ML Interest Tag: steam-room

Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for Parents Who Really Need a Break

by Kate Loweth

A vacation with your partner or friends should be on your list for 2024

With the holidays on the horizon and all of that togetherness planned, now is the perfect time to book an adults-only vacation for the new year. Parents need time away. Adults-only vacations can strengthen your relationship with your partner, your favorite group of moms, or even your own mother. You can remember what you were like before you had kids. You can relax on the beach and actually read a book. Yes, a whole book!

These adults-only all-inclusive resorts know what parents want: delicious dinners that last well past sunset, afternoons spent at the spa, swim-up suites, and nobody calling you “mommy” or “daddy.” Here are some of our favorite resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, the U.S, and beyond.

Hyatt Zilaria Cancun | Mexico

Whether you plan to spread out your towel at the infinity pool or at one of the oceanside cabanas, you are in for a treat at Hyatt Zilaria Cancun. All of the 310 rooms are extra-large suites and they even have swim-up suites if you want that easy access to the water. Evening entertainment is available if you are looking to take advantage of your late bedtime. The property even has a romance concierge who is at your beck and call to arrange a dinner under the stars or couples’ massage on the beach.

Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort | Dominican Republic

Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort
Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort

Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort is the place to go if you are looking for an adults-only, wellness-inclusive sanctuary.  Situated alongside the white sand and turquoise-blue waters of Bávaro Beach. Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort offers a fully immersive “Wellbeing 360 Experience,” that includes activities like yoga, meditation, culinary classes, bike tours, botanical garden workshops, and fire ritual ceremonies. Those looking for a more introspective space can visit the resort’s Silent Spaces which offer solo painting, sound healing spots, reading pods, and spiritual labyrinth rituals. We are relaxed just thinking about it!

Hammock Cove Antigua

We know you’re going to feel pampered at this adults-only all-inclusive resort as your reservation comes with your own guest ambassador ready to book your couples massage or organize a champagne breakfast in bed. All the rooms are private villas so you’ll feel miles away from your everyday life. Gastronomy is a huge focus here with Michelin star dining options available. Don’t leave without enjoying a Carribean-flavored cocktail at the three-tiered infinity pool.

Mirival Arizona Resort and Spa | Tucson, AZ

Whether you are planning a moms’ weekend or are looking to bring a little more zen back into your relationship, Miraval delivers. The Sonoran desert is well known for its healing properties and you’ll be able to feel it and when you visit. The pace is slow and the sun is plentiful—this area near the Santa Catalina Mountains typically sees about 350 days of sunshine a year. Unplug and enjoy yoga, meditation, and breathwork before you head to the spa for an intuitive massage or reiki treatment.

Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa | Dominican Republic

This five diamond resort is set on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Retreat to your luxury suite with a balcony or terrace that’s perfect for watching the waves crash along the shore. You’ll enjoy many different types of gourmet cuisine including French, Italian, seafood, and Pan-Asian. Book a couples massage and then enjoy the whirlpool with sauna and steam room. If you want to take advantage of your later bedtime, the resort offers shows, dance lessons, theme nights, and movies on the beach.

Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels | St. James, Barbados

Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels

The adults–only, all-inclusive Treasure Beach is set on a stunning stretch of the Platinum Coast with a variety of gorgeous suites to choose from. Foodies can perfect the art of pastry-making and food-styling, savor signature dishes with an interactive Chef’s Table experience, and try wine-tasting and pairing sessions with the resort’s sommelier. Enjoy complimentary water sports or tours of the island’s art galleries. Following the day’s activities, guests can enjoy nightly cocktail sundowners against a picture-perfect Barbados sunset.

Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa | Crete

This visually stunning property welcomes guests to Greece’s largest island, Crete, for some rest and relaxation. Massive lagoon pools wind their way around the property, making you feel like you are floating on water. You can choose from pool-view rooms, swim-up rooms, and overwater bungalow suites with hot tubs. Dining centers around local Mediterranean cuisine including some top-notch Green wines. You’ll definitely want to try out some of the wellness offerings including spa treatments which include access to the sauna, jacuzzi, hammam, and indoor heated pool.

Castle Hot Springs | Arizona

From as far back as the late 19th century, elite families like the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts would make the bumpy journey via stagecoach to remote Castle Hot Springs, an oasis in the desert well known for its restorative water. The once-popular resort eventually declined and then burned down in 1976. The resort was brought back in February 2019, and those looking for relaxation and a zen-like atmosphere have enjoyed it ever since. Once there, couples will find just 32 bungalows and cabins, along with the signature natural hot springs. The restorative water flows into bedroom soaking tubs, the main swimming pool, and three rock grotto pools. The water can also flow into your veins if you swig the resort’s own Lithium Lagerbeer, made from the natural spring water. Spa services incorporating spring water are available, as well as horseback riding and yoga.

 

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The Great Canadian Road Trip You Need to Take: Alberta’s Rockies

by Claire Zlobin

Your Canadian Rockies guide is here, from hikes to where to stay

The Canadian Rockies are known for beautiful majestic mountains, the last public hot springs, stunning emerald-colored lakes, and Banff National Park. With 387 named mountains extending southeastward for 1000 miles and forming nearly half the border between British Columbia and Alberta, it’s a huge distance to cover in a week. We’ve gathered up our favorite things to do with kids in the Canadian Rockies including river float tours, gorgeous hikes, heli-hiking, and an epic gondola ride. 

Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies
Denys Zlobin

If you want adventure, you’ll have more than enough to choose from in Alberta, with an itinerary that includes Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise activities as a complete experience, or you can spend more time in one place. 

Things to Do with Kids in Canmore

Canmore is approximately 50 miles west of Calgary at Banff National Park’s southeast boundary. In the past, Canmore was seen as the place to stay if you couldn’t get a place in Banff. But there are many reasons to stay in Canmore, including reasonable prices, awesome restaurants with stunning views, 360 degrees of mountains, and relaxing hikes at the base of the Three Sisters peak. 

Soft Adventure Activities in Canmore

Bow River Float Tours in the Canadian Rockies
Denys Zlobin

Bow River Float Tours:  This is exactly how it sounds; it’s a calm and leisurely float down the river and your kids can even paddle for a bit if they want. This tour with Canmore River Adventures is about 45 minutes on the water, just the right amount of time to hear a bit about the area and take in the beauty without the kids getting bored.

Claire Zlobin

Helicopter Tour: If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to get so close to the glacier you feel like you are almost walking on it, the Mount Assiniboine Glacier with Alpine Helicopter is a great option.  The Mount Assiniboine Glacier Tour rises to 11,870 feet along the great divide and is a must-do if you visit Banff, Canmore, or the surrounding areas. This tour of the Canadian Rockies is great for couples and families alike. 

Canmore Activities for Adventurous Families

Rock climbing in the Canadian Rockies
Claire Zlobin

Does grabbing a carabiner, rappelling, or climbing and exploring in caves excite you? Rat’s Nest Cave is the experience for you. At almost 2.5 miles long, there’s nowhere else like Rat’s Nest Cave in Canada. The highlight is the Grotto room, where you’ll descend 180 feet underground. The tour takes approximately 4.5 hours, with 2 of that underground. This activity is for families with kids 10 and older who are interested in exploring caves together. 

Wellness activities in Canmore

Wellness is much more than spas, especially in the Canadian Rockies, and Canmore has much to offer. These are some of our favorites: 

  • Elevation Place is Canmore’s community recreation center with an indoor climbing gym, pool, water slide, hot tubs, a library, an art gallery, and many community spaces that are open to visitors. This is a great fit for families with kids of all ages.
  • Forest Fix: Support your health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other environments. It is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku or “Forest Bathing.”

Where to eat in Canmore

  • Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co: Canmore is the birthplace of Rocky Mountain Flatbread, an award-winning family restaurant serving the best pizza, pasta, salad, and desserts. 
  • Iron Goat Pub & Grill: A three-level timber-framed restaurant with great views, beer, and food.
  • Stirling Grill and Lounge: A fine dining restaurant at the Malcolm Hotel.

Where to Stay in Canmore

  • The Malcolm Hotel:  Located in beautiful Spring Creek and in the heart of downtown Canmore with views of the Three Sisters mountain peaks. 
  • Solara Resorts: If you are looking for something with a full kitchen, this condo-style accommodation is a great fit for families.

Things to Do with Kids in Banff

Denys Zlobin

Banff Gondola & 360 Restaurant

This excursion is a great way to get to the top of Sulphur Mountain without a 3-hour uphill hike. Here you can see six stunning mountain ranges. The Gondola is a modern, fully enclosed four-passenger cabin. Once at the top, you can take the easy ridgetop boardwalk to explore more.

For a relaxing take on this activity, stop in for lunch or dinner at Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen. This award-winning market-style restaurant serves alpine cuisine, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. 

Wellness Activities in Banff

  • Banff Upper Hot Springs is an outdoor public hot spring located in Banff National Park, offering beautiful views of Mount Rundle. The Banff Upper Hot Springs is the last of the remaining springs open to the public and a great place to spend a few hours. The water is warm, and they have a nice shallow area for kids. They offer full rental services including towels, swimsuits, and lockers. 
  • Fairmont Spa Banff Springs is an award-winning 40,000-square-foot day spa. The spa offers water therapy, pools, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a steam room, and a eucalyptus-scented sauna. Take a break with breathtaking mountain views, and a bit of quiet away from the busyness of the public hot springs. The spa is for adults only, but the pool and hot springs in the aquatic center are open to the whole family. Take advantage of the Kids at the Castle childcare program if you want to experience the spa.
  • Mahikan Trails is an Indigenous Company that proudly shares traditional culture and knowledge. The medicine walk allows the participants the opportunity to walk with an Indigenous guide, who will share the knowledge and traditions of the Boreal Forest. Your guide imparts the medicines found in the forest and touches on different aspects of their culture. 

Hiking, Biking, and Paddling in the Alberta Rockies

Claire Zlobin

Due to high demand, visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake requires planning. Personal cars are only permitted into the Moraine Lake and Lake Louise areas if you are staying at a property in the area. Taking transit or booking a Parks Canada shuttle in advance is easy, stress-free, and the only way to ensure you see these iconic lakes. 

Hiking in Banff National Park

Moraine Lake: If you go to Moraine Lake and want to see the beautiful color the lake is known for, the secret is you must look down on it. You can climb the rocks at the front or, if you are feeling less adventurous and/or traveling with little kids, take the scenic trail path towards the Consolation Lakes Trail. From the lower parking lot, cross the bridge over the outlet stream and continue to Consolation Lakes. Follow the Rockpile that passes through a quartzite boulder field it’s a very beautiful and easy way to get to the top. If you must choose between Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, we highly recommend the first one. It is a hidden gem. 

Bow River Trail to the falls is a treat, and it’s easy to access from Downtown Banff and steps from Fairmont Banff Springs. You can take this trail to the other side to get some awesome Instagram-worthy snaps of the Fairmont Banff Springs at Surprise Corner.

Denys Zlobin

Lake Louise Area: Known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake, and impressive Victoria Glacier, there is something for everyone in this part of the Canadian Rockies. From canoeing across the stunning emerald-colored lake to various hiking trails to the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to Lake Louise throughout the year. A word of caution, if you expect to be out in nature taking in the beautiful view and enjoying a bit of solitude in this area, you will be sorely disappointed. This is a very, very busy destination. It will be difficult to get a parking spot; it might be difficult even to get to the destination. 

One of the easiest ways to actually get in on the day and time that you want is to hop on one of the shuttle busses 

With kids, the Lake Louise Lakeshore trail is a very easy and fun hike, and you get the iconic view of Lake Louise. For avid hikers, the Big Beehive is a great trail to get stunning views from the top, it’s a moderate trail but steep.  

Johnston Canyon: Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park, recognized as a Canadian Signature Experience. It’s a very family-friendly hike and you are rewarded with gorgeous waterfall views.  

Heli-hiking: Heli-Hiking might be the way to go if you want to see the views without the work and trek. 

Biking: For families looking for biking fun, Bikescape offers both group tours and private excursions in Banff & Canmore. They even have mountain biking camps and lessons.

Denys Zlobin

Paddling: There are many lakes in Banff National Park where you can experience the lake by canoe or kayak. You can head out for a few hours or a full day. Non-motorized boats, including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are welcome on all water bodies in Banff National Park.

Where to Eat in Banff

  • Rundle Bar: Originally designed and utilized as the front lobby in the historic Banff Springs Hotel from 1928 to the late 1990s, this bar has the most magnificent views looking out at Cascade Mountain.
  • Lupo: Lupo (Italian for wolf) brings an authentic taste of Italy to downtown Banff with an open-concept kitchen. 
  • Brazen: Opened in June 2022 and located inside the historic Mount Royal Hotel in the heart of Banff Avenue.

Where to Stay in Banff

  • Mount Royal Hotel: The Mount Royal Hotel is one of Banff’s most centrally located properties. 
  • Fairmont Banff Springs: If you are looking for a luxury getaway where everything is available at the hotel, the Fairmont Banff Springs, the Castle in the Rockies, will provide the ultimate escape. Take it up a notch with the Gold Floor experience, which is a hotel with a hotel. Separate entrance, accommodation on specific floors.
  • Sundance Lodge: Let go of it all and completely escape into the wild of Banff National Park. The 10-room log cabin was built in 1991 with locally harvested timber. With views of the Sundance Mountain Range and miles of forests in the Canadian Rockies, Sundance Lodge feels remote and secluded but it’s only actually (10 miles) from the Town of Banff. The only challenge is you have to get there by horseback in the summer, as motorized vehicles are not permitted in Banff National Park.
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Funjet Vacations Planned Our Family Trip to Dreams Los Cabos & It Was Magical

by Kate Loweth

Hand over the stress of planning to the experts and you’ll get to enjoy your vacation from start to finish

If you are the travel planner in your family, you know what goes into coordinating everything from flights to airport transfers to excursions once you are there. In the “olden days,” people used to consult an in-person travel agent who would take care of these tasks for them. But with everything available online these days, most travelers take on this somewhat stressful responsibility themselves. There’s a better way.

We enlisted the services of Funjet Vacations to plan a recent trip to the gorgeous all-inclusive Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa; it could not have been easier. Direct flights, a private airport transfer, an on-site concierge for excursions, and the confidence in knowing that the property we selected was vetted made this option a no-brainer for our family. 

Dreams Los Cabos

Dreams Los Cabos

From the moment you arrive at Dreams Los Cabos, you will feel the relaxing vibes take over. Located on the Sea of Cortez, you’ll be just a 30-minute ride from the airport and an even shorter ride to downtown Cabo San Lucas. Have Funjet Vacations arrange your ride from the airport via Amstar so you don’t have to deal with finding a taxi after a long day of travel.

Families can spread out in a suite that comes with a separate kitchen area, balcony, 24-hour room service, and so much more. All-inclusive amenities include access to a number of a la carte restaurants including French and Italian cuisine, seafood, and steak. Get your fill at the breakfast buffet with Mexican favorites and a made-to-order omelet station.

The main pool is at the center of the resort and includes multiple areas with lounge chairs, a swim-up bar, and even a water slide for the kids. Be sure to look for the massive iguanas sunning themselves near the waterslide. Send your kids to the Explorers Club (more on that below) and head over to the adult’s-only pool near the seafood restaurant. Here you’ll find a quieter zen vibe with another swim-up bar.

You’ll want to note that Dreams Los Cabos is located right on the beach but often the waves are too intense for swimming.

Kids’ Club at Dreams Los Cabos

Dreams Los Cabos

Kids ages 3-12 will flip over all the fun that’s offered at the property’s Explorers Club. From arts and crafts to video games to outdoor water play, the activities available really cater to all ages and interests. If you are lucky, the bungee trampoline and climbing wall will be on the schedule during your visit. Parents who want to have a kid-free evening can drop their brood off for karaoke night, movie night, or everyone’s favorite—the campout on the beach.

Activities at Dreams Los Cabos

two kids watching Mexican dancers at Dreams Los Cabos
Kate Loweth

Nightly entertainment during our stay ranged from live music near the lobby to a mariachi band that walked through the property. Mexican Night was a highlight with musicians and dancers performing on the main stage by the beach. We loved ending our night with this bit of Mexican culture!

Nightly movies on the beach were also a huge hit with the kids (and adults too). Head down to the sand where they have lounge chairs and popcorn waiting for you to enjoy while you watch family favorites like Puss in Boots.

You’ll find trivia contests, Aqua Zumba, and singalongs taking place throughout the day by the main pool. Download the resort’s app so you know what to expect for the day’s activities.

Level Up Your Dreams Los Cabos Experience

@k8loweth

Come check out the Balinese Beds at Dreams Los Cabos

♬ Paradise – TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson™

There are many ways to make your Dreams Los Cabos vacation one you won’t soon forget. We definitely recommend that you book the Balinese Beds during your stay as it will give your family a private area to enjoy the beach views with your own plunge pool. You’ll have a dedicated server to bring you margaritas and virgin piña coladas along with fish tacos and guacamole. Head up to the second floor of your private space for some lounging in the sun. You can even cue up your favorite show or play your playlist through the speakers.

The property’s on-site spa offers massages, body treatments, and manicures. Spend your afternoon enjoying the sauna and steam room after your session. For the most indulgent experience, book a massage on the beach so you can enjoy the crashing waves while you truly relax.

Another next-level option offered at Dreams Los Cabos is their Le Petit Chef interactive dining experience. This experience was really delightful as it told the story of a tiny chef who prepared each course for you from salad to dessert. Your meal comes to life as you watch this tiny chef gather veggies, swim through the sea, and build an igloo. Offered at the Italian and French restaurants for an additional fee, we definitely recommend you book this with the concierge when you visit.

Things to Do in Cabo with Kids

Kate Loweth

As part of your Funjet Vacations booking, Amstar offers a number of excursions for your off-property days in Cabo. Adventurous families will enjoy a day of ziplining over the desert at Wild Canyon. Other activities there include ATVs, camel rides, and a water park. Visit the resident animals and walk across the massive rope bridge (if you dare!). You can also book dinner cruises to see the famed Cabo arch, snorkeling excursions, and dolphin encounters.

An Amstar representative is available at the property for booking excursions and airport transportation if you didn’t make the arrangements in advance.

The Funjet Vacations Experience

When you book your family trip with Funjet Vacations, you’ll have over 45 years of experience in your corner. They offer customized vacation packages for your family that can include everything from direct flights to airport transfers to excursions. The hotels and resorts that Funjet recommends include luxurious all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, Hawaiian hotels with stunning surroundings, upscale and trendy locations in Costa Rica and Panama, popular U.S. vacation destinations, and a wide selection of charming European accommodations.

Funjet Vacations
Online: funjet.com

@k8loweth

Dreams Los Cabos #dreamsloscabos #loscabos #loscabosmexico #mexicotiktok #allinclusive #travel

♬ Ella Baila Sola – Eslabon Armado & Peso Pluma

Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa
Online: hyatt.com

Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Funjet Vacations and Dreams Los Cabos but all opinions belong to the writer. 

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Everything We Love about Cancún’s Newest All-Inclusive: Royal Uno®

by Kate Loweth

This brand-new all-inclusive resort has a top-notch kids club, a gorgeous spa, and dining options the whole family will love

There’s so much that an all-inclusive family vacation can offer and the brand-new Royal Uno® All Inclusive Resort & Spa in Cancún tops our list of best all-inclusive resorts for families for many reasons. First, you can literally just show up and you’ll be guaranteed an amazing vacation—no planning needed. Cancún is an easy direct flight from much of the U.S. and the weather there cannot be beat. We checked out this new property, ate at all the restaurants, and visited the kids’ club and spa—all the intel is here!

The Royal Uno® property is gorgeous

Kate Loweth

Located in Cancún's Hotel Zone, Royal Uno® is less than 20 minutes from the airport. Make it easy on yourself upon arrival and have the property's on-site travel agency, Thomas More, organize your ride from the airport. That way you can avoid the overwhelming taxi queue with the kids in tow. 

You'll feel like you've entered a vacation paradise as soon as you arrive at Royal Uno®with cool drinks and welcoming porters there to greet you. Check in and get your wristbands which will be your way to access your room for the duration of your stay. Send the kids to grab a crêpe or scoop of gelato from the grab-and-go coffee shop in the lobby; they'll be delighted that they can access these treats as much as they want throughout their stay (as parents allow). 

Royal Uno® has 540 rooms with amazing beach views where you can catch the sunrise over Cancún's turquoise waters. Upgrade your stay with an Uno Suite that has a king-size bed for parents and a living room with two Murphy beds for the kids. If the beachfront suite is available, definitely go for it as you'll get a balcony with a hammock to lounge in and enjoy the waves crashing. You can even snag a beachfront room that has private access to the sand and your own whirlpool. 

All rooms come with a mini fridge that's filled with water, juice, and beers, plus room service any time you wish. A Nespresso coffee maker will make sure you are well caffeinated throughout your stay (even when the kids wake up way too early). 

Related: 14 All-Inclusive Resort Vacations to Book Now

The Beach at Royal Uno®

Kate Loweth

Shaded lounge chairs and a beach bar are available to Royal Uno® guests along the beach with easy access from the pool area. Lifeguards were present during our stay and they seemed very attentive to guests. Definitely plan to head out to the sand if you wake up early because the sunrises are pretty impressive. 

Royal Uno Pools

Kate Loweth

The pools are the focal point at Royal Uno with plenty of space to spread out your towel and get some rays. You'll find a swim-up bar ready to serve that margarita or frozen lemonade. Near the swim-up bar is the snack shack where you can get pizzas made to order or snag kid-favorites like hot dogs and nachos. 

Little ones will especially love the kids' pool and splash zone where they'll find slides, sprayers, and everyone's favorite—the dump bucket. 

Adults should definitely spend some time at the adults-only pools that are located above Os at the Star Bar. You'll find this area to be a more chill environment with a few smaller pools and plenty of lounge chairs. 

Kids Club & Family Room at Royal Uno®

Kate Loweth

Uno Kids
Uno Kids is the place to be for little ones ages 4-12. Open daily from 9 a.m-6 p.m., Uno Kids offers drop-off care for kids with fun activities like a piñata party, crafts, movies, treasure hunts, and more. Book yourself some time at the spa and send the kids to live their best lives at this massive Kids Club. 

Cancool Family Room
The teens and tweens in your group will really love this game room at Royal Uno® where they can play foosball, ping pong, board games, and video games. The room is a great option if you want to get out of the sun for a bit and relax with other kids. 

Dining at Royal Uno®

With seven dining experiences to choose from, Royal Uno® has a comprehensive dining experience that families are sure to enjoy. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day so you can grab a snack no matter what time the hunger hits. Os is your go-to for buffet meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a comprehensive international menu with fresh-made tacos topping our list. 

More upscale options include Mexican cuisine at Palotine, Italian at Miramare, and Asian at Aora. Special event spaces are available if you are planning a birthday or anniversary celebration and we definitely recommend you try the teppanyaki experience at Aora during your stay as it is interactive and fun for the whole family. Tons of kid-friendly options are available at all dining options and you can always snag a pizza at the snack shack if that's more your jam. 

Activites at Royal Uno®

Kate Loweth

In addition to having a large fitness room, Royal Uno® offers various wellness classes like sunrise yoga and water aerobics. If you need a little relaxation after your workout, book some time at the Alea Spa where you can enjoy the gorgeous outdoor steam room, cold plunge pool, and hot tubs before your massage. They also have a salon available for nail or hair services. 

Kate Loweth

Families will love nightly entertainment like fire performers, Cirque-like carnival acts, and dancers. 

Off-Site Activities
If you want to spend some time off-property, the Museo Maya de Cancún is adjacent to the property and houses one of the most significant archeological collections of Mayan culture that you'll find. 

A Mayan jungle tour is a fun way to see more of the surrounding area. Learn a little bit about Mayan culture before you head out on two-person speedboats through the Nichaputé Lagoon. You'll stop at the Nicuz Reef for some snorkeling before heading back to a delicious meal. It's a must-do activity for families, we promise! 

Royal Uno® All Inclusive Resort & Spa
Online: royalunoresort.com

Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Royal Uno® All Inclusive Resort & Spa, but all the opinions belong to the writer. 

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Local Mother’s Day Gift Ideas She’ll Love

by Hannah Judge

Moms. They are the absolute glue of a family, they raise you, look after you, and love you all while balancing the rest of their life. This can oftentimes be thankless work, so it’s our job to make sure they feel the gratitude they deserve, at least once a year! This Mother’s Day, take care of mom like she’s taken care of you. Need a little inspiration? We’ve got you: below are just a handful of some of the wonderful gift ideas to surprise her with this May!

Nathan Cooper

Loyly Sauna Massage

Loyly Sauna has two Portland locations to choose from. The larger Northeast facility features two cedar saunas, a cold shower cooling room, and therapeutic massage and holistic skincare services. The Southeast location is slightly smaller and features a cedar sauna, steam room, showers, locker rooms, along with their signature therapeutic massages and holistic skincare services. Purchase your special mama a gift card for a massage and sauna experience and we guarantee she’ll be feeling like a million bucks! The whole family will be feeling her afterglow.

2713 SE 21st Ave
503-236-6850

3525 NE M.L.K. Blvd
503-914-4303

Online: loyly.net

Beaumont Florist Flowers

This northeast Portland flower shop is exactly where you want to go for your Mother’s Day bouquet. With flexible pricing options, same-day delivery, and an endless amount of customization options, these master florists are guaranteed to piece together something thoughtful and beautiful. Beaumont Florist targets a certain temperament with each of its bouquets and offers additional gift items like chocolates or balloons to pair with your arrangement! Truly a one-stop-shop. Check out their sister shop in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Portland, too!

 4201 NE Fremont St., Portland, OR 97213
(503) 281-5501
Online: beaumontflorist.net

Sammy's Flowers Personalized Arrangments

Open seven days a week, this adorable, Parisian gem builds beautiful arrangements that are sure to leave you satisfied and your mother’s dining room table looking great. Want to depart from a standard bouquet and give her something that she can cherish for longer? Sammy’s Flowers sell beautiful orchids in several dazzling shades, as well as cards and chocolates for the ultimate flower-gifting experience! Want to build mom an arrangement made especially by you? At Sammy’s Flowers, that’s no problem! Just pick out some of their individually priced flowers and they’ll arrange and wrap them for you. Make sure to jump online or give them a ring soon, Sammy’s gets especially busy during the Mother’s Day week.

1710 W Burnside St., Portland OR 97209
(503) 222-9759
Online: sammysflowers.com

unique dessert charcuterie board
iStock

Moonstruck Chocolates & Cacoao Sweets

Mom's love is oh so sweet, so why not get her some luxury sweets for her special day? Grab a box of the classic truffle collection at Moonstruck Chocolates. If she likes bars, there's a delectable variety to choose from. And don't forget to scope out the bundles that let you mix and match her treats.

Three Portland locations
(503) 247-3448
Online: moonstruckchocolate.com

Tender Loving Empire Gifts

Need a few things to help mom feel like she’s pampered? Good news: Tender Loving Empire has everything under the sun for helping mom feel adored and appreciated! From incredible-smelling candles and adorably-designed tote bags to jewelry and spa-night kits, they’ve got you covered! Come with a plan or come without! You’ll be sure to leave with something special for that extra-special woman who you call mom. 

Multiple Locations throughout Portland
Online: tenderlovingempire.com

Lush Cosmetics

If you frequent NW 23rd, it is more than likely that you’ve found yourself in Lush Cosmetics dazzled by their soap collection. This Mother’s Day, Lush is pulling out all the stops so you can be in awe even more. From scents like earth and herbal to citrusy and floral, and need-levels like soothing or deeply cleansing, Lush has the gifts that mom needs to let those shoulders down and enjoy a bit of an at-home spa night. Whether it’s a bath-bomb, a shower scrub, a face mask or a vegan body wash, Lush will help you help mom take a load off and enjoy herself. Head online to see their full list of options, or head in to the store today! 

708 NW 23rd Ave., Portland OR 97210
(503) 228-5874
Online: lushusa.com/home

 

Roselinde Bon

Portland Nursery Plants

Gifting a living plant is a long lasting present that will forever remind your loved one of your thoughtful gesture. Pop by one of Portland Nursery’s two locations and find the perfect house plant. Pick from aloes or bonsai to cacti and succulents.

Stark Location
5050 SE Stark

Division Location
9000 SE Division, 97266
Online: portlandnursery.com

With Love From PDX

Love our city? So does With Love From PDX! Maybe mom doesn’t live here in town (but she should!) and you want to treat her to a little bit of the place you call home. That’s where With Love From PDX comes in. They’ve got curated gift boxes that will fit exactly what you need, whether that’s the ultimate charcuterie set or a gardening box for the green-thumbed lady in your life. Have a friend with a newborn? Send her With Love From PDX’s “Mama + Baby” gift set, so they’ll both feel a bit of your love. Can’t find all the right things in one box? No worries, you can create your own custom box, so both gifter and gift-ee can rest satisfied! All the goods in each of these bundles of love are filled with locally-made goods from Portland, so you can give gifts and support small businesses! Head online to check things out today!

 

7412 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale HWY, Ste #103, Portland, OR 97225
(503) 267 - 1472
Online at: https://withlovefrompdx.com/

 

—Hanna Judge

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DIY Beauty Hacks because You Need Self Care Right Now

by Kaitlyn Kirby

Let’s be honest, when it comes to the morning makeup routine, well, it’s probably fallen to the wayside. But did you know there are a ton of natural beauty tips that can get your day at home off on the right foot by helping you look great and feel confident (even if you’re still wearing yoga pants)? Keep reading to discover our list of tried-and-true beauty hacks for busy moms everywhere!

Castor Oil

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

Beauty Hack: Use for thicker brows. Why? Castor oil contains an Omega 9 Fatty Acid and boasts anti-inflammatory properties to help hair grow uninhibited

Sugar

Pixabay

Beauty Hack: Use for softer lips, feet, and hands. Mix a DIY sugar scrub with olive oil, lemon juice, and sugar to soften rough heels, hands, and lips. 

Honey

Free-Photos via Pixabay

Beauty Hack: Use for anti-aging. Apply a honey mask to clean skin for its anti-bacterial and healing properties (honey can heal acne scars!) as well as anti-aging effects.

Sweat Sesh

Inspired Horizons Digital Marketing via Unsplash

Beauty Hack: For detoxing skin. A good sweat session (be it at your fitness class, chasing your kids, a visit to the sauna) is good for your skin as it helps flush toxins from the body.

Baking Soda

evitaochel via Pixabay

Beauty Hack: Use for whiter teeth. Apply baking soda to your toothbrush once a week to whiten teeth.

Petroleum Jelly

Amazon

Beauty Hack: Use for a natural highlighter. Apply to the high points of the face and eyelids as an all-natural highlighter for a quick, subtle glow.

Steam

kboyd via Pixabay

Beauty Hack: For detoxing skin. Run a washcloth under warm water and apply it to your face before your masks for optimal results. This opens the pores and allows the product to really absorb into the skin. You can also boil water on the stove and hold a towel over your head to create a makeshift steam room.

Business Card

Bru-nO via Pixabay

Beauty Hack: Use for clean, precise mascara. Hold a business card behind your lashes as you apply mascara. This lets you get to the root of your lashes without leaving smudges on your skin.

Peppermint Oil

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

Beauty Hack: Use for plump lips. Peppermint oil offers lips a natural plump, so add a drop or two onto your lipstick next time you apply.

Glycerin Soap

Kristina Balic via Unsplash

Beauty Hack: Use to keep brows in place. Dip your spoolie in a little glycerin soap and brush your brows upward for a full look and to keep them in place.

Scotch Tape

Crissy Jarvis via Unsplash

Beauty Hack: Use for eyeliner application. Use scotch tape as a guide for the perfect cat eyeliner.

Contact Solution

Rawpixel

Beauty Hack: Use to prolong mascara. If your mascara has gone clumpy, mix in a little contact solution to make the tube last longer.

Propped Pillows

Holly Stratton via Unsplash

Beauty Hack: If you want to de-puff your face, sleep with two pillows propped up instead of one to help fluid drain from the face.

Lipstick

kaboompics via Pixabay

Beauty Hack: Use as a cheek stain. If you don’t have time (or the makeup stash in your bag!), use a little lipstick as a stain on your cheeks for a fresh, healthy flush.

Frozen Spoons

Pixabay

Beauty Hack: Keep two spoons in the freezer and place them under your eyes to de-puff any under-eye bags or dark circles when needed.

Face Mist

courtesy NSMBL

Beauty Hack: Spritz it on throughout the day for an instant skin (and spirit) pick-me-up. You can make your own face mist by steeping a couple of bags of white tea with the zest from one lemon in boiling hot water. Let it sit at room temperature before transferring it to a spray bottle and letting it chill in the fridge. Spray your face whenever you’re feeling the baby blues. Make a new batch after a week.

 

Baby Oil

Amazon

Score a quick fix for your manicure by applying baby oil to your nails and cuticles every night. Nails will stay shiny and hydrated 24-7.

—Kaitlyn Kirby with Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Feature photo: Kevin Laminto via Unsplash

 

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Working It Out: NYC Gyms with Childcare

by Julie Seguss

Exercise is one of the best ways to burn off steam, stress, and calories (and keep your sanity as a parent). That’s why finding a gym with childcare is key for so many NYC moms and dads. Knowing your gym provides safe, reliable babysitting can go a long way when it comes to getting motivated and making it out of the house. Whether it’s a hard core boot camp class or stress-reducing yoga and steam room session you’re after, here’s where you can get fit while the kids have fun. Read on for our top picks of NYC gyms with daycare!

YMCA

Dodge YMCA

A membership to the Y is one of the best gym deals around and the NYC branches are better than you might imagine. Besides, even a family membership costs less than top NYC gym chains. Many have pools and class schedules offer an impressive array of options, including baby-and-me classes for new moms and fun drop-ins for kid members. When you need someone to watch your kid, ages 6 months to 7 years old, drop him at Child Watch for up to two hours - it's free! Reservations are recommended and it does fill up during peak times. Visit ymca.net for locations and details by site.

Online: ymca.net

Equinox

Peter D. via Yelp

Get a tough workout and feel pampered all at the same time. Sweat through a challenging class from one of NYC’s top fitness instructors and cool down with a chilled eucalyptus towel found in mini-fridges throughout the gyms, all while your child stays at the Kids Club. And we won't tell if you just show up for a luxurious shower - you'll love the Kiehl's products and the ability to dry your hair without worrying you hear your baby's cries. Childcare is offered for kids ages 3 months to eight years. Equinox charges $14 for an up to two-hour session. You can save by buying a 10 or 20-pack of vouchers. Find the Kids Club at several of the NYC Equinox locations including Upper East Side and Upper West Side gyms, as well as Tribeca, Brooklyn Heights, Brookfield Place and Printing House in Hudson Square. Childcare hours vary from club to club, but hours are typically 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Online: equinox.com

Bar Method Cobble Hill

Bar Method Cobble Hill

Bring your tiny dancer to The Bar Method Cobble Hill where you can sculpt and get lean using your own body weight and the ballet barre. Childcare is offered for kids as young as eight weeks months, as long as they are up to date on shots, and as old as eight. The service is $15 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. classes. (Classes last 45 minutes to an hour.) Advance registration is required, and you can book and pay online. 

267 Pacific St.
Cobble Hill
718-522-3350
Online: barmethod.com

Crunch

Crunch Fitness

Just one Crunch gym location has childcare, and guess which one it is? If you said Park Slope, Brooklyn, you're a winner!  It's affordable, too: Just $4 for the first kid, and $2 for siblings. Be sure to indulge in the on-site Rituals spa products while you're there! 

Online: crunch.com

NYSC

NYSC via Yelp

With more locations than any other gym chain around the city, it’s not hard to find a New York Sports Club near you. But be aware, some locations do not have childcare, and hours vary from club to club, so be sure to call ahead to check with your nearest gym. That said, many NYSC locations, do offer babysitting, including several on the Upper West and East sides, downtown, in Bay Ridge and Midwood, Forest Hills, Glendale, the Bronx and Staten Island. (Search NYSC locations by babysitting service here.) NYSC babysitters, which have undergone background checks and are AED/CPR certified, are available for kids ages 3 months to 10 years old. Rates vary from location to location; some, like the 106th Street and Third Avenue location include childcare in the membership; at Cobble Hill in Brooklyn the rate is $19.99 for two hours, and at 80th and Broadway, it's $15 for two hours. 

Online: newyorksportsclubs.com

LA Fitness

LA Fitness

LA Fitness is an affordable gym (under $50 a month) with childcare as part of your membership for an additional $15 a month. Babysitting is offered for kids six months and up, with hours varying by location. (You can find hours for each listed on individual clubs' sites.) You'll find LA Fitness in Howard Beach, Queens, and in Staten Island. 

Online: lafitness.com

Eastern Athletic Clubs

Shred415

If your kids are as interested in being active as you are, this Brooklyn Heights club offers something for everyone from racquetball courts and a small pool for you to a Junior Academy featuring karate, basketball, ballet, volleyball, swimming and more for kids. The gym also offers no-reservation-required babysitting for kids ages 6 months to six years old. (There is a maximum of eight kids at a time, so be advised.) Childcare is open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Childcare vouchers (good for an hour-and-a-half of babysitting) are $8 for one (expiring in a month), or $60 for a ten pack, which expire in six months. (Psst! There's a spa here, too.)

Online: easternathleticclubs.com.

Club Fitness New York

Club Fitness New York via Yelp

Astoria's Club Fitness New York describes itself as "a 40,000-square-foot gym with state of the art equipment and enriching amenities." (They will not, however, describe their membership rate — you need to drop by in person to get that; expect to pay at least $60/month.) You get a lot for your money, including classes like spin, Boot Camp, belly dancing, pilates, boxing, Fat Burn and two kinds of yoga. The gym is home to extensive weight-training and cardio facilities, including a trippy-looking spin studio, as well as a day spa and an organic cafe. Child care — for kids ages one to 12— is included with all memberships, and is available Mon- Fri. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 -9 p.m., and Sat. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

31-11 Broadway
Astoria
718-545-0004
Online: clubfitnessny.com

Retro Fitness

Retro Fitness

With an initial New York area location in Staten Island, Retro Fitness has expanded to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond and offers childcare at its Park Slope, Flatbush (Church Ave.), and Hoboken gyms. Childcare is included with membership, the rates for which vary by location. The gym also offers classes ranging from yoga to Zumba to spin, TRX Glute Camp and more. Equipment is internet-connected and outfitted with docks for iPhones and you can even work on your tan there if that's your thing. Stop by the smoothie bar for a post-workout snack when you're done.

Online: retrofitness.com

Harbor Fitness

Harbor Fitness Mill Basin

Harbor Fitness began in Bay Ridge nearly 30 years ago. Since then, they've expanded to locations in Park Slope, Marine Park and Mill Basin, all of three of which offer complimentary childcare seven days a week. There is a two-hour limit and children must be up to date with shots. In addition to cardiovascular equipment, strength machines, free weights and boxing, each club has recently been upgraded for HIIT turf training. For classes, take your pick from intense circuit training, barre and Pilates, to Zumba, Brooklyn Boot Camp and more. Visit their website for details on each club's offerings and membership rates.

Multiple locations in Brooklyn
Online: harborfitness.com

— Julie Seguss & Mimi O’Connor

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This Is The Year We Take Our Lives Back

By Rachel Phillips

One year ago, We sat across from each other with our bottle of champagne, the last of its contents poured into two glasses that sat next to a demolished cheese board. After 4 years of being governed by a toddler dictatorship that revolved around nap schedules, feedings, white noise and monitors. We had decided that it was time for a new chapter.

We raised our glasses. It was time to take our lives back.

*clink*

So, That’s how it started. 2018. Our year.

It was just an idea.

An idea of doing something for ourselves. Not to be a better Mom or Dad. Not to be a better Wife or Husband.

Just for us. Remember us?

Remember who we were before the blur of wants and needs and responsibilities started being catapulted at our head?

We talked about them as if they were people we once knew.

But they weren’t gone—they just…had kids now.

And damn it, we love those kids. Have you seen them? They are so flippin’ cute. We love our life we have created.

We are just about as happy as two people that went and had three babies in two years could possibly be, even after those babies became mobile and hungry and insane and independent…

And even more impressive—we still love each other.

We are one of the eye-roll inducing, never fight, happy camper couples that people tell you don’t exist.

But you know what?

Intertwined in all of that happiness and squished in family selfies and island life magic were still two separate people who felt like something was missing in their own personal lives. We didn’t know what, we just knew we both really wanted to take the year to really focus on ourselves—and frankly just go Beast Mode on life.

And let me tell you, when you are on this journey, and you start taking the steps and picking up the pieces and start putting them all together…

People want to know what the heck you are doing. They ask you quietly at a coffee shop: “You are glowing, what have you been doing?”

“I saw your husband today, he looks incredible, has he been working out?”

“You guys seem so happy, what’s the secret?”

And in the same vein, YOU want to shout it from the roof tops. You want to tell everyone: “Listen up everyone, I found it! I found the secret to living your best life.”

I know you’ve heard it a hundred times over. At least I have. Everyone has a version of what this looks like.

I have an inbox full of people inviting me to join their program, buy their shake, wrap myself in their cloths, use their brand of lotion, paint my lips with their stain that won’t rub off,  press on their nails that last the longest. Because for them, these were their missing pieces. These are things that have brought joy and goodness into their lives. These are the things that help them walk a little taller and smile a little bigger.

I can scroll though a hundred peach-colored Instagram moms holding rolls of stomach skin, smiling with their eyelash extensions and wrinkle-free foreheads, announcing that they finally can say they love their bodies. I can scroll though just as many pictures of cauliflower “tortillas” made by glowing 20-somethings with six packs who start their mornings with yoga in a field and juice from a celery plant.

If you are looking for missing pieces in your life, know this: once you start looking, you will find they are everywhere. They are dropped by people who have already found their answer like bread crumbs. The only problem with following those bread crumbs is that they often lead to someone else’s version of THEIR best life.

The secret is there is NO secret. There are no missing pieces. There are just pieces that belong, and pieces that don’t. You just have to look at YOUR life to find out which ones are which.

So what does that mean?

It means you dissect every nook and cranny of your life. You eliminate every time suck, every daily annoyance, every thing that doesn’t bring you happiness or make you better. Throw them away. Donate them. Cancel them. Stop doing them.

It means you replace those things that aren’t working with things that do. Things that do bring you happiness, that do make you better. And by the way most of those things? They aren’t even really things. They are 30 minutes in a steam room. Sitting on the beach in the sun with a book.

It was just an idea.

But we took it and ran with it.

What started out with some small changes soon trickled down into every corner of our world. We have spent this entire year reconstructing EVERYTHING in our lives. I mean everything.

Everything from rescheduling our days to give each other alone time, to throwing away all the random sippy cup tops in our cupboards, to changing the way we eat, the way we drink, donating nearly all of our kids toys, getting physical therapy, having our blood drawn, taking vacations, not watching TV, joining a gym, reading books, listening to podcasts, researching vitamins—all the way down to buying nice smelling, homemade soap. And new socks.

Everything.

There are new habits we have mastered and the intentions we are still fumbling with.

But for now I leave you with what I know for sure: you don’t need a goal weight to start being healthy. You don’t need the perfect property to plant a magic garden. You don’t need a reason or even a why.

You don’t need a countdown to midnight to start living life to the fullest.

You just have to start.

This post originally appeared on Planting Marigolds.

A Whidbey Island mom that left a life that was "normal" and ran away with her husband and three little boys to live on an island in saltwater air and open spaces. A mom who is remembering who she was, loving who she is and dreaming of what she could be. 

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