Plan for a sunny getaway in the new year. Here are five ideas to consider.
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa (Aventura, Fla.)
This South Florida resort, set within 300 sun-drenched acres, provides a welcome sanctuary for guests as well as more than 40 species of tropical birds, botanical fauna and the chef’s herb and tropical fruit garden. However, the kids will be more interested in the Tidal Cove Waterpark. It’s a 5-acre fun zone composed of a 60-foot tower with seven water slides, a 4,000-square-foot kids pool with an aquatic play area, and a triple Flow Rider simulation pool, among the first of its kind in the country. The 42-foot-wide surf simulation machine incorporates elements of surfing, bodyboarding, skateboarding, skimboarding, snowboarding and wakeboarding. The mega-water feature connects with a lazy river, a zero-entry pool and 25 luxury cabanas for privacy and relaxation.
For more: www.jwturnberry.com.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa (Ko Olina, Hawaii)
If you want to mix a little magic into your sun-filled holiday, the Aulani island paradise might be right for your crew. Mickey Mouse and his well-known pals are on hand for character memory-making moments, inducing smiles all around. The 351-room hotel blends the vision of Disney Imagineers with the history and natural beauty of the island. Families can take advantage of the kids club, swimming and boogie boarding, snorkeling, paddleboarding, spa time and simply relaxing under Hawaiian skies.
For more: www.disneyaulani.com.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
A family stay at this Arizona desert resort is full of fun surprises, beginning at the kids check-in desk. In a destination where visitors can rely on 333 days of sunshine each year, your gang will want to swipe on the sunscreen and waste no time before digging toes in the sand at the Sunset Beach pool or joining the festivities at the Sonoran Splash pool, where water slides, music, games and dive-in movies up the fun factor. Kids can fish in the lagoon, play golf or spend the day at the Trailblazers Kids Club where activities include pingpong, learning about desert wildlife, making s’mores in a solar oven and recreational games. Parents will appreciate the Lifestyle Cuisine menu for adults and children that focuses on providing healthy choices.
