As travel agents, we travel A LOT so we know what the best products are to make traveling easier. Below are our favorite things you need for every trip! Our Favorite Travel Backpack This Vera Bradley backpack is roomy enough for anything you'll need while flying, road-tripping, or navigating the Disney parks. We love that you can throw it in the washing machine and it looks like new after. The material is water repellent so if you get caught in a rainstorm, your things will stay dry. It's complete with a ventilated pouch for shoes, a padded laptop compartment, and trolley sleeve to make your airport time easier. You can even feel good about your purchase because it's made of recycled plastic water bottles. Our Favorite Walking Sandals Oofos are recovery shoes, so they are made to be gentle on your feet and put less stress on your joints. They come in several different colors, and are available on Amazon or your local running store. The Oofos original sandal are available in styles for men and women. Several of the agents on our team suffer from Plantar Fasciitis and they said these sandals allow them to walk pain-free all over Disney World! Our #1 Bathroom Must-Have Traveling with men can be fun but also stinky, so we recommend stocking up on this "Before you go" spray. It will knock out any smells so you can enjoy your vacation without having to ask for a courtesy flush. Our Favorite Sleep Machine This white noise machine blocks out noise from hotel neighbors, outside, or snoring husbands. With small kids, it's a gamechanger. It has 24 natural soothing sounds, a timer, usb port, and headphone jack. We love how portable it is for traveling. Our Favorite Pop-Up Hamper We all agreed that a pop-up hamper is a must-have when traveling. This way our dirty clothes are in one place and not all over the room. When you are a family of 5 sharing a 300sqft room, it gets tight. Organization is key! This popup hamper from Amazon is durable and folds flat for easy packing. Our Favorite Portable Battery Pack Apple's MagSafe technology provides a magnetic connection between your device and an accessory. This battery pack is small but powerful. This should charge your phone from dead to 60% pretty quickly. We found it cheaper on Amazon than direct with Apple. We love how small it is and easy to carry. Our Favorite Packing Cubes Packing cubes are an absolute must have when traveling. I don't know how we traveled without them before. It's so easy to divide your items into cubes then drop the cube in the dresser at the hotel. These are also great for doing water parks with kids and having to carry along swimsuits during the day. Our Favorite Water Bottle Stainless Steel water bottles are great for keeping liquids cold on a hot day. We love these bottles because they have the paracord handle with clip so you are hands free. Moms are always the ones holding everything so clip this to your bag and go. Our Favorite Toiletry Bag Having a hanging toiletry bag can make your life so much easier when you are in a cramped bathroom with minimal counter space. We love the Vera Bradley ones because they are durable, washable, and so cute! Our Favorite Swimsuit We chose this swimsuit by Tempt Me as our favorite because it's universally flattering on every woman. It offers tummy control and ruching that hides imperfections. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes and runs true-to-size. Our Favorite Beach Bag When you are at the beach, you need a cute bag to carry all your things. This adorable rattan tote is the perfect size for the beach or the pool. It will hold a towel, your sunnies, sunscreen, and extra change of clothes, and your wallet. You will be beach ready and look so cute! Our Favorite Sunscreen When you have little ones with allergies, you have to be mindful of the ingredients in sunscreen. Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids is the number one Dermatologist recommended sunscreen. The spray is perfect for the beach or the pool and offers sun protection that lasts up to 80 minutes. The corresponding face stick is non-greasy and perfect for throwing in your purse when on the go. We love that these can be applied on wet or dry skin. Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in the post above, but these are all products we highly recommend. We won’t put anything on this page that we haven’t verified and/or personally used. Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. Breathtaking beachfront locations, oceanfront dinners by candlelight, soaking tubs for two... These 10 resorts are the best of the best for romance. These adult-only properties take the warm and fuzzies to a whole new level. From private infinity pools to overwater bungalows, read on to discover our favorite resorts for romance in the Caribbean. 1. Hermitage Bay, Antigua Hermitage Bay is world-renowned for its barefoot luxury. A five-star resort with 25 cottages nestled into colorful tropical gardens and fronted by a white sand beach. Couples can look forward to toasting to the end of a fabulous day with fine Champagne while watching colorful sunsets from their own private infinity plunge pool and indulge in Garden Spa treatments influenced by ancient Eastern concepts of chakra. The all-inclusive rates includes three meals a day, an afternoon snack, premium-brand drinks and house wine as well as classes like Pilates, meditation and yoga, and activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing and kayaking. 2. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia Often named among the world’s most romantic properties, a couples escape to Jade Mountain is hard to beat. The property’s huge suites overlook the Caribbean and the Pitons, featuring canopy beds, raised whirlpool tubs and private infinity pools in all but the most basic rooms. Each one includes a dedicated butler too. Award-winning cuisine is organically sourced from the nearby plantation and included in the all-inclusive package. You can also look forward to taking advantage of rejuvenating spa services, as well as refreshing cocktails, live music and incredible stargazing on the sky deck. 3. The Caves Hotel-Negril, Jamaica Nestled cliffside in Negril, Jamaica, the all-inclusive Caves are forged from a limestone headland near an historic lighthouse, with 11 thatched-roof dwellings that seem to rise from the surrounding rock beds like some mythical village. Accommodations range from one- and two-bedroom stone cottages to suites and a splurge-worthy four-bedroom villa, aptly named Clandestino, that’s buried deep in the jungle. Rooms are breezy but refined, with vaulted ceilings, handcrafted wood furnishings, and cherry red and royal blue batik prints that signal a slower island pace... ...that is, until you take a morning dip off a cliff. The dive isn't for the faint of heart—but you can chase the adrenaline rush with an American- or Jamaican-style breakfast of sweet banana pancakes or savory ackee and saltfish under a thatched-roof gazebo braced by periwinkle pillars, and take your regionally inspired main meals, like saffron crabcakes with tomato salsa, at the airy, lilac-walled dining-hall under a portrait of the island’s godfather, Bob Marley. While you’re there, make a point to go spear fishing or snorkeling, but don’t miss out on the resort’s main draw: the candlelit grotto, where romantic meals are lit by enough votive candles to worry a firefighter. 4. Sanctuary Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic This grand Spanish Colonial–style resort in the Dominican Republic was never one to do anything on a small scale, and a recent $45 million renovation finally propelled it into the ranks of the Caribbean’s finest all-inclusive luxury resorts. (Not to mention its adults-only policy means you're far from the din of family groups that dominates much of Punta Cana’s mass resort scene.) For the ultimate in adulting decadence, book a treatment for two at the hotel’s spa, where the two of you can embark on a “hydrotherapy” journey that involves the new Zen Garden, shower paths, and therapeutic pools. For a romantic seafood dinner, Blue Marlin, set on stilts over the ocean, is the spot to try local specialties like Caribbean spiny lobster and snapper. 5. Sandals South Coast, Jamaica About an hour’s drive east of Negril at Sandals South Coast is a heart-shaped cluster of 12 over-the-water bungalows. Yes, in Jamaica! In fact, Sandals is home to the only overwater accommodations on the island, and some of the only in all of the Caribbean. Imagine your own island oasis — hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, thatched roofs — surrounded in the bright turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Each bungalow is oriented for absolute privacy, so you can enjoy unobstructed views of the sea (and not of your neighbors). Outside, your expansive, two-level private patio features sun loungers, over-the-water hammocks, an outdoor shower and a soaking tub for two. You can even enjoy a romantic oceanfront dinner without leaving your bungalow. And did we mention it comes with a butler?! 6. Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, Montego Bay, Jamaica So far, you might be wondering how you could possibly choose between an overwater bungalow and an oceanfront villa with your own private infinity pool. At Sandals Royal Caribbean, you can have both. That’s right, all the amazing draws of an over-the-water bungalow like those at Sandals South Coast — hammocks, glass floors, oceanfront soaking tubs — plus some seriously sexy bonus features, including a suspended sunbathing deck with steps leading right into the sea, a giant swinging daybed and of course, your own private infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Plus, you’ll arrive by a "Royal Duffy" luxury boat. It’s all very James Bond. Sound too good to be true? It is, because there is one giant catch: These villas book up fast and travel advisors are often given first priority. Book through our agency and we can help you snag the last vacancy! 7. Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Located on the unspoiled beach of Uvero Alto and with a coral reef just offshore, this serene, 96-suite boutique sanctuary oasis embodies the local heritage, respects the environment and encourages cultural immersion to inspire your well-being. A private helicopter transfer to the resort sets the tone for your stay. Upon arrival, you’re immediately enveloped by its natural beauty and abundant flora. Hard woods, palapa (cane-thatched) roofs, cathedral ceilings and natural stone touches showcase the resort’s eco-friendly architecture and are a nod to the Dominican Republic’s history. Caribbean and international flavors are used in the gourmet cuisine at the four a la carte restaurants as well as indigenous treatments at the Zoëtry Spa. This honeymoon favorite has been a AAA Four Diamond award winner since 2012 and includes Zoëtry’s signature Endless Privileges®, where everything is included. 8. Fowl Cay Resort, The Bahamas Closet castaways will feel right at home at Fowl Cay Resort. A maximum of only 28 guests are ensconced on their own private island here in the Exumas. This remote island chain in the Bahamas boasts some of the most sublime beaches on the planet, where the water comes in eye-popping shades of blue, and the sand is as white as sugar. Fowl Cay Resort is a place for privacy-seekers who prefer a casual vibe (no need to dress for dinner here). Best of all, each villa comes with your own golf cart and motorboat with unlimited gas - an excellent option for independent types, who love to create their own adventures. The six luxury one- to two-bedroom villas, with fully-stocked kitchens and wet bars, are strung along the dazzling shores of this private 50-acre island overlooking the luminous sea. Staff deliver fresh fruit and warm breakfast pastries to your villa each morning, and gladly prepare picnic lunches to take on all your adventures. 9. Baoase Luxury Resort, Curacao Do you love Bali? You can enjoy a taste of it in the Caribbean at the boutique Baoase Luxury Resort in Curacao. Dark woods, antique furniture, and ultra-luxurious open-air villas evoke Balinese elegance, but the feel here is friendly and relaxed. Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant conjures up creative French cuisine with an Asian accent. Opt for the all-inclusive option, and you can enjoy a personal butler at your side - or a private dinner created by the award-winning Michelin-starred chef if you so wish. In your spare time, you can sign up for a soothing spa treatment, bask on the pretty slice of white-sand beach, work out at the gym, zip around the bay on a Jet Ski tour, or sign up for a dolphin experience. 10. Live Aqua Beach Resort, Punta Cana Live Aqua Beach Resort in Punta Cana recently opened and is a luxury adults only , all-inclusive experience. Right on a pretty stretch of white-sand beach backed by turquoise sea, the accommodations here are swanky modern and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The most basic rooms are junior suites, but the best ones come with Jacuzzis or swim-up pool access from your terrace. The landscaping here is beautiful, with well-maintained gardens and lush, tropical vegetation. Multiple swimming pools are on the property, including one with an infinity edge and amazing sea views. With Valentine's Day around the corner, it's time to start thinking about a couples getaway with your special someone. Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. Deciding on a Disney resort can be more exhausting than chasing around a toddler all day. There are so many choices, all the resorts blend together and how do you know which ones to avoid? Here's our list of the 8 worst Disney resorts and why you should not book them. 8. Disney's Beach Club Resort-Standard and Garden View Rooms With the best pool on property you would think the rest of the resort would live up to the hype. Nope! This resort is HUGE with very long hallways and is hard to navigate with young kids. You will get your 10,000 steps in before you even get to the parks in the morning. The vibe of the resort is early 20th century New England seaside but the rooms fall flat on this. The rooms are clean but bland and look like your average room at a Hilton, not a room you paid $650 a night for. The rooms are devoid of warmth, theme, and charm: the style is totally plain and nondescript, there aren’t any whimsical touches, and the new look isn’t an extension of the resort’s overarching theme. The standard view rooms overlook the parking lot and the Garden or Woods view just look at weeds. There's nothing magical about these rooms at all. There are several excellent table service restaurants onsite (Yachtsman Steakhouse-Yumm!) but the quick service options leave much to be desired. The Beach Club Marketplace is it's main quick service option but the menu is very small with only a handful of oddly put together items to choose from. You are better off walking over to Epcot or the Boardwalk for a quick service meal. Pro Tip: Book a Concierge Water View room for good location, access to snacks all day, and a great view. 7. Disney's Coronado Springs Resort-Standard Rooms Coronado Springs is on almost every worst hotel list and rightfully so. The resort is massive and requires you to take a bus just to get to the park bus station. You will even need to take a bus to get to the pool depending on where your room is. Who wants to load a stroller and 8 kids with all their crap onto not one, but two buses just to get to Magic Kingdom? No thanks! Forget finding something to eat quickly, the convention center makes the main buildings feel like a street fight waiting to happen. The pool is nice here with a slide and fantastic Margaritas, so it's not all bad. Margaritas do make everything better! Pro Tip: Set on this resort? Book at room in the new luxurious Gran Destino Tower instead for an upscale experience. 6. Disney's Contemporary Resort The Contemporary is cool to look at from afar but once you get there, that's where the coolness ends. Who wants to sleep in a train station? You are woken up every morning at 6am to the sound of the monorail loudly rushing by. If that's not annoying enough, once you fall back asleep you will be woken up 5 minutes later from the dishes clanking at the restaurant below. When you walk out of your room and look down, all you see are people eating...gross! The pool is about the same as any community pool you can find at home. There is nothing uniquely Disney about the grounds at this resort at all. The same can be said about Bay Lake Tower - the only great thing about this resort is its Theme park View, that being said, it's cramped and you trip over yourself, spouse, and suitcases if you are in a studio. The bigger rooms need updating badly. The proximity to the parks is the one main perk of this resort so if that's what you want, then this is the resort for you. Pro Tip: Book a Theme Park View and watch the fireworks nightly from your room. 5. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort-Pirate Rooms Do you like walking miles to get something to drink or eat? Then stay in the Pirate rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, they are 8 thousand miles away from any sort of humanity. Who wants to walk 15 minutes just to get a drink of water, with kids in tow. Distance aside, there is a reason the pirate rooms are the least booked category of any Disney resort hotel. The double beds in these rooms are big pirate ships with a very thin mattress. They are massive and make the small room feel even more cramped. Who can even sleep in a double bed with someone else anyways? The rooms are so cramped that there is no where to put your suitcases let alone a stroller. If you like the pirate motif, you will also love the musty smell. These rooms are tired and need a major refurb. Pro tip: Skip the pirate rooms and book a preferred room here for close proximity to the food court, pool, and Skyliner. 4. Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort First, the new rooms are really nice–an unequivocal upgrade. They balance theme and style, sporting functional improvements and smart design choices. There’s also no shortage of fun Disney details, including vibrant character art and other clever touches that make SSR’s rooms “distinctly Disney.” Thankfully the rooms at this Deluxe Villa property were recently refurbished because that's the only redeeming quality. Do not stay here without a car, your feet with thank me later. The pools are nice but good luck trying to find a place to sit, chairs are scarce and there is no staff anywhere to help. Food is also an issue at this resort. You have to take a bus to get food from most rooms, that alone is a nightmare with little ones. The quick service doesn't have a lot of options for kids and what they offer for adults was not great. Save your money and go to McDonalds. Pro Tip: Rent a car if you stay here, book a preferred room, or choose a different property altogether. 3. Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village Of the Deluxe Villa resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village is the worst. When measuring distance from the parks, it literally is in Africa! The resort only offers bus transportation to all four parks making for a very long day with tired little ones. While the rooms are very large with amazing safari views, that's where the magic ends. Kidani Village does not have a quick service restaurant on site, so if you are looking for a quick breakfast, you will have to trek over to Jambo just to grab a muffin. The hallways in the resort are ridiculously long, you will get lost just going to the lobby. To access the pool (which I’ll admit is very nice) you have to walk through a parking garage, eew! Pro Tip: Skip Kidani and stay at Jambo House Villas for that same cool vibe with the animals but better amenities. 2. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort The Grand Floridian is Walt Disney World’s flagship property, with rack rates to match. The Grand is far and away the most expensive hotel at Walt Disney World, and whether it’s worth the money is debatable. The lowest rate you will see at this resort is $757 per night with the average being closer to $900. This nightly rate is not even remotely commensurate with its quality. Yes, the resort is full of amenities but the rooms lack so much that it's hard to see past that. The rooms are dated without all the modern lighting, storage, and features you expect at this price point. The beds are comfortable, but that's it. They definitely need a refurb of the rooms here. Common areas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are much nicer. The hotel is inarguably grandiose and sophisticated, and the execution of the Victorian theme is incredibly well done. Most areas offer tremendous detail and a sense of luxury, with a handful of locations being stuffy or overly reminiscent of grandma’s house. For the most part, the Grand Floridian feels imbued with a sense of sophistication. The lobby makes a strong first impression, and the common areas are exactly what you’d expect of Walt Disney World’s flagship resort. Personally, for this amount of money–even understanding that staying on property at Walt Disney World costs a premium–I expect perfection. The Grand Floridian is a far cry from perfection, and simply not worth the exorbitant rates it charges, at least in my opinion. If luxury were my utmost concern, I’d book the Four Seasons. If I weren’t so worried about luxury or were taking a trip more geared towards kids, I’d book Disney's Polynesian Resort. Pro Tip: Stay at Disney's Polynesian Resort for newer rooms and better amenities. 1. Any of the Disney All Star Resorts If your resort is a large aspect of your vacation and you plan on spending a lot of time there, you may not think too highly of the Value Resorts. From my experience, this goes for all of the Value Resorts, especially the three All Star Resorts, which differ from one another little besides in theme. You will feel like herded cattle staying at any of these resorts. There are always big “groups” of people here, whether it be cheerleaders or football players who often run rampant over the resort. The rooms are tiny with no room for luggage or a stroller. Bring earplugs because the walls are paper thin and you will undoubtedly hear your neighbor snoring. There are no table service restaurants at any of these resorts and the food at the food court is a crap shoot. The pools are always mobbed and dirty with no slides and no towels. If you want a towel, you have to go to the lobby, wait in the long line and ask a crabby cast member for one. Good luck fighting the masses to get breakfast in the morning, those lines are longer than the ones in the parks. When you leave the park after a long day and all you want to do is get into your bed, you might as well take a nap on the sidewalk. The All Stars share the furthest bus corral at every park, and because they share buses, the wait in line is at least three buses deep just to get on. Plan to stand the entire way back. Staying at the All Stars is like drawing the short stick. Pro Tip: Spend a little bit more and book Art of Animation for a better value property option. Want to find out our 8 favorite Disney resorts? Fill out the form below for a free quote! Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. Let’s face it, traveling with kids sometimes feels like that Dickens quote: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Best of times because children delight in the simple things, like jumping on a fluffy hotel bed or building a sandcastle. But they can easily get tired or bored, and hello, we’ve entered Whine City. Hawaii, though, is such a family-friendly destination, it’s not a question of finding great things to do with the kids so much as narrowing down all the activities. Here are some of the best kid-friendly activities in the Islands. Check Out the Lava Twice a day, it’s gonna blow! Well, in a controlled manner. The daily lava show at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, near downtown Honolulu, lets kids get up close and personal with molten basalt cinder rock, poured out by a staffer wearing a cool space suit. Then take the littles to play inside the giant volcano model before heading to the museum’s planetarium to learn how Polynesian wayfinders navigate by the stars. Meet a Seahorse A pregnant male? Whaaat? Blow the kids’ minds during a one-hour tour of an eco-friendly aqua-farm, where, yes, the daddy seahorses are the ones who give birth. At Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm on Hawaii Island, near Kona, more than 25 species of seahorses are bred and hand-raised. Learn about breeds like the sea dragon, and maybe even get to hold a seahorse. Eco-bonus: The family-owned company works to help vulnerable wild seahorse populations. Slurp Noodles Hawaii takes its noodles very seriously, and no island more so than Maui. Sam Sato’s, in business since 1933 and famous for its “dry mein” noodle dish, is in Wailuku and is considered by locals a must-do pilgrimage. Insider’s tip: It’s only open for breakfast and lunch. For noodles at dinnertime, try Star Noodle, near Lahaina. It makes its ramen, udon and saimin noodles in house, daily. Parents will appreciate the sake options. Spend All Day in the Water What’s better than the beach? A mind-blowing pool…steps from the beach. Sheraton Waikiki has your family covered with two distinct pool areas, including Helumoa Playground, the property’s beachfront water experience — and a family favorite. Older kids might take a wet and wild spin down Helumoa’s 70-foot-long water slide or play in the interactive fountain area, while the youngest of kiddos can wade in the shallow pool. As for the adults? Rest easy in chaise water loungers or an oceanfront cabana, as you watch your little ones make a splash. Hike to a Waterfall Burn off kids’ energy with a hike through a lush rainforest. Oahu’s Manoa Falls Trail is just over three miles round-trip. The pièce de résistance is the 150-foot waterfall, though the bamboo thicket is impressive, too. For safety’s sake, avoid the trail after heavy rain, and always stay on the path. The path can be muddy, so leave the brand-new white sandals at the hotel. Watch Chocolate Grow If they’ve been reading “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” kids might be interested to find out where chocolate really comes from. Hawaii is the only state that grows cocoa beans commercially. Lydgate Farms, on Kauai’s east side, has a “branch-to-bar” tour and tasting, where a guide takes you through the process of growing cacao trees and harvesting and processing the cacao beans, with extensive tastings of chocolate and exotic fruits, like sapodilla and eggfruit. Bonus: Kids under 12 are free. Paddle to the Turtles Turtle Town is just off Makena Beach on Maui. This stretch of coastline has coral reefs favored by Hawaiian green sea turtles — gentle giants who can grow to four feet long and up to 350 pounds. An outrigger canoe tour lets your family get close (respectfully, as these are a threatened species) and learn about Polynesian culture. Hawaiian Paddle Sports has a tour specifically for families with small children or first-time paddlers. Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. The desire for grandparents and grandkids to reunite and travel together has never been stronger. It’s why Beaches Resorts is taking the Skip-Generation Vacation experience to another level and introducing a Beaches GrandEscapes vacation! The man posing with Elmo has been wearing a swimsuit since yesterday. The woman taking their picture is still glowing from a morning spa treatment. “He’s a little cuter than you, honey,” the woman says. The subtle jab indicates they’re husband and wife. But grandparents? It’s hard to tell. They’re so youthful and energetic as they move around the cabanas and pools at the Beaches Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, their flip-flops accentuating the pace of their steps. They kick a soccer ball on the beach, bite into warm cookies, laugh easily, and post pictures for Instagram — “stunning pics,” according to their envious followers. The only giveaways that they’re old enough to be grandparents are the 8-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy who call them “Papa” and “Nana.” The sunshine and happiness at Beaches has enveloped them so completely that the four of them act as if it’s the first day of summer vacation — Papa and Nana included. They’d forgotten how it feels to be so carefree. They’d almost forgotten how it feels to be together. A family poses for a Made for Memories photoshoot, part of the new GrandEscapes package only available at Beaches Resorts. Every time the grandparents pause for a photo with their grandkids, they present a living picture of the GrandEscape at the three Beaches Resorts in Ocho Rios, Negril, and Turks and Caicos. It’s a turnkey all-inclusive Caribbean resort vacation specifically designed for the grands. It’s also Beaches’ resounding answer to the re-emergence of skip-generation, or skip-gen, travel where the parents step aside and allow the grandparents to take the kids away for a week. Mom and Dad can stay home and enjoy a week alone, or book their own trip to a couples-only Sandals Resort. Either way, they’re assured that the GrandEscapers are having the times of their lives, breathing the warm tropical air, hearing the friendly Caribbean voices, and swimming in the most magnificently colorful ocean. Cocktails and mocktails are always flowing at Beaches Resorts’ swim-up pool bars. For more than a year, grandparents everywhere had been out of the picture, protected with a minimum distance of six feet, if not complete isolation from the family. They’d been among the 70 percent of Americans who dreamed of traveling in a way they’d never dreamed or traveled before. Craving the getaway or getaways and imagining the grandkids alongside them. A GrandEscape at Beaches brings those cravings to real life, only more relaxed, more fun, more alive, and more purely Caribbean than they ever imagined. Grandparents, more than anyone, have been suffering from cabin fever, pandemic fatigue, and social-distancing burnout. “Health is wealth. And what’s a better investment of health and wealth than making extraordinary memories with the grandkids?” says Nana. It doesn’t take an Instagram post to see that a GrandEscape at Beaches is the heroic answer to Nana’s rhetorical question. An island resort created for families with a powdery beach and the friendliest staff you’ve ever met. All the pizza and pancakes you could want. Soft beds and endless views of the sea. Snorkeling with tropical fish and dancing with Sesame Street characters. Playing on the golf course and in the XBox Lounge. A place so friendly everyone says “welcome home” even though it seems a million miles away. “We have a lot of help spoiling the grandkids,” says Papa, referring to the entertainment, watersports, and restaurant teams at Beaches Resorts. Observe again grandpa’s damp swimsuit and grandma’s hand clutching a Margarita. It isn’t just the grandkids who are being spoiled. Pictured here: The French Village Pool at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Papa and Nana have been pool-and-sea-ready since they arrived with the grandkids at Beaches three days ago. The ease of a luxurious all-inclusive skip-gen vacation is one of the main reasons they booked a GrandEscape. Planning? It consists of choosing a stretch of five, seven or ten nights. “Our only responsibility was to arrive and unpack the swimsuits,” says Nana. “Since then, we’ve done what we want whenever we want to do it.” The kids sleep in while the adults make the first footprints on the beach. They eat bacon and papaya for breakfast and brick-oven pizzas for lunch. Grandpa goes down the waterslide a gazillion times and comes out of the water laughing every single time. They watch movies from the pool one night and party at a beach bonfire the next. When the kids wake up, the whole family will enjoy a complimentary Sesame Street Character Breakfast. “It sounds simple, but there aren’t many places where you can say ‘it’s easy to have fun here,’” says Nana. “My husband and I like to relax on the beach and have a drink or two. We can do that. But we also want to actively enjoy them instead of watching from a distance. We finally have the time back to bond with our grandkids again.” This is why a Beaches GrandEscape makes so much sense in 2021. Grandparents of today have a higher-powered toolkit: The energy. It’s often the grandparents’ ideas to snorkel after breakfast, play pool volleyball after lunch, and go kayaking before sunset. “We all have the ability to wear each other out,” says Papa. The time. Moms and Dads are squeezed for hours, let alone days. Grandparents can get away for longer periods of time — without being interrupted on the lazy river by a call from the office. “We’re living in the moment,” says Nana, “and the moments at Beaches keep coming, nonstop.” The means. Baby Boomers and Gen Xers are more financially stable than grandparents of previous generations. It bears repeating: “Health is wealth.” No one regrets investing in the trip of a lifetime. The peace of mind. With the Beaches Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness in place, constantly disinfecting surfaces and maintaining a distance from guests, the only thing grandparents and grandkids need to focus on is spending time reconnecting with each other. “We feel so safe here in paradise,” says Nana. Most important of all, grandparents and grandkids discover right away at Beaches that they’re very much in touch with each other, with similar ideas for the perfect vacation: An immaculate beach and gorgeous sea just a few steps from the suite. A giant pool and waterpark a few strides in the other direction. Fresh smoothies at the pool … wait, make that fresh smoothies in the pool. And two more cookies apiece on the way back to the suite. Are you ready to bring your own GrandEscapes adventure to life? The time has finally come! Grandparents and grandkids can officially book their own GrandEscapes vacation at Beaches Resorts now through January 9, 2022 for travel August 28 - October 5, 2022 so they can catch up on laughter, make up for the time spent apart, and enjoy a great vacation made for family-fun. All Beaches Resorts GrandEscapes vacations of five nights or more will automatically receive a special ‘Made for Memories’ family photoshoot with three complimentary printed photos plus the choice of:
Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. You can’t choose your family, but you can choose an awesome room. Once upon a time the family room occupied a unique space in family life. Unlike other rooms, the family room didn’t have a specific, set purpose. It was a place that came with an open invitation for play, imagination, creativity, leisure, laughter and the purest of all family experiences – unconditional fun. Today’s family rooms typically have more screens and devices. And, because of those, a little less eye contact. As for that unconditional fun thing? The good news is that as long as there are families, there will always be that. And the great news: You’re about to meet several family vacation destinations that have taken the family room concept to a whole new dimension. Despicable Me Kid’s Suites: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Universal Orlando Resort Let’s start with a bad example. Not the rooms, of course. But the little yellow characters who inspired them. The Minions. What better way to the reward children for being good most of the time than a room themed by creatures who’ve behaved badly since the beginning of time? The Despicable Me Kid’s Suites at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel let kids be kids while parents enjoy every creature comfort in their own adjoining room. While the kids will have a blast in their Minion-themed suite, with custom-designed missile beds and Minion-inspired bedding complete with Gru’s scarf, an earth-shattering family experience awaits at Universal’s all-new Volcano Bay water theme park. Just a lava rock’s throw from the volcano are fabulous family suite cabanas befitting this tropical paradise. Stocked with plush seating, a refrigerator keeping the water and snacks cool, fluffy towels and concierge service, the cabana might be one of the most popular attractions in the park. The family suite cabana offers privacy and space that accommodates up to 16 people. And several dozen Minions. At Universal, they’re one big, happy family. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort-Themed Family Suites The amazing thing about Disney Animation is that it’s so vivid and magical that you sometimes feel you’re living inside the story yourself. Hold that thought, and that feeling. Because at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, your family will be living inside that same wonderful experience, with your favorite characters everywhere you turn. Here a Simba, there a Scar, Ariel, Nemo and a Car. Family suites are movie-themed: Lion King, Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid and Cars. For treats and eats, Landscape of Flavors features five distinct and delectable food shops. Your family will also love the choice of three incredible pools. The biggest is the Big Blue pool, inspired by Finding Nemo. The Cozy Cone pool is a recreation of Radiator Springs from Cars. And the Flippin Fins pool will have you splashing alongside Ariel herself. Be nice because we hear she likes to splash back. The Lair Suite at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed Lair Suite at the new Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya is the perfect place to relax, swim (in an infinity pool that runs the length of the suite), and enjoy a pizza party, of course. This rooftop penthouse suite can accommodate up to five guests. Cowabunga! Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge- Savannah View Room This family-centric hotel sits across from Disney's Animal Kingdom park in Orlando, Florida, yet it feels like it was plucked from the plains of an African safari. Inspired by a traditional kraal (village) and surrounded by four savannahs, the lodge is home to 30 wildlife species — zebras, giraffes, flamingos, and gazelles — some of which can be spotted wandering past room windows. Experts are even on-hand to answer questions about the animals, and guests can also book private safaris around the grounds. But the massive, 972-room property is not without a dash of Disney magic in the form of evening campfires with s’mores, outdoor movies, storytelling sessions, restaurants serving African-inspired cuisine, an arcade, and an 11,000-square-foot pool that will delight kids and adults alike. Pirate Rooms: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Why should that Sparrow fellow and Captain Hook keep all the spoils of pirate life to themselves? At Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you and the kids can do some shivering of the timbers yourselves, in pirate-themed rooms that would be the envy of any buccaneer. Where else on the Seven Seas can you sleep in a pirate ship? Not on, in. Each bed is a pirate ship unto itself with pirate flags, rigging, even cannonballs down below. There are only three words for this bedtime adventure. All together now. Yo ho ho. When it’s time for some ship to shore action, you and the little pirates can attack the nearby pool and water slide (we hear it’s just off the port bow). Built in the style of a Spanish citadel, this zero-entry pool features two high adventure slides and water cannon. Ascend the spiral staircase to the top of a turret for an 82-foot trip down the big slide. Let the swashbuckling begin! Jurassic World Kids' Suite at Loews Royal Pacific Resort-Universal Orlando The Loews Royal Pacific Resort features Jurassic World Kids' Suites with two rooms (one for parents and another for kids) complete with dinosaur prints on the floor and gyrosphere beds designed to make kids feel like they're navigating jungle terrain in search of Velociraptors and Pterodactyls. These suites sleep up to five guests. Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel-Anaheim California The ultimate place to overnight at the Disneyland resort in Anaheim is the Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel. This signature suite features floor-to-ceiling windows with stellar views of the parks. It also features unique artwork, including photos of Mickey and Walt Disney rarely seen by the public, and Mickey Mouse motifs like a Mickey Mouse light on the living room ceiling. The swanky penthouse, featuring an interior design with "Mickey's" signature colors of black, white, red and yellow, occupies an expansive 1,600 square feet and includes an open living room, dining and kitchen area, two bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms. The suite brings to life all the fun that Mickey Mouse represents. 727 Fuselage Suite-Hotel Costa Verde, Costa Rica Forget lay-flat seats on a plane-visit Hotel Costa Verde in Costa Rica and sleep inside of an actual airplane! The 727 Fuselage Suite is a refurbished 1965 Boeing 727 airframe that once flew with South Africa Air and Avianca Airlines. The two-bedroom suite sits in the treetops of Costa Rica near Manuel Antonio National Park, as if it just crash landed there. The hand-carved teak furniture makes you feel like you're in a treehouse, despite being inside a plane! Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. All-inclusive resorts can be an incredibly convenient way to vacation. Commonly found in Mexico and the Caribbean, these tropical resorts typically include all meals and snacks, nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks, and nonmotorized ocean sports (kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling just off the beach) in the nightly room rate. Activities ranging from dance lessons and cocktail-making classes to beach volleyball and morning yoga are also included, as is access to the on-site fitness center. Also often included: evening entertainment (think live music, karaoke, fire shows, and comedians) and kids’ clubs. When you book an all-inclusive vacation, you pay one fee, and a whole lot of food, drink, and entertainment is at your fingertips. Sounds easy, right? It sure is, but there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind to help your all-inclusive trip go as smoothly as possible — especially if you’re new to this type of travel. Here are some mistakes to avoid when you’re planning, booking, and experiencing your next all-inclusive resort vacation. 1. Expecting Everything To Be IncludedWith all that is included in an all-inclusive resort vacation, there’s plenty that isn’t included. For example, resorts nearly always charge for a la carte spa treatments (and they’re not cheap). A round of golf at the resort course will likely cost you. If you want to drink premium wine, beer, and liquor outside of the house brands, you’ll pay for that, too. And there will likely be an upcharge for special restaurant dishes like lobster and steak. Then there are the “extras” you might want to enjoy while at the resort, such as a candlelight dinner on the beach, scuba-diving lessons, or a reserved beach bed with gourmet treats. That said, the specific inclusions at different resorts vary widely. Some properties, like Beaches, do include premium liquors. Sometimes, certain room categories or packages, like the El Dorado Spa Resorts’ Honeymoon Collection, include a special romantic dinner or two-for-one couples’ massage. Sandals covers greens fees at its Caribbean golf resorts. Bottom Line: Research what exactly is included in your reservation. If you can’t find the answer on the resort’s website, pick up the phone or start an online chat with a reservations agent to get the scoop. Or enlist the help of a travel agent. 2. Not Bringing Enough Cash For TipsSome resorts, such as Couples, have a publicized no-tipping policy. That means you don’t need to leave cash tips for housekeepers, bartenders, and other resort employees — your room rate covers all gratuities. More typically, it’s customary to leave a few dollars for the friendly bartender making your drinks, the restaurant servers who are hustling to get hot food to your table, the energetic activities staff running the fun volleyball games, the housekeeping staff leaving you towel animals on your bed every night, and the bell staff handling your luggage. Bottom Line: Find out what your resort’s policy is when you’re booking your vacation. Plan to bring several $1 and $5 bills to support hardworking employees if tipping is allowed on the property. If tips are covered in your room rate, you’ll still want a few dollars to tip taxi drivers, luggage handlers, or tour guides you may encounter outside the resort. (Dollars are widely accepted as tips in Mexico and the Caribbean, though local currency is welcomed as well.) 3. Readily Accepting The Offer To Sit Through A Timeshare Or Vacation Club PresentationMost all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico have a vacation club, where members pay a fee to receive significant discounts or upgraded “members-only” rooms on trips to that family of resorts. Similarly, timeshares (also called vacation-ownership memberships) allow people to purchase a set number of weeks to spend annually at the resort — or other resorts in the network — so you are basically paying for subsequent vacations in advance. On arrival at your all-inclusive resort, you’ll undoubtedly be asked to attend a vacation club or timeshare presentation in exchange for a “free” gift. Over the years, my husband and I have sat through these talks for $100 in cash, a Jeep rental, and a 60-minute massage. Each time we said, “No, thank you,” firmly, when we were asked to buy into a timeshare or vacation club (even after the initial offer dropped in price by more than 75 percent). We have zero interest in being locked into vacationing at the same place every year, and we don’t want to be stuck with a timeshare that will then need to be deeded to our kids or otherwise sold when we can’t travel anymore. However, I like freebies, so we sat through the sales spiels. That is, until the last time — the sales tactics were incredibly aggressive, we were treated rudely when we said we weren’t interested, and we were roughly escorted out a back service door (while folks who did purchase memberships were celebrated with champagne bottles popping and bells ringing). Now we simply say we don’t want to attend a spiel. Bottom Line: Consider whether it’s worth giving up at least an hour of your vacation time to tour the timeshare or vacation club accommodations and sit through the sales presentation. Often, salespeople will say it’ll take just an hour, but they’ll keep selling until you literally get up and walk away. Keep an eye on your watch and make clear you’re done listening after the agreed-upon 60 minutes. Be prepared for aggressive sales tactics — it’s easy to be swayed and make a purchase impulsively! Remember, you can always just budget for that massage or other “freebie” instead of wasting your time in a sales presentation. 4. Not Exploring The Whole Resort Or Trying New ThingsThis is your vacation — you should spend it how you like. And if you immediately find a favorite spot at the pool for lounging, or a favorite breakfast restaurant with the best made-to-order omelets, then by all means, put that on repeat daily until it’s time to go home. Similarly, if you’ve been to Mexico multiple times, and this particular trip is all about rest and relaxation on the beach, then there’s no need to book a bunch of off-site excursions to local cenotes, archaeological ruins, or snorkeling spots. But I’d suggest that if you’re at a new-to-you vacation destination, you take the time to check out all the offerings of the resort and its surroundings. That means scouting out the different relaxing spots to read your book (hammock, lounge chair, or beach bed!) or making reservations at the various a la carte restaurants (typically upon arrival with the concierge or restaurant staff, to avoid missing out). Also consider visiting the resort’s tour desk, where representatives can sign you up for off-property trips to learn about the local culture or have fun with various activities — from a sunset catamaran cruise to a zip-lining adventure to swimming with stingrays. Bottom Line: You know what you like, and on vacation you may not be interested in any surprises. But traveling also offers opportunities to try new things. So if you’re going to a Club Med property and you can learn to fly on a trapeze -- safely, and for free! — why not sign up? Similarly, with all of your food included, sample new dishes. If you don’t love what you ordered, don’t hesitate to ask for a different appetizer or entrée — all your food is paid for already, so enjoy! 5. eat only Familiar foodsThe beauty of an all-inclusive is that you’re free to eat and drink whatever and whenever you please. Don’t pass up the opportunity to sample dishes that are new to you — after all, it’s included! All-inclusives typically have buffets or restaurants with a wide variety of food on offer, and all of it is available at no additional cost to you. Instead of sticking with your favorite foods or usual combinations, venture out of your comfort zone and try something new. If you don’t like it, no loss; you can pick something else. Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. Venture off the beaten path during your next vacay. When planning for an upcoming vacation, I like to find the lesser-known things you can’t miss at that destination. It’s no different when it comes to theme parks. You probably know the highlights about Universal Orlando Resort: fun rides, hotels to stay at, delicious restaurants and entertainment, and — of course — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much more you can do at Universal that you may not even be aware of. Like, did you know you can adopt a Pygmy Puff? Do you even know what a Pygmy Puff is!? Well, you’re about to find out. I put together a list of my top picks for the lesser known experiences you can do during your vacation here. Whether it’s your first visit you’re planning or your 100th, I hope these spark some inspiration. 1. Try a Can of Whoville’s Who Hash One of my new favorite foodie finds is over at Green Eggs and Ham Cafe in Seuss Landing with the can of Whoville’s Who Hash. Munching on your can of Who Hash while strolling through the land will make you feel as if you’re right in the middle of a Dr. Seuss book. You can also get Green Eggs & Ham Tots, Buffalo Chicken Tots, and more. 2. Have a Chat with a Volcano Spirit If you venture inside the volcano Krakatau at Universal’s Volcano Bay, you will come across Vol, the spirit of the volcano! This trickster fire spirit is great to chat with and can be a bit playful with water when they want to be. 3. Tour the MEN IN BLACK Headquarters One of the areas guests walk by overhead is the immigration room, which seems straights off the set of the first MIB film. What you may not know is that you can actually get a tour of this area and explore the downstairs level of MIB headquarters. If you ask one of the agents nicely, they may have availability to take you down and meet a few of the aliens. *Note: This experience is not always available. Saving the galaxy can be quite time-consuming.* 4. Meet Characters From Your Favorite Movies Did you know you can occasionally run into Men In Black agents, trade in your cash for bank notes with a Gringotts Goblin, or even practice your kung fu moves with Po from Kung Fu Panda? There are a ton of characters to meet that you may not even be aware of! Keep an eye out as you explore the parks to see who you can find. 5. Adopt a Pygmy Puff And this, my friends, is a Pygmy Puff. They are one of the cutest creature companions in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and, when you adopt one, the shopkeepers will do a fun naming ceremony for you. You can find them at Magical Menagerie and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, and you can adopt them in three sizes! 6. Bowl a Strike in Your Hotel Even if you can’t bowl a strike (like me), it’s pretty sweet having a bowling alley in your hotel. Galaxy Bowl at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is small and intimate with only 10 lanes, which is part of its charm, but it does fill up fast. Don’t forget to make a reservation ahead of time and to bring your lucky bowling socks. 7. Snap a Pic with Your Favorite Shark Our JAWs attraction will live on in our memories, but there is still one place you can get a taste of it. Quite literally — you can enjoy a Shark Attack drink at Chez Alcatraz. This little bar pays homage to the attraction and even has our favorite shark right next to it for pictures. 8. Brave a 125-Foot Drop Slide Called Ko’okiri Body Plunge Your vacation is the perfect time to face your fears, right? Conquer the tallest drop slide in Orlando at Universal’s Volcano Bay. It also happens to have an awesome view… that is if you can keep your eyes open. 9. Try All Six Kinds of Butterbeer Treats Yes, you read that right. There are six kinds of Butterbeer treats you can try in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including fudge, ice cream, potted cream and — of course — the three types of drink. #TeamFrozen all the way. *Certain Butterbeer treats are offered seasonably.* 10. Dance with a Panda Sometimes you just need an impromptu dance party with a panda. Have no fear, Hashtag is here! You can meet and dance with Hashtag the Panda before racing through New York with Jimmy Fallon. You can also see a performance by the Ragtime Gals. 11. Embark on a Rum-Tasting Journey Take a break from the parks and unwind with a rum-tasting journey led by a Rum Captain at Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. They also happen to have amazing empanadas. *Operations are temporarily suspended for Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. * 12. Get Your Putt-Putt On As a self-proclaimed mini golf extraordinaire, one of my favorite things to do is play a round at the Hollywood Drive-In Golf in Universal CityWalk. It’s the perfect low-key activity to end the day. Plus, the haunted and sci-fi themes of each course speak to my little geeky heart. 13. See Your Favorite Movies On… Water Screens? End your day at the parks with a front-row view of the nighttime show Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration in Universal Studios Florida. There’s something really epic about seeing a gigantic T. Rex from Jurassic World roaring in your face on MASSIVE water screens. *This show is available on select nights. Make sure to check the park map or Universal Orlando Mobile App for updates.* 14. Enjoy a Lunch Inspired by Dishes from Across the Globe Right at the front of Universal’s Islands of Adventure is one of my favorite restaurants, Confisco Grille. This hidden gem (that just so happens to be in plain sight) features an eclectic menu with a mixture of global cuisines like Asian, Turkish, Mediterranean, Greek, Russian, Polish, and more. You can also find mysterious “confiscated” goods inside that you may recognize from the park. 15. Escape to Waterfall Cove This is my kind of ‘hidden gem’ when it comes to water parks. Waterfall Cove is a secluded area tucked away at the base of Krakatau (the volcano) in Volcano Bay. It makes for a peaceful escape from the crowds and has some gorgeous waterfalls that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to an exotic location. 16. Explore Lost Continent An enchanted talking fountain, exotic cuisine, a bazaar filled with trinkets and treasures, psychic readings, and more. Lost Continent is one of the most richly-themed areas of Islands of Adventure with stunning backdrops for photos, and the perfect place to relax and grab a bite to eat. I highly recommend having lunch at Mythos and enjoying the excellent views of the park from the outside seating. 17. Eat Burgushi – Where the Cow and the Fish Become One Take the fixings of both a burger and sushi, put them together, and bam! Burgushi. Chow down on this land and sea fusion at The Cowfish in Universal CityWalk. My favorite is The High-Class Hillbilly-Southern Style Bar-B-Q-Shi (pictured). 18. Live Your Best Rockstar Life I’m all about music, which makes Hard Rock Hotel one of my favorite places to stay. One of the fun things to do is the memorabilia tour. You can see priceless items from some of your singers and bands. Feel inspired? You can rent a guitar or record player to play in your room after! *Some hotel amenities may be temporarily unavailable during your visit.* 19. Cast Your Own Spells Create your own magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with an interactive wand. You have to try your hand at the Meteolojinx in Diagon Alley (pictured). My personal favorite spell is Incendio at Flimflams Lanterns in Diagon Alley. It’s so cool at night! You may even discover some hidden spells as you progress in your practice. 20. Sing Karaoke on the Big Stage Even if you’re afraid of being in the spotlight, singing karaoke at Rising Star in Universal CityWalk is SO FUN. You get backup singers and even a hype man to help make you the star of the show. Plus, the lights are bright enough on stage so you can barely see the crowd — just in case you need a courage booster. *Check the Universal Orlando Mobile App for when Rising Star and other CityWalk venues are open.* What are you looking forward to checking out? Add to the list in the comments if you’re an experienced veteran of the parks! Must be 21 years of age or older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages at Universal Orlando Resort. AuthorMeg Kinnerk is the Founder and Owner of Mickey's Dream Vacations Inc. Meg lives in Chicago and enjoys traveling the world with her husband and two sons. During Meg's 12 years in the Travel Industry, she has been recognized for her achievements across several platforms, including being a Top Producer with Disney Destinations, Funjet Vacations, a member of Disney's EMTAC Team, and a Universal UPreferred Agency, as well as many others. Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Disney Destinations. We take the stress out of travel planning. Think all-inclusive fare is just buffets and beachside grills? No way! These over-the-top, once-in-a-lifetime high-end experiences are worth traveling for, even without the posh digs and exemplary service. Some people live to travel. Others live to eat. And at the very best all-inclusive resorts in the world, is where you find the intersection of both—those who journey specifically to take their taste buds on vacation. With the competition between top-name brands for “gourmet” billing heating up hotter than kitchens in those climates (and it’s hot there!), restaurants have leveled up HARD. Today, there are a lot of high-end “foodie” havens that have made it into the featured inclusions list of many an upscale resort. These are some of our favorite, most notable, most novel on-site, dining experiences. El Dorado Royale, by Karisma Of course, you couldn’t expect a brand known for its Gourmet Inclusive® promise not to lead this list, right? But this property takes it to astonishing levels. As if growing their own vegetables for use in 14 restaurants and bars—all with long lists of special focuses and features—weren’t enough, their show-stopping headliner is … well, a show and headline act! We’re talking about the Fuentes Culinary Theatre, a cooking stage where chefs star and the audience eats. If you’re one of those people who can’t watch cooking shows without getting hungry, this is just the once-in-a-lifetime experience for you. You’ll get to witness a Food Network-style cooking show with live cameras and huge display screens in real life, and enjoy the food as you watch it come together. How? As the chef prepares it on stage, other chefs prepare your meal behind the scenes, so you can experience your dish through a whole new dimension. At only $10 a person without the wine pairing (that’s an additional $45, since it’s all premium), it’s a steal for a truly unique memory you’ll be telling people about forever. Bonus Pro-Tip: Karisma Hotels & Resorts also offer several chef’s table options, too, for private dining or even molecular gastronomy! There are additional costs for these, but the good news is, guests from outside the resort can reserve seats, too. Catalonia Royal Tulum, Adults-Only Food is a focus at this upscale retreat, and their Restaurant BLoved is proof positive of that. This restaurant reserved exclusively for Privileged guests is a reason in and of itself to upgrade. Another notable dining experience is the Tapas terrace, overlooking the wilds of the cenote on the grounds versus the ocean views of BLoved. But now, the latest addition to their all-inclusive office, Rauxa Restaurant, is set to knock even more socks off. This lively à la carte restaurant blends Mexican, Japanese, and Mediterranean culinary profiles for a creative menu that’s truly out of the ordinary, and in the best possible way. We’re talking salmon and mango tartare, genuine Angus beef marinated with ginger, vanilla “cotton cake” with guava, and more. You’ll need sustenance like that for sure to keep your energy level high enough to match with that of the live DJ or local artists that play regularly. Then after the last dessert is served, it turns into a fantastic venue for more music and drinks, making Rauxa a festive, sophisticated spot to spend your entire night in. Live Aqua Cancun One of the most popular restaurants at this chic resort is Hidden Garden, which serves up Asian fusion in a setting taken right out of the Mayan jungle. It’s enchanting with its winding walkways and indoor/outdoor setting and avant garde menu. But MB’s international, Latin-centered cuisine also deserves a place in the sun for those in the know. This venue is more casual in terms of dress code, but the atmosphere is no less sophisticated and warm. Relaxing piano music plays in the background for diners as they feast on specialties like habanero soup, whose name belies its balanced. It’s actually not too spicy, but rather more savory and creamy, and perfect in its bread bowl. In the fall, look for Chiles Nogales, a special dish served only around Mexican Independence Day in September. These are decadent, indulgent, and absolutely exquisite bites of Mexican luxury. They’re poblano chilis (so not very spicy!) that are stuffed with ground meat picadillo—usually panochera apple, sweet-milk pear, and criollo peach—and topped with a walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. They’re originally from Puebla and absolutely unforgettable. Grand Velas Riviera Maya There’s no way we can talk about mind-blowing resort cuisine without mentioning Grand Velas Riviera Maya, whose offerings include not one but four AAA Four Diamond restaurants and one Five Diamond one. This is particularly impressive when you consider that every year, AAA reviews over 31,000 restaurants and only 2.1% ever earn a four rating. In fact, their Mexican restaurant Frida—a tribute to Frida Kahlo—only falls short of that one diamond on a technicality, since it’s family friendly and not for adults only. Its peers include French restaurant Piaf and Sen Lin, which serves up specialties from northeast and southwest Asia. The crown jewel restaurant remains Cocina de Autor, helmed by Chef Nahum Velasco. It’s a double-digit tasting table that plays with your senses and perception, delivering a different experience every time you go. It’s bold, flavorful, and playful, with molecular gastronomy enhancing your chances of encountering the wholly unexpected. Zoëtry Paraiso Resort, by AMR™ Collection The resort bills its dining as “luxurious indulgence without the guilt” and we are all for it. Their focus on wellness and “the art of life” makes it into their small but thoughtful list of dining establishments, where personalized touches and individual attention make the handful of restaurants more than adequate for this boutique property. The beachside grill uses a real zapote and mesquite wood fire to add flair to their fresh food, and Restaurant Kaax offers sushi for lunch and international cuisine with a Mexican take. These are great, but the AAA Four Diamond La Canoa Restaurant is what really takes the cake. It offers what it calls Cuisine de los Soles, and centers its gourmet fusion menu around spices and chilis—fun and fanciful ways to delight the palate without a lot of calories. The menu features organic and heart-healthy options that don’t skimp on flavor. For guided tastings, there’s also a chef’s table in the kitchen you can reserve, for a once-in-a-lifetime behind-the-lines dinner that’s rarely available anywhere. Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, one of the top restaurants in the world, is among the few that offer a similar experience, and even they don’t promise the executive chef’s personal preparation as La Canoa does. For something a little more hands-on, they offer weekly cooking classes, too, which begin right in the garden. Obviously, the all-inclusive dining scene we enjoy today has come leagues ahead of what they were just a couple of generations ago. Beachside grills and endless buffets are fantastic, for sure, but for the finer things that are beyond just “fine,” you’ll want to bookmark these appetizing properties. They might just leave a better taste in your mouth than your stay itself … and that’s saying something! Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Disney Destinations. We take the stress out of travel planning. Overflowing with Disney enchantment, staterooms aboard the Disney Wish are a luxurious, peaceful retreat at sea designed for families, featuring ample space, plenty of storage and upscale amenities. Artful Accommodations The tradition of Disney storytelling can be found inside every stateroom on the Disney Wish, thanks to artwork and subtle touches that celebrate iconic elements of Disney films—from magic castles to enchanted woodlands to the spirit of the sea. A Peaceful Retreat Indulge in style and comfort in our redesigned home-away-from-home on the high seas. Spectacular ocean views and split bathrooms are yours to enjoy in select staterooms, while a queen-size bed, convertible sofa with pull-down bed and a sitting area—plus a variety of upscale amenities—can be found in all. Concierge Oceanview Staterooms & Royal Suites Disney storytelling soars to new heights in our Concierge Oceanview Staterooms, where you can stay in your own Tangled-inspired space or rest inside one of 7 The Little Mermaid-themed spaces that include our first-ever forward-facing views. Extravagant details and first-class amenities inspired by the classic elegance of Sleeping Beauty abound in our enchanting Royal Suites—2 of which feature 2 levels, a spiral staircase and a stained glass work of art. It’s a royal welcome they’ll never forget! Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Disney Destinations. We take the stress out of travel planning. |