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New York City Through the Eyes of a Child

We recently spent a weekend in New York City, the first time we have taken our children who are 9 and almost 12. This was a great age, as they were very excited about seeing famous landmarks as well as movie sights such as the Trinity Church (National Treasure) and the American Museum of Natural History (Night at the Museum). And they were also old enough to handle the long walks that were required in our jam-packed schedule.

I asked them to tell me in their own words what they liked best. The part written by my son is probably obvious (hint: it’s about the food).

“I liked seeing the Statue of Liberty and going inside the pedestal. I learned that it is actually copper instead of concrete painted green. It was AMAZING! From the Empire State Building I could see for miles from up there! It was so cool! I experienced what it was like to ride on a subway and a train.”
“It was really cool to be just a few feet below the Statue of Liberty. I also really liked the pizza and hot dogs. My favorite part was seeing Manhattan from the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building.”
Since we had a relatively short amount of time, I purchased as many tickets in advance as I could to avoid waiting in lines. This turned out to be a big time savings when visiting the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. On a summer weekend the lines to purchase tickets can be exceptionally long. And we saw several disappointed families who didn’t realize that a limited number of tickets were distributed each day to enter the Statue of Liberty, so if they didn’t get there early enough, they could only walk around the island. We had reserve tickets for the Liberty Island ferry, so we breezed by the crowds! We also visited Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Center, walked across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, had dinner at the South Street Seaport, and took a carriage ride in Central Park. That was a lot packed into one weekend, but there is still much more to do and see in New York City, so we plan to go back and enjoy it at a more leisurely pace next time. Maybe take in a Broadway show, and use one of my local connections to visit the actors backstage and get a close-up view of the make-up and costumes!

New York City has several Virtuoso hotels which offer exclusive rates and amenities for my clients.

– Ritz Carlton Central Park offers daily breakfast for two and a $100 food & beverage credit.
– Hotel Plaza Athenee offers continental breakfast daily and choice of afternoon tea or 2 cocktails. Their Pillows & Penguins package includes 50% off a connecting room for children, milk & cookies, a children’s gift bag, and 4 tickets to the Central Park Zoo.
– The Plaza offers daily breakfast for two and $100 hotel credit, and through Sept. 7 the 3rd night is free.
– The St. Regis has a Summer Suite Family Package including 3rd night free, daily continental breakfast for four, afternoon tea, and four tickets to two museums of the family’s choice. Kids receive milk & cookies with St. Regis teddy bears, and enjoy two in-suite movies with a popcorn and ice-cream sundae bar delivered by room service! (Available through Sept. 7)

All these hotels also automatically upgrade clients of Virtuoso agencies, if space is available.

For help with your next family vacation, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Yes, the Disney Dining Plan is a Deal!

I always advise my clients to purchase the dining plan when visiting Walt Disney World, as it’s widely known that it is a great value. But I experienced firsthand not only how much a family can save, but some additional benefits as well, when we spent 5 days at the resort for a family reunion.

For a family of four with children ages 9 and 11, the plan cost about $650 (3 adults and 1 child), or $130 per day. The basic plan includes one table service (sit down) meal, one counter service meal, and one snack per person per day. Meals include entrée, beverage, dessert, and taxes, though for breakfast diners get an extra beverage instead of dessert. (Upgrades are available which include additional table service meals and wine.)

If there is only one reason to purchase the dining plan, it’s to save money, and I now have the receipts to prove it. All the restaurants, whether buffet or ala carte, would have cost us at least $100-150 including taxes. Add in a counter service meal for lunch or breakfast, and there’s another $25-40. Snacks vary greatly in cost, from <$2 for fresh fruit or candy to $3-5 for ice cream sundaes and smoothies, so that was another $15-20 per day. Adding it all up, our food bill would have been at least $140 per day without the dining plan, but usually it was closer to $180. So that was a savings of as much as $50 per day!

We sometimes found we had so much food, we couldn’t eat it all. Desserts were often ordered “to go” and kept in our room refrigerator for snacking another time. Unused beverages (20 oz bottles) were also saved for later in the day. If an adult opted for wine or beer at dinner (not included on the plan), then my daughter could order a milkshake or smoothie, which was allowed on the adult plan but not the child’s. On the day of our departure, we had an extra counter service meal to use up, so we got sandwiches to go and took them on the plane.

In addition to saving money, there are other great benefits with the dining plan:

* Less mealtime conflict – When we dine out, two issues almost always come up. The first is whether or not my son can order off the adult menu (“Trust me, the hamburger on the kids’ menu is the same size, it just costs less. I promise I’ll get you more food if you’re still hungry.”) And whether or not the kids can order dessert. With the dining plan, my son had free reign to order whatever he wanted, which turned out to be filet mignon with bleu cheese sauce on the first night. I didn’t cringe a bit when he ordered! And dessert was always included, so no problem there, either.

* Less stress – At some point during our vacations, I start to feel the financial pinch as we eat out meal after meal. I look at prices on the menu rather than ordering what I want, even though I have budgeted for food. I think part of the problem is not knowing exactly how much we have spent, since I am not organized enough to keep a running tally as we go. At Disney World, though I knew the food wasn’t “free,” it was much more relaxing to go into the restaurant knowing it was prepaid, and the amount was set. And I loved receiving a bill which showed a big fat 0 for the total!

* Less junk food – Because we weren’t so concerned about watching our meal expenses, we ate much less fast food than we would have otherwise. So that meant fewer French fries and burgers, and more fresh fish and poultry. Even the buffets offered a variety of healthy choices, and also allowed the kids to try foods that they normally would not have ordered.


For families visiting Walt Disney World this fall, dining is even more affordable, as it’s free! For more information about this offer and other great family vacation values, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Keswick Hall Combines History and Family Fun

Keswick Hall is located in the heart of Virginia, near Charlottesville and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. An extensive estate amid beautiful countryside, it makes an ideal destination for families who enjoy nature and history. Though the property itself is intimate, with only 48 rooms and suites, it offers a broad variety of activities. All ages can enjoy nature walks, fishing, horsback riding, tennis, hot air ballooning and indoor and outdoor pools.

Children are especially welcome at the country house, and given a Kids Only Passport at check-in, a cleverly designed interactive guide to the estate, Charlottesville and the surrounding area. Kids will have fun planning their stay from the journal’s long list of places to discover, people to meet and interesting facts about the property. They also receive an in-room amenity ranging from caramel popcorn to animal crackers with fruit flavored sodas.

Golf is one of the more popular activities at the resort, which has its own Arnold Palmer Signature 18-hole golf course. And children are encouraged to pick up a set of clubs as well. On select weeks in summer, golf clinics are held for ages 6-12, and a Junior Golf Camp for ages 13-16. Complimentary tennis clinics are also available for children 5 to 10 years old, and golf lessons are also available year round for all ages and abilities.


Through May 31, to celebrate the 266th anniversary of the third President’s birth, Keswick Hall is offering a 2 night Celebrating Jefferson package including:

* Monticello Guidebook
* Daily continental breakfast
* Passes to Jefferson’s beloved home, Monticello, his summer escape, Ash Lawn and the Michie Tavern Museum
* A three course dinner for two in Fossett’s, an award-winning restaurant named after Jefferson’s head cook
* Jefferson Vineyards tour and wine tasting


Guests who book through a Virtuoso agency receive the following complimentary amenities:

* Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
* Daily continental breakfast for up to two guests
* One complimentary round of golf for two, including cart

To learn more about Keswick Hall and how to receive the best rates, amenities, and VIP treatment, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Current Summer Family Travel Deals

Atlantis Resort (Bahamas)– Save up to 35% , get a 4th night free, and kids under 12 stay & play free. Book by June 1, travel before December 16, 2009. Book by May 11 and receive a $200 air credit.


Beaches Resorts (Caribbean) – Book any Beaches Resort for 5 nights or longer and receive a $250 Red Lane® Spa credit. Must book between May 1-31, for travel May 1 to December 20, 2009.

Four Seasons Hualalai (Big Island) – Book 4 nights and receive a $1000 credit! Stay another 4 nights, and receive another $1000 credit. Available May 1- September 30, 2009 with some date restrictions.


St. Regis New York – Book a 2-bedroom St. Regis or Grand Suite for at least 3 nights and receive third night free, daily continental breakfast for four, afternoon tea, choice of 2 museums (4 tickets), and welcome amenity of milk and cookies with St. Regis teddy bears. Also enjoy “Movie night with the kids” – 2 complimentary in-suite movies, popcorn and ice-cream sundae bar delivered by room service. Available June 19 through Sept 7.

Grand Hyatt Kauai – Combine the Three for Free offer with the Family Plan to receive 50% off an adjoining room for kids, fifth night, complimentary daily breakfast buffet for two adults and two children, a complimentary upgrade on both rooms, one free in-room movie, and a bottomless cup for kids 12 and under.


Disneyland – Receive two extra hotel nights plus two extra days of Theme Park admission free with the purchase of a 3-night or longer package. Valid for travel April 1 through Sept. 26, 2009, must be booked by Aug. 11. Book by May 31 and receive Kids Fly Free with Alaska Airlines (subject to availability).

Cape Grace (Capetown, South Africa) – Family Time package includes daily breakfast, vouchers for R700 in-room dining, family pass to Two Oceans Aquarium, complimentary babysitting for 4 hours, complimentary upgrade to a 2 or 3 Bedroom Suite (based on availability), and African story time and gingerbread man decorating. Available through Sept. 30, 2009, and requires a 5 night stay (5th night is free).

Westin Villa Resorts – On Maui and Kauai, receive 35% off, fifth night free, a $100 dining credit, and earn double Starpoints. Valid through June 30, 2009. In the continental US and US Virgin Islands, receive 50% off rack rates(applicable dates vary by location). Travel must be booked between May 1 – 28.

Grace Bay Club (Turks & Caicos) – Family Package includes 50% off connecting room, full breakfast & lunch daily, champagne and fruit basket, half day snorkel cruise, and 4th night free. Kids enrolled in the VIK (Very Important Kids) Program, including use of Kids Town, welcome backpack, and nightly turndown amenities. Nightly rates also available with 4th night free.

Grand Isle Resort (Bahamas) – Classic Families promo includes discounted rates, kids eat free, 50% off second villa (with reservation of 2,3,4 bedroom), 2 half day or1 full day rental of Grand Isle Snorkeling Pack. Five night stay required, valid to Dec. 20, 2009.

To get started planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.


All offers subject to availability, and may be changed or canceled at any time without notice.
Restrictions or blackout dates may apply.
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Fun Activities for Families Visiting France

Visit a prehistoric cave decorated with wall engravings of horses, ibex, mammoths, deer, and bovines dating from the Aurignacian period (between 33,000 and 26,000 BC).

Ride a little red train from Chamonix to the world famous glacier de la Mer de Glace. A 20 minute ride through wonderful scenery brings you to the largest French glacier – 7 km long!


Spend a day hiking with an ornithologist guide through meadow and mud flat in southern France, to discover the diversity of European water birds, including all nine European Heron species!

Canoe the Gardon River to the Pont du Gard, part of an impressive system of channels and tunnels and it has survived intact over a period of some 2000 years.

Learn to make perfume in the laboratory of the Molinard factory in Grasse, a small town overlooking the Mediterranean which offers private visits to the best perfume factories.

Enjoy a flight in a paraglider over the beautiful Alpes de Hautes Provence mountains.


Visit a modern goat dairy farm in Normandy, and learn about raising and caring for livestock, milk production, as well as the local history.

Visit Normandy beaches on bicycle, traveling from Omaha Beach to the Pointe Du Hoc through unforgettable, bomb-scarred, cratered terrain, and enjoy the panoramic views from the coast. Visit the reflecting pool and memorial at Saint Laurent sur Mer, which houses a 22-foot high bronze sculpture, maps of the invasion, and bronze urns.

For more information about creating a family vacation you will remember forever, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Advisor at suzette@family-treks.com.

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What Families Say About Dude Ranch Vacations

One of our most memorable family vacations was a week spent at a dude ranch in Colorado. As a parent, I was happy seeing my kids spend an entire week enjoying the outdoors. No TV, no movies, no video games, but not one complaint of boredom. The kids would jump out of bed in the morning and race outside to hang out with their friends, then after a hearty ranch breakfast head to the corral for a morning on horseback.

But don’t take my word for it, here is what kids have to say about dude ranch vacations:

“The Wranglers taught me how to get up on the horse and never give up. It was really worth earning the Cowboy-Up Award!” (Sean, 11)

“You get to ride on horses through the woods, and you get to do fun art projects. The petting zoo was one of my favorite parts, every day I would go out and see the animals. Sometimes you can make up your own activities- my friends and I did a little play for the other guests.” (Katie, 6)


“I had so much fun at the dude ranch! I really liked my horsey Bugsy.” (Sam, 4)

“I liked making the horses trot and gallop, and I really liked the food! It was delicious, especially the desserts. And all the kids got to go on a secret gold mining trip.” (Ryan, 8)

“I liked my horse, the awesome battle against the Indians at the fort, the front row seats at the rodeo, and snipe hunting.” (Kyle, 12)

And now the parents:

“The thing I like about dude ranches is that they allow for a very active outdoor vacation, without the work of camping. Besides all of the scheduled activities, the kids get to relax, run around and explore the outdoors on summer evenings. The adults get great food and company.”



“Delicious home-made country style food and wide open skies are great reasons to return!”

“I was worried that I would get bored, but there turned out to be plenty to do. There was enough structure to ensure we had a full day of activity, yet it was at a slow enough pace to feel refreshed and relaxed. “

“It was one of our best family vacations — a great way to relax with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. The friendly staff also made us feel right at home!”

There are over a hundred dude and guests ranches in North America, and they all vary in size, amenities, activities, and accommodations. As a family travel specialist, my goal is to help families find the ranch that’s right for them, and answer all their questions about what to expect and how to pack and prepare for their trip.

For more information about planning a dude ranch vacation for your family, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com

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Family Cruise News

The new Carnival Dream will feature the largest and most elaborate water park at sea, including a 303-foot-long, four-deck-high corkscrew water slide with another 104-foot-long spiral water slide that leads into a giant funnel. The ship also introduces Carnival’s first 18-hole miniature golf course. The ship caters to children, ‘tweens and teens with more than 19,000 square feet of space of indoor & outdoor play space and supervised programs for ages 2 – 17.

Younger children will enjoy arts and crafts, toys and games, while older children & teens will have video games such as PlayStation and Wii, a karaoke machine, air hockey and foosball tables. Teens will also have their own separate area with dance club, soda bar, video jukebox, arcade games, and internet workstations, or can enjoy Carnival’s Y-Spa youth spa program. Multi-generational activities will also be offered for the whole family, including pizza-making sessions, family water play and trivia contests.


Princess Cruises has teamed with Klutz® to provide high-quality arts and crafts projects for young passengers to enjoy onboard. Custom-built kits have been designed to engage young cruisers in fun and creative activities, a unique offering in the cruise industry which will be available fleetwide.

Children will have the opportunity to participate in up to seven Klutz® activities during their cruise: to build their own storybooks; create lanyard bracelets; make “picture tags” for charm bracelets, luggage tags, or pet I.D.s; create fuzzy masterpieces with Velvet Art; craft paper flowers, weave friendship bracelets; or make thumbprint art. The new Klutz® activities are offered for young passengers of all ages, and are scheduled during the youth center’s regular activities or during the ship’s family fun fair in the atrium, where all family members can join in.


Disney Cruise Line® was named the top large cruise ship experience and top 5 best spas at sea by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Disney recently announced a new service beginning in March that makes cruising with very young children even easier – baby supply delivery service. Guests can order items such as diapers, baby food, and infant formula before their cruise, and have them delivered directly to their stateroom.

Disney also announced 50% off for kids 12 and under. This offer is available for most sailings from March 26 through May 14, 2009. Government taxes and fees not included, and there must be full-fare guests in the same stateroom.


Royal Caribbean announced new services for guests booked in suites, designed to focus on distinctive and personalized service. New service enhancements include:

> Dedicated check-in lines
> Complimentary cabin amenities such as luxury spa robes, slippers, fruit plate, and chocolates at turndown
> Pre-dinner cheese presentation on the first formal night
> Exclusive privilege of ordering from the main dining room’s menus for in-suite dining
> A selection of Mattel board games delivered to the suite
> Priority disembarkation and complimentary valet luggage service

RCCL’s Mariner of the Seas arrived in Los Angeles this week, to sail year-round on 7 night Mexican Riviera cruises. This is the largest ship to offer cruises from the West Coast, and it features the line’s iconic rock wall, a nine-hole miniature golf course, an ice-skating rink, a full size basketball court, and an inline skating track. Running nearly the length of the ship is the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of shops, restaurants, bars and lounges.

Costa Cruises will equip public areas and cabins with Sony PlayStation video game systems. Ships will feature PlayStation World, an area with PlayStation 3 consoles. There will also be PlayStations 3’s available via on-demand service in cabins. The children’s and teens’ clubs will have PlayStation 2 consoles. After dark, Costa will hold “PlayStation Nights” on the lido decks of four of their ships, where gamers will play on giant screens.

For more information about finding the perfect cruise for your family, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com

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Disney News for Families

Beginning March 15, Disney Cruise Line® becomes first the cruise to offer a new service for parents of infants and toddlers – baby supplies delivered right to their stateroom! Cruise guests will be able to order supplies online before their cruise, through online retailer Babies Travel Lite, who offers more than 1,000 brand-name baby products.

Other new services to make a Disney Cruise even easier with young children include:
– Complimentary use of Diaper Genies, cribs and playpens, bottle warmers, bottle sanitizers, and strollers
– Wagons for use on the beach at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas
– Baby supplies available for purchase


At Disneyland, “it’s a small world” reopened in early February with new enhancements, including a new “Spirit of America” scene, new musical enhancements and a new look for some of the attraction’s familiar child dolls. Guests will be able to find some of the child dolls dressed as their favorite Disney Characters, in the countries where their stories take place. For example, dolls dressed in Aladdin and Jasmine costumes play in the Middle East scene, and a doll dressed as Alice from “Alice in Wonderland” appears in the Great Britain scene. The renowned “it’s a small world” song still plays throughout the ride, but now with subtle film music woven into the song, fitting the characters and scenes.
On Valentine’s Day, Walt Disney World® unveiled its newest attraction: “The American Idol Experience.” Following the model of the widely popular television show, guests experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive entertainment setting. Each show takes place in a 1,000 seat, indoor theater that features the neon signs and a multi-layered backdrop inspired by the actual “American Idol” set in California. The newly designed venue is the most technologically advanced theater found at Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World® also recently introduced an ultra-interactive attraction inspired by the Disney Channel animated series, “Kim Possible.” Using the latest technology, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to become secret agents, teaming up with members of “Team Possible” to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions. With their handheld wireless “Kimmunicator,” guests maneuver through the mission, connecting with a variety of characters from the show who provide clues to stop villains from taking over the world. These devices also allow guests to control top-secret equipment hidden inside World Showcase pavilions, creating an adventure jam-packed with mystery and excitement.

There are great deals to be had no matter what Disney vacation you choose for your family. For more information about how to plan a great family vacation and obtain the best value, contact Suzette Mack, a College of Disney Knowledge Graduate and Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.
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Hawaii’s Best Luxury Travel Deals for Families

If you’ve always dreamed of a taking the family to a luxury resort in Hawaii, this may be the time to do it. For the past several years, Hawaii’s popularity as a family vacation destination has been increasing. And as a result, rates have steadily gone up and hotels have sold out very early. But the current hiccup in the economy has reversed that trend, and now there are great deals to some of the best resorts on the islands.


If traveling out of SFO or LAX, Pleasant Holidays is offering special airfares, inlcuding 50% off a companion fare (SFO only through May 31) and reduced children’s rates (one child per two adults for travel June 1- August 23). Clients also receive double upgrades on select Hertz rental cars, or a complimentary economy car.

So how does booking a package compare with booking everything separately? The price of a 7 night Pleasant Holidays package for June 13-20 in an Ocean View Suite at the Fairmont Kea Lani is $7746, including a mid-size SUV, taxes, lei greeting, and vacation protection plan. This includes roundtrip, daytime (not redeye) nonstop flights out of SFO. When I looked up these flights on United’s website, they were priced at over $2200 per person because only first class seats were available on the return flight. Nonstop flights which had economy class seats available were >$1000 per person. The best internet rate for the hotel is just shy of $4000, so that comes to over $8000 not including the rental car and travel insurance. That’s a savings of over $1000 by booking the package!

Other Hawaii luxury hotel offers include:

Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island
Their Family Package includes:
> Guaranteed connecting rooms
> Breakfast for four daily
> Two full day passes to Keiki Adventures Program.
> Fifth night free for Garden View and Partial Ocean View rooms
> Third night free for Ocean View rooms plus $400 resort credit.

For single room bookings, the following offers apply:
> Garden view and partial ocean view – every 5th night free and full breakfast daily
> Ocean view and higher – every 3rd night free and $200 resort credit

Planning a family reunion? Book five rooms and the fifth room is upgraded to a suite for free – what a way to treat the grandparents! All offers are valid through December 20, 2009.



Four Seasons Resort Maui
They have an exclusive offer for guests booking through Preferred Partners before March 1, 2009:
> Fifth night free for travel through March 12
> Full island buffet breakfast for two adults each day including tax and gratuity
> Afternoon whale watch excursion for two adults
> Two specialty tropical cocktails and choice of appetizer in Lobby Lounge


Halekulani on Oahu
They are offering clients of Virtuoso Travel Advisors who book a minimum 3 night stay:
> Reduced rates > Complimentary room upgrade (based on availability)
> Daily breakfast for two
> Private taxi transfers (or complimentary parking).


The Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa Kauai
An exclusive Suite Delight promotion is available through Virtuoso Travel Advisors for travel through December 24, 2009:
> $200 resort credit with a 4 night minimum stay in a suite
> 6th night free
> Beautiful orchid arrangement in the suite
> Deluxe fruit bowl
> Complimentary access to ANARA Spa facilities ($60 value per day)
> Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests
> One evening appetizer in Stevenson’s Library Lounge

To read more about Kauai, see my recent blog post, Kauai – A Family Vacation Paradise.

For more information about planning a family vacation to Hawaii, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

All offers subject to availability, and may be changed or canceled at any time without notice.
Restrictions or blackout dates may apply.
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A Fun Riviera Maya Family Vacation

Iguanas and geckos and lizards, oh my!

That’s what my kids were saying on our vacation to the Riviera Maya. Of course they raved about the pool, and the waterslide, and the cool bathroom with the glass wall. But the biggest reaction came from seeing geckos hanging out (literally) on the patio, or huge iguanas sunning themselves on the roofs or in the middle of the sidewalk. My kids were in lizard heaven. But what else would one expect when vacationing in the middle of a jungle?


Extending almost 90 miles down the coast south of Cancun, the Riviera Maya is one of the hottest family vacation destinations right now. The tropical climate draws visitors year round, as daytime temperatures stay in the upper 80’s, evenings rarely dip below 70 degrees. And as word spreads of the amazing natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, and large variety of kid-friendly activities, it’s been growing in popularity with families.

The hotel industry has responded by building dozens of new resorts, both family-oriented all-inclusive chains like Palace, Dreams, Barcelo, and Iberostar, as well as luxury resorts with state-of-the-art spas and exceptional dining. In fact there are several Virtuoso properties in the Riviera Maya, including the Fairmont Mayakoba, Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood Mayakoba, Hotel Esencia, Maroma, Tides Rivera Maya, and Royal Hideaway Playacar. All offer exclusive amenities such as private airport transfers, champagne, spa treatments, or complimentary breakfast when guests book through a Virtuoso agent such as me.



My family has what I call an “eclectic” travel style – we enjoy everything from backpacking and camping to sipping drinks poolside at a five star luxury resort. So when planning this vacation, I was torn between trying out one these resorts, or staying at a small, laid-back property with local flavor. We managed to have it all by dividing our time between a boutique hotel in Akumal, and the Fairmont Mayakoba near Playa del Carmen.

Our first four nights were spent at Hotel Akumal Caribe, a small property with hotel rooms on the beach, and bungalows set back in the garden. The rooms were simple, the beds a bit hard, but the location could not be beat. We were steps from one of the most beautiful bays in the Riviera Maya, a place where the locals and many tour boats would come to snorkel because it is a nesting site for sea turtles. We snorkeled daily, and every trip in the water we were sure to see turtles and stingrays, and even an occasional barracuda.

Staying in the southern end of the Riviera Maya was convenient for sightseeing, as most of the archeological and natural sights are located nearby. Tulum is the most well-known of the ruins in that area, but easily reachable in the same day is Coba, less excavated and thus more natural (and less crowded), than Tulum or Chichen Itza. While my husband and I were fascinated with the Mayan history, my kids were more enamored, again, with the hundreds of iguanas that currently reside there. Obviously the environment suited them, as these guys were 3 or 4 times the size of the ones at our hotel!

Xel-Ha water park was only minutes away from Tulum, and we spent a full day snorkeling in the huge lagoon. This is a great spot for teaching young children to snorkel, as they provide life vests, there are no waves, and there are numerous platforms around the lagoon where swimmers can exit. The admission includes food, drinks, and snorkeling gear, and for an additional fee guests can swim with dolphins or walk underwater with Sea Trek, a “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” style experience.


Atkun Chen was another hit with the whole family. Even the kids enjoyed an hour long guided tour into a beautiful cave with a pristine cenote, which remains so because it is off-limits to swimmers. We unfortunately we unable to fit in Xcaret, another eco-park, so hopefully we can plan a trip back soon. Their focus is more on educating guests on the Mayan culture through exhibits and shows, but they also have dolphins, snorkeling lagoons, and a fun float on an underground river.


But our favorite part of Akumal had to be the food. We had an amazing seafood dinner at the tiny restaurant next to the marina one night, with the fattest, sweetest shrimp I have ever tasted. And the tiny little food counter attached to the grocery store wasn’t much to look at, but we frequently reminisce about the wonderful taco platters they served.

Though we were sad to leave Akumal, we were excited about our home for the next six nights, the new Fairmont Mayakoba luxury resort, just north of Playa del Carmen. When we checked in, we were handed a drink and a cool towel, and told that our butler would be with us shortly. Our butler?! Unbeknownst to me, we had been upgraded to a Signature Casita in the exclusive beachfront section of the resort. While at first I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with a butler, it turned out to be a wonderful perk that is becoming increasingly common at luxury resorts, and even on cruise ships.

The butler was basically our personal concierge, ready to do anything from unpacking our suitcases and ironing our clothes, to giving advice on where to park in Playa del Carmen, and reserving our chairs on the beach. And he made sure we were introduced to the other butlers, so wherever we went we were greeted with a wave and a friendly “Hola, Mack Family!” I’ll be posting more details about the Fairmont Mayakoba in a separate blog.


For more information about family vacations in the Riviera Maya, contact Suzette Mack, a Virtuoso Family Travel Advisor at suzette@family-treks.com.

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