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Last Minute Luxury from Rosewood Resorts

Great family vacation values are to be found this summer through all the luxury Rosewood Resort properties. Their “Summer with Rosewood” promotion includes either a complimentary night or special room rate including breakfast, for travel through September 30, 2011.

Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda, offers the 5th night free, or if you pay for 5 nights, the 6th and 7th night free. Their acclaimed children’s program espouses environmental appreciation in the Children’s Grove, a 2,500 sq. ft. facility boasting a miniature Caribbean chattel house, dress-up parlor, arts and crafts center, shipwreck, outside play area and many other exciting tropical activities. A complimentary children’s Pirate Party and buffet is held every Monday, and even teenagers have their own private space.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a desert beach resort in Los Cabos, offers suites starting at $515/night including breakfast and butler and concierge service. Though known as one of the most romantic resorts in the world, Las Ventanas also welcomes children of all ages and offers items such as cribs, changing tables, baby baths, and more for parents.

Additionally, several Rosewood properties offer even more values exclusively for clients of Rosewood Elite agencies:

* The Carlyle’s Suite Deal package includes limousine transfers from any airport in the New York City metropolitan area, one 60-minute massage, and breakfast buffet for two daily. Located in the trendy Upper East Side, the hotel’s spacious suites offer a ‘home away from home’ for families with separate sleeping and living room areas, and a kitchenette for simple meal preparation. And throughout 2011, The Carlyle will extend to all Rosewood Elite Agency guests complimentary cover charge for two and $50 cocktail credit at Bemelmans Bar.

* At Rosewood Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya, receive a guaranteed upgrade at time of booking with the Rosewood Escapes package, as well as Virtuoso amenities which include daily breakfast for two, a $100 spa credit, free internet, and a tequila amenity. Facilities for children include the complimentary Toolok Kid’s Club for ages 3-12, a TV & Game Room, and an Arts, Crafts & Board Games area. Babysitters or parents can relax with children <3 in the Soft Room. * At all-inclusive Jumby Bay in Antigua, book a guaranteed Pool Suite for $1150 ($375 off rack rate). Rate includes welcome amenity, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, beverages, house wine and cocktails by the glass, afternoon tea, water sports, fitness center, croquet field, putting green and children’s program, Manager’s Cocktail Party and Sunset Cocktail Cruise. Exclusive rates are also available for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom villas.
For more information about exclusive rates and amenities for families, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Advisor at suzette@family-treks.com.
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Family Feeding Frenzy

When airlines quit serving meals, many travelers felt annoyed and inconvenienced. As a mother of two rapidly growing children, I was truly alarmed. How in the world was I going to keep my kids fed on long flights? Because as every parent knows, a hungry child is a an extremely grumpy child!

On vacation last summer, we faced one of the longest flights we have ever been on as a family: 7 hours nonstop from Puerto Rico to California. And my son, almost 13 yrs old, was an eating machine.



As my husband and I were packing up the night before our flight home, we surveyed the kitchen of our villa, wondering what to do with the sandwich supplies we had purchased with good intentions, but never got around to eating. We could certainly make sandwiches to take on the plane, but how were we going to carry them?

Then my husband had a brilliant idea. With the help of our son, he emptied the entire loaf of bread onto the counter and set up a sandwich-making assembly line. In no time they had a dozen ham, turkey, and cheese sandwiches made, which he then restacked and inserted back into the bread bag. We tied it up, stuck it in the refrigerator, and it was ready to go the next morning.


As we walked through the airport with our “loaf” I am sure we got a few stares. (And we did receive a bit of extra attention from a sniffer dog at San Juan International Airport. The DEA agent actually had to encourage him to move away from us.) But I bet some of those looks turned to envy as we pulled what seemed to be an endless supply of sandwiches out of that bag throughout the flight.

We have a trip to France coming up in April, our first flight will be 10 hours long. So we are already talking about using this same strategy for keeping our kids full during the trip.

Do you have any tips for feeding your kids on long plane rides? What foods have you found pack well and keep kids full? Please post your comments here!

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The Best Luxury Resort Deals for Families

Here are some great promotions for families offered by luxury resorts and hotels around the world. Some are available only for a limited time, but others can be booked year round (blackout dates may apply).

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, Big Island of Hawaii
Second room 50% off through Dec. 23, 2011. A special note regarding this resort: Even their regular rates are a good value because they offer so many complimentary cultural activities, beach activities. And no charge for parking or internet access either!


Grace Bay Club, Turks & Caicos
Virtuoso promotion through Dec 16: 4th night free, bottle of champagne $100 dining credit, upgrade subject to availability, and daily breakfast for up to 2 guests. A family-friendly resort with Kids Town, an extensive children’s center complete with tree house, and a full roster of excursions, educational programming and kid friendly amenities.

The Goring, London
“Look Under the Pillow” rate of £525.00 per night for a family with up to 2 children 17 and under. Includes two rooms, full breakfast, cookie making with the pastry chef, non-alcoholic cocktail mixing in the bar, Nintendo Wii in the room, homemade cookies & milk at bedtime, bread bag for feeding the ducks, and a kids’ only competition. And of course, a special gift under your pillow! Available select dates Feb through Oct.

Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver
Parents can book a luxurious Executive King Balcony room for themselves, and receive the connecting Superior Twin room with 2 double beds for the kids at 50% off. Includes Virtuoso amenities of daily deluxe Breakfast for 2, $100 spa credit, welcome amenity and upgrade based on availability. This new hotel offers an outdoor infinity pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and complimentary internet.

Ritz Carlton Hotels, New York City
Exclusive for my clients! Stay at Central Park or Battery Park and receive a 3rd night free, full breakfast daily, and a $100 hotel credit. Central Park guests receive guaranteed upgrades in select room categories, and all Battery Park guests will be upgraded to Club Level.


Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
Receive complimentary Club access when booking a suite from Jan 28- Feb 6 and from Feb 25th – March 16. A family friendly hotel on 12 acres of oceanfront property just 5 miles from downtown Miami, offering water sports, 11 tennis courts, a spa, and oceanfront Ritz Kids’ program.

The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Virtuoso Exclusive Experience* is available April 21 – June 19, 2011
Welcome amenity, buffet breakfast for two daily, and free self parking. A family favorite in the upscale Wailea area that has been recently renovated. This all-suite resort features a lagoon pool with a waterslide, a wading pool, and an adult’s only pool. Oceanfront villas with private pools are also available.

Fairmont Southampton or Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Bermuda
Both resorts offering free second room and Explorers Kids Camp is free through April 30. Plus kids eat free from the restaurant children’s menus.

Four Seasons Costa Rica
Fifth night free in rooms, and sixth & seventh night free in villas, through Dec 16. features ladybug & butterfly releases and fish feeding daily. Lots of on-site activities including bocce ball, volleyball, tennis, cycling, and more. A note to families regarding all Four Seasons resorts: The children’s program is always complimentary, and exclusive Preferred Partner amenities for my clients include daily full American breakfast for two, upgrade based on availability, free internet in suites and one amenity of the hotel’s choice (for Costa Rica, it’s a $100 spa credit).

Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort, Riviera Maya
Virtuoso Exclusive Experience available through Pleasant Holidays May 1 – July 5 Includes upgrade upon arrival (if available), welcome bottle of tequila, 20% discount on spa services, roundtrip private airport transfers. A new all-inclusive resort which has been receiving rave reviews from travelers and agents for its spacious family suites, some with private plunge pools.

Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando
Exclusive Harry Potter package including back stage tour of the Hogwarts Castle and early entrance to the theme park. The resort sits on 500 acres of a nature preserve and features ladybug & butterfly releases and fish feeding daily. Lots of on-site activities including bocce ball, volleyball, tennis, cycling, and more.

Hotel Esprit Saint Germain, Paris
Paris for Families offer including connecting Deluxe Rooms, daily breakfast; wine and French cheeses and breads upon arrival; complimentary mini bar in your room; and much more. Virtuoso rates from 700 EU per night for four people for travel March 1 – May 31, 2011.

For help in planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Advisor at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Las Casitas Village Review (Puerto Rico)

In June we spent 8 nights in Puerto Rico at Las Casitas Village at El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa. With a 13 yr old boy and 10 yr old girl, we need more spacious accommodations when traveling. So when reviewing hotel options for this trip, it was obvious that a villa at Las Casitas was going to be the ideal choice.

(NOTE: These pictures do not do the island justice. A low pressure system which turned into Hurricane Alex after our departure was parked over the island, causing rain & clouds.)

When we checked in, our expectations were exceeded as our casita was absolutely HUGE! It was 1800 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and separate dining area. The master bedroom had a king bed, lots of closet space, and opened to a balcony with table & chairs. The kids’ room had two queen beds and a large dresser, plenty of space to store their clothes. Their bathroom was smaller but had 2 sinks and a tub/shower combo. The living room also had a sofa bed so it could have easily accommodated two more people.
Guests of Las Casitas can use all of the facilities of El Conquistador, but the privileges are not reciprocal, so we always felt like we were members of an exclusive club. Because they are perched on a bluff, both resorts offer beautiful views of the ocean and other islands in the distance. I would highly recommend booking an ocean view casita, as the views were gorgeous. We could see St. Thomas from our balcony on a clear day.
The walk from Las Casitas Village to the main hotel was quite long and involved many steps, so those who are mobility-challenged might find getting around difficult. But there is a shuttle service between the resorts as well, and if it was raining, they would drop you off as close to your casita as possible. I have to admit, I was at first at bit dismayed to see how far we had to walk, but I quickly got over that. It was enjoyable because of the lush landscaping, and the kids could look for geckos and lizards along the way. I also appreciated the extra exercise after indulging in treats all day.
A funicular, or tram, runs from the resort down to the marina, where there were more shops & restaurants, a small water park (additional fee), and a ferry to the resort’s private island. The ferry ride was only 10 min, and it was nice to have exclusive use of a beach, so we didn’t see this as a huge inconvenience. There is also a very nice public beach a few minutes’ drive away.

As villa guests, we had the option of eating at the main hotel buffet, but more often we chose to eat at the small outdoor dining area at Las Casitas. It was rarely crowded and service was more personal, but we had the same buffet and cook to order options. There was a small café next door to the infinity pool, but most dining was at El Conquistador, and there was quite a large selection from casual diners and poolside pizza to four gourmet restaurants.
The casitas are ideal for families traveling together, because of the extra space and conveniences of home. But they are also grouped in courtyards so several casitas share their own “private” pool & hot tub – an ideal setup for a larger group of travelers. For a change of scenery, or activities like pool volleyball, casita guests can also venture over to El Conquistador.

The large resort complex offers lots of options for all ages and interests, which makes it an excellent choice for family reunions, weddings, or corporate events. Activities on-site included tennis, golf, & scuba lesson, and excursions could be arranged through the activity center or the marina. On rainy days, movies & games were offered for kids, and for adults there was a small casino, plus live music in the lobby in the evening. We really enjoyed having the many activities of El Conquistador available to us at the, but being able to retreat to our quiet oasis at Las Casitas when we needed some downtime.

The resort is located about 1 hour from of San Juan, in a location convenient for enjoying the many outdoor activities for which Puerto Rico is known. You can read about those in one of my earlier posts.

For more information about planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Playing in Puerto Rico

I always knew we would take a family vacation to Puerto Rico, I just didn’t know when (so many places, so little time!). After a more “urban” vacation last year, to Walt Disney World and New York City, we were ready for something a bit more natural. So it was a an easy decision, as I knew this was a destination that offered our favorite things: lots of outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking, interesting historical sites, and beautiful Caribbean beaches.


Here are some highlights of our trip:

El Yunque Rainforest – The only tropical forest in the US, it feels a world away from the beaches and city, like stepping back in time. An easy hike led to a beautiful waterfall, but the real fun was in the journey along the way. The park is not only a scenic wonder, it is of great scientific importance, too. It contains over 240 species of trees and plants, and rare wildlife including the Puerto Rican Parrot, which is one of the ten most endangered species of birds in the world.

Culebra Island – A visit to Culebra takes a little bit of planning, but is well worth the effort. If I had any qualms about my family’s seaworthiness, the test was passed on the 90 min ferry ride through choppy waters (flights are available, too). But the bumpy ride was well worth the trip, not only to see Flamenco Beach (shown above), one of the most beautiful in all of the Caribbean, but also to kayak & snorkel in an amazing, but off the beaten path, preserve. Our tour company, Kayaking Puerto Rico, was not only professional and knowledgeable, but they catered to the kids in our group that ranged from 6 to 13 yrs of age. And they took photos during the whole trip using a high quality waterproof digital camera which we were welcome to download from their Facebook page.


Old San Juan – The city itself is gorgeous with narrow cobblestone streets and brightly colored buildings. But the 200+ year old forts, El Morro and San Cristobal, were the highlight, with 18 ft high thick stone walls, cannons, and sentry boxes dramatically suspended over the corners offering panoramic views of the ocean. While my kids, like many, can only tolerate so much history in one day, they were happy to spend hours just exploring the labyrinth of tunnels, spiral staircases, and dungeons.

Bioluminescent Bay – Though it was the most touristy of our outings, it was also one of the most memorable. After a relatively short and easy paddle through a mangrove forest at sunset, we reached the center of a large lake. It was nearly pitch black as we sat lined up in our kayaks, bobbing quietly. Then the guide gave the signal to swish our hands in the water. The silence was broken by the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as the water mysteriously lit up with thousands, if not millions, of tiny glowing particles which cast an eerie glow in water’s wake. We had fun splashing each other with our paddles to watch the bright speckles run down our legs and backs like little sparks. This was truly a wonderful and amazing natural phenomenon, and we would not hesitate to experience it again.

Many Southern Caribbean cruises depart out of San Juan, so it’s easy to visit these sights before or after a cruise. Most of them are a 45 – 60 min drive away from the port, so I’d suggest at least 2-3 nights at one of the beach resorts along the coast for a great pre- or post-cruise trip.

I am going to post a review soon about our hotel, Las Casitas Village at El Conquistador Resort. It is great for families, and would be perfect for a destination wedding or family reunion.

For more information about planning your family’s next adventure, contact Suzette at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Guest Blogger: Caribbean Cruise Review

Today I am featuring a guest blogger. One of my clients recently cruised on Royal Caribbean with her family which includes three 12 year old daughters. Here is her review and pictures.

What is your idea of adventure? I like to do it all, but with the help of Suzette Mack, I was able to narrow it down to a Caribbean Cruise on Royal Caribbean. The cruise took us to Haiti, Grand Caymans, Cozumel and Jamaica. Suzette not only booked the most amazing balcony suite on the ship, she also organized our transportation and hotel stays prior to the trip. With her help our vacation was stress free and I will be forever grateful to her.

If you choose to do this amazing trip, I recommend the following. Be sure to book the zip line in Haiti prior to boarding the ship, if you don’t you’ll be green with envy, when you see people flying above the ocean.
Next in Jamaica, we recommend Dunn’s River Falls. We actually went outside the protective walls and hired our own driver for $30 to take us to the falls. Once there it was $15 pp to climb up. It was amazing and luckily we arrived prior to all the tour groups.
In the Grand Caymans, be sure to book a venture to Stingray Island. It is surreal to be surrounded by Stingrays.

Finally, in Cozumel, our girls took the swim of a lifetime with the dolphins. They were able to kiss, ride on and dance with the dolphin.

As for the Freedom of the Seas, what a spectacular ship! Our girls enjoyed the rock wall, water park, and the endless pizza. For the adults, every night a new show, trivia games, dancing, and the food, WOW!
Again, thanks to Suzette for working with me on this vacation. Without a doubt, this was the most perfect family vacation that we have ever been on.

For more information about planning your own “perfect” family vacation, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Ten Random Things I Learned This Week

1. San Juan airport has a staffed Unattended Minors Lounge. First time I have seen that, it’s an interesting idea. I wonder if they let you leave all your bags with them, too?

2. The Base Camp Concierge at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole will send guests on a geocache treasure hunt, for 10 hidden treasures around the resort. Exclusive amenities for clients of Brownell!


3. How to tweet.

Follow FamilyTreks on Twitter

4. A new 3-D King Kong attraction has opened at Universal Studios Hollywood. It looks really cool!


5. A contact lens case is a good place to store a diamond that has fallen out of its setting while on vacation. (Can’t believe I found it in my pocket!)

6. Some car rental companies in Europe make you drive to another location to pick up a GPS. How inconvenient! AutoEurope mails the GPS to your home before you leave, with the appropriate maps pre-loaded.


7. Carlisle Bay in Antigua has a screening room which runs kids’ movies during the day. Guests booked through a Virtuoso agency receive a complimentary upgrade (based on availability) and a $100 spa credit.

8. Guests who check-in to Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe on a Tuesday or Wednesday get unlimited spa treatments that day. If you arrive after 6 pm, you get the treatments the next day. (Offer is valid in Deluxe OV Jr Suites or higher, through December 22.)

9. We can still have lots of fun in the rain, even if it’s a downpour.


10. I should paint my nails after snorkeling.

For help planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.
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Luxury for Less at Rosewood Resorts

Great exclusive offers from our agency for Rosewood Resorts. All luxury, and all family friendly!

Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands

Applicable June 1 through October 31, 2010
Guaranteed double upgrade at time of booking in select room categories
Complimentary nights in 3 and 4 bedroom villas, including airport transfers (minimum 4 night stay)
Pay 4 nights, stay 5
Pay 5 nights, stay 7
Pay 10 nights, stay 14


Caneel Bay, St. John

Applicable June 1 through September 6, 2010 (except July 1-5)
Guaranteed double upgrade at time of booking in select room categories
Complimentary sunset cocktail cruise, subject to availability


Jumby Bay, Antigua

Applicable June 1 through December 17, 2010
Guaranteed double upgrade at time of booking in from Rondavel Suite to Pool Suite
Complimentary food & beverage inclusive nights in 2, 3, and 4 bedroom villas:
Pay 4 nights, stay 5
Pay 7 nights, stay 9
Pay 9 nights, stay 12

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Los Cabos

Applicable June 1 through September 30
Guaranteed double upgrade at time of booking in select room categories


Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya

Applicable June 1 through October 31, 2010
Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking in select room categories


For more information about these offers, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Half Off for the Half-Pints

The following resorts are offering 50% off a second room for children:

Hotel Plaza Athenee, New York City * Virtuoso *
In March, July and August, the hotel offers 50% off a second connecting room, continental breakfast daily, four tickets to the Central Park Zoo, and milk and cookies at turndown. Chidlren also receive a gift bag containing a coloring book, plush toy penguin, Yankees baseball cap or crystal bracelet and more. Read about our family vacation last summer!


Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda * Virtuoso *

Children also enjoy complimentary access to Explorers Kids Camp and kids under the 12 eat free from the children’s menu. Book by April 26 for travel through Dec. 31. Also includes Virtuoso amenities on the first room: upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), daily full breakfast for two, and $100 food & beverage credit.


Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo * Virtuoso *
Second room half off for travel April 8 through December 17, excluding Thanksgiving week. Preferred Partner amenities for the parents’ room include daily full American breakfast for two, a $100 golf credit, and complimentary upgrade, based on availability at time of check-in. And Kids for All Seasons Program is always free, at all Four Seasons resorts.

Westin St. John Resort & Villas, USVI
Offers 50% off second room for stays June 1 through August 31, if booked by May 31. Also $200 worth of resort credits for mom and dad. Book by May 31 for stays June 1 through August 31, 2010.


Grand Hyatt Kauai *Virtuoso *
Families can combine Sunshine on Sale promotion with the Family Plan, to receive both a 5th night free and a second room at 50% off. Offer valid through 2010, minimum 5 night stay required. (Read my hotel report.)


Ritz-Carlton Cancun * Virtuoso *
Ther Love & Family Package allows kids to have a special evening of their own at the Kids Camp while parents still away for a romantic candlelight dinner for two. In addition to 50% off the second room, families receive daily breakfast for two, beach toys, a five course dinner for two, and one Kids Night Out for up to two children.

For help with planning a great family vacation, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Family Trip Report: Gran Melia Puerto Rico

A family recently visited Puerto Rico with their children ages 4 and 7. She rented a car for her trip, as there are many fun and interesting places to explore on the island, including El Yunque Rainforest, Old San Juan (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and Rio Camuy Cave Park. (Click here to receive a Puerto Rico Nature and Adventure guide.)

Here are some of her comments about the resort:

“The Gran Melia Resort was nice. The common areas were beautiful. We enjoyed our stay. All the staff we interacted with were welcoming and friendly.

The pool area was excellent! There are 4 pools at the resort. One is a separate kiddie pool for babies – maybe 1′ deep. Another is the main resort pool, which is a huge pool shaped like an amoeba. Within the huge pool, there are several parts that are very shallow – families can take their pick from at least 3 different areas of the pool that are shallow (anywhere from 12 inches or so up to 3 feet deep). There is no water slide, and there are no hot tubs or jacuzzis in the pool area – only jetted sections of the pool. There is a 3rd pool which is for Royal Service guests only and is strictly for adults. Finally there is a pool at the spa.

The room itself was comfortable and spacious. It had a separate sitting area. We had a Royal Service room which was in one of the closer buildings to the main resort area. The room decor and overall feel was nice…marble vanities, nice bedding.

Families who stay at the Gran Melia should know that there is a beach but it is very rocky and there is a lot of seaweed. The good news is that nice beaches are very close. Luquillo Beach is 15 minutes away, and Seven Seas Beach (in Fajardo) is 20-25 minutes away. We went to Seven Seas beach and it was gorgeous.

The best meal of our vacation was actually a homestyle Puerto Rican meal at El Punto in Old San Juan. It was a tiny restaurant with maybe 4 tables, tucked in the back of a souvenir-shop alley. Their rice and beans were excellent. We also enjoyed the Brass Cactus in Luquillo, which serves Southwestern cuisine and is owned by a California native. “

It’s not too late to plan a great vacation, and many promotions are available for summer travel to the Caribbean. And remember, no passports are required for Puerto Rico!

To receive a Nature and Adventure guide for Puerto Rico, or for help with planning great family vacation to any destination, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

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