Answer: A just-for-you (plus your family) vacation!
Do you ever feel guilty for wanting to take a vacation just for you, but you KNOW you should take the family, because they haven’t had a vacation from Covid either? But then you think, I don’t even know if it’s POSSIBLE to travel outside the U.S. to an all-inclusive resort right now. And then you think, maybe it’s possible, but what do we REALLY have to do? And is there a place where we could ALL somehow have a great vacation, with plenty of activities, and good food, and just a break from all of this?
If any of this sounds like you recently, then today’s message is JUST for you. I’ll talk about exactly what it takes to travel to some great non-U.S. locations and give you an all-inclusive resort option, so you’ll know it’s possible. I’m highlighting the activities at the resort, plus the spa, so you can do something for everyone, and also just for you.
I’m highlighting three locations in Mexico, plus St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos, and Costa Rica.
Mexico
Mexico is the perfect place to travel right now. Easy entry requirements, beautiful beaches and weather, and it’s CLOSE.
Entry requirements:
Complete a couple of entry forms: FMM (Mexican visitor’s permit), and a customs declaration form, before traveling. You may be subject to a health screening as you arrive, including temperature checks and questions about your health.
Puerto Vallarta: Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta
Incredible views of the Pacific Coast, modern amenities, great service, and the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll are a trademark of the Hard Rock PV. Their Kid’s Club has kid-oriented activities scheduled throughout the week for nonstop fun. The Cavern is created especially for teens, and features a Teen’s Club and Lounge. The property has two pools, two kids’ pools, two outdoor jacuzzis, and a waterslide. Their on-site watersports include snorkeling, scuba diving, day cruises, deep-sea fishing and sailing.
Catering to your fitness and wellness side, the Body Rock Fitness center includes state-of the-art fitness and weight training equipment; the Rock Spa includes 13 massage cabins, including one with a private hydrotherapy ritual. The main hydrotherapy area is co-ed, with a steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and cold water immersion.
Los Cabos: Grand Velas Los Cabos
This luxury Los Cabos resort is located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. It offers amazing all-inclusive amenities and and dramatic ocean views. Two family infinity pools, one adults-only pool and one kids’ pool make it so everyone enjoys their stay.
For the younger set, they offer a Kids’ Club, where kids can do crafts, play video and board games, watch movies, make their own piñata, have Lego tournaments, beach bonfires, mini disco, make cupcakes, color, have treasure hunts, a PJ party, go to a beauty salon and participate in scavenger hunts. A kid's pool and splash area are also on-site.
The Teens Club, for 13-17 year olds, features pool tournaments, Jenga tournaments, origami, karaoke, break dancing lessons, and football tournaments, just to name some of the many great activities.
Wellness: The ocean front fitness center includes personal trainers, professional instructors, exercise programs, and state-of-the-art equipment.
The SE Spa by Grand Velas, with 35,000 square feet, was named an aquatic paradise by Forbes. The seven-step water ceremony is included with every treatment; your own spa valet will ensure that you feel renewed from the moment you enter the sanctuary. The spa specializes in Mexican healing essentials found in nature.
Cancun/Riviera Maya: Riu Palace Mexico in Playa del Carmen
For a great family resort plus a side of wellness, the Riu Palace Mexico is perfect. With one of their four pools being a children’s pool and RiuLand, the children’s program, the kids will enjoy crafts and activities. Onsite activities include windsurfing, sailing, kayaks, snorkel gear, body boarding, and paddle boats.
The fitness center includes treadmills, elliptical machines, exercise bikes, Pilates balls, and weight machines.
The Renova Spa offers massages, body wraps, facial treatments, and beauty services. It’s adjacent to a semi-outdoor relaxation area with a hot and cold water jacuzzi and steam rooms.
St. Lucia
Entry requirements:
Complete a travel registration form. Everyone over 5 needs a negative Covid test within 5 days of travel.
Royalton St. Lucia
This resort is located on its own beach on the northern tip of the island, near the quaint fishing village of Gros Islet and the coral reefs of Rediut Beach. It’s perfect for adults and families that enjoy an upscale, full-service, beachfront resort with a variety of activities and entertainment.
The Kids’ Club, for children 4-12, offers complimentary supervised activities daily. Children will enjoy socializing and playing games or on the playground. The Hangout Teens club features non-stop activities and games with PlayStation lounges, free high-speed Wi Fi, ping pong tables and plenty of other activities.
The Royal Spa features a hydrotherapy circuit and a full-range of massage, body and facial treatments that feature time-honored healing practices.
Turks & Caicos
Entry requirements:
Visitors must have a negative Covid-19 test, taken within 5 days of travel, insurance which covers medical costs if necessary, and a completed online health screening questionnaire.
Beaches Turks & Caicos
Beaches Turks & Caicos takes the all-inclusive family vacation to another level. The waterpark is 45,000 square feet of splashing fun, they have 21 restaurants, a 12-mile beach, and 10 pools. Fun activities seem endless, for everyone from tots to tweens and teens, with Sesame Street characters, an Xbox Play Lounge, and a teen disco. Tons of activities and great fun, spread between five villages with the ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean, and Key West.
The Red Lane Spa includes massage and other body wrap services, facials and other beauty treatments, manicures and pedicures, and even spa treatments for teens.
The fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment, fitness classes, personalized training, tennis, basketball, water activities, and relaxation activities.
Costa Rica
Entry requirements:
Complete a Health Pass online within 48 hours of boarding, for every person traveling. Purchase a health insurance travel plan covering accommodations and medical expenses, just in case you need them.
Westin Reserva Conchal
The secluded two-and-a-half-mile Conchal Beach alongside the resort owes its name to the pristine white sand made out of tiny, crushed seashells. Here, the crystal-clear water is always the perfect temperature for swimming, snorkeling, or surfing.
Plenty of activities will keep everyone happy: a gym and fitness center, bike rental, kids’ program, 18-hole golf course nearby, 2 pools, tennis courts, and motorized & non-motorized watersports.
At the Heavenly Spa, choose from a wide variety of treatments, including Thai massage, reflexology, and their signature Shells Massage. The salon offers a full complement of manicures, pedicures, and waxing treatments, as well as haircuts and styling for all occasions, and specialty hair treatments.
In addition to the pre-travel requirements to get to these amazing locations, you’ll also need to get a Covid test within 72 hours of re-entering the U.S. The great news is, all of these resorts offer on-site Covid tests! You just make an appointment once you arrive, and it’s a super easy process.
You CAN do it: have your own vacation combined with a family vacay! You’ll all come home after relaxing, playing, connecting, and making some super great memories. Let me know if you’d like to start talking about an amazing getaway just for you, disguised as a family vacation.