St Lucia, Jamaica and more: 5 prime destinations for your next warm-weather getaway
A panoramic view of the downtown San Diego skyline taken from Coronado Island, California. Credit: Dreamstime/TNS
Is it island time? If you have sun-drenched days on your mind, here are five destinations to consider.
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, St Lucia
At this all-inclusive Caribbean resort, set within 85 acres, 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 within the 50,000-square-foot Cocoland Kidz Club. Expect youngsters to access a mini-zip line 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.
INFO: cbayresort.com
Tahiti
For an over-the-top treat, take the family to Tahiti. The remote islands of French Polynesia make for a dreamy getaway your crew will remember for a lifetime. Explore magical motus (small islets), crystal clear coves and palm-fringed lagoons under turquoise skies. Snorkel, scuba or paddle amid stingrays, sharks, turtles and other fish in water so clear and warm you’ll want to float in it forever. Splurge for a stay in over the water bungalows or cruise the pristine seas via a sailing ship.
INFO: WindstarCruises.com
FDR Resort, Jamaica
There is nothing like an afternoon splashing in the surf, swishing down a 100-foot waterslide and building sand castles to wear out an active youngster. At the FDR Resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, once Junior goes down, a vacation nanny is available to sit by his side while you enjoy an afternoon playing golf, scuba diving or exploring by kayak. Check in to this all-inclusive seaside getaway, and meet your CPR-trained vacation nanny, who will assist you and your family in having the most relaxing time possible. .
INFO: fdrholidays.com
Tybee Island, Georgia
Just 5 miles long, this charming island is big on scenic beauty and hidden gems with a small-town vibe. Located 20 minutes from downtown Savanna, Tybee Island will appeal to families who might enjoy kayaking, searching for fossils or learning about ecology on the beach. Check out Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse and enjoy bicycling around Tybee's historic Fort Screven District. Don't miss the new 5,000-square-foot Marine Science Center to experience touching tanks, turtle talks, floating classrooms, and hands-on activities. Stay in small inns or rental properties near the sea.
INFO: VisitTybee.com
Coronado Island, California
Located just across the bay from downtown San Diego, this family-friendly getaway is famous for its gentle surf and wide, welcoming beaches. It’s home to the Hotel del Coronado, an iconic Victorian gem considered the island’s crown jewel. The long, wide stretch of sand provides easy access to the water and thus the perfect home base for your family’s seaside activities. Get out the boogie boards, issue a beach volleyball challenge, take surfing lessons, learn the secrets of mermaid fitness or join a clambake. Nearby is the Loews Coronado Bay Resort where family members can choose from beach activities, pool time and ideas spurred by the pros at the kids' activity desk.
INFO: Hoteldel.com; LoewsHotels.com
