Spring Break Caribbean Family Escapes

It's hard to believe that Spring Break is almost here!  To help families looking for that perfect Caribbean Spring Break vacation, we have rounded up some great ideas to make your vacation planning a little easier!

Where: Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France, St. Barth, French West Indies

Why: The hotel’s suites, bungalows, and villas are family-size, and both the main restaurant and the new

feet-in-the-sand La Cabane de L’Isle have a laid-back atmosphere perfect for dining en famille.

What Else: The concierge can arrange family activities such as deep sea fishing, kayaking, and surfing lessons and trips.

Best Family Accommodation: The two-bedroom Garden Villa (shown here) because it is in effect a family compound, a 1,586 square foot suite with a large pool, spacious deck, and plenty of privacy, courtesy of a thick screen of vegetation; yet it’s only a two-minute walk from the beach.

Where: OneAndOnly Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Why: The KidsOnly club is all about enrichment, from cooking lessons taught by One&Only chefs to golf and

tennis lessons from the resident pros. Families have access to the sister hotel, Atlantis, and its dolphin experiences and water slides.

Best Family Accommodation: The residential-style three- and four-bedroom villas (shown here) perched above the beach. OneAndOnly’s villa concierge helps with every step of vacation planning and remains at the family’s disposal during its stay to arrange tee times, reservations, and excursions such as a private catamaran cruise, a horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Nassau, or a fishing trip for blue marlin.

Where: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

Why: The range of supervised activities for children ages 4-12: glass-bottom boat excursions, arts and crafts,

and guided hikes up the Gros Piton, the mountain at the center of the island, with a chance to splash in a thermally heated waterfall.

Best Family Accommodation: The plantation-style Two Bedroom Grand Luxury Villas (shown here), which have indoor and outdoor living rooms, a private deck and plunge pool, and butler service. Butlers can arrange anything, from a babysitter to a private beach BBQ.

Where: Parrot Cay by COMO, Turks & Caicos

Why: The secluded 1,000-acre private island feels all your own, with large villas and beach houses and miles of white sand beach to roam. Kids activities include shell-painting, kite-making, tie-dying, sailing, and kayaking, and butlers can arrange castaway gourmet picnics on a small nearby island – stocked mini-bar, and snorkeling gear included.

What Else: Parents can take advantage of the Asian-inspired holistic therapies at the COMO Shambhala Retreat including reflexology, Ayurveda, and complimentary daily yoga or Pilates (or book private yoga sessions).

Best Family Accommodation: The three-bedroom COMO Villa, which has a private heated pool and is the resort’s largest accommodation. Close runners-up are the two-bedroom Villas (spacious living area with an attached balcony) and two-bedroom Beach Houses, which are right behind the beach.

Where: GoldenEye, Oracabessa Bay, Jamaica

Why: Local artist Mama Orah teaches children jewelry and doll-making. Snorkels, paddle boards, and kayaks are available for use on the protected lagoon. Adults can sneak away for an evening cocktail aboard GlassEye, the hotel’s glass-bottom boat.

Best Family Accommodation: The Fleming Villa, the former home of Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond novels. This private compound sleeps 10-12 and has its own staff, swimming pool, private gardens, and beach. Families can dine al fresco in the villa’s sunken garden.

Congratulations to the 12 Days til Christmas Winners

Congratulations to winners of the Girls Getaway Guide's Sixth Annual '12 Days til Christmas' Getaway Giveaway! 

Dec. 3    Value: $250
Girls Getaway to Lake Havasu, AZ
Three day/two-night stay includes breakfast each morning and one dinner for two
Donated by: Quality Inn & Suites Lake Havasu
Winner: April M. of Edgewater, FL

Dec. 4    Value: $300
Girls Getaway to Arizona
Two-night stay for two adults in your choice of either Sedona or Scottsdale (winner’s choice)
Donated by: Arizona Tourism Center
Winner: Jennifer B. of Lake Placid, FL

Dec. 5    Value: $350
Girls Getaway to Asheville, NC
One night stay at the historic Grove Park Inn with breakfast
Donated by: Grove Park Inn    
Winner: Charlene E. of Nashville, TN

Dec. 6    Value: $375
Girls Getaway to Vero Beach, FL
One-night stay with $50 dinner credit and spa treatment
Donated by: Costa d’Este Beach Resort
Winner: Nita K. of Aloha, OR

Dec. 7    Value: $500
Girls Getaway to the U.S. Virgin Islands
Enjoy three nights deluxe hotel accommodation for double occupancy at Hotel Caravelle that sits on the waters edge in St. Croix.
Donated by: Hotel Caravelle  
Winner: Jane P. of Ottumwa, IA

Dec. 8    Value: $500
Girls Getaway to The Bahamas
Relax at this two-night weekend stay with accommodations at Bimini Sands Resort & Marina for two people in a marina-view, one-bedroom villa.
Donated by: Bimini Sands Resort & Marina 
Winner: Elaine M. of Bokeelia, FL

Dec. 9    Value: $550
Girls Getaway to Orlando & Shopping Spree
Two-night stay at Drury Inn & Suites with breakfast, plus a VIP Shopping Spree from Orlando Premium Outlets that includes a $250 gift card, VIP coupon book, VIP Platinum Passport & Chic Shopping Bag
Donated by: Orlando Premium Outlets
Winner: Jaqueline B. of Ypsilanti, MI

Dec. 10    Value: $600
Girls Getaway to Idaho
Two nights lodging in a deluxe one-bedroom suite for 2-4 adults plus cross country skiing
Donated by: Teton Springs Lodge & Spa
Winner: Carmen P. of Orlando, FL

Dec. 11    Value: $850
Girls Getaway to Orlando & Spa
One night stay in a luxury deluxe guest room at Orlando’s Rosen Shingle Creek and two 50-minute spa treatments
Donated by: Rosen Shingle Creek
Winner: Dawn R.  of Pittsburgh, PA

Dec. 12    Value: $850
Girls Getaway to Orlando & Spa
Enjoy a one-night luxury deluxe guest room at Orlando’s Rosen Centre and two 50-minute spa treatments.
Donated by: Orlando Rosen Centre   
Winner: Abigail E. of Longwood, FL

Dec. 13    Value: $1,000
Girls Getaway to Orlando & Christmas Package
“Christmassy DreamWorks Experience” package that includes: two night room accommodations, unlimited visits to ICE!, Shrekfast and interactive character meal, character Meet & Greets
Donated by: Gaylord Palms Resort  
Winner: Ivette A. of Sebring, FL

Dec. 14    Value: $1,250
Girls Getaway to the Turks & Caicos
Two-night stay in a two-bedroom deluxe suite for 4-6 guests at Ocean Club Resorts
Donated by: Ocean Club Resorts
Winner: Jamie H. of Sebring, FL

Dec. 15 Value: $1,300
Girls Getaway to Hawaii
Experience two nights of paradise at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa on famed Ka’anapali Beach. In addition to splashing fun at the aquatic playground, the winner will enjoy one fitness class per person at the Mind & Body Studio. Maximum 2 people.
Donated by: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali Beach
Winner: Sydney L. of Diamond Bar, CA
 
Dec. 16    Value: $1,475
Girls Getaway to Longboat Key, FL
Enjoy a 5-night stay in a one or two bedroom unit, plus a $50 gift certificate from Chiles Group’s waterfront restaurants.
Donated by: Cedars Tennis Resort & Chiles Group
Winner: Lorrie B. of Longwood, FL

Dec. 17    Value: $1,500
Girls Getaway to Clearwater Beach, FL
Two-night stay in a one-bedroom suite for 4-6 guests
Donated by: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Winner: Gail B. of Lake Placid, FL

Dec. 18    Value: $2,368
GRAND PRIZE: Girls Getaway to Cancun, Mexico
Spend four nights for two adults at the all-inclusive Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort that offers the exhilaration of enjoying whatever you want, whenever you want it – fine dining, premium wines and spirits, water sports, nightly entertainment.
Donated by: Palace Resorts   
Winner: Kate B. of Metairie, LA

Win a Girls Getaway to Turks & Caicos

A mere seventy-five minute flight from Miami, the Turks and Caicos Islands are the ultimate getaway from the stresses and strains of everyday life. This British Crown colony has all the modern conveniences with none of the hassles. Blessed with over 230 miles of exquisite white sand beaches, oceans of breathtaking turquoise waters, magnificent coral reefs, and enchanting island people.

On exquisite Grace Bay Beach, along a wide, immaculate, white beach, Ocean Club Resorts await you. It is here where land and sea, relaxation and recreation, grand style and simple elegance converge in perfect harmony. Ocean Club and Ocean Club West are directly on the beach, less than a mile apart and within a fifteen-minute walk on the beach from each other. Guests can enjoy all facilities, amenities and dining delights of both resorts in a relaxed and casual convivial atmosphere.  Named a “World's Best" By Travel + Leisure readers, ranking among the Caribbean's Top 25 Resorts. 


On Dec. 14 we will give away a 2-night stay in a two-bedroom deluxe suite to the resort valued at $1,250.    Enter online to win this and other vacation prizes at Girls Getaway Guide.

Submit Your Photo: Girls Getaway to Turk & Caicos

This month's Girlfriend Getaway photo was submitted by Ginya Carnahan who was one of the lucky winner's from last year's 5th Annual '12 Days til Christmas' Getaway Giveaway.  She writes:

"We landed in Providenciales after a pleasant hour and 20 minute flight.  The airport was tiny, but adequately equipped to perform the necessary customs functions before admitting us for our visit.  A crowd of folks was equally anxious to claim their bags, grab a cab and get their vacation started.
 
When we arrived at The Ocean Club, everything was in order and the staff welcomed us with friendly smiles.  'Action Jackson' escorted us to our suite, a neat-as-a-pin, spacious unit facing the most amazing beach and cove of turquoise water I had ever seen.  (I live in an area known for its beaches - but this one was truly exquisite!)

We ditched our city clothes, donned some shorts and headed for the Cabana Bar.  Our flight schedules had precluded any lunch and we were hungry.  Fish of the day - grouper caught that morning - was my choice and it was wonderful.  Fueled and up for adventure, we hit the beach - just a few short steps from the Cabana Bar.  I was mesmerized by the beach and the water - I hope that first vision of the beach will stay in my memory forever.  Just in case it fades, I took more than 400 photos during our 4-day stay.

The trip was just what the doctor ordered.  We slept late, indulged in some pampering, ate fabulous meals, shopped in the small stores and enjoyed each others company.  We both brought Kindles and spent many pleasant hours by the pool or on the beach - reading with our eyes closed!

I wish to thank Casey and her Girls Getaway Guide organization for this amazing trip.  And I encourage everyone out there to register for this year's 12-day Getaway Giveaway.  I want to enter again, but will restrain myself.  Someone else deserves to have a getaway experience like I did."