him. He stayed for some hugs, too, and let mom take a few photos- what a nice holiday critter.

Families are also invited to celebrate the magic of the season by dining inside the world’s only life-size, dine-in gingerbread house. Featuring more than 5,000 candies, 600 pounds of gingerbread dough and 1,320 pounds of sugar, each house will be baked, iced and candied to perfection, providing the setting for a memorable holiday feast. The appetizing walls of the lodge-baked abode have as much heart as taste as the proceeds for each meal go to charity. I’m not sure how much this costs, but give them a call and see- you for sure need an RSVP to do this one.

In addition, your family can try the all-new interactive game, Clubhouse Crew, partake in various Snowland-themed activities, and enjoy a $50 credit to explore the lodge at your leisure.

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There are fun activities that take place daily as well- make sure you get a schedule (and take a good look, you don’t want to miss out on any of the fun!) We were able to watch a holiday parade that included Santa arriving on a firetruck, visiting Santa and taking photos, a holiday meet and greet with many of the Great Wolf Characters, storytime, a Howl-iday show, and more. We had a fantastic time- and that’s all without the water park being added in! You can also participate in a “Peeps” treasure hunt- find all the Peeps, and you can enter to win a prize every evening.

My son really enjoys the whole “Lodge” look and feel of the hotel- like a fun place in the woods, but modern with technology, conveniences, and comforts. There were multiple restaurants, a dessert shop, where you can grab ice cream, fudge, pastries- you know, all the “good” vacation foods, and a Starbucks, of course. What would life be without one? Ha.

The dinner and breakfast buffets were both good, and easy. Just head over, sit down, and eat. It’s what you really want after a fun and busy day- just easy and good food.

Now- onto Great Wolf Lodge’s main attraction- the heated indoor waterpark!
At 84 degrees year round, the temperature was perfect. The water was both warm and refreshing, and the room was not so cold that you felt chilly out of the water, yet not warm enough that you felt sticky-muggy-hot. With over 200,000 gallons of water rushing around you, there is sure to be some family fun taking place! Can’t swim, or not a strong swimmer? Great Wolf Lodge provides life vests at various sizes for all children. This not only gives parents peace of mind, but lets your whole family have fun, and stay safe.

What do you dislike most about taking your kids to a water park? Long lines? Paying for parking? How expensive the tickets are? (Times how many people there are in your family….) Paying for parking, besides paying for all your tickets? (Which is SUCH a scam, and honestly is the thing I hate most.) Oh yeah, and having to rent a locker for 10-15$ to store your sunblock, towels, etc in? Getting burned from being out in the sun all day? Long lines? Wait, I said that already…..Can you tell that I “love” long lines? With a whiny kid, to boot, since kids also can’t stand waiting, LOL. Plus, if you are also staying in a hotel, that is an ADDITIONAL expense, right. At Great Wolf Lodge, it’s all in one price- you know what you are paying, and it’s all up front. (And no parking fees or long lines, ha.)

Here is a little hint- staying at the Great Wolf Lodge will seriously decrease both your spending and your time spent in lines, while increasing the amount of time you have to spend actually enjoying yourself. More rides, since there are very short lines, no driving to the waterpark and back again. Just walk down the hall, take the elevator down, and BAM! There you go. No need to pay for parking, because, oh yeah, you are there already….You are inside, so no sunburn- and if you go to the outdoor water park, you can always go back inside if you are feeling over-exposed and take a break. You can’t do that at most places. No to mention, it’s really fun to be at a waterpark in your swimsuit in the middle of winter. A fun break in the weather while not traveling off the East Coast.

Storytime with Santa’s elf and Great Wolf Characters

The slides, multiple pools, lazy river, water basketball, lilypad hop-across pond, and so much more- you will never, ever be bored.

There is more to see and do at Great Wolf Lodge- storytime, build a stuffed animal, put on a puppet show- don’t you want to go see for yourself? Check out their website and book your next stay. You can also follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Disclosure- I received a stay at Great Wolf Lodge in order to facilitate this review. All reviews are mine.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, PA, PA Travel, travel, water park

The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine

October 15, 2015 by Samantha 9 Comments

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The Nonantum Resort is is Kennebunkport, Maine and is one of the prettiest seaside villages in New England. Their waterfront rooms are surrounded by sandy beaches and shores that can be enjoyed during any season of the year. You can easily walk into Dock Square and visit shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The resort is open from mid-April to mid-December. You will experience and enjoy the hospitality that the resort has to offer and start many traditions of your own on your visit.

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When you stay at the resort, there is now a complimentary shuttle service within a 5-mile radius of the resort. This is available the third week of June through Columbus Day. They are open Sunday-Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, and on Friday and Saturdays from 10 am to midnight. Anywhere you need to go within five miles of the resort, you can get to by the shuttle service and that includes the Amtrak DownEaster Station in Wells.

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There are lots of activities for children to enjoy when they are vacationing no matter what age they are. There is the Kids’ Corner Crafts, Follow Me Kayaking Excursions, Family Movie Nights Under the Stars, Kids’ Ice Cream Parties, Princess & Pirate Parties, Stand-up Paddleboard Demonstrations, Family Campfire Sing-A-Long’s and Marshmallow Roasts, and Lobster Cracking 101 Demonstrations. The resort also serves a children’s friendly menu at each of their dining places.

If you are curious about what kind of opportunities there are for the kids you can take a look at the 2015 Activities Schedule. Enjoy kayaking, biking, tours of the coast, hiking, paddleboarding or you can just simply relax around the pool while the kids enjoy the activities that are just for them.

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You can also take your family on a Lobster Tour on the Rugosa. The Rugosa is a restored 1963 oak-planked Lobster-style boat that will take you on 1-1.5 hour tour of the Kennubunk River and allow you to see the coastline. You captain will educate you on your trip about all the techniques of catching/trapping lobster. You will learn the life cycle of the lobster, the process of mating and molting, the migration of the lobster, and of course the laws and regulations that are set in place to help protect the Maine fish population. The kids get to help and take part in this exercise, and band lobster claws. (All lobster are thrown back, as they were when they were caught- it’s all good.)

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After your tour of the coastline, you will then get to haul in some traps. You can put everything that you have learned now into action. You will hook and haul traps, measure, band, notch, and determine what sex your catch is. The other activities you will take part in is baiting, throwing the catch back, and inspecting other creatures, such as crabs, urchins and sculpin that may have found their way into the lobster pot.

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This is the perfect experience for someone that may not have all the knowledge of what it takes to be out on the water for the first time. Adventurers that have been out on the water before will also enjoy this one of a kind experience for a little bit of adventure outside their element. The Rugosa tour has something for everyone to enjoy from scenic views to hands on participation.

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The Rugosa is available for you to either book from the hotel or to privately charter, and can fit up to 30 guests. The boat has hardwood, cushioned seating and a covered canopy as well as many open spaces to be able to socialize. The tour is $30 per adult and $20 for children. The private charter rate is $600 for a two hour trip.

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So with so much to explore and do on the coast of Maine at Nonantum Resort, visiting here no matter in the spring, summer, or fall- it is the right choice for a little change in pace from your average hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, travel

The Beach House Inn, Maine

September 23, 2015 by Samantha 7 Comments

The Kennebunkport Area is one to explore in Maine and there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy. The Beach House Inn is a great hotel that you could go to stay whether it be for a family vacation, a getaway as a couple, or a seaside escape from the city. The Beach House Inn is a relaxing place to rest your head, no matter what your reason for visiting may be.

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Explore the beaches (just down the street in either direction), head into the village or Dock Square to dine or browse the shops, or visit the playground. You could also take the chance to visit the Breakwater Spa and treat yourself to a day of pampering bliss. If you just don’t feel like doing anything or going anywhere you can enjoy the view of the ocean from your room or one of the porches that wrap around the building. The hotel offers beach towels and beach chairs for use free of charge, as well. Just sign them out with your room number and you are good to go.

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Just a few things to do when you are in the area are visiting Maine Antiques, Kennebunkport Shopping, Kennebunkport Brick Store Museum, Seashore Trolley Museum, golf courses, whale watching, nature walks, sailing, the gyms, art galleries, shore walks, the beaches, and the First Families Museum.

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The First Families Museum is an 1853 Greek Revival house reflecting the lives of its early residents Charles and Celia Perkins, whose fortunes were connected to the thriving shipbuilding era of Kennebunkport, making the town one of the wealthiest in New England. Original furnishings and French wallpaper (in it’s original state, and full of arsenic if you can believe it!) reflect the luxurious living of the family. The guided tour presents stories and artifacts from sea captains and shipbuilders to rusticators to Kennebunkport’s most famous summer residents, former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush and their family. It’s a fun stop to learn about the area, it’s residents, and the former president. It doesn’t take long to get through, and yes- it has a gift shop.

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After you have had a long day of enjoying Kennebunkport, you will be hungry. Why not visit one of the local favorites, Stripers Restaurant. (Yes, the Bush family have eaten there among other famous diners.) Many, if not most of the tables offer views of the water and lobster boats that are heading to and from the ocean. Stripers Restaurant is delicious, and offers the best of coastal Maine.

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Enjoy New England seafood classics, locally sourced, as well as beautiful views. The sunsets are amazing. Feel free to take your food outside and dine on the waterside deck. Before you get started, there are cocktails and appetizers available on the Adirondack chairs on the riverfront lawn or at your table. For lunch or dinner, there are local fish, lobster, and shellfish meals- if seafood is not your style, they do have alternatives for you.

The dining area at the Beach House.

The lunch menu is a little lighter with salads, burgers, and sandwiches along with specialty seafood dishes. Make sure that you try their truffle fries or oysters on the half shell while you are there. There is also a Sunday Brunch offered as a Kennebunkport tradition with lobster omelets, Stripers burger and Bloody Mary mixes. If you would rather something more casual while you dine, The Sunset Lounge would be perfect for you. There is a huge selection of daily specials, cocktail menu and wine list for you to choose from.

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When you head back to the Beach House’s cozy rooms to get ready to relax for the evening, remember there is a fire pit outside that can be lit. Pull up a rocking chair, grab some marshmallows or a s’mores kit from the front desk, and enjoy your evening. (There are no sticks to roast the marshmallows with, so make sure to bring your own). The rooms are spacious, and have nice views and cross breezes- even though we were there in August, we didn’t need to use the air conditioner at all. In the morning, breakfast is served in the front, and you can eat indoor or outside. There is also a “snacktime” at around 5, when there are teas, coffees, cookies, muffins, and other food and beverages out.

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So come and enjoy the view and the great food at Beach House Inn and Stripers Restaurant. The duo is one of the best in Maine and will do the best to make sure that you have a full heart and a full stomach when you leave. Make your reservations here.

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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: beach, family travel, Maine, travel

Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island

September 16, 2015 by Samantha 9 Comments

Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas is home to sand, surf, and family-friendly accommodations (like the mega-resort Atlantis), but families on spring break will find that the destination also offers immersive and educational experiences fit for kids and adults alike. Have you ever considered taking the kids to Atlantis in the Bahamas? There are so many things offered that will make this a vacation to remember, from Dolphin Cay (an experience on 14 acres and almost 7 million gallons of crystal clear water) to Aquaventure (the island’s water park on 141 acres) and more pools and slides then you will have time to visit in a long weekend. Then there is the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, where you can learn how they are working to conserve the reefs. Should you care to venture off the resort, Paradise Island has many activities that your children can enjoy at any age.

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Atlantis has a great habitat that supports marine life and animal rescue and rehabilitation facilities. You can see tanks and aquariums all over the resort, which is enormous. You have to take buses all over in order to get from place to place- it’s as big as a town, for sure. Walking would be nearly impossible. You pick up the buses in the lobby of your hotel, and each of them has the names of the stops they make on the side and top of it.

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Aquaventure is of course the water park and has non-stop action. There are Atlantean-themed towers, water slides and a mile long river that has rolling rapids. This thrill of a place has over twenty million gallons of water, 20 swimming areas, a kids water play fort, and 11 swimming pools. Everything is connected together by a tropical environment and is sure to please everyone visiting from young to old. There is also a “Cartoon Lagoon” which looked very cool, but we were not able to try out. Turns out you need to make an appointment to use it, and it often fills up months in advance for a time slot, so if you want to use it, book it when you book your stay, and don’t be late or forget to show up or you miss your chance.

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There is a fun cartoon character parade through Atlantis, check with the desk for times and locations. You can also see Caribbean dancing, music, and more depending on the date and time. My son loved seeing his favorite TV toons in person!

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As I mentioned, you can learn how scientists are conserving the coral reefs through the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. You can ask about any of the Blue Adventures at the center that is operated by Stuart Cove. As you learn, you will also be donating to the foundation as a portion of the the proceeds of each adventure goes to help the foundation.

You can also experience activities that involve fitness, golf, shopping, pottery, rock climbing, Atlantis theater and of course a spa. The Mandara Spa brings together Balinese healing touches, traditional European therapies and natural elements that are specific to the Bahamas. The Taking of the Waters has both warm and cool pools as well as steam and sauna rooms for you to enjoy. There is even a Couple’s Spa Suite and a women’s aromatherapy area. Men can experience time for themselves too with barber services and a plasma TV in the lounge. The Earth and Fire Pottery Studio was a big hit with my son, who loved making and taking home his own painted creation (note- you only paint it, you don’t mold it).

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Kids will fall in love with the colorful sea creatures they will get to see, the water slides, and of course searching for treasures on the beach. There are things that will surely bring a smile to their faces and they will remember always. As tweens and teens, they will also want to explore Atlantis on their own and not just with their parents. Atlantis has something to offer for them, too. Preteens can have tons of fun in the sun by going on snorkeling and scuba adventures to come face to face with marine life. Atlantis also has a kids-only nightclub along with them adventure play rooms and an “underwater” video arcade.

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Teens that vacation on Paradise Island can have non-stop fun and excitement with the Aquaventure Waterpark, up close encounters with dolphins, and rides in the shark filled lagoons. And as the sun goes down, there are multiple activities such as a nightclub where there are no parents allowed, the “underwater” video arcade, and the Atlantis Movie Theatre. There are also movies and TV shows offered on a large screen on the lawn each night (weather permitting) for everyone to enjoy. We were able to see “We Bare Bears” before it was on TV back home, which thrilled my boy.

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Also available (for an extra fee) is in room babysitting- all sitters are CPR-certified. You will have to call one week prior to travel in order to book the babysitting. Something else to think about is that children must be free of diapers and pull-ups to go to the Atlantis Kids Adventure Club, and proof of their age will be required. Some of the waterslides that the children will want to get on will have the requirement that they are at least 48 inches tall.

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Atlantis aims to please those of all ages. With all that there is to do in paradise, you can be sure that you will be wanting to come back again and again to experience the thrills that Atlantis has to offer- this will be a vacation to remember forever. As your children get older there will be different things that they can enjoy, there is something for everyone and all ages.

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Should you feel like spending time off resort, head to some of the very cool museums and see what the island is all about. The The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas will give you a brief history of the island (complete with real and original artifacts on display) and houses a collection of items spanning more than a 1000 years . The Pirates of Nassau Interactive Museum is not to be missed, either. From 1690 to 1720, Nassau had the highest concentration of pirates ever seen in the New World. At the Pirates of Nassau Museum, which provides the perfect mix of entertainment and education, kids and parents alike will love learning about the Golden Age of Piracy. Guests can board the “Revenge,” a replica of a real-life pirate ship, and feel as if they’ve gone back in time for a truly interactive history lesson.

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For more information, and to book your stay visit www.nassauparadiseisland.com.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: bahamas, family travel, island, islands, travel

Jewel Runaway Bay Resort in Jamaica

August 12, 2015 by Samantha 9 Comments

Jewel Runaway Bay is an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica that will give you everything that you need for a personal getaway. It doesn’t matter if you just want to lounge about or play some golf, there is something for you. It’s also a great place for couples to say “I Do” on the beaches in Jamaica- quite lovely.

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There is always something for you to do at Jewel Runaway Bay, because this Jamaican resort has it all. They are a beachfront resort that has three different pool areas and an-on site spa. There are also Jewel exclusives that you will not be able to experience anywhere else.

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If food ranks highly on your list when you are visiting somewhere new, there are five restaurants where you can discover delicious food. There is a style of restaurant for everyone from a laid back atmosphere serving jerk chicken beachside to more gourmet dining experiences- try them all, and eat often at your favorites.

Check out their activitites schedule – there is sure to be something that you will enjoy on your stay. It’s a great place to bring the whole family, there is quite a lot to do.

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The full-service spa has four treatment rooms; one for wet treatments, and services that range from facials to full body massages. Relaxation is top priority- you are on vacation after all. If you love golf, Jewel Resorts has everything that a golfer will need for the Jamaican Golf Vacation of their dreams. Runaway Bay Golf Club is next door and has 18-holes on a PGA-quality course. Even if you aren’t Tiger Woods, you will still feel at home on this golf course. Guests who stay at Jewel Resorts will enjoy complimentary green fees.

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There are all sorts of areas to relax including the garden, the beaches, or go inland to see the attractions that include Dunn’s River Falls, Dolphin Cove, Mystic Mountain, Nine Mile, and Appleton Rum Estate. After you have tons of fun in the Jamaican sun, head back to your room that is full of all the comforts and amenities that you could imagine. The beds are plush and will make it so that you get a great nights sleep so that you can get up and enjoy everything that much more the next day.

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And there is now NEW WATER PARK FUN! Families and kids can enjoy a whole day of fun at Jewel Lagoon Water Park that is now open. This park is a day long adventure with over 10 attractions that will satisfy toddlers to teens. There is even a family raft ride.

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You can rent a private cabana or there is a 5,000 square foot oceanfront deck. Also enjoy the two splash-down pools, kids gang slide, the lazy river, speed slide and the family raft ride. There are multiple levels of the kid slides and of course a splash zone. After you have enjoyed the sun and water fun make sure to check out the dining area and the stage that has daily live music. It is a fun time for the whole family and definitely needs to be scheduled for your trip to Jewel Runaway Bay.

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