Booking your next vacation at a family-friendly resort might just be the best thing you can do to help insure you get the most out of your time away. This is true even if you're a solo traveler, venturing out with your friends, or a couple with no children.
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Why would a family resort be an option you should consider? Here are 10 reasons why it could be one of the smartest choices you can make.
1. A wider variety of activities on-property
Activities are plentiful at Club Med Punta Cana — Photo courtesy of Sharon Rigney
Many resorts offer a variety of curated activities and events on-property. Crowd-pleasers at some places include scavenger hunts, bakery wars, Olympic games, bingo, fitness classes, hayrides, archery tag, themed games, pool games, bar games, bumper boats, a climbing wall, paintball adventures, circus activities, escape rooms, forest bathing and wine tasting. You can even learn something new, and since many are catered to beginners, you shouldn't feel embarrassed to try.
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2. More choices in food and beverages
Dining in style at Grand Residences, Riviera Maya — Photo courtesy of Sharon Rigney
Many smaller boutique and rental properties simply cannot compete in this area. Enter the family resort, where you may get in-room kitchens or condos with full kitchen setups. Some offer restaurants that are casual, some that are more upscale, some that have more of a pub feel, breakfast options, a market for quick grab-and-go options, boxed lunches and room service, as well as food service by the pool. Having many options lets you pick the one that best works for you.
3. More settings on site to mix up your leisure time
Lots of things to do at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point — Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort And Spa
Ever go to a small hotel and get stuck at the same pool for days at a time? Family resorts excel at providing a variety of places you can chill. Want to relax by the pool? You can. Want to hit the beach for a bit? You can. Want to find a pretty spot to take pictures? You can. Love a fire pit and roasting marshmallows? Score. Tennis or golf anyone? Game on. Need some wellness options? They probably have them.
4. Better organized activities off-site
Kayaking near Topnotch Resort in Vermont — Photo courtesy of Sharon Rigney
Once you've spent some time at the resort, you may want to venture into the nearby town. Larger resorts know this might be on your list of wants, so many have sourced the most popular things to do in their area, found the best places to enjoy these activities and have made it easy for you to get there and back, sometimes with a guide. No more researching and organizing on your own – you simply book and go.
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5. A larger variety of room options
Accommodation options abound at Keystone Resort in Colorado — Photo courtesy of Sharon Rigney
Resorts like to be able to offer the accommodations that families find most convenient, which sometimes mean adjoining or connecting rooms, rooms away from noise or rooms near the pool. Should you and another couple be traveling together and need or want to take advantage of any of the options they offer, you're able to.
6. Private adults-only areas to enjoy peace and quiet
Sunset by the Tranquility Pool at Hawks Cay Resort in Florida — Photo courtesy of Sharon Rigney
Kids are great, but sometimes you want time away. Even family resorts understand this, and many times will have private areas to regroup and enjoy things sans kiddos. Spend time by the adults-only pool, take an early morning yoga class, book a room in the no-kids-zone or visit the spa for some grown-up time to yourself.
7. The ability to purchase all of your vacation needs in one place
Getting right to the fun at Camelback Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania — Photo courtesy of Sharon Rigney
At larger family resorts, you're able to buy things like your lift tickets, ski lessons, lodging and rentals all in one place, thereby simplifying your visit. No need to spend half the day gathering what you need to start enjoying your time away. Simply dive into the fun.
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8. It's often more affordable
A lot is included in your stay at Blue Harbor Resort in Wisconsin — Photo courtesy of Sharon Rigney
Vacations can be expensive. Larger resorts often make it more affordable for visitors by grouping things together and allowing you to purchase everything as a package. All-inclusives are great at this. Rather than booking everything on your own, a family resort might make your trip more affordable, even if you're kid-free.
9. It can be more social
Who will you meet by the water at Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort in Panama? — Photo courtesy of Bueneventura Golf & Beach Resort
Ever visit a smaller hotel or adults-only place to find that it's all couples who don't really want to meet anyone else? If you tend to be more social, are traveling with friends or just like the option of meeting friendly faces, a family resort can often fit the bill. Many are filled with folks just like you who wouldn't mind chatting it up a bit by the water or at the swim-up bar.
10. Optional convenient transport to and from the airport
Getting around easily at Rosewood Tucker's Point, Bermuda — Photo courtesy of Sharon Rigney
Why stress about how you're going to get to the resort? Are there taxis? Is there a rideshare service you can use? Is it close enough to walk? A family resort knows their clientele want the ease of getting to the resort quickly, efficiently and safely. You get the benefit of being able to get to your room faster and more easily.
