WaterColor Inn & Resort
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
watercolorresort.com
Little Pleasures
The white sands skirting Florida’s Water Color Inn provide the perfect building material for towering sand castles to keep the little ones amused for hours. The David Rockwell–designed boutique hotel also boasts four parks, a coastal forest, 18 miles of biking trails and a 220-acre lake. Expect complimentary use of bicycles, kayaks, canoes and fishing gear to keep the little and big kids amused for days. There are also supervised children’s activities available.
Adult Adventures
Relax in your gulf-front room, take a complimentary bike on tour across the expansive coastal wilderness, read your favorite novel on Santa Rosa Beach, play a round of golf or pamper-up at the InnSpa.
WT Loves
WaterColor Inn & Resort has implemented many activities that meet the State of Florida’s Green Lodging Program. These include areas of water conservation, energy efficiency, waste management, and clean air practices.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Big Island, Hawaii
hiltonwaikoloavillage.com
Little Pleasures
You won’t hear the word “bored†muttered once during a stay at the Hilton Waikoloa on Hawaii’s Big Island, with 62 acres of fun to be had at every turn. The little ones will be on an unforgettable adventure with a four-acre lagoon, three outdoor swimming pools, a 175-foot slide and waterfall. Then there are the excursions, beach volleyball paddleboats and daily dedicated playtime for children under five.
Adult Adventures
A visit to the Kohala Spa is a must for any parent who appreciates complete vacation relaxation. Try the couple’s 80-minute relaxation or take a dip in a coconut milk bath. For the sporty types, two championship golf courses are sure to please, as are the incredible island views.
WT Loves Hilton’s Waikola’s wedding facilities, including quaint garden chapel — the perfect spot for renewing vows with the entire family there to celebrate.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Orlando, Florida
disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/animal-kingdom-lodge
Little Pleasures
Let their imaginations run wild with help from the meticulously built African safari lodge, with thatch roof, hand-woven textiles and evening storytelling by a mud-brick fireplace. While Disney adventures await next door, there’s no rush to get to the park when the kids are surrounded by a menagerie of ostriches, zebras, giraffes and more over more than 30 sprawling acre.
Adult Adventures
Here, mom and dad get to be kids again, thanks to African-themed rooms with mosquito net-covered beds, savannah jeep tours, walks at dusk with night vision binoculars in hand.
WT Loves The Animal Kingdom’s African art collection, which also happens to be the largest in North America. Keep an eye out for the sacred and rare Igbo Ijele mask. At 16 feet high, it’ll be hard to miss.
Family Travel Essentials
• An iPod to keep any potential boredom at bay
• Ear plugs. Need we explain?
• A sarong that doubles as Superman’s cape
• Assorted zip lock bags – perfect for packing wet swimwear or muddy sneakers
