Hey fans! If you have us bookmarked, make sure the link points to www.childofleisure.com, NOT childofleisure.blogspot.com. The new link will make sure you get all the latest posts. Be sure to check us out as we update our design and continue you to bring you more travel tips, information and deals that will help you travel with your children without sacrificing style or luxury.
Hope to see you soon!
A Massachusetts Suite at Hyatt Regency, Cambridge
copyright, Hyatt Hotels
From the Hyatt Regency Cambridge website, this week's family vacation special offer of the week:
Take a break from the hectic pace and relax together. Our weekend Family Fun Package includes:
Bliss Villa at night
copyright, Bliss Villa
Bliss Villa is a 4000 square foot luxury villa rental on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. Despite the spacious living quarters, the villa only has two bedrooms, perfect for an intimate vacation for either two couples or a small family unit.
The master bedroom (king bed) and second bedroom (queen bed) each have a private bathroom, with the master bath boasting a jacuzzi tub. Each bedroom also has a shaded terrace that overlooks the 3000-square foot outside veranda, which overlooks the infinity pool and beach. The bedrooms are on either side of a massive great room with high ceilings that invite the Caribbean breeze. Furnished in comfortable cool fabrics with splashes of color, the great room is an inviting place to relax while enjoying the output from the kitchen. The adjacent informal dining room provides seating for 6.
Bliss Villa master bedroom
copyright, Bliss Villa
A large upstairs loft provides guests with office space: it includes a telephone, fax, computer and wireless access for those with laptops is also available. A sofa is included for lounging and can also pull out to provide a queen-size bed for children or a third couple.
The great room at Bliss Villa
copyright, Bliss Villa
Amenities at Bliss Villa include two cable TVs with DVD/VCRs, a sound system, A/C in the bedrooms. Outdoors, guests will find pool equipped with pool toys and there is also an outdoor shower.
The villa is only 12 minutes from the airport and is close to many of the Anguilla's excellent restaurants.
Bliss Villa pool
copyright, Bliss Villa
Bliss Villa can be rented directly from its own website, bliss-villa.com, which has an availability calendar and reservation form. Rates are $600 per night in low season (May 1 - October 31) and $800 per night in high season (November 1 - April 30). Christmas and New Year's weeks are $1200 per night. For more information, call 203.461.8883.
If you're eco-conscious and traveling in the U.S., you'll be glad to know about Hertz's Green Collection, environmentally friendly cars available for rental at over 50 airports across the country. The five models available get at least 28 mpg and are also blessed with the EPA's SmartWay certification, which is given to cars that perform well on the agency's greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions tests. Just note that "green" does not, in this case, mean hybrid - it just means these cars give off fewer emissions.
The Hertz Green Collection includes the Toyota Camry, shown above, and the Ford Fusion, Buick LaCrosse, Subaru Outback and Hyundai Sonata.
...well, maybe not France. But Italy, Sweden and the US are featured.
What are we talking about? Flagga shoes from Vincent Shoes, makers of "fun, fashionable and functional" shoes for kids. We love that their shoes are funky and unique, with many styles being versatile enough for boys or girls. For us, though, the Flagga definitely stuck out: with designs based on the flags of 4 countries, kids can rock some international flare, maybe even commemorate a trip or two. We just hope they'll add some more countries - wouldn't it be great if we could grab a pair for the kids for every place they've been?
Flagga Shoes
available from Vincent Shoes
$29.95
The 2007 hurricane season is predicted to be especially active, with a forecast of 17 named storms; 9 of them are expected to become hurricanes, with 5 blossoming to intense hurricanes (although we thought hurricanes were, by nature, already intense). Of course, these are just predictions: the 2006 season was also expected to be unusually active and it ended up being, as these things go, pretty ordinary. The truth is, until the season ends on November 30 (it begins on June 1), there's just no real way to know what will happen.
Which is why now might be a good time to take a Caribbean getaway. Many hotels have already lowered their rates from the winter season highs, and are either using low summer season rates or not-as-low but still favorable shoulder season rates. Spring weather can't be beat - you'll definitely feel some heat while avoiding the blistering rays - and possible storms - of summer.
Where to go? The possibilities are endless, but here are just a few places of interest that we've ferreted out for you.
Harbour Village Beach Club, Bonaire
One of the newest members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Harbour Village Beach Club is often touted as the best hotel for stays on Bonaire. Accommodations range from simple guestrooms to the more luxurious one and two-bedroom suites. Bonaire's Marine Education Center hosts a Sea & Discover program on the property for families, which includes classroom activities as well as snorkeling and diving options.
Harbour Village suite patio
copyright, Harbour Village Beach Club
Summer rates began on April 12. Courtyard rooms are $265 per night; beachfront suites are $460 and $645 a night for one and two-bedrooms respectively; premier suites, which come with fully-equipped kitchens and Bosch appliances, are rented weekly, beginning at $3,325 for a one-bedroom. Children under 16 in the same room as their parents stay free.
Bluff House Beach Hotel & Yacht Club, Abaco, Bahamas
With only 32 accommodations, Bluff House is an intimate resort with activities centered around the water: the hotel will connect you with well-known local guides for snorkeling, diving or fishing lessons. Split-level suites, villas and the Yachtsman Cottages provide the best options for families, with villas and cottages offering kitchens.
Bluff House accommodation
copyright, Bluff House Beach Hotel
The Silver Season runs from January 1 to September 5th: rates begin at $170 per night for a split-level suite and go to $650 per night for a 3-bedroom Yachtsman's Cottage.
Cuisinart Resort & Spa, Anguilla
Boasting a hydroponic farm and organic gardens that are used in the resort's cuisine, the Cuisinart Resort manages the triple feat of being luxurious, health-conscious and child-friendly. The delicious meals here feature the freshest ingredients flavored with local flare. Another dining plus: daily complimentary breakfast, served poolside. The farm can be toured 3 days a week, and a children's playground is complemented by special activities planned around the usual school vacation periods. The smallest of rooms here is spacious, and all rooms feature a 24-hour air purifying circulation system, although your doors will most likely be open for the stunning ocean views.
Cuisinart Resort room copyright, Cuisinart Resort & Spa Starting April 22, rates start at $400 a night for a luxury guestroom. The resort also features suites.
Montpelier Plantation Inn, Nevis
Children 8 and over can stay at the 17-room Montpelier Plantation Inn, where a full breakfast and afternoon tea are included in the room rates. While the Inn itself doesn't have special activities for children, the 30-acre estate and private beach beg to be explored. Off the property, a lush botanical garden is a mere 5 minutes from the inn while mountain biking, horseback riding and golf provide more active entertainment.
The Great Room at Montpelier
copyright, Montpelier Plantation Inn
Spring season is from May 1 to May 31; rates start at $390 per night for a Premier room.
Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands
For all its focus on tranquility and relaxation, Little Dix Bay still manages to provide children and their parents with quite a bit to do. The Children's Grove is the center of activity for little ones, with counselors leading children in dress-up, arts and crafts, and other playtime fun. Tennis clinics, snorkeling and spa treatments keep adults busy. Of course, there's always the fallback - snoozing on the patio, with views of the beach and barrier reef below. Accommodations, which range from garden-view rooms to full villas, are nestled in nooks and crannies off of paths that wind throughout the property.
The beach at Little Dix Bay
copyright, Rosewood Hotels
Spring rates, valid from April 10 to May 31, begin at $550 per night for a garden-view room. The resort does not charge for one child under 11 staying in the same room with parents.
Note: Many hotels offer lower rates during hurricane season. Should you decide to book for the summer, be sure to acquaint yourself with the hotel's policy on dealing with hurricane issues, both for guests already at the hotel as well as those who need to cancel before arrival. And as always, purchase independent travel insurance.
Four Seasons Chicago spa lounge
copyright Four Seasons Chicago
The Babymoon Biweekly is going weekly! There have been so many people looking for luxury babymoon ideas that it seemed only right to step up to meet the demand of parents-to-be who want that last trip that specifically celebrates their roles as parents. And since we couldn't agree more that a babymoon is not so much a privilege as a necessity, we're happy to show you where some of the best babymoons are.
Today, we bring you the Expecting You package at the Four Seasons in Chicago. Verbatim from their website, your special visit includes a lot of goodies (although we note that a lot of them are discounts on items or services that you have to purchase on top of the package):
While we normally avoid t-shirts with "cutesy" sayings for kids, we came across this shirt for traveling tots that we think is absolutely hilarious. Your neighbors on the flight might not agree - especially if you're in first class - but they can't say they weren't warned...
available from Milkbomb in snap-shirts for infants 3-12 months, and short and long-sleeve t-shirts for 6 months to 6T. $22-$24
The next time you're on the Big Island, check out the Ocean Rider Seahorse Ranch. An aquafarm that raises and sells seahorses, Ocean Rider offers tours of their facilities, during which you can actually "shake hands" with a pregnant seahorse, which as you probably know, are the males in the bunch.
The one-hour tour of the 3-acre farm is led by a certified biologist, and there are 3 tour times a day. And if you and the kids love these delicate sea creatures enough, you can buy them, as the ranch raises them for aquarium environments. The only caveat: you'll have to wait until you return home, since the ranch doesn't sell them in the state of Hawaii to avoid having seahorses released into the local waters. That, the special care involved, and the pricetag - most of them are upwards of $100 - should help to avoid any impulse buying.
The Ocean Rider Seahorse Ranch offers tours from Monday through Friday at 10, 12 & 2. Reservations are required; you can either purchase tickets online or call to prepay and reserve a spot. Adult tickets are $35 and children's tickets, good for kids 4-11, are $27. Note: kids 3 and under are free but are not allowed to touch, shake hands with or put their hands in the water with the seahorse, so if you've got kids in both age groups, you might be better off waiting until the youngest is at least 4 to avoid tears. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 808. 329.6840.
From the Sunday New York Times Travel section:
McGraw Hill has come out with a language teaching series for iPods called iSpeak. With focuses on common concerns such as food and entertainment, you and your kids can learn how to find the nearest park or museum in Spanish, French, German and Italian; versions coming out this summer are Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese.
iSpeak podcast
available from McGraw Hill at www.mhprofessional.com
$12.95
Talk about having your vacation inspired by your children…
Our daughter is – how do we say this – very imaginative. We've recently learned that, formerly unbeknownst to us, she has a whole other family, including parents, a brother and a sister, all of whom live in a big house. Every now and then we are told that if we behave, we will be allowed to visit this house. Conversely, when we are doing things she disapproves of – like reminding her for the 5th time to brush her teeth – the prospect of a visit is whisked away from us, as she informs us that she will not be taking us to Citia.
Because apparently, that’s where this estate, complete with secondary – or, depending on her mood, primary – family, is. In Citia.
We’re not sure if that’s how it’s spelled, because she's just now learning that her name starts with D. So for fun, we decided to do a search on Citia. After all, it is possible that somewhere on the planet there exists a place with that name, and wouldn’t it be funny if we found it and went there?
Lo and behold, there is a Sitia, on Crete. Furthermore, online you can find an amusingly earnest travel guide to Sitia with a rather sketchy view of its history and tourist attractions, which are mostly in the form of taverns and beaches – which is absolutely fine with us.
We were thrilled to find that there is actually the possibility of a luxury family vacation, at the Elounda Gulf Villa & Suites. The 18-villa & 10-suite boutique hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. While there isn’t very much here that is geared towards children aside from the children’s pool – which is often enough - your young ones are welcomed, and either very young children or those old enough to not to need constant “kiddie” entertainment should be fine here.
Spa Villa
copyright Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites
The hotel’s accommodations consist of a mix of suites and villas, with the smallest suite ideal for a couple with one child. The villas here are real stunners – each has its own pool and a large terrace with teak lounges that look out over the Gulf of Mirabello. European-style kitchens make in-house relaxation easy, or the Argo Restaurant will feed you an authentic Greek lunch and dinner, with a special menu just for the little ones.
Elounda Gulf Suite bathroom
copyright Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites
We don’t know exactly when we’ll be visiting Sitia. If we were to go anytime soon, it might be more than her 3-year old imagination could bear: we don’t want to traumatize her by robbing her of her special world, although she probably wouldn’t accept that it was Sitia anyhow. But maybe when she's left her personal Sitia behind, we’ll make a visit to the Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites, with a special thanks to her for leading us there.
Elounda Luxury Villa pool
copyright Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites
Rates for the Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites start at 240 Euros per night for a Luxury Senior Suite; Villas with private pools start at 575 Euros per night. Rates for suites include continental breakfast in the hotel's restaurant. Children under 12 stay free of charge in the suites, and the hotel provides complimentary baby cots, high chairs and playpens. To book, click here or call the hotel's reservation line at +30 2810 227132.
The entrance to the hotel
copyright, The Chester Grosvenor and Spa
If your children are fascinated with fish, sharks and aquatic life in general, this family package from The Chester Grosvenor and Spa, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, will delight them. The hotel is located in the heart of Chester and is a mere 15 minutes from the Blue Planet Aquarium, with whom they've partnered to create this package.
-Two interconnecting rooms for two adults and up to three children
-A family pass to the Blue Planet Aquarium
-An adoption certificate and commemorative photograph for your child's adopted fish (kids get to choose from a Caribbean Leopard Shark, a Clownfish ("Nemo fish"), a red-eared terrapin and a Piranha!)
-An Information pack about the adoptee's species
-Full English breakfast
-24 hour car parking
The Aquatunnel at Blue Planet Aquarium
copyright, Blue Planet Aquarium
Chester is located in the northwestern part of England and the area is well-knowned for its Roman history and striking architecture. Other sights to take in around Chester: the Norman cathedral, the Roman amphitheatre, and the Chester Zoo, Britain's biggest. Take advantage of shopping at Chester's famous 'Rows' and in the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village.
A Classic Room at The Chester Grosvenor and Spa
copyright, The Chester Grosvenor and Spa
Rates for this package are approximately $750US a night per family and the package is available until further notice. To check availability or to book this package, visit their website or call +44 (0)1244 324024.
Villa Vassilikos living area
copyright Indigo Lodges
On lovely Santorini you'll find the exquisite Villa Vassilikos, several old houses that have been combined to give you spacious accommodation with excellent views of the Caldera and the Santorini sunset. Only 15 minutes by car from the airport and 5 minutes from town, Villa Vassilikos is ideally located for your luxury family vacation.
The 5-bedroom villa sleeps a total of 10 guests. Each guestroom is ensuite, with its own private entrance as an additional luxury. The ground floor has a cozy and comfortable living area along with an open kitchen and casual dining space. You'll also find an outdoor patio for dining and relaxing on this level, and the master suite.
Villa Vassilikos suite
copyright Indigo Lodges
The upper level has another living and dining area, which makes this villa perfect for people wishing to lounge in separate areas. On the lower level, you'll find 3 double bedrooms and a private studio with double bed. The swimming pool is also on this level.
Amenities for your stay include a flatscreen TV, DVD player, a safe deposit, and of course the pool. Your 7-night minimum rental includes daily cleaning and the services of a private chef, as well as the services of an onsite (but discreet) host whose attentions include serving you cocktails each day at sunset. The representing company, Indigo Lodges, can also arrange other services, such as babysitting, full meal catering, luxury vehicle rental and massage services. 
Outside stairway of Villa Vassilikos
copyright Indigo Lodges
Rental of Villa Vassilikos starts at approximately $22,000US a week. For more information or to book this property, contact Indigo Lodges in Geneva at +30 210 72 23 404 or via their website.
Stella McCartney will be designing a limited collection of travel bags for Le Sportsac. The line, set to debut in 2008, will include approximately 40 pieces priced in the $200 range, and will include diaper bags and baby accessories for fashionista traveling moms. The bags will be sold at her London and NYC stores, as well as in upmarket department stores and online. If recent activity is any indication, the line should do well: Stella's recent Target line, sold exclusively in 100 stores in Australia, caused quite a to-do, with women storming the stores to snatch up one of the designer's pieces, while the line she designed for H&M in 2005 practically sold out the first day.
copyright Oasis Day Spa
We regularly post info about babymoons, couples packages offered by hotels that usually include an on-site massage. But what if you already have a favorite hotel you want to stay in? Or what if, as happens in our case, you're already toting a toddler along and don't necessarily "qualify" for the babymoon thing?
If you're staying in NYC - or if you live in NYC - we can highly recommend the Mom-To-Be package at the Oasis Day Spa on 33rd & Park Ave South. We had a prenatal massage here for the first pregnancy and it was so wonderful we decided to go for the full package this time around, and we were not disappointed.
Our package started off with a 30-minute Lavender Salt Scrub. We didn't think it was possible for anything to be better than the massage but this might be it. Hala, our "scrubber", was very attentive due to our girth. She helped us up on the table and although the normal policy is to leave the room to allow clients to disrobe, Hala stays for preggos to make sure we don't slip on the wet floor. Nestled in towels, we proceeded to get scrubbed with Dead Sea salts scented with lavender. Because of the pregnancy, the treatment was performed first on one side and then the other as opposed to back then front. Hala's pressure was forceful without being too abrasive - we reveled in the thought that our back and legs were finally getting some much-needed exfoliation. Hala then turned on the 6-head Vichy shower, at which point, feeling as though we were lying blissfully under a warm blanket, we almost fell asleep. When Hala helped us up out of our stupor she toweled us off with warm towels that we were loathe to let go off.
Our prenatal massage with Vicky lasted for 60 minutes. What we love about this spa is their special maternity tables, which have the tummy cutout. The sheets are draped over the hole so your stomach isn't just hanging in space uncomfortably. (Just so you know, we recently read that some doctors don't recommend these tables due to the pressure they may put on the uterus, so you may want to check with your doctor before scheduling, or ask your therapist to leave the cutout in and use pillows for support.) The massage was excellent - Vicky paid attention to all the spots we pointed out to her: the lower back and left side were duly kneaded and we could feel the knots in our shoulders resisting her determined efforts. As we feel about practically all massages, it ended too soon.
We ended up with a 30-minute mini-facial from Rachel. Rachel was impressed with our skin and didn't feel the need to do too much, noting that our skin was very clear and hydrated. We liked that she didn't bombard our face with unnecessary treatments, but stuck to basic steam treatment, a mild exfoliant and a moisturizing gel that would keep our skin's dewy state. Nor did she embark upon the hard sell of products afterwards: her only soft push was the exfoliant since we noted that we don't do too much of that at home.
Although the package is for 2 hours, we ended up being there closer to 3 - there was no rushing from one treatment to the next. It gave us ample time to dip back into the lounge to snack on the dried fruit laid out and continually hydrate with water that was flavored with your pick of lemon or orange peel. Of course, we couldn't visit the sauna once our treatments were done, but we did settle for a leisurely shower. The only bummer? Hefting our weight back up the long flight of stairs when it was all said and done - the spa is on the basement level of the building and the only means of access is the stairs, which of course are not so bad going down but not so great coming up... However, that didn't stop us from scheduling two more packages over the next two months. We'll just be going v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y up those stairs.
Earth Day is April 22 and you cannot open a magazine, watch the news, or view a web page without coming across some mention of it. After all, "global warming", which has to be the catchphrase of the year, is on everyone's agenda. No longer the domain of scorned tree-huggers, everyone has hopped on the Green Bus - and bought their carbon offsets to boot.
This is certainly true in the hotel industry, with both boutique and large properties pushing to keep up with the public's demand for "green". Most of us, admittedly, don't really want to change the way we travel. Opting for the bus instead of a transatlantic flight limits our options, and we still want to enjoy all the creature comforts we've come to associate with a luxury vacation. So it's really helpful when the hotels, airlines and travel agencies find ways for us to have our locally-sourced, preservative-free soy cake and eat it too.
But - how to be sure that you're not being fed a line of eco b.s.? With everyone scrambling to promote themselves as friends of the environment, some claims ring a little truer than others. We're not telling you you have to be eco-friendly when you travel - although we encourage it, of course, at the end of the day it's up to you how and where you spend your vacation. But if you're going to travel green, we want to make sure you're not getting duped by marketers who've just realized that today's buzzword can make for more visitors (and more of a different green in their pockets).
Over at Responsibletravel.com, we came across a great article by Justin Francis: 10 ways to tell if your eco-lodge is really eco. While all of the tips require asking questions of the management, the truth is you may be able to find some of the answers online. For instance, tip #1 tells you to ask if eco-friendly policy is written anywhere. While an urban hotel may not have this readily available on their website, many eco-lodges in nature settings do. Although the tips are geared towards eco-lodges, many of the questions can be asked of urban properties as well: how the building is heated and how they treat their wastewater are perfect examples.
So, to be sure that the earth's resources - and your good intentions - are not being wasted, do a little homework when planning your next trip. Check out all the tips at responsibletravel.com.
Adult Pool at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
copyright Starwood Hotels
Enjoy your final months of quiet bliss with the "Bundle of Joy" babymoon package, offered by The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Several cravings will be satisfied, from your body's need for a massage to your desire to shop, shop, shop, for yourself and baby. The thoughtfully designed package includes:
-Stylish babystyle® mommy tote filled with a plush teddy bear and deluxe mom-to-be pampering potions from Mama Mio
-$500 Kierland Commons shopping and incentive book
-$25 Kierland Commons Gift Card
-$50 babystyle gift card
-24 Hour "Cravings Chef"
-Breakfast in bed
-Couples Massage at Agave, The Arizona Spa
-Sparkling cider & chocolate covered strawberries delivered to room upon turn down
-Complimentary in-room movie
Agave, The Arizona Spa
copyright Starwood Hotels
The Kierland Commons shopping district is immediately adjacent to the resort, so you won't have to travel far to shop. When you're done, the beautiful Agave Spa can pamper tired feet before you head for the Latin-influenced menu of deseo, the hotel's chic dinner restaurant and bar.
Special Touches: Take in cocktails, appetizers and the desert sunset out in Dreamweaver's Canyon, the hotel's spacious courtyard, while listening to Scottish bagpipes herald the end of the day.
Through May 24, rates for the Bundle of Joy package begin at $799 for the first night, going to $359 for additional nights. From May 25 through September 9, first night rates are $599, additional nights are $179; September 10 to December 31, first night is $759, additional nights, $339. Additional nights include breakfast in bed only. For more information or to book this package, contact The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa at 800.354.5892 and ask for rate BABYMOON.
Okay, we know it has been a few days since our last post and we are deeply sorry. Our only excuse is that we've been gorging ourselves on Easter candy, specifically the chocolates (we throw the peeps in the garbage - they look cute but they're horrid.)
And you should be happy our faces are smeared in chocolate, because it really inspired us. As we were sitting, happily licking our fingers and feeling the sugar high rush through us, we thought, wouldn't it be even better if these were really good chocolates? All due respect to Hershey (and we did mention their hotels last week) but if these were really divine chocolates of the gourmet kind, no kid would have had a chance of getting their hands on any. It almost turned into a fistfight as it was.
And so, today we take you to Belgium, whose city of Bruges has a chocolate museum, God bless them, called Choco-Story. While we unhappily note that they enforce some silly rule about looking with your eyes, not your hands, blah, blah, blah, we still think it's worth a visit.
Unfortunately we have to inform you that, unless you are already in Belgium or really desperate or spontaneous, you will have just missed Bruges' 2nd Annual Chocolate Festival, which ends tomorrow. But now that you know it exists, you can make plans for next year. In the meantime, there are enough chocolatiers and chocolate tours in Brussels and Bruges to satiate your chocolate fix.
Where to stay? We recommend the Hotel Amigo in Brussels, a Rocco Forte hotel and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, which has a Children at the Amigo package that includes:
-up to 50% off the children's room
-a welcome basket in your room filled with "goodies and sweets"
-full buffet breakfast in the restaurant or breakfast in your room
-a Bvlgari amenity for the children
Hotel Amigo entrance, copyright Rocco Forte Hotels
Hotel Amigo also offers a family lunch menu and has a special play area with TV, DVDs and art materials for the children. Of course, you'll probably be busy enough outside, exploring the wonderful culture of Brussels. Kids or no, you'll have to find a way to sample some world-renowned Belgian beer, and the country's beautiful lace is definitely worth examining (and bringing home).
Just don't forget to bring us some chocolate.
Hotel Amigo's Children at the Amigo package is available on weekends until April 30 2007 at a rate of 375 Euros a night (approximately $494) for two adjoining or connected Classic rooms for 2 adults and 2 children. The package is for one night; additional nights may be added. For more information or to check availability and/or book this package, click here.
copyright Rocco Forte Hotels
When we visited St. Martin in the Caribbean 3 years ago, we visited a little isle off the shore named Ile Pinel. A sort of large sandbar, it had a beach restaurant or two, with lounge chairs from each restaurant dotting the shores. Children ran up and down the calm beach, enjoying the almost total lack of surf. It was great fun watching them, particularly since many of the tots were naked and completely carefree. And being on the French side of the St. Martin, in many cases, the moms were topless too.
While we'd never done the topless thing before, given that our 9-month old daughter was still nursing, all of a sudden it seemed like a fabulous concept. Instead of trying to be inconspicuous and looking all the more obvious for covering a baby in 90-degree weather, we were able to feed her in peace. No one looked askance or seemed to notice, and we're sure D appreciated being able to fall asleep with a sea breeze caressing her face instead of a blanket.
Thanks to Kelly Amabile over at Gadling, we've just learned that there's a guide to nude beaches for your, ahem, perusal. Aptly titled Bare Beaches, this book was originally published in Great Britain (who said the Brits were prudes?), and the authors also penned Bare Britain - interesting, because we would never have thought there was enough to fill a book about Britain alone.
While Ile Pinel was only topless, perhaps you're looking for even more freedom, and even if you may not feel that nude beaches are for young ones, many families visit them - and the beaches to accommodate them are out there. The book includes a list of the most family-friendly spots, and other cool lists include celebs who like to bare it all (which we rather figured was all of them, so it should be interesting to see who made the cut...) There's also a blog that posts continual updates, should your quest for a nude beach be so urgent as to demand immediate attention.
How's that for a family vacation idea?
Bare Beaches, $32 (including postage)
available at barebeaches.com
2B at Peter Bay porch view
copyright McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas
Oops!
We really should have posted this on Tuesday, which is when we normally bring you our Villa Rental of the Week. But no fear, your villa rental is here. And in keeping with today's theme of warmth, warmth, warmth, we're bringing you a breathtaking villa via McLaughlin Anderson, which has a superb collection of villas throughout the USVI and the BVI, most with gorgeous views. We wouldn't be surprised if they've had to force people to leave...
2B at Peter Bay Pool View
copyright McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas
The villa, called 2B at Peter Bay, can host a maximum of 8 people (children included). The bedrooms include 1 king suite and 3 queen suites, all air-conditioned (elevated twin airbeds can be provided for people not sharing a bed). All bedrooms have safes for valuables. Two of the upper queen suites have alfresco showers with lush landscaping for privacy, while the third queen suite has its own private balcony and private indoor shower. The spacious king suite enjoys a surrounding balcony, and lighted stone walkway connects this suite to a garden terrace complete with hot tub.
2B at Peter Bay bedroom
copyright McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas
One of the most lovely features of this villa is the way outdoors meets indoors, with its covered gallery and high ceilings that allow for soothing sea breezes. The villa also has its own pool, and is a mere 100 feet away from Peter Bay Beach. The villa is well-equipped with 36-inch satellite TV, DVD-player & VCR along with a collection of movies, and books and games. Maid service is currently provided once a week.
2B at Peter Bay bathroom
copyright McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas
2B at Peter Bay is available on a weekly basis. Rates for the summer season (April 14 - November 16) are $8200 a week. For more information or to book this villa, see the website's extensive page of information or call McLaughlin Anderson at 800.666.6246.
We don't know about you, but to us this has been an odd winter. Just when we thought we were getting by with a relatively mild season and were headed blissfully into spring, temperatures went below freezing. Then we had some beautiful days that turned out to be flukes, because where we are, we're in for a cold Easter. No, we don't care that it was still a short winter with a rather late arrival - where we are, it was snowing outside today, and we're a tad snippy about it.
So of course, we're thinking of places where the weather is warm with no hint of snow. (You will find we are warm-weather fans here, although we try to keep in mind that, much as we hate it, some of you actually like snow...) For us, the first place that comes to mind is Miami, a city we happen to love. While you often hear about the celebrity scene, hot clubs, and newest restaurants, Miami is definitely not just for singles and celebs.
Oriental Suite bedroom, The Mandarin Oriental, Miami
The Mini MO package from one of Miami's first-rate hotels, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, delivers fun for adults and children, both on and off the property. The 3-night package includes:
-Luxurious accommodations
-American breakfast daily
-A complimentary crib or rollaway bed
-Age appropriate kids' welcome gift, special bathroom amenities and bathrobes
-Complimentary DVD player and and iPod upon request
-A family picnic on the private beach with a beach butler
-Entrance to Miami Children's Museum, which includes: admission for the day including access to the Museum's 14 exhibit galleries, one rock climb per child and adult on the 30-foot Mt. MiCiMu rock climbing wall and lunch.
-Complimentary Valet Parking
Special Touches: Among many welcoming features for children is the hotel spa's little yoga program for the 5-11 group, in which the kids can contort themselves into cool animal poses.
Oasis Beach Club, The Mandarin Oriental, Miami
The Mini MO package is available through May 31. From now until April 30, rates for the 3-night package begin at $1899 for a superior room. From May 1 to 31, rates begin at $1689 for a superior room. To book this package or for further information, click here, or call the Mandarin Oriental reservation line at 866.526.6567
Gateway Canyons Resort, copyright Gateway Canyons
Straight from National Geographic Traveler's A*List deals:
Families can learn the ropes with real life cowboys and experience an authentic dude ranch at the Summit School Riding Ranch in Gateway, Colorado, starting at $1,686 for a family of four (rate is based on $1,286 for double occupancy and $200 per child). The package includes four nights' deluxe accommodations, horseback riding lessons, and three gourmet cowboy lunches and dinners.
The package is available from May 1 through October 15. For more information and reservations, call 866 671 4733.
It's pouring where we are right now, and it just occurred to us that it would automatically seem like a downer for us to experience weather like this if we were on vacation. So far it hasn't happened to us with children (although it happened plenty enough before they arrived), but the thought of being trapped in a room with restless children when you had planned to let them expend all their energy outdoors is, to say the least, rather frightening.
Which is why you should always prepare for some downtime. Much has been said about preparing for the travel portion of the trip, and games and full travel kits for airplane and car travel abound. Those same items can work well if you're rained in, but what about other options?
Here are some suggestions for those times when inclement weather forces you to stay covered:
-Always check the weather where you're going, first of all. It's good to know what happens seasonally as well as what is expected for your actual stay.
-If your kids are young enough to like coloring, bring along a coloring book or two. Several websites for kids' TV shows such as Dora and Diego have coloring pages that you can print out and take along with you in a folder.
-Move around the hotel or resort. Being stuck indoors doesn't have to mean being stuck in a small room. You can walk leisurely through the lobby and public areas and make up some games as you go - remember, you're paying to enjoy the entire resort. I Spy can be a great game to play, or similar games like finding 10 things of a certain color.
-Watch some TV. We don't mean just throwing on The Cartoon Network or the same cable you get at home. Look for local channels. For older kids this can be an interesting way to learn more about current events and the culture of the country you're in, and we've found that younger ones enjoy watching cartoons even if they have never heard the language being spoken. (This tip isn't only useful for kids, by the way. Once in St. Martin we tuned one night to a French Caribbean soap opera. We couldn't understand a word being said but we were so struck by the hilarious melodrama that we ended up looking for it every night to try to figure out the actual storyline, and it was far more interesting than the usual CNN or ESPN.)
-Keep a pack of cards handy. Tweens and teens can always play a variety of games (and probably teach you a trick or two) but even toddlers can be entertained. Deal a hand and ask them to throw down all the cards with hearts in each hand, or build up their number skills by asking them to identify a certain number on the card in every "round". Use your imagination to make up a game your toddler will like based on what he is learning or already knows.
-Play a story game. Have someone start a story and have each person in the family add another sentence or sequence to the story. Toddlers and slightly older children will get a kick out of it, especially if you remember that there are no rules: don't tell Junior that "that can't happen" or "cars don't fly". Let them use their imaginations, and use yours too!
-Finally, if you're not facing a hurricane, lightning, or other potential danger, go out anyhow! A walk in the rain can be refreshing and unexpected for kids who would probably love it but are accustomed to be tucked indoors whenever the clouds open. Most luxury resorts will gladly lend an umbrella if one wasn't provided in the room, or you can be really brave and go without. Show your kids how the plants and trees look in the rain. Let them stop and watch puddles form, and feel the rain on their faces. It's a great way to loosen up and experience some of the free spirit you had when you were their age. Top it off with a nice warm bath back at the room, and room service lunch or dinner. We bet they'll sleep well, and so should you.
That's what the luxurious and child-friendly Cape Grace hotel in Cape Town is calling their celebration of 10 years of excellent service. Rather than merely offering special rates, they've whipped up a menu of 10 sensory experiences, any of which can be booked (some at additional cost) to make an already exceptional stay even more memorable. Here they are, directly from their website:
Number One for Taste
Bold flavours and culinary flair await as you sample dishes from the onewaterfront menu, paired with fine South African wines.
Divine Duo
Create your wedding registry online at www.capegrace.com/registry and receive a free 30 minute back massage each. Book a couple's massage and not only will you have unlimited access to the Hot Spa, but you'll also receive a complimentary hair wash & blow dry in the Vanilla Salon.
A Truly South African Trio
Tantalise your taste buds as you enjoy a selection of three red and three white wines, accompanied by an array of superb cheeses.
Something 4 the Whole Family
'Build' your own picnic basket filled with your favourite treats and let our chauffeurs whisk you off to Cape Town's most beautiful beaches.
Rejuvenate All Five Senses
Enjoy our signature African Cape Massage, followed by a 'mini' Comfort Zone facial or, a full facial followed by a half hour back massage. All whilst taking in magnificent views of Table Mountain and the Mother City.
Six of the Best
Join our Whisky Sommelier in sampling 6 malts from around the world for a private tasting - selected from our extensive range of over 460 whiskies.
Seventh Heaven
Indulge in an array of decadent dessert canapés paired with fine South African sparkling and dessert wines.
Eight Bells at Sunset
Watch the sunset aboard one of Cape Town's historic yachts before enjoying fresh Walvis Bay oysters and bubbly in Bascule bar.
Head for Cloud Number Nine
Hop aboard a helicopter and experience the scenic beauty of the Cape Peninsula before returning to Cape Town via majestic Table Mountain.
Top 10 Thrill
Experience the rush of a Harley Davidson Motorcycle ride to the Constantia Winelands where you'll enjoy lunch at Constantia Uitsig, before your 'chariot' returns you to Cape Grace..jpg)
Cape Grace pool
Furthermore, Cape Grace does a superb job of welcoming children: their website's Family Stays page opens with "Our younger guests are important to us," a statement they follow up on with the detailed attention they pay to the offspring. Children receive a welcome gift upon arrival, and are treated to storytime in the library every day. The hotel offers a selection of videos and DVDs for kids, with free players for each media available upon request. They've also you covered in emergencies, keeping diapers, bibs, thermometers and even pacifiers in stock. And should you not wish to schlep your carseat with you, you'll be covered here. They even have small toilet seats (which we love, because we carry ours everywhere so that dear daughter can have her 15-minute potty visits without being us being held hostage in the bathroom.)
Cape Grace is offering a special Family Time package through December 19 2007. The package includes:
-children's welcome gift upon arrival
-4 hours of complimentary babysitting
-full breakfast daily in the waterfront restaurant or in your room
Cape Grace coloring book, offered upon arrival
Both children and adults can enjoy such additional complimentary features as:
-African storytelling in the library every evening
-Daily turndown of homemade gingerbread men and flavoured milk
-"Things to do for Kids in Cape Town" list of family activities
-Heated outdoor swimming pool
-Luxury private transfers to town and nearby beaches, subject to availability
-Cape history and wine presentation at 18h00 every evening
-Use of hot spa with sauna, steam room, mineral spa bath, rain shower and body shower
-24-hour Internet access in the Communication Centre
-Port and sherry every evening from 17h00 to 23h00 in the library
-Tea and coffee delivered to your room with your wake-up call
Ahhh...it all sounds lovely.
Cape Grace room
www.capegrace.com
The Family Time package starts at approximately $621 a night (based on current conversion rates) for a superior room in low season (May 1 - August 31) and go up to approximately $727 a night for the same accommodation in high season (January 6 - April 30 & September 1 - December 19). Contact the hotel at reservations@capegrace.com or at +27 21 410 7100 for exact rates and other accommodation options, including 2 and 3-bedroom suites.
We have to admit that being a parent now is super-cool. Aside from the joy of just being a parent, there is so much out there that caters to kids and parents in a more sophisticated and dignified way. From room design to family vacations to nursing covers, options abound to express your style - and your child's - with nary a puppy dog, cartoon character or flower in sight.
Add stroller covers to that growing list of products. In our last post, we noted that a pediatric dermatologist advised that the best way to protect baby from the sun was to keep her out of it altogether. Bellah May LLC, out of Orange County, California, has a line of reversible sunshades for the stroller that will expose nothing but style. Okay, there is a dog or two in the mix, but they're featured in the modern (or totally retro) way that today's fashionable parents are accustomed to sporting.
We like that the shades are reversible. Junior can check out his ABC's on the inside while the world sees a gingham check outside. But what we really love is that the sunshade comes in its own also-reversible bag, which then hangs off the stroller to hold all that "stuff" that you'll inevitably have with you. The website has a cute and quick tour on how the sunshade and bag work. (Don't worry, it's very simple, but the owners must know that tired parents can be notoriously slow.)
Bellah May also says that proceeds from sales will go to a child-focused charity, meaning you can feel good about helping someone else's child while protecting your own from the sun. 
Sunshade in Paige pattern
www.bellahmay.com
$80
Unless "we" included your baby, of course.
When we were growing up, sun protection consisted of our parents slathering on the same oily coconut-scented concoction that they were using to protect themselves. That was if they remembered to put anything on us at all.
Times have changed. Now, parents don't feel they're doing a good job of protecting their kids from one of the evils of the world - skin cancer - if the little ones aren't lathered in 100+ sunblock before the slightest hint of sun touches tender skin. To that we've had sun hats, bathing suits that hide shoulders and backs (and sometimes legs), and sun shades in the car. We have to admit, we're not as rabid about this as perhaps we should be. We put on the sunblock, to be sure, and we keep dear daughter shielded from the sun in the car, mostly because she yells "I can't SEE!" if it's in her eyes. But we no longer buy a separate kids' sunblock for her (she's 3) - and now we've learned that perhaps we never needed too.
We came across some advice from Babycenter's pediatric dermatologist, who had these points to make about applying sunblock to baby skin:
-keeping baby out of the sun altogether is preferable to applying any sunscreen
-you should look for sunscreens that have zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which provide physical barriers to the sun as opposed to chemical ones. Chemical blocks may cause allergic reactions and irritation.
-If you have to use chemically-based sunscreens, look for PABA-free ones. PABA has been linked with skin irritation.
-If you're concerned about blocking both UVA and UVB rays, definitely go with the physical barrier sunscreens, which block both.
-You don't really need to go above an SPF of 30. The added protection is minimal and doing so with the chemical sunscreens just means more bad stuff on baby's skin. Go lower and reapply as necessary.
In short, many of the sunscreens for kids with the super-high SPF's and chemicals are not advisable or even necessary. Buy a physical-barrier sunscreen for the family, and baby can use it too.
Next: Adding style and sun protection to your stroller
