With the last weeks of winter behind you, spring break offers a fabulous opportunity to welcome warmer weather and gain quality time with the kids. The best vacation spots for a weeklong break are those that are within or close to the U.S., as their proximity allows you begin your adventure within hours when you fly in a private jet. Because one of the last things you want to hear is, “There’s nothing to do,” consider staying at a resort with a kids’ club or activities for teens and children. The best offer age-appropriate indoor and outdoor events, giving you a nice balance between relaxing alone-time and memorable family excursions.
Caribbean
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Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
When you want to spoil your family and splurge, book a room on Richard Branson’s private island. Necker Island in the British Virgin offers special Bunk Rooms filled with books, video games and toys for kids. Babysitting services and essentials for little ones (e.g., cots and baby baths) are also available upon request. While the island does not have a dedicated kids’ club, staff members will arrange special activities in addition to the ones already offered, such as beach Olympics and treasure hunts. To make the experience even more special, you can book the whole island, which accommodates up to 34 guests.
Jumby Bay, Long Island, Antigua
A Rosewood resort off Antigua’s coast, Jumby Bay is a 300-acre private island that guests can only reach by boat. The property features three white-sand beaches, island hopping excursions, golf, tennis, private yacht charters and a variety of water sports. The resort’s Rose Bud program offers youth and children special amenities that are tailored by age group. A favorite among kids of all ages is the Hawksbill Turtle Program, which allows young people to take part in the island’s conservation efforts and the opportunity to adopt a sea turtle.
Central America
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Papagayo, Costa Rica
Set in one of the most extravagantly handsome locations in the world, the isolated Four Seasons on the tip of Costa Rica’s Papagayo peninsula offers a wonderful introduction to the country. The resort caters to families and children with features such as the Tuanis (a local slang word that blends the words “too nice”) Teen Center with guided activities and tours, Kids for All Seasons program with supervised activities, and dedicated recreation rooms. The resort also offers a Parent’s Day Out, which gives adults the opportunity to unwind.
U.S.A.
Photo by chadh via Flickr
Palm Beach, Florida
While the rest of the country may still be awakening from a winter slumber, southern Florida welcomes you with warm weather. The Breakers Palm Beach is one of the best luxury beach resorts in the states for family vacations. The landmark hotel offers family fitness classes, outdoor activities, an entertainment center with an arcade and theater, family golf clinics, and a 4,500-square-foot playground. The resort also has playrooms for toddlers and children, activities designed for children, programs for teens and tweens, and childcare services.
Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii
Maui offers infinite recreational activities for families, including zip line tours, water sports and some of the best golf courses in the state. The Ritz-Carlton packs these activities and more within its 22,000 acres, giving you access to two championship golf courses, two marine sanctuaries, hiking trails and countless outdoor activities. The Ambassadors of the Environment program introduces children, teens and adults to the area’s cultural traditions and natural wonders, turning nature into a living classroom. The tailored activities include whale watching, learning to snorkel, exploring tide pools, searching for wild sea turtles, geocaching, learning survival skills, sunset sailing, ATV tours, and observing nocturnal wildlife.