Getting away from the cold can mean enjoying summer-time activities in the midst of winter. At St. Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, kayaking is one of the choices you’ll have during your March Break stay. (Photo courtesy of Windjammer Landing)
Vacay.ca has teamed with Hotels.com to create a series of articles highlighting the best hotel travel experiences in Canada. In our Valentine’s Day roundup, we highlighted Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. In this installment of the series, senior writer Waheeda Harris looks at a few outstanding March Break hotel destinations for families.
Story by Waheeda Harris
Vacay.ca Senior Writer
Families need time off from the busy schedules of daily life. School, office, programs, classes — although all necessary, a little fun in the outdoors is the perfect antidote to breaking free from routine.
Vacay.ca has compiled five suggestions for families who want to get out of the house, have some adventures and experience unforgettable moments together. Whether playing in the snow or building sand castles under the palm trees, parents will never hear “I’m bored” with the endless activities offered at these resorts.
On the south Pacific coast of Mexico, this laid-back Huatulco resort is accessed through direct flights from several Canadian and American cities and shuttle connections that transport guests to the property that offers plenty of distractions for all ages. The calm beachfront on Tangolunda Bay is perfect for sand-castle building, snorkelling, beach soccer, kayaking or swimming in the sea or in one of the six swimming pools. Kids aged 3-12 can hang out at the Explorers Club and choose from activities such as arts and crafts, climbing wall, games room, ocean trampoline or movies by the pool. There’s also archery, basketball, volleyball or oversized chess, and since its all-inclusive (including all non-motor water sport activities and tips), families can focus on experiences and not the bill.
Vacay.ca Tip: While kids are busy, parents should indulge in the Dreams Spa by Pevonia for its hydrotherapy treatment: the steam, sauna and water circuit reduces stress, erases muscle aches and offer a wellness tune-up in less than two hours.
Hotels.com Genuine Guest Reviews: 4.3/5.0
Location: Boulevard Benito Juarez #4, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico
Hotels.com March Break Room Rates: As low as $335 per night. .
The magnificent fireplace at the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello provides an ideal atmosphere for relaxing after a day of fun in the Quebec town. (Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels)
FAIRMONT LE CHATEAU MONTEBELLO
An elegant red cedar log cabin found within 65,000 acres of forest sanctuary, this rustic resort originally opened in 1930. Guests are greeted with the unmistakable scent and sight of the chateau’s iconic 20-metre-high, six-sided fireplace, and are soon lured into the array of activities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and snowmobiling that can be done on the 26 kilometres (16 miles) of groomed trails. The resort also offers curling, ice fishing, skating and deck hockey, and some indoor activities like craft time at Monte’s Club. Evening movie screenings with complimentary snacks are a perfect way for everyone to greet bedtime.
Vacay.ca Tip: During March Break, the resort offers complimentary sleigh rides as well as tube sliding. When there’s a need to warm-up, guests have access to the largest indoor hotel swimming pool in Canada.
Hotels.com Genuine Guest Reviews: 4.4/5.0
Location: 392 Notre Dame, Montebello, Quebec
Hotels.com March Break Room Rates: As low as $178 per night. Click here.
GREAT WOLF LODGE RIPLEY’S WATER PARK RESORT
Doesn’t matter if it’s minus-20 or plus-20 outside, it’s always warm and inviting at this lodge, featuring an indoor water park with plenty of rides, an interactive four-storey tree house, and a four-foot deep pool with water temperature set at a tropical 29 Celsius degrees (84 Fahrenheit). Out of the water, younger kids can hang out at the Cub Club while older kids can challenge each other at the Northern Lights Arcade, Wacky Wilderness Mini Golf or pint-sized Ten Paw bowling alley. During the day, the Wolf Walk teaches kids about the creatures of the woods while every night, all ages are treated to a nightly story time.
Vacay.ca Tip: Do something special for the kids and reserve a Kid Cabin Suite, with a queen-sized bed, full-size sleeper sofa and a miniature log cabin featuring bunk beds.
Hotels.com Genuine Guest Reviews: 4.3/5.0
Location: 3950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Hotels.com March Break Room Rates: As low as $280 per night. Click here.
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The Dockside Dolphin Program at Hawks Cay Resort is a unique activity that is sure to thrill kids. (Photo courtesy of Hawks Cay Resort)
Secluded within the mangroves, this Florida Keys resort is all about water activities: with five pools and direct ocean access, there’s swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving and fishing. Families have many options for together time on land such as the putting course or the soccer pitch, but the kids may ditch the parents for the popular Camp Hawk options like snorkelling, nature hikes and scavenger hunts (or just to play at the pirate ship water park). Teens will be lining up for kiteboarding or heading out for fishing or kayaking tours. And once the sun disappears, all ages can go for it at the Indies Club with its Wii, Playstation and Xbox options.
Vacay.ca Tip: This is the only hotel in the mainland USA that offers free public viewing of trained dolphins, which are part of Dolphin Connection, teaching visitors about the Florida Keys marine ecosystem and its wildlife residents.
Hotels.com Genuine Guest Reviews: 4.3/5.0
Location: 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key, Florida
Hotels.com March Break Room Rates: As low as $329 per night. Click here.
WINDJAMMER LANDING VILLA BEACH RESORT
Sun-seeking families will appreciate the five swimming pools (including two dedicated for kids) and the protected beach area for all ages to lounge, play, swim and splash. The Jacquot Fun Club for ages 4-12 provides plenty of daily distractions such as nature walks, limbo lessons and visiting the mini-zoo as well as evening fun like movie, pirate and disco nights. Teens will appreciate the dedicated games rooms as well as shopping expeditions or bonfire and karaoke nights. Adults wanting to plan an extended family holiday together can request one of three- or four-bedroom villas with a private pool.
Vacay.ca Tip: For girls age 7-12, the resort spa offers the Pretty as a Princess package including manicure, pedicure, braids with beads, mini-massage, tropical fruit drinks, cupcakes, spa product samples and a bubble gum pink T-shirt.
Hotels.com Genuine Guest Reviews: 4.1/5.0
Location: Labrelotte Bay Gros Islet, St. Lucia
Hotels.com March Break Room Rates: As low as $734 per night. Click here.
