Beach Vacations For Winter

 

During the winter months, finding a beach vacation

spot can be a little difficult.  It doesn't have

to be, which is where this article will really come

in handy.  Below, you'll find some resorts that

offer a unique twist to your winter beach vacation.

 

1.  Molokai Ranch and Lodge

On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of

Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable yet unique

tents.  Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on

wooden platforms, offers queen size beds in one

unit, twin beds in the other, solar powered lights,

and a private bathroom with hot water showers.

 

The Molokai Ranch and Lodge offers over 54,000

acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush

valleys.  The outdoor activities here include sea

kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and

horseback rides.  For the kids, the lodge offers

nature walks, horse stables, tidal pools and

Hawaiian arts and crafts.

 

2.  Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii

Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make

guests happy.  Now days, resorts compete in water

activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water

slides, and even lazy rivers.

 

The Grand Wailea Resort offers several attractions,

such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool,

and the 25,700 square foot Canyon Activity pool

which is great for families. 

 

3.  Atlantis Resort of the Bahamas

In the amazing water fun department is the unique

Atlantis Resort and Spa on Paradise Island in

the Bahamas.  Along with the beach, the Atlantis

has eleven swimming pools, Mayan Temple water

slides, and lazy river rides.  The Atlantis

also boasts an amazing marine habitat, with

exhibit lagoons that house more than 50,000

sea animals.

 

4.  Club Med Punta Cana

Over the last several years, the Dominion

Republic has been working very hard to establish

itself as a destination for families, with many

all inclusives being built.  This location has

all the perks of a tropical resort plus stand

out features that include kids programs, and

other attractions that make Club Med Punta Cana

one of the most unique beach vacation spots in

the entire world.

 

5.  Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very

unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches, and

lodging in comfortable tent cottages.

 

As with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built

on platforms and designed to be both attractive

and comfortable.  Each one has a sleeping area,

bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice

cooler, and even a private deck.

 

Water sports for the area include kayaking, wind

surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.  There is

also an outdoor restaurant and a food store for

those who want to cook from the privacy of their

own room.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

School Is Out – Keeping the Kids Busy

 

It’s the end of June, school is out and the kids are ecstatic.  You may be a bit overwhelmed not knowing how you are going to entertain you children for the entire summer.  They are used to being in school for the majority of their days and now they are free and clear to do as they please and it is up to you that they stay busy.  Or is it?

Yes, children need activities to learn and have fun but it is also just important for them to have some free play time too.  So while you are planning all of the activities and outings for them to participate in remember that they need some free play time too.  Depending on the age of your children and their level of independence the free play time may take different forms.  For younger children independent time will have to be supervised but for older children it can be a nice break for both of you to let them play alone in their room or outside in the yard. 

Let your kids have a say in what goes on too.  Have a couple of options ready; let them help plan how you will spend the day. Letting your kids plan what goes on in the day is a sure way to get their buy-in and participation.  Just be sure that if there isn’t any wiggle room in what you have planned for the day you make it clear from the beginning.  When there are choices (limit them to two to three) ask and when there isn’t a choice simply tell them what is planned for the day.

A good balance between planned activities and free play or independent time will make for a fun-filled summer for the kids and for you too.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

Get Back To Nature In Mexico: Explore Sian Ka'an Biosphere

 

There are 27 United Nations World Heritage sites in Mexico and only three of them made the list primarily for their natural significance, as opposed to historical. The most beautiful and diverse is Sian Ka'an Biosphere, a 1.3 million acre ecological park filled with lagoons, forests, marine habitats, and wetlands. It is the largest marine protected area in Mexico and offers one of the few natural treasures of the Yucatan peninsula that is accessible to tourists.

Added to the UNESCO list in 1987, Sian Ka'an translates as "Origin of the Sky". It provides a habitat for a diverse population of flora and fauna, as well as over 300 species of birds. There is a small ecotourism and education center there that serves as a model for sustainable development in sensitive tropical ecosystems. The center is funded by the various tours, fishing, accommodation on-site, and various other activities offered there. Some of the ecologically responsible techniques the center uses are rainwater collection, using wind and solar power, and employing systems for wetland waste management. It also provides educational outreach and biological research opportunities.

Accommodations at Sian Ka'an consist of tents that are raised off the ground to allow ecological and hydrological processes to continue.  They have gorgeous views from private patios, as well as plenty of shade and cooling breezes. Bathrooms are shared, but they are always clean and also have stunning views over the water. The dining areas and kitchens are designed to maximize comfort while minimizing impact on the surrounding environment. The menu for the restaurant is wide and varied, but the best choice would be the fresh seafood dishes that are offered.

Activities in the park include fishing excursions, kayaking, or taking one of several tours that will highlight the canals and the Mayan ruins, abundant flora and fauna, and the history of the reserve. There is also a sunset tour that centers on bird watching where you will float along in an open-air boat through beautiful lagoons while viewing birds, plants, and diverse ecosystems. The tour then culminates in watching the sunset over the mangrove forest and lagoon.

The kayaking tours are designed to give visitors a more intimate access to the natural splendor of the park. Single or double kayaks are available and expert guides, who speak both English and Spanish, can accompany you through the reserve to bird watch and explore the wetlands. Free basic training is provided if you have never kayaked before. If you would like to explore alone, the guides can give you directions and information on where to go to use ancient trading routes through the park used by the Mayans. This is an excellent option for experienced kayakers, but an additional fee can give someone basic training to undertake this more advanced tour.

Sian Ka'an is a beautiful ecosystem to visit and learn about history, ecology, and sustainable technology that will open your mind to possibilities you may never have otherwise known about. At the very least it will give you an appreciation of conservation and natural beauty that should stay with you forever.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

Beach Vacations For Winter

 

During the winter months, finding a beach vacation

spot can be a little difficult.  It doesn't have

to be, which is where this article will really come

in handy.  Below, you'll find some resorts that

offer a unique twist to your winter beach vacation.

 

1.  Molokai Ranch and Lodge

On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of

Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable yet unique

tents.  Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on

wooden platforms, offers queen size beds in one

unit, twin beds in the other, solar powered lights,

and a private bathroom with hot water showers.

 

The Molokai Ranch and Lodge offers over 54,000

acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush

valleys.  The outdoor activities here include sea

kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and

horseback rides.  For the kids, the lodge offers

nature walks, horse stables, tidal pools and

Hawaiian arts and crafts.

 

2.  Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii

Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make

guests happy.  Now days, resorts compete in water

activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water

slides, and even lazy rivers.

 

The Grand Wailea Resort offers several attractions,

such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool,

and the 25,700 square foot Canyon Activity pool

which is great for families. 

 

3.  Atlantis Resort of the Bahamas

In the amazing water fun department is the unique

Atlantis Resort and Spa on Paradise Island in

the Bahamas.  Along with the beach, the Atlantis

has eleven swimming pools, Mayan Temple water

slides, and lazy river rides.  The Atlantis

also boasts an amazing marine habitat, with

exhibit lagoons that house more than 50,000

sea animals.

 

4.  Club Med Punta Cana

Over the last several years, the Dominion

Republic has been working very hard to establish

itself as a destination for families, with many

all inclusives being built.  This location has

all the perks of a tropical resort plus stand

out features that include kids programs, and

other attractions that make Club Med Punta Cana

one of the most unique beach vacation spots in

the entire world.

 

5.  Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very

unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches, and

lodging in comfortable tent cottages.

 

As with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built

on platforms and designed to be both attractive

and comfortable.  Each one has a sleeping area,

bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice

cooler, and even a private deck.

 

Water sports for the area include kayaking, wind

surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.  There is

also an outdoor restaurant and a food store for

those who want to cook from the privacy of their

own room.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations