Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil

We are so excited that Club Med and Cirque du Soleil have partnered to launch a completely new and unique concept in experiential travel with Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil.  It will debut at Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic in June 2015.  Your family will learn many of the exciting acrobatic disciplines showcased in famed Cirque du Soleil productions. The original CREACTIVE experience will include a variety of recreational circus acrobatic and artistic activities ranging from high bungee, flying trapeze, aerial silk, tightrope and trampoline to juggling, percussion and dance or mask painting, amongst many others. The program is designed to encourage both adults and children alike to learn new skills, play and have fun under the supervision of Cirque du Soleil trained staff.

Extra Night in St. Lucia

Luxury in Puerto Plata

We are excited to see a new luxury resort opening in Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.  And with large family units too!  The Gansevoort Playa Imbert will open on December 15.  The property consists of one and two-bedroom lofts; three-bedroom apartments with private plunge pools and terraces; and a collection of four-bedroom penthouses, each with a rooftop Jacuzzi.  At the resort’s center is a three-tiered cascading infinity pool overlooking the beach.  A second adults-only pool will open next spring.  The hotel will feature a restaurant with Mediterranean and Asian fare and La Cantina Wine + Cigar Cellar which offers wines from around the world and stocked humidor. Other amenities include a fitness center, spa with hammam-style sauna and a meditation and yoga garden. Rates include breakfast and roundtrip transfers from Puerto Plata Airport, a 15-minute drive from the resort

Free Golf in Jamaica

The new Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva Rosehall will continue to offer 55% off opening rates which now include free VIP transfers from the airport.  For stays in 2015, you will also get a free round of golf!  Choose from Cinnamon Hill’s oceanfront course or enjoy the ocean vistas from White Witch.  This promotion must be booked by December 31 for stays of at least three nights.  Cart, caddie, equipment and tax are extra.  Tee times must be booked in advance through the hotel and are subject to availability.  Some blackout dates apply.  Gather the clan because family groups will get a 7th room free including one free upgrade, signature welcome drink on arrival, one welcome gift and private group check-in.   The hotel is scheduled on open on November 23 with an adult only section (Zilara) and family section (Ziva).

Vacation 101

Looking to combine a vacation with Spanish language lessons for the entire family?  The Instituto Chac-Mool offers language lessons for children as young as age 4 at their Spanish and Me! schools in both Tulum, Mexico and Turrialba, Costa Rica (near San Jose).  Both locations provide a wonderful way to combine your family vacation with a unique educational opportunity.  Classes are available year round with two different youth options.  The Programa Amiguitos is a day camp style program that teaches Spanish language and culture through educational, yet fun activities including hands on crafts, sports and storytelling. The Spanish Prep program has been created for teens and for children who have had previous exposure to Spanish such as participating in a dual immersion program during the school year.  The goal is to have your children not only comfortable and confident speaking Spanish, but also learn about the culture and history of the language. It includes dynamic activities, each one with a clear educational and character building objective. This program, available for a week and longer, combines structure and role play activities with workshops, social activities, and sports. It has an academic foundation with a strong emphasis on developing and improving Spanish communication skills.

Broadway on Ice in Mexico

This winter guests at Palace Resorts in Cancun and the Rivera Maya can enjoy a special holiday celebration at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort with Broadway on Ice.  The show will run from December 22-January 4 and will feature the talents of Olympic gold medalist Brian Boitano and Broadway star Franc D’Ambrosio, along with a dazzling “All Principal” international cast in celebration of the beauty, grace and artistry of figure skating performed to the music of such classic Broadway shows as Phantom Of The Opera, Chicago, Cabaret and Les Miserables. Book a stay of five nights or more and receive two complimentary tickets to the performance per room. Additional tickets will be available for purchase through Ticketmaster and on property for $49-100.  This promotion excludes Isla Mujeres & Cozumel Palace. Transportation to the Moon Palace arena will be available from Sun Palace, Beach Palace, & Le Blanc Spa Resort at a cost of $15 and $20 from Playacar Palace.

Food Allergy Update

Grand Palladium Resorts, which currently has 14 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit and the Riviera Maya as well as in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Spain and Brazil, recently expanded its menu service to cater to individuals with food allergies.  The program starts in the kitchen, where chefs and the food prep staff have been professionally trained in the preparation of dishes for gluten-free and Type 2 diabetes diets and seven other common allergy/special diets: nuts; fruits and vegetables; seafood; egg; dairy and lactose; fish; and monosodium glutamate.  Guests identify their food allergy at check-in and are given a color-coded bilingual card to show to waiters.  Also, selections from the buffet and a la carte menus are labeled with color codes that match the bilingual card.

New Village at Beaches

Beaches Turks and Caicos recently opened its newest and fourth section, the Key West Village.  This upscale section of the resort offers large family units (studios, 1 & 2 bedroom suites as well as 3 and 4 bedroom villas) which all include dedicated concierge service and some with butler services.  The spacious accommodations also feature gourmet kitchens and washer/dryers.  This beachfront section also showcases three sit-down restaurants, gym and its own pool.  You can enjoy this laid back resort-in-a-resort or venture to the other three villages for the water park, tennis, water sports, evening shows, 16 more dining options and more.  Currently Beaches is offering up to a $335 air credit, spa credits and up to 65% off rooms and suites depending on your travel dates. Book early as this resort sells out well in advance.

Family Reunion Package

Celebrate a family reunion in Riviera Maya this year. Book four or more nights at the Azul Fives Hotel and get a Family Reunion Package  for free! The package includes a stay in a two- or three-bedroom suite, butler service, a family meal in the suite or at the Sky Rooftop and complimentary nanny services for up to three children, for up to four hours one evening. The offer valid for stays from October 1 through December 22. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. The resort is located 10 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen and offers 360 suites, spa, gym, five dining options, kids and teen club, tennis and water sports.

Little Eko Chefs

Karisma Hotels & Resorts, renowned for its Gourmet Inclusive Experience, also understands that families enjoy cooking and is pleased to launch Little Eko Chefs at the newly opened Generations Riviera Maya.  The program presents foodie families with fun facts, interactive techniques, and easy-to-replicate recipes. Little Eko Chefs recently debuted during an exclusive Little Eko Chefs Weekend hosted by MasterChef Junior’s Season 1 Winner, Alexander Weiss.  The cooking program is held every weekday in the resort’s Eko Kids Club and will be a first-of-its-kind program, incorporating historical and cultural facts, eco-friendly food basics, and hands-on cooking opportunities.  Classes will build upon Generations Riviera Maya’s existing commitment to delivering unforgettable culinary, environmental and authentic experiences as a part of its Gourmet Inclusive vacations for the entire family.