Le Sportsac Travel Bags To Be Designed by Stella McCartney

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.

Oasis Day Spa, New York City

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.

Eco-Truth vs Eco-B.S.

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.

Babymoon Biweekly - The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona

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.

The Easter Bunny is not Belgian

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

Dare to be Bare

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

Villa Rental of the Week - St. John, USVI

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.

Special Offer of the Week - Mandarin Oriental, Miami

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

Ride 'Em Cowboy

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.

Rain Rain Go Away?

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.

Celebrate 10

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.



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.

Stroller Couture

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

We Had Joy, We Had Fun, We Had Seasons in the Sun

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

Plane Retro

Do you remember the View-Master? The binocular-resembling toy in which you could insert a reel and view all kinds of cool 3-D images? Maybe you haven't thought about one of these in years, but now that you've been reminded, honestly - wouldn't it make a great attention-grabber on a trip?

We think so, and we happened to come across them for sale on Flight 001, a cool website that sells all sorts of travel-related items. Most of their wares are for adults (at least we couldn't see our daughter donning the sleep mask since she never even naps). But we saw the View-Master and had happy memories of our own lo-tech childhood and realized hey, today's kid could get a kick out of this too. Of course, we're not suggesting that a GameBoy kid will be staring at this for hours, but younger children might be enthralled enough for a little while, if only because it's new. The online store also sells several reels to go with your View-Master, all of them focused on different destinations around the world.


View-Master, $8, reels sold separately for $5

Easter Vacation Packages in the US

We promised you some information on Easter family vacation ideas that wouldn't require a passport - and then were surprised at how few there were. Why, we wondered, was it that we couldn't throw a stone in Europe without hitting a hotel celebrating Easter, but yet we were so hard-pressed to find good packages in the United States?

Then we were reminded of how, in our days at school, the week off was called Easter break. And then in a nod to other religions - or really a move away from religion altogether - it became Spring Break, which was in many cases moved away from Easter Week to avoid any connection to what is, in actuality, the most holy day of the Christian calendar.

So there you have it, folks. For Spring Break you can find vacations up the wazoo, but that's not what we promised you. We promised some kind of Easter bunny action, and that's what we looked for high and low. We know you may be waiting until Spring Break to jet out of town anyhow, but if you're like us and plan your getaways around your calendar and not the school's, here are some spots for you.


Mirror Inn Lake & Spa, Lake Placid, NY

Deluxe Noonmark Room, copyright Mirror Lake Inn

Stay in a Deluxe Noonmark Room on either Saturday or Sunday night for $345 a night, the rate for 2 adults and 2 children. The kids will begin Easter Sunday with an Easter Egg Hunt and a coloring contest, followed by Easter brunch for the family. If you add on a night or two, you may be able to take advantage of the outside-the-norm activities the hotel offers for children, from an indoor class on Animal Tracking (taught by an Adirondack Mountain guide & animal tracker) to a precious class called Yoga for Kids & Elephants, using poses based on the lovable Babar.

The Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena, CA
The Egg-ceptional Easter package includes overnight accommodations in a deluxe guestroom on Saturday April 7, Easter brunch in the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom for up to 2 adults and 2 children, and complimentary admission for up to 2 children to the Easter Egg Hunt and the special petting zoo. Rates start at $470 with the option to upgrade to a Club Level Guestroom.

Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA
We'd prefer to see this package at Hotel Hershey, Hershey's more upscale hotel, but alas, no luck. Still, if the idea of being in a town dedicated to chocolate is heaven to you, you may be able to overlook the rather unexciting Hershey Lodge. Their Easter package, with a 2-night minimum stay, starts at $258.50 a night, and includes deluxe accommodations for two (kids stay free), Easter Sunday Brunch, and admission to Hershey Gardens & Hershey Museum.

Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown, NY
With the baseball season officially opening the week before Easter, what better place to spend Easter than in the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, especially if you have baseball fans among your offspring? The Otesaga Resort Hotel is hosting an Easter Family Weekend Package for any two consecutive nights from April 5 to April 9, with Double MAP rates at $545 (children from 7-18 pay $90, children under 7 are free). The package includes standard guestroom accommodations and 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts per guest, with all kinds of fun activities for the kids: a family egg roll on the hotel lawn on Saturday, an Easter egg coloring contest, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. A historic tour of Cooperstown and a wine tasting round it out for the adults.

Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina
Their website has a full itinerary of Easter activities for the weekend, including Easter Bonnet High Tea, and for those so inclined, a sunrise Easter service on Sunday morning. Not everything is Easter-related, but it all sounds fun; potato sack races, the Family Fun Run and Family Art Class should keep you and the kids well-occupied. Rates start at $179 per person per night (children 12 and under stay & eat free with an adult), and include overnight accommodations, breakfast and dinner and a commemorative family photo.


A final note before we hit the road, so to speak: several luxury hotels around the country, particularly those in large cities, are not offering full-blown Easter packages with accommodations, but are still hosting an Easter brunch. One option? Book a regular night's stay (or a non-Easter package) in a nice destination close to you, and reserve spots at their Easter brunch for a little extra. It could make for a nice & fast Easter getaway in your own hometown or a city close to you.

Villa Rental of the Week - Sicily

Although we normally present a Special Offer of the Week on Thursdays, there were so many options in yesterday's Easter travel to Europe post, with stateside options to come tomorrow, that we decided to entice you with two Villa Rentals of the Week today. Enjoy!



Villa Jada, copyright Scopello Villas


Charming Villa Jada is only a few miles away the village of Scopello, where Brad Pitt and company filmed Ocean's Twelve. Start your explorations there and continue as far as your heart desires, using Villa Jada as your comfortably unpretentious homebase.

Villa Jada is actually a main house and smaller guesthouse, accommodating 12 people (8 in the main villa). The main house features 2 double bedrooms, 2 twin bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, while the guesthouse sleeps 4 in its double-bedroom and twin bedroom. Both the main and guest houses feature fully-equipped kitchens, full air-conditioning and sitting/dining areas with satellite television.


Villa Jada pool, copyright Scopello Villas


A child's travel cot and stair gate are also available for small children. The villa enjoys excellent views of the surrounding groves and mountains, with a beautiful dining terrace that overlooks the pool. The pool is open from April to October, or you can make the trip to Guidaloca (4 kms) to the beach.



One of Villa Jada's twin-bedded rooms, copyright Scopello Villas


Rates for Villa Jada from March 31-June 30 and Sept 1-October 27 are approximately $1600 per week for 4-6 people. From June 30 to Sept 1, rates for 4-6 people are approximately $2000 per week. (Rates are in euros; the dollar rate we're quoting is based on the current conversion rate.) For more information including exact rates, and to book this villa, contact Scopello Villas by clicking here.

Villa Rental of the Week - Los Cabos

Casa Duckett, copyright Sun Cabo Vacations



One of the hallmarks of an excellent vacation rental villa is outside space that is just as lovely to bask in, if not more so, than the indoors. Casa Duckett, in the Palmilla section of Los Cabos, delivers that handsomely, with shaded courtyards and stairways, magnificent deck space, an infinity pool overlooking the Sea of Cortez, and even a putting green.

Casa Duckett, copyright Sun Cabo Vacations


On the pool level, you'll find the master suite which holds a king-size bed and comes with full bath including a sunken bathtub and dressing area. A large terrace offers a stunning views. A children's room is also on this level, with two twin beds and an ensuite bath.

Up one level are three more suites, each with ensuite bath. Two of these bedrooms have double beds and share an interior connecting door as well as a large terrace, while the third bedroom is queen-bedded and boasts its own private terrace.

The main living area includes a dining area and commercially equipped kitchen including a 6-burner gas stove. The comfortably-furnished sunken living room has direct access to the pool area, and also includes a wood-burning fireplace.

Casa Duckett Kitchen, copyright Sun Cabo Vacations


Casa Duckett living room & terrace, copyright Sun Cabo Vacations

Heading down a few steps past the infinity pool, you'll find a huge palapa with sea views and a hammock, just perfect for napping. Steps on the other side of the pool lead to a jacuzzi and the putting green. Just a few more steps past the jacuzzi leads you to the glistening white sands of the beach.

Casa Duckett palapa, copyright Sun Cabo Vacations

Casa Duckett has 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. Rates start at $7000 a night. For more information or to book this villa, call Sun Cabo Vacations at 800.710.CABO(2226)

Easter in Europe

If you're still up in the air about taking an Easter family vacation, here are some ideas (all packages are valid from April 5th to 9th unless otherwise indicated):

The Lapa Palace,Lisbon

Terrace view from garden view room, Lapa Palace

The Lapa Palace has a 3-night Easter package, that includes daily buffet breakfast and one dinner or lunch. Their concierge can guide you to various Easter festivities in the surrounding area, including a two-week long religious festival in Obidos that's worth a visit. Depending on the age of your children, you can take advantage of babysitting, their VIP Kids program, or special teen programs.
Special Touches: Lapa Palace has its own cooking school. If you're more into eating than cooking, several in-room dining menus include a Children's Menu and one delightfully called "Snacks in Pyjamas".


Gran Hotel La Florida, Barcelona

Chocolate dessert from Gran Hotel La Florida

Easter at La Florida includes 2 nights accommodation, buffet breakfast at L'Orangerie Restaurant, access to the hotel's Zen Zone Spa and a 1.5 hour massage per person. The hotel can provide babysitting and will also arrange children's activities upon request.
Special Touches: On Sundays the hotel hosts Indulgent Chocolate Afternoons, a special chocolate dessert and wine tasting that is absolutely decadent.


Hotel Baltschug Kempinski, Moscow

Hotel at night

Visit the Kremlin over Easter and receive a complimentary Easter gift, buffet breakfast, and early checkin/late checkout. The hotel also offers an Easter brunch, which is free for children under 9.
Special Touches: We'd actually recommend their year-round Family & Kids Programme, which goes all out to welcome the little ones. With that package the kids get (among other things) a teddy bear, bathrobes & slippers in their size, night turndown with milk & cookies and a destination information kit to tell them all about Moscow. Book that and reserve a spot at Easter brunch for a better vacation for the kids.

Mardavall Hotel & Spa, Mallorca

Junior Suite Terrace View

Celebrate Semana Santa, as its known in Spain, in high style at Mardavall. Their 7-night package for Holy Week (the week preceding Easter) features breakfast buffet, limousine transfers, Easter brunch with live music, fresh fruit in your room daily and free spa access. Kids will get to scamper around hunting Easter eggs, and if you attend Easter Mass at La Seu Cathedral in Palma, you might get a glimpse of Spain's royal family.
Special Touches: Mardavall has amassed a huge collection of contemporary art by Mallorcan or Balearic artists, and each of the hotel's room boasts two original paintings from the collection.


Villa d'Este, Lake Como

Villa d'Este

Villa d'Este hosts Easter in traditional Italian style. Book their 3-night Easter package(available from April 5th-10th) and stay in an Executive room with a garden or park view. In addition you'll enjoy full buffet breakfast, one 3-course dinner at one of the hotel's fine restaurants, a traditional Easter lunch and cocktail on the lake terrace and a special Easter gift.
Special Touches: Arrange for a private motor-boat tour on breathtaking Lake Como and take in the quaint towns and splendid villas that dot its shores.


Hotel Le Bristol, Paris

Room at Hotel Le Bristol

Although this hotel isn't offering a special package for Easter, they do have a delightful family package available throughout the year whose rates include connecting rooms, breakfast for four and a special surprise for the children. On Easter Day, the family can attend the Pascal Brunch, which is sure to be a hit with the kids. On the itinerary: an Easter egg hunt with real white rabbits in attendance and a mini-pastry class, as well as other activities that parents can watch while enjoying the feast.
Special Touches: In a nod to eco-friendliness, the hotel offers two Smart Cars for guests to zip around Paris & shop. The cars' minute dimensions are a perfect excuse to have your packages delivered back to the hotel.

If you're not in the mood for the last-minute dash to Europe, check back on Friday for family vacation ideas in the US.

Babymoon Biweekly - Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa, Sausalito California

Many babymoon packages are just romantic packages for couples that have been rebranded. Not all of the babymoons we see boast baby-specific features, and while we agree that a romantic dinner and breakfast for two can be a wonderful treat, (particularly since once you have the baby it will feel like an unattainable dream), to us there are a few hallmarks of a real babymoon package:

-there should be a maternity massage involved, since pregnant women can't take advantage of "regular" massages
-Mommy should definitely get special treatment, but partners should get something special as well
-ideally, the package should include a baby gift; this is, after all, about his or her impending arrival, and a onesie or baby album makes a great memento.

Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa in upscale Sausalito, California clearly thinks along the same lines we do. They have what they're calling America's first destination maternity spa (not to be confused with Destination Maternity the store). The spa, lovingly called Barefoot & Pregnant, has an entire menu of massages, facials and spa packages just for pregnant women, with a few Daddy and post-partum treatments thrown in for good measure. Several of these have been packaged with hotel accommodations to create a variety of babymoons for expecting couples. There's even a package for two pregnant mommies on a girls getaway.

We particularly like the 5-day/4-night And Baby Makes Three package, which includes transportation to and from the airport, accommodation for two, in-room continental breakfast each morning, a romantic picnic lunch, dinner for two on two nights, a gift basket, a prenatal spa package for Mom and two spa services for Dad, and a private birthing session to prepare you for baby's debut. With all that to take in, it's no wonder it's a 5-day package!

Nearby San Francisco has its own charms worth exploring, although we won't blame you if you're too busy being pampered to get out much. The hotel's winding walkways and lovely bay views can be hard to pull away from, and with rooms sporting private decks and fireplaces, it might be hard just to get yourself to the spa. The good thing? You can always go back after baby is born: San Francisco is notoriously child-friendly, and we'll be making recommendations for your family vacation there in upcoming posts.


The "And Baby Makes Three" package is $2700; there is also an Expecting the Best package which can be customized for an accompanying Dad or Mommy's pregnant friend. The hotel also offers several package add-ons for an additional fee, including maternity photography. To book your babymoon, call Casa Madrona at 800.288.0502.

First Class Food in Coach

These days, ANY food in coach is a wonder, but good food is most likely not going to happen - certainly not on the airline's dime.

You're most likely accustomed to bringing at least a child's snack or two if you're traveling with children, but what about you? Are you noshing on Cheerios at 30,000 feet? If you travel out of Los Angeles area airports, there are far better options. Skymeals, a meal delivery service that will meet you right at the airport with your food, is changing how you dine in the sky.

Their meals are not inexpensive, but considering what passes for food on planes these days, they're well worth the cost, particularly for long flights (or long waits on tarmacs). A peek at the menu definitely gets the salivary glands watering: you can choose from entrees such as flash seared ahi tuna or shrimp & asparagus farfalle fra diavolo. There's also a nice selection of sandwiches, salads, appetizers and brunches, and even a SkyLight menu for those watching their weight (which we figure in LA is just about everyone).

Best of all: children are included! Yes, the little ones have their own menu, SkyKids, and it's not all junk. While you can never escape chicken fingers (delivered here as "crispy chicken strips"), they come with a healthy side of fresh fruit and broccoli & carrots. The kids' menu is small - 4 selections - but varied enough that you should find something on there that your child will eat. And since the company is actually a catering outfit and not just a delivery service, they'll also take special requests (within reason); if you or your child can't find something on here you like, they can work with you to create a meal you'd prefer.


A SkyKids Meal

Unfortunately, right now Skymeals is only operating in a limited area of California, so unless you live there or are headed there soon, you may not have the opportunity to sample their cuisine. But check back - the company's founders have said in the past that they'd like to expand, and we're hoping they do soon.