We are all searching for ways to make self-care a priority—and that extends to vacation days. While wellness retreats and relaxation-focused getaways are nothing new, there has been a decided shift in what travelers want in an experience, and that includes “family-friendly” options. These three destinations deliver the self-care sophistication factor, while leaving you rested for reality post-PTO.
The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar–Nassau, Bahamas
Whether you’re looking for an adults-only experience, a fun getaway with friends or a family vacation that boasts a little bit of everything, the luxurious properties at Baha Mar have exactly what you need. But, If you’re looking for a balance of relaxation and fun for the whole fam, The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is the perfect choice for a family trip that keeps wellness in mind.
From the numerous pool and beach options to the on-property water park, there is something different to experience each day for every member of the family. But, what is it that truly makes a stay at the Grand Hyatt so special? The ability to balance the spa and adult activities with the array of fun, family-friendly interactive events, like competition cooking classes where chef Tevin leverages the local ingredients to teach guests how to make conch fritters and banana bread, or the most incredible paint pouring experience. Not only will you have fun, you’ll also enjoy mindful bonding time with the whole family.
Of course, the food on-site is nothing short of incredible, too. Throughout your stay, enjoy the highest quality surf and turf delicacies at restaurants like Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s namesake fish and chophouse, Marcus, indulge in some steakhouse favorites at Carna, or head downstairs to Pizza Lab to satisfy your cravings for the most amazing pies. Whether you’re looking for something chic and upscale or fun and experimental for the kids, the Grand Hyatt’s dining options make eating an experience for the whole crew.
Even though the Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar is full of kid-friendly wellness and self-care activities, the itinerary for adults is equally awesome. The ESPA spa at the Grand Hyatt is a multifaceted, holistic spa that is individually curated to each guest’s wellness needs. Occupying a whopping 30,000 square feet, this luxury spa is the first ESPA in the Caribbean and offers a vast array of services. From massages specifically made for relaxing after a long day of golf to countless facial options and signature therapies to help restore inner peace, you can enjoy a full-body reset at the Hyatt’s ESPA with zero guilt, knowing that the rest of your pack is enjoying themselves elsewhere.
Nothing helps us to reset more than reconnecting with nature, and the endless activities that incorporate the flamingos native to Nassua are another huge draw to this do-it-all resort. From the beloved flamingo yoga to the flamingo cay, spending some time with these gentle giant birds is the perfect way to appreciate the local culture and reconnect with your wild side.
Borgo Egnazia-Savelletri BR, Italy
Situated where the breathtaking hills of the Itria Valley meet the Adriatic Sea, Borgo Egnazia is a can’t-miss haven for cultivating “indispensable wellbeing for the body and mind.” Not only does the Borgo Egnazia build on the traditional architecture and practices of the local village, it also serves as the perfect family-friendly wellness getaway.
With expansive indoor and outdoor pools and easy access to the La Fonte and Cala Masciola beach clubs, full-family sun and swim time is all around the Borgo Egnazia. Designed to be ”an oasis of peace for adults and children,” kids are encouraged to test their hands at building sandcastles while the adults can enjoy some much needed R&R from the comfort of four-poster beach-side beds.
When it comes to wellness and mindful activities for the kids, Borgo Egnazia offers three different kids clubs for kids ages from three to 16. For the little ones, the Trullalleri Kids Club offers tons of “stimulating creative workshops” that aim to “immerse children in the dimension of the fantastic, letting them touch the colors, materials, recipes and ancient traditions of the land of Puglia,and give free rein to their imagination.” For the older ones, organized adventure park activities, arts and crafts, sports tournaments and more ensure your kids are not only taken care of but constantly entertained. All of Borgo Egnazia’s kids club options focus on fostering an environment that helps kids of all ages to appreciate the local culture while engaging in activities that make wellness fun.
Borgo Egnazia also makes sure that a spa day is not an indulgence reserved solely for adults. With packages that cater to several different needs–from Calm and Happiness packages to a Family package that includes a salt scrub, thermal baths and playful moments of cuddling and learning–the Borgo Egnazia makes spa trips a full-family outing.
This Italian staple resort has so much more to offer, from golf courses to a curated boutique, but regardless of which luxurious amenity speaks to you the most, you can be certain that every member of your family will enjoy a getaway that is not only relaxing, but rejuvenating and fun.
Palmaïa, The House of AïA-Riveria Maya, MX
When it comes to a resort that caters to the whole family and creates a mindful, whole-being-focussed experience, Palmaïa House of AïA fits the bill. In addition to their schedule of focussed wellness retreats, booking a regular vacation stay at this gorgeous Mexican destination is sure to still fulfill all your family-friendly wellness needs.
For starters, the Palmaïa’s Wellness Beach Enclave boasts what they’ve coined a “gifting lifestyle”, that helps guests to free themselves “from the burden of relentless commerce and enjoy unrestricted access without the hassle of handling money.” Without the added stress of surprise purchases, your whole family can enjoy “holistic activities and healing experiences based on ancestral rituals and practices,” as well as plant-based, local cuisine and cruelty-free amenities throughout.
Family is an integral part of the mission of this all-inclusive resort; the destination’s website even features an entire page dedicated to family, where you can explore their Waldorf-inspired children’s programs, device-free areas, play spaces and more, all of which are dedicated to helping children and families disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with their minds and bodies.
In addition to their wellness routines and family-oriented activities, the House of AïA also features incredible cuisine and spa options that ensure your stay is all you dreamed of and more. With an extensive menu of traditional massage treatments, facials, a full selection of treatments for kids, and even a full service beauty parlor, the whole family is sure to be pampered to perfection throughout your stay.
As wellness becomes more accessible and prioritized in many of our lives, it’s important we make time to connect with these practices regularly in order to stay fresh. But, as these resorts prove, a wellness vacation is not something that needs to be set aside for just adults. If you’re looking to get away this summer and recharge yours and your kiddos’ minds, these resorts might be just what you need.
