Is that’s time of the year where children across the nation are beginning to count down the days until the end of school while their parents are dreaming of a white sand beach with a and a mixed drink in hand.
And that’s why several notable Caribbean resorts throughout the region have recently beefed or completely altered their offerings for families. Here are some of the latest resorts to bolster their amenities for families with hopes of filling beds with summer vacationers.
Beaches Resorts Offer New Sesame Street Activities
At the end of April, Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos announced they are adding new and exciting activities to their exclusive Beaches Resorts Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street program.
As a sponsor of Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts is the only Caribbean resort company to offer engaging educational activities with a colorful cast of furry friends including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and more.
Arriving this month, Beaches Resorts welcomes Super Grover, a brand new character to the Sesame Street line-up. This spunky blue hero observes questions, investigates and inspires children to do the same. Super Grover will take children on an age-appropriate journey through the scientific process and unleash their powers of investigation, with plenty of breaks for silliness along the way.
Super Grover and his furry friends will ensure children and their families can spend quality time together while having fun and learning.
At Super Grover’s Super Science Fair, children to experience the joy of scientific exploration by digging for seashells and weighing them at Investigating Sand Treasures with Zoe, making their own bubble wand at Bert’s Bubble Experiment, and learning about things that float and sink at What Floats in Ernie’s Bathtub.
Coming this fall, Super Grover will make another exciting appearance at the Super Grover: Ready for Action Stage Show, where everyone’s favorite super hero is joined by his Sesame Street friends on stage for some excitement and scientific-themed adventure and experiments.
Also new to the Beaches Resorts Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street activities beginning this month is Abby and Elmo’s Surprise Tea Time, where children team up with Elmo to dress up, wrap presents, make cards, and throw a surprise tea party for their friend Abby Cadabby.
At the Elmo & Friends Rock N’ Roll Dance Party, children can play musical instruments such as tambourines, shakers and drums as they boogie down island style with their favorite Sesame Street characters. Visit www.beaches.com.
Palace Resorts Announces New Family Amenities
Palace Resorts, which has all-inclusive properties throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, recently announced its all-new "Family Connections Program,” a concept created to strengthen family bonds through one-of-a-kind vacation experiences.
As part of the Family Connections Program, Palace Resorts is also enhancing their offerings for family travelers with the addition of their new signature children's club, "Connection Zone.”
Designed for couples who don't want to choose between a romantic getaway and a family vacation, the "Family Connections Program,” will be available for booking until May 15 for travel beginning June 1.
The new "Connection Zone” children's club at Palace Resorts (available for children ages 4-12) will offer premium services and amenities to all families including Nextel Direct walkie-talkie services and a specialized children's club menu.
The upgraded amenities in the Connections Luxury Suite with Nanny Service level will include private nanny services, priority access and a "Kiddie Concierge Line," which offers younger guests a direct extension to the children's club where they can call to ask questions and make special requests. Visit www.palaceresorts.com.
The Somerset on Grace Bay Offers New Family Suites
In March, The Somerset on Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos announced that its new “Caicos Kids Club” program for children ages 5 – 12 is complimentary this year. The Club is operated by certified teachers from a local school who are qualified to ensure a fun and educational experience.
The daytime program changes daily to give a variety of activities and on select evenings a group kids dinner and entertainment is offered (sundown-8 p.m.) to give parents the opportunity for a “date night” dinner together if they wish.
Every accommodation at The Somerset is equipped with a full kitchen, outfitted in Viking appliances. A new online grocery order form will be available shortly for this winter season for guests who would like the kitchen stocked with their family’s favorite items upon arrival (billed at cost by The Somerset, plus delivery fee).
For families traveling with extended family members, the two-and three-bedroom Ocean View Villa suites includes as one of the bedrooms a Queen Guest Room with a separate entrance. This accommodation is luxuriously appointed with a queen bed, four-piece bath with therapeutic spa bathtub and separate shower, as well as a kitchenette. It is an excellent option for families with adult children or in-laws. Visit www.thesomerset.com.
Grand Palladium Bávaro Resort & Spa Unveils New Family Amenities
As part of our ongoing coverage of the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE), Travel Agent got the skinny on Palladium Hotels & Resorts' new family-friendly rooms in Punta Cana.
The Grand Palladium Bávaro Resort & Spa unveiled its new Family Friendly Room category, which includes specially outfitted accommodations for families. Also, all three of the adjacent resorts, including the Grand Palladium Bávaro Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa & Casino and Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa, can utilize the Palladium’s signature age-specific Kids’ Clubs, now expanded and recognized as one of the largest facilities for children in the Caribbean and Mexico.
Clients should ask for the Family Friendly Room (subject to a per person supplement), send in their child’s needs (formula type, diaper size, food allergies, etc.) and upon arrival, the room will be outfitted with age-appropriate welcome packs created especially for children ages 1 – 19. From formula to video games, all amenities have been included to make certain any child feels at home.
The Family Friendly Rooms are a result of guest feedback and extensive research. The Palladium management team sampled and tested products to ensure that they not only met Palladium standards, but more importantly, exceeded the needs and desires of Palladium guests.
Children are entertained and kept busy with Palladium’s children-centric programming, designed for both fun and education. The Baby Club (ages 1-3) and the Mini Club (ages 4-12) have recently been renovated to offer children more age-specific games, a larger swimming pool, zip-line and a series of cooking classes that teach children about local flavors and ingredients in the region.
Teens can join the Black & White Junior’s Club (ages 13-19) to enjoy a wide variety of sports and entertainment programs. With a teen’s perspective in mind, these facilities provide longer hours in a fun-filled place where they can make new friends – always under the supervision of trained professionals. Visit www.palladiumresorts.com.