 |
| All-inclusives such as Jamaica’s Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort are often the best bet for traveling families. |
This spring, travelers are leaning more toward the exotic and away from the standard “staycation” that has been so popular for so long. According to a Travel Leaders’ survey, almost 68 percent of participating agents said that international destinations are favored by clients taking land-based spring break vacations. Most important to travelers are value-driven vacations and warm, sunny destinations. We say make this spring break one for the whole family, embrace the sun and value, and hit up these international destinations that allow kids to stay for free.
Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Hotel & Spa
If your clients are new to the international market, it’s nice to stick with a familiar favorite like the Caribbean. Jamaica’s Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Hotel & Spa in Montego Bay is ideal for family travel for two reasons. First, it is an all-inclusive property, which is pleasing to Mom and Dad. Secondly, kids 12 years and under stay, play and eat for free.
The property has 524 guest rooms with balconies or patios. For families, we recommend booking one of the One-Bedroom Suites, which come with a separate living area and can accommodate parties of five. These suites boast oceanfront views and private whirlpools.
There are six dining venues in or near the hotel, including Sea Breeze, for Jamaican fare; Portside, which is the main hotel restaurant and offers buffet-style dining; Paella restaurant, which serves up tapas and paellas; Sorrento Italian Restaurant; Barefoot Bar & Grill; and Jus’ Kiddin’, a venue specifically for children. Because adult rates are all-inclusive and kids eat for free, this can make for a value-friendly holiday.
Other amenities include a fitness center, spa and activities scheduled for children, also free for kids 12 and under.
 |
| At Bristol Buenaventura in Panama, children under 17 can stay for free, with a maximum of two children per room. |
Grotto Bay Beach Resort
Bermuda makes for another great beach getaway and your clients with kids should check out the Grotto Bay Beach Resort. This 201-room property invites kids 12 and under to stay and eat for free from the kid’s menu when sharing a room with their parents. Note: To be eligible for this, parents must be on the Breakfast & Dinner plan only.
Grotto Bay’s accommodations range from Ocean View Superior rooms to Ocean Front Deluxes. The resort is just a short distance to a wealth of family activities—from water sports to sailing, cycling and snorkeling. Parents can spend some time on their own as well, playing golf and tennis or relaxing at the spa.
Bristol Buenaventura
For clients looking to be a little more adventurous, we suggest exploring Bristol Buenaventura in Panama. Just over an hour southwest of Panama City, this 114-room property (as well as eight four-bedroom Lagoon Villas) has recently introduced kids’ rates.
Now children under 17 are eligible to stay for free, with a maximum of two children per room. In addition, complimentary daily kids’ breakfast menus are also available for children five and under.
The resort also features a Bristol Kids program, which can be booked for half or full days for children ages five to 12. This includes both indoor and outdoor activities on the resort’s 1,000 acres of land and beach.
Families can have time together on one of the resort’s many riding trails, too. There are also tennis and volleyball courts, a fitness center, three restaurants, a Corotu Spa and oceanfront El Far Club House. Among the amenities at the Club House are a pool, beach access and both beachside and poolside butler service.
Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa
Finally, for the family that really wants to think outside the box, we suggest heading East to the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa. Here, children 12 and under stay and dine for free, for a limited time, as well as enjoy activities at the Koamas Kids’ Club, which is also free of charge.
The Kids Club offers a plethora of activities for kids, from Superhero Madness to face painting and ship racing to science workshops. A pool exclusively for kids and babysitting service are also available.
When the family is together they can take advantage of the property’s dining and beverage options in the resort’s four restaurants, with free meals for youngsters off the kids’ menu, or at Iru Restaurant’s buffet, when accompanied by a paying parent. There are 10 dining venues in all, serving everything from spicy Asian cuisine to refined wine bar-style cuisine.
Travelers can take advantage of this offer with bookings made in the resort’s Beach Villa, Deluxe Beach Villa or Pool Beach Villa room categories.
 |
| Bristol Buenaventura has 1,000 acres of land and beach a little more than an hour from Panama City, Panama. |