With the holidays at hand, everybody is excited for a vacation. Are you among those who wish for a special getaway with your family?
If you are planning a vacation this season but having a difficulty in choosing a family-friendly destination, here is a quick list to help you:
5 FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS:
1. Grace Island Resort
This island is a short drift from the port of Aroma Beach. A visit to the place will let you pass daylight hours in the water, on the shore or in wildlife sanctuaries. At night you can go for a moonlight swim or enjoy locally caught seafood while admiring fire dancers. With countless water sports, there is no mistaking the island’s appeal. It has yet to earn its top ranking on international travel blogs but I have a strong feeling it will, SOON!
Floating Cottages of Grace Island Resort. Photo from Grace Island website
Recommended Accommodation: Family Floating Cottage
Points of Interest: Floating Cottages, Bird Sanctuary, Forest Park, Marine Sanctuary
Activities: Cultural Shows, Beach games, Snorkeling, Windsurfing, Banana boat ride, Jetski, Videoke, Zipline
Children’s Activities: Small boats, Bike, Kayak
Kids’ Equipment Rentals: Highchairs are available at all restaurants.
Preferred Side Trips: Excursion to Ambulong Island, Cave exploration, Day trip to Inasakan White Beach
Don’t Forget to Bring: Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, hiking boots, binoculars to add greatly for your enjoyment of wildlife viewing, insect repellent, pocket wi-fi
What not to miss: Motorized water sports around the island!
Location: San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
Website: Grace Island Resort
Bohol Bee Farm is a good place to pick up pointers for organic gardening. Stay here with your kids or with the older members of the family, you surely can’t leave without a greater appreciation of the many wonders of organic food, as well as the island’s history.
Bohol Bee Farm dining area
Recommended Accommodation: Ocean View Suites
Facilities: Jacuzzi, Swimming Pools, Diving Site, Spa
Points of Interest: Organic food, Bee farm, Organic Vegetable Farm, Souvenir Shop, Ice Cream Store
Activities: Organic farming, Farm tour, Diving, Snorkeling
Children’s Activities: Playground
Kids’ Equipment Rentals: Highchairs are available at all restaurants.
Preferred Side Trips: 8 hour country side tour including a visit to the Tarsier Sanctuary and Chocolate Hills, Day trip to Panglao Island, Loboc River Cruise, Island hopping to Oslob and Sumilon Island, Pamilacan Dolphin watching
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Don’t Forget to Bring: Diving equipment, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, extra cash for some grocery shopping
What not to miss: Bee farm tour and a smorgasbord of organic delights!
Location: Dao, Dauis Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines
Website: Bohol Bee Farm
When you want to take a break from the sun and the sea, you can use a respite to the Manor at Camp John Hay. Die-hard golfers can work up a swing with the 18-hole, par 69 Golf Course. Children can stay amused with Tree Top Adventure. Parents can pamper themselves with rejuvenating spa services. No doubt there are activities to occupy everyone.
The Manor at Camp John Hay. Photo from The Manor website
Recommended Accommodation: Family Room
Facilities: Fitness Center, Business Center
Points of Interest: The Manor Health Spa, Golf Course, Fireplace
Activities: Golf, Wall Climbing, Board Games, Target Shooting, Junior Master Chef
Children’s Activities: Playground on site
Babysitting: Babysitting services are available for an additional fee (rates are hourly).
Kids’ Equipment Rentals: Cribs are complimentary upon request; rollaway beds can be ordered for an additional fee. Highchairs are available at all restaurants.
Preferred Side Trips: Eco-adventure park at Tree Top Adventure in Camp John Hay, Strawberry picking in the strawberry farm, Visit to Mines view Park, Caving
Wi-Fi: Free WiFi in rooms and public areas
Don’t Forget to Bring: Golf club, Hat, Appropriate shoes, Jacket, Scarf
Location: Camp John Hay Loakan Road Baguio 2600
Website: The Manor at Camp john Hay
4. Mountain Lake Resort
Mountain Lake Resort is geared for all family members. Full-family activities such as cruising, pedal boating, fishing and camping (to name a few) work well with all ages. It is a 300 hectare property that can be your temporary home if you wish to escape from the urban jungle. A mere 3 hour drive from Manila, Mountain Lake Resort is a landscaped retreat for fun-filled adventure with a certain amount of serenity in its tropical accommodation.
Cruise in the Caliraya Lake. Photo form hotel website
Recommended Accommodation: Family Hotel Room
Facilities: Jacuzzi, Sauna, Swimming Pool
Points of Interest: Lake Cruise, Dory Fishing Village, Hanging Bridge, Astra Camp, In-water Obstacle Course, Golf Course
Activities: Jetski, Kayak, Bonfire, Paddle boat, Horseback Riding, Zipline, Banana Boat, Fishing, Golf
Children’s Activities: Pedal Swan Boat, Bike
Kids’ Equipment Rentals: Highchairs are available at all restaurants.
Preferred Side Trips: Day trek to Sierra Madre, Visit to Japanese Garden and Rizal Shrine
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi in public areas and rooms
Don’t Forget to Bring: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, light clothing, appropriate clothing
What not to miss: Caliraya Lake Cruise!
Location: Cavinti, Laguna
Website: Mountain Lake Resort
In Acuatico Beach Resort they say you can experience a different kind of relaxation. I believe it is because of their unprecedented level of privacy. You and your family can have a high-energy vacation as you enjoy the resort’s topnotch facilities (including the infinity pool) without intrusion. Anyone who visits Acuatico Beach Resort is definitely delighted he or she did.
Acuatico Beach Resort in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas – Poolside. Photo from hotel website
Recommended Accommodation: Terraza
Facilities: Jacuzzi, Sauna, Hot Tubs
Points of Interest: Infinity Pool, Simona Spa, Acua Bar, Private Beach, Poolside Bar
Activities: Beach volleyball, Fly boarding, Kayak, Pedal boat, Jetski
Children’s Activities: Kiddie Pool, Children’s playroom, a game room
Kids’ Equipment Rentals: Highchairs are available at all restaurants.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Don’t Forget to Bring: Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, a few articles of cotton clothing
What not to miss: Flyboarding!
Location: Laiya, Batangas
Website: Acuatico Beach Resort
There! I hope this list helps you decide for your next trip. I also hope the information I shared expands your vacation possibilities and eventually brings you and your family members wonderful vacation memories!
