Resorts cater to families’ needs
For families with toddlers, consider taking advantage of the years when you are not limited by school holidays and summer vacation.
Here are some family-friendly destinations to ponder:
• Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, St Lucia: At this Caribbean Resort, children will learn about their destination through activities designed for each age group. The SCOUTS program — Seeing, Crafting, Observing, Understanding, Tasting, St. Lucia) is infused in the fun you’ll find headquartered in the 50,000-squarefoot Cocoland Kidz Club.
Expect youngsters to access a mini zipline and rock wall, a petting zoo and plenty of water play. Three of five resort pools cater to kids and include a lazy river and a zero-entry splash pool.
When parents opt for a night on their own, kids can enjoy their own Pirates Night or Movie Night on the Splash Lawn.
For information, visit www.cbayresort.com.
• FDR Resort, Jamaica: There is nothing like an afternoon splashing in the surf and building sand castles to wear out an active toddler.
At the FDR Resort in Runaway Bay, once Junior goes down for a nap, a CPR-trained Vacation Nanny is available to sit by his side while you enjoy an afternoon playing golf, scuba diving or exploring by kayak.
Trained in child care and housekeeping, the Vacation Nanny is to fill in where needed, whether by looking after youngsters in the pool or making sure the kids’ favorite snacks are available.
For information, visit www.fdrholidays. com
• Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida: This oceanfront resort offers a bounty of family enticements via the Loews Loves Kids program.
Families can choose to enjoy the benefits of direct beach access (which makes castlebuilding a breeze) or head to the zeroentry pool where pop fountains add to the vacation vibe.
Celebrate in style by spending the day with access to a luxury cabana where air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, private butler service and rooftop terraces will convince the kids they’ve reached VIP status.
For information, visit www.LoewsHotels. com/Miami-Beach.
• Kids on the Trail: Getting kids outside early and often might instill a lifetime love of nature. Visit a local trail and watch as your child explores with wonder, turning over rocks and observing small animals and birds.
After a few close-tohome practice rounds, include nature walks and hiking in your travel itineraries. In time, you’ll be scaling heights.
For information, visit www.childrenand nature.org; www. trails.com; www.NPS. gov.