By Lynn O’Rourke Hayes
From FamilyTravel.com
Is it island time? If you have sun-drenched days on your mind, here are five destinations to consider.
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, St Lucia.
At this all-inclusive Caribbean resort, set within 85 acres, children will learn about their destination through activities designed for each age group. The SCOUTS program—Seeing, Crafting, Observing, Understanding, Tasting, St. Lucia—is infused in the fun you’ll find headquartered within the 50,000 square foot Cocoland Kidz Club. Expect youngsters to access a mini zip line and rock wall, a petting zoo and plenty of water play. Three of five resort pools cater to kids and include a lazy river and a zero-entry splash pool. Savvy youngsters can order colorful slushies and fruity drinks at their own swim-up bar. When parents opt for time at the spa or a night on their own, kids can enjoy Pirates Night or Movie Night on the Splash Lawn.For more: www.cbayresort.com.
Tahiti
For an over-the-top treat, take the family to Tahiti. The remote islands of French Polynesia make for a dreamy getaway your crew will remember for a lifetime. Explore magical motus (small islets), crystal clear coves and palm-fringed lagoons under turquoise skies. Snorkel, scuba or paddle amid stingrays, sharks, turtles and other fish in water so clear and warm you’ll want to float in it forever. Splurge for a stay in over the water bungalows or cruise the pristine seas via a sailing ship.For more: www.WindstarCruises.com; https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/faa-a/pptpf/hoteldetail.
FDR Resort, Jamaica
There is nothing like an afternoon splashing in the surf, swishing down a 100-foot water slide and building sand castles to wear out an active youngster. At the FDR Resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, once Junior goes down, a vacation nanny is available to sit by his side while you enjoy an afternoon playing golf, scuba diving or exploring by kayak.Check in to this all-inclusive seaside getaway, and meet your CPR-trained vacation nanny, who will assist you and your family in having the most relaxing time possible. Trained in child care and housekeeping, this professional staff member’s goal is to fill in where needed, whether by looking after youngsters in the pool or making sure the kids’ favorite snacks are on hand in the room.
For more: www.fdrholidays.com.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Just 5 miles long, this charming island is big on scenic beauty and hidden gems with a small-town vibe. Located 20 minutes from downtown Savanna, Tybee Island will appeal to families who might enjoy kayaking, searching for fossils or learning about ecology on the beach. Check out Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse and enjoy bicycling around Tybee’s historic Fort Screven District. Get up close and personal with bottlenose dolphins on an adventure tour. Don’t miss the new 5,000-square-foot Marine Science Center to experience touching tanks, turtle talks, floating classrooms, and hands-on activities. Stay in small inns or rental properties near the sea.For more: www.VisitTybee.com.
Coronado Island, California
Located just across the bay from downtown San Diego, this family-friendly getaway is famous for its gentle surf and wide, welcoming beaches. It’s home to the Hotel del Coronado, an iconic Victorian gem considered the island’s crown jewel. The long, wide stretch of sand provides easy access to the water and thus the perfect home base for your family’s seaside activities. Get out the boogie boards, issue a beach volleyball challenge, take surfing lessons, learn the secrets of mermaid fitness or join a clambake. Top-notch children’s and teen programs and spa options are also available.Nearby is the Loews Coronado Bay Resort where family members can choose from beach activities, pool time and ideas spurred by the pros at the kids’ activity desk. Guests can call ahead to reserve child-friendly resources ranging from cribs and baby swings to pool toys and strollers. Check out the lounge and spa room designed for teens.
For more: www.Hoteldel.com; www.LoewsHotels.com.
Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com. Copyright 2023 FamilyTravel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
