Can you imagine a world without books or libraries?  Books stir up our imagination and open our eyes to the bigger world around us — much like travel does.  That’s why we love this year’s Passports with Purpose fundraiser.

For the fourth year in a row, travel bloggers around the world will unite to raise funds for a charity.  After last year’s success, $64,000 raised to help build housing in India, Passports with Purpose is aiming to raise $80,000 to build two libraries in Zambia.

This year we are working with Room to Read, a non-profit organization that works with local communities and governments in developing countries to promote literacy skills and support girls’ secondary education.

Our Prize

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has graciously donated a 2-night stay at their resort.  This AAA Five Diamond property is a family’s dream.  One walk around and you know that you are at a special place.  The grounds are stunning and there is plenty of open space for kids to run around.

The extensive list of kid-friendly activities is the star attraction for families.  Bobcat Billy’s Clubhouse, for kids ages 4-12, multiple pools and waterslides and even fishing on-property for your little anglers, are just a few of onsite activities. Read our family-friendly review of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess on Ciao Bambino for the full scoop.

Prize Details

Two nights in a Fairmont Room.  Room and taxes included.

Two full-day admissions to Bobcat Billy’s Clubhouse (ages 4-12) including lunch.

Valid through November 30, 2012.  Based on space availability.

Value: $1,000

How to Participate

Go to the Passports with Purpose Donation Page to see the complete list of prizes offered including our own Fairmont Scottsdale Princess giveaway.  For each $10 donation that you make, you choose which prize giveaway you want to enter. All proceeds go directly to Room to Read.  Room to Read is a 501(c)3 charity. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Key Dates

PwP drawing begins: November 30

PwP closes: December 16

Prize winners notified: December 23

Please join us in supporting this important effort. Who knows — you may win one of the fantastic prizes offered this year.

Happy Holidays!

“Dreams are only the plans of the reasonable.” Message on door at Kasbah du Toubkal

When we travel to destinations in remote regions where day-to-day life for local people is a struggle, we try and select accommodations that support the communities around them.

Fortunately for all, Sustainable Tourism is a fast-growing trend around the world. If your kids are old enough to process the shift in how people live in in other countries versus what they are used to seeing at home, staying in accommodations that are deeply integrated in local communities, not islands within them, will accelerate the impact of the experience.

In Morocco, spending the night at Kasbah du Toubkal gave us all reason to ponder how families survive the harsh environment of the High Atlas Mountains.

Kasbah du Toubkah bellboy

Getting to Kasbah du Toubkal

Located at the foot of the highest mountain in North Africa (Jbel Toubkal), Kasbah du Toubkal seems far away from urban civilization. Amazingly, however, it’s only 40 miles from Marrakech (albeit a slow road).

As soon you leave Marrakech and enter the Atlas Mountains, the road narrows and the landscape turns rocky and rugged.  In this case, the Berber village of Imlil is the end of the road as Kasbah du Toubkal can only be accessed on foot via a steep, narrow walking trail.  This is the same path used by local families to access their villages. Heavy lifting is done by mules, including luggage transport.

Hello adventure!

Faces of the local community who benefit from Kasbah du Toubkal support

Welcome

Hospitality is a big part of experience at Kasbah du Toubkal.  New guests are warmly greeted with dates and milk, followed by traditional mint tea.

The common room is filled with maps, history, and photos of the faces of the community.  If the mule bellboy is the first cause for pause, this is the second. This is no ordinary hotel, but one with a story to tell.

History

Kasbah du Toubkal is a venture between a British adventurer and a mountain guide from the local community.  5% their proceeds go to the Association des Bassins d’Imlil, a Moroccan-based NGO that provides essential services for the remote, mountainous surrounding valleys including an ambulance, garbage clearing, public baths, and educational development in the region. In short, these two men set out to both preserve the fragile mountain environment and improve the quality of life its inhabitants.

Co-Founder Hajj Maurice

Guests

One of the things I love most about Kasbah du Toubkal for families is that this mountain retreat attracts guests of all ages from around the world.  Travelers are here for an array of reasons including incredible trekking and the ability to get an authentic glimpse of Berber mountain life.  We met families, students, solo travelers from the USA, England, Holland, Germany, New Zealand, and South Africa — all within a single night!

The reason it works is that the owners have built room categories for a variety of needs and budgets. From “Berber Salons” with shared bathrooms  to standard rooms to one to three-bedroom suites, there’s something for everyone.

Chess on a rooftop in North Africa

We stayed in one of the one-bedroom apartments with kitchen facilities, a spacious living room, and a non-stop mountain view. An ideal set up for families! It’s not luxurious, but certainly upscale given the setting — comfortable, clean, and very private.

Activities

Kasbah du Toubkal is appropriate for school-age and up children. We took a lovely afternoon hike with a guide from a nearby village who was able to share insight about traditional life in the valley. We always find that local guides are the best way to engage kids in a destination with a radically different way of life. The fact that our group included a 10-year-old boy was certainly helpful — they were thick as thieves and we actually enjoyed a three-hour tour with zero complaining.  Amazing!

We hiked to a nearby village and even just a short excursion was enough for us all to wonder at how challenging it would be to live in such a rugged environment with access to few resources.

Tea pouring — Moroccan style

We stopped at a local guest house and the boys learned how to pour tea like locals.

Meals

Meals at Kasbah du Toubkal are social and fun. You either eat on the rooftop with uninterrupted mountain views or in the common room with a cozy sofa set-up. Regardless, dining is the time when the guests swap stories. There’s a true traveler’s vibe here that is all about meeting and sharing.

Valley view from trekking trails around Kasbah du Toubkal

If You Go

Kasbah du Toubkal is an excellent two-night stop with school-age kids.  If you have teenagers and can access extensive hiking, more days may be in order. The advantage is that it’s close enough to Marrakech for an easy getaway without extensive driving or a complicated itinerary.

We were introduced to this property by Kensington Tours. I am very grateful they suggested it as Kasbah du Toubkal was a trip highlight for us!

Kasbah du Toubkal hosted us as part of our media tour with Kensington Tours. They did not ask us to express any particular point of view.

Relevant Links:

Kid-friendly tour of Marrakech Medina

Review of Four Seasons Marrakech for families

Tips for planning a trip to Morocco with kids

Dispatch from Marrakech, Morocco

Meander through Tangier, Morocco

Adventure travel with kids, tips for planning a family safari in Africa

Tips for planning a trip with a tour operator

Carmel is one of my favorite family getaways. If I didn’t call Northern California Wine Country home, I could easily see myself having a Carmel area code. Locals are lucky. They have mountains and the sea and everything in between. So do visitors who hang their hat at Carmel Valley Ranch.

Readers have been gushing about Carmel Valley Ranch since it got its $35 million makeover. When my family was offered the opportunity to explore the property, I jumped at the chance. Now I can’t wait to go back.

Carmel Valley Ranch entrance

Getting There

Carmel Valley Ranch is little more than 2 hours from San Francisco.  It’s a pleasant drive, with plenty of things for the kids to look at as you cruise along.  From stunning scenery to horses and cows to old school cherry and garlic stands.

With great family-friendly options like the Tech Museum, Winchester Mystery House and the Children’s Discovery Museum, San Jose makes for a good location to stop and stretch your legs. We were just minutes away but couldn’t resist stopping at Earthbound Farms. There’s always something going on at the Farm Stand.  At 11 and 13, my girls still love the Labyrinth and everything in the store looks so fresh and colorful it makes you want to eat your veggies.

You Have Arrived

The Old Gate House serves as a charming introduction to what lies ahead.  Slowly make your way past the Golf Clubhouse, Vineyard and Organic Garden.  The welcoming committee of deer and wild turkeys almost never take a day off.

About a mile up the road you’ll arrive at the Lodge, but before you check in, swing from the trees on two of their iconic swings scattered throughout the 500 acres property. Once inside the Lodge Roxy the English Bulldog is sure to introduce herself.  Her owner, Gabrielle, the Concierge at Carmel Valley Ranch is a good person to make friends with as well.

Play is essential

Invitation to Play

At the heart of every experience you’ll have here is a simple, but powerful idea: Play is essential.  It’s universal. Play makes us feel alive, connects us to each other, and comes in all shapes and sizes.

Carmel Valley Ranch

Home Away from Home

The time and thought put into the remodel at Carmel Valley Ranch is apparent in its suites. My family stayed in the Hilltop version of a Ranch Suite. At 800 square feet, it had everything I could have asked for: a comfortable living room with fireplace and large sleeper sofa for the kids, and a large bathroom with a shower, oversized tub and enclosed toilet.  Two walls of the master bedroom are sliding glass doors that open to a wrap around deck offering views pictures can’t replicate. The second fireplace in the master bedroom was an unexpected luxury.

There are a number of smaller touches that exude family friendliness.  Doors at both ends of the hallway connecting the living room and master bedroom mean the entire family doesn’t have to go to bed at the same time. Nightlights are integrated into bathroom light switches, giving off just the right glow.

The room service menu includes an extensive children’s menu. There is a Blu-ray player in every suite and a complimentary Blu-ray and board game lending library at the Concierge’s Desk.

The co-concierge

Guide for Guests at Play

Every evening Carmel Valley Ranch provides a “playlist” to help guests make the most of their stay. Consider yourself forewarned, plans to sleep in may very well get thrown out the window. There’s simply too many choices to list them all, but my family discovered some guaranteed to impress.

Bee Experience

Honey will taste all the more sweeter after you learn the effort busy bees put into it.  Resident beekeeper & lavender farmer (more on that later) John Russo takes pride showing off his apiary. Suit up and visit the hives home to 60-thousand Italian honeybees.

Kids as young as three have taken part in the experience. Russo earns kudos for simplifying a complex process into a kid (and parent) friendly presentation. Donning full protective bee gear and getting the opportunity to hold honey combs buzzing with life is something the kids will be bragging about to their friends.  My guess is so will the parents.

Family bee experience

Lavender Harvest & Distillation

If you are lucky enough to plan it right, you’ll meet Russo again during your time on the Ranch. Founder of Carmel Lavender, he grows more than 7-thousand lavender plants at Carmel Valley Ranch. Armed with a mobile distillery he demonstrates how oil is extracted from the plants. The oil produced at the Ranch is used to make the cosmetic products guests are treated to in their suites. The distillation process is like a giant science project with the added benefit of taking place poolside.

Fitness Hike

The morning hike is worth rolling out of bed early. Starting from the Lodge, you pass by three of the resort’s loved tree swings before arriving at the organic garden. About a mile and a half, it’s not what I would call a strenuous adventure, but you are climbing uphill at a brisk pace. A combination of paved and dirt trails anyone under the age of eight will most likely run out of steam before they make it to the top.  At some point you just might share the trail with some wild turkeys, deer or both.

River Ranch Complex

Home to another of the iconic tree swings at Carmel Valley Ranch, the River Ranch Resort serves as a center of sorts for a number of popular family activities.  A small playground almost hides in the shadows of a salt-water Junior Olympic Pool, an oversized hot tub, waltzing, run through and get soaked water fountains, bocce ball, basketball and tennis ball courts. Along with a 5,200 square foot fitness center, there is a well stocked café and satellite spa to help parents sneak in a little me time. Everyone in the family can feel spoiled here.

Before I forget there’s also an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Pete Dye. Ranch guests receive a complimentary half-hour lesson during their stay, so it’s a perfect time to get the kids swinging.

With 500 acres to choose from, activities at Carmel Valley Ranch are spread throughout the resort. If your family is energetic, walking is a great way to enjoy the property.

“A deer ran by me and it was almost hip and hip with me when I was walking with my Dad,” said very excited 11-year old Julia from Oak Park, California.

Parking is plentiful throughout the resort, so driving is also an option. If you’d rather drop the keys in a drawer and forget out them, a fleet of minivans shuttle guests around the resort 24 hours a day.

Carmel Valley countryside

Children’s Activity Center

Parents hoping to get a little time to themselves will appreciate the complimentary Children’s Activity Center.  Offered seven days a week during the summer and most holidays and weekends year round, it’s a fun, safe area for kids ages 5-14 to hang out at night.  From 5pm to 9pm they can play games, do crafts or just relax and watch a movie.  Parents are asked to leave a cell phone number and stay on the property. Bottom line, it makes an adult-only dinner possible for many parents.

Great Location

Carmel Ranch has the best of both worlds when it comes to location. It’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, yet minutes from endless options.  If the world renown Monterey Bay Aquarium is on your itinerary, you’ll be happy to know it’s just a 20 minute drive. Short enough to prevent the “Are we there yet?” scenario, but a long enough trip home to encourage a nap in the backseat. Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea and the beach is a mere 15 minutes away. The hardest part really, pulling yourself away from this 500 acre playground for all ages.

Dana and her family received a one–night complimentary stay at Carmel Valley Ranch.  She was not asked to express any particular opinion about her experience.

Relevant Links:

Check availability at Carmel Valley Ranch and read complete Ciao Bambino review

Carmel with kids

Monterey with kids

Monterey Bay activities

Monterey Bay Aquarium

London is a fantastic place to eat out with your kids, as long as you know where to look. Wander along the main tourist thoroughfares of Knightsbridge, Oxford Street and Regent Street and you could quickly enter panic mode as the time creeps nearer to dinner time, and the ‘I’m hungry whines turn to I’m starving and you’re searching in vain for a decent restaurant.

The answer is normally to head down a side street, or alternatively, call up this blog on your smart phone. Here are my recommendations:

Peter Pan Tea at Lancaster Hotel

Typical British

The Wells | Hampstead

You can’t come to London without visiting a pub and pubs across the Capital have been busy turning themselves into gastro dining rooms recently. One of my favourites is The Wells on the edge of the picturesque London village of Hampstead. Dishes like smoked ham hock terrine, Scottish Angus hamburger and Cumberland sausage are made to make your mouth water. Or visit on a Sunday for a typical British Sunday lunch of rib of beef and Yorkshire pudding. Children’s menu also available.

Posh

The Savoy Grill | The Strand

If you want one fancy meal in London, consider Gordon Ramsey’s Savoy Grill, in the newly refurbished Savoy Hotel. The three-course weekend menu is good value at £26 a head and the £7.50 children’s menu with it’s deep fried halibut, pea puree and chips is a great mini introduction to fine dining.

I’m told Nobu is also good for kids, but I’m too tight to explore that option!

Kids’ fish finger pizza at Fire and Stone

Fun

Fire and Stone | Spitalfields

Fire and Stone is the place to go for a fun take on pizza and a great kids menu, created by the British daddy cook of the moment Nick Coffer of the My Daddy Cooks video blog. Spitalfields Market is one of London’s buzziest food destinations and Fire and Stone is right in the heart of it. My kids loved the fish finger pizza and I enjoyed the Peking duck one, doesn’t sound like it should work, but it does. The Tiffin cake ice cream pudding is also worth leaving room for.

There is a Fire and Stone in Covent Garden and one in the Westfield Shopping centre too.

Lunch at tibits

Vegetarian

tibits | Piccadilly

Most British restaurants now cater for vegetarians, but if you don’t want to always feel like the after thought, head for tibits, a stones throw from the fantastic Hamleys Toy Shop. Here you’ll find a delicious buffet of wonderfully fresh salads and hot daily specials. Eat downstairs where there is a specially designed kids area full of toys and games.

Afternoon Tea

Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at The Lancaster Hotel | Hyde Park

You can’t come to London without sampling a typical British afternoon tea. The prices charged at some of London’s top hotels for enjoying this privilege, however, could quickly make you lose your appetite. Tea at the Ritz currently starts at £42.

But, I recently discovered the hidden gem of the Peter Pan afternoon tea at the Lancaster Hotel. The hotel itself is housed in a dated skyscraper, well it’s tall to me, it’s probably a little house to my American audience, but don’t let this put you off.

Inside you’ll find a spacious lounge where kids can freely run around in between bites from a rather tasty afternoon tea, complete with Lost Boys cucumber sandwiches, Mrs Darlings scones with cream and jam and yummy patisseries. Tea is served with a map directing you to the Peter Pan Statue in Hyde Park just opposite and a fairy pouch filled with breadcrumbs to feed the ducks with when you get there.

Royal Garden Hotel London Kids Cookery School

Kids Foodie Hotel

Royal Garden Hotel | Kensington

During the school holidays, the Royal Garden Hotel runs special Junior Chef stays. Book a two-night package and your kids get to take part in the Kids Cookery School run by the hotel’s Executive Chef Steve Munkley. It’s aimed at introducing five to ten-year-olds to the kitchen in a fun way, whilst Mum and Dad take in the shops on Kensington High Street.

Ella and Lily came back to the room with boxes of scrummy cookies and truffles that they’d made, a cute little apron and chefs hat and some mini utensils to start them baking at home. As part of the package you also get to enter into a very high tech treasure hunt around adjacent Kensington Gardens, where you have to enter the answers by text. We never did find the final clue though, so we didn’t win the icecream sundaes!

The Chains

In the last few years, London has cottoned on to the fact that parents actually enjoy eating out with their children, providing they are fully catered for and a number of upmarket chains now offer some great kids menus. Look out for:

Leon

This relative newcomer successfully achieves what many still only strive for: good, fresh, healthy, fast-food. We’re particular fans of the sweet potato falafel wraps and the meatballs. The kids menu comes with an activity pack.

Giraffe

We normally end up sharing out the plates from this scrummy world cuisine hangout. The menu is eclectic running from mezze to enchiladas but you can’t go wrong. They also have a kids menu and activity kit on offer and they will always find you a highchair.

Carluccios

The brainchild of celebrity Italian chef Antonio Carluccio, Carluccios restaurants can be found dotted across the city and offer a mouth-watering range of antipasti, pasta, secondis and dolcis. The kids menu is a miniature version of the adult menu and comes with crayons, puzzles and games.

Pizza Express

For luscious pizzas and salads, you’re never far away from a Pizza Express and their set price Piccolo menu includes dough balls, side salad, pizza or pasta, icecream sundae and Bambinoccino.

Wagamama

Perfect for a warming bowl of Ramen and a smoothie, but you might find the communal tables a strain, especially if your toddler fancies a bite of whatever the stranger next to him has ordered.

Photo Credit: Lancaster Hotel, tibits, Fire and Stone, Anna Tobin

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended family hotels London

72 hours in London with kids: Day1

72 Hours with Kids in London: Day 2

72 Hours with Kids in London: Day 3

Top kid-friendly activities in London with kids

London Eye photos and tips

London Double Decker Bus photos and tips

The elves at Trekaroo, Just Spotted, and La Jolla Mom have decided that we’ve been such parents this year that we deserve a big present before Christmas arrives. They’re giving away a 2-night stay with airfare and lift tickets to Mammoth Mountain in California.  If you’ve ever driven to Mammoth with kids you know how very long that drive can be and how sweet it would be to hop on a plane instead!

Prize Details

• Round trip airfare for four from Los Angeles (LAX) on Alaska Airlines, Orange County (SNA) on United Airlines or San Diego (SAN) on United Airlines

• Two nights lodging at Mammoth Mountain Inn

• Two adult/child combination two-day lift tickets. (giving four people the opportunity to ski/snowboard for two days)

• Good for travel December 15-17, 2011. Package value: $2000

How to Enter

Enter at Trekaroo’s Facebook Page for your first entry and follow the links for two additional entries for a total of three opportunities to win the family ski getaway.  Don’t forget to enter three times!

But you must hurry — the elves have a lot of work to do before Christimas Eve and this contest ends on Sunday, November 27,  2011 at 11:59 PST.  Open to US residents, 18 years or older.

Relevant Links:

Winter 2012 family vacation dream list

Tips for planning the best family ski vacation

Tips for finding the best family ski resorts

Thumbs up for family ski chalets in Europe

The highlight of Marrakech for adults and kids alike is undoubtedly the medina (old city). Stepping into the medina is like landing on another planet — one where the same traditions have been in place for hundreds of years.

The medina is comprised of a network of souks — open-air markets — where anything and everything is on display. Many of the handicrafts are produced within the market and you can watch artisans at work. This is the only shopping experience we’ve encountered thus far in our travels that our 8-year-old Devon has enjoyed. Shopping in the souk engages every sense — it’s colorful, loud, filled with smells (pleasant and otherwise), and little hands can touch almost everything.

We toured the medina with a guide arranged by Boutique Souk, a luxury concierge service who organizes everything from boutique hotel stays to weddings in Morocco. When you use their service to book a hotel, you get their travel planning services for free. We stayed at one of their recommended hotels, the Beldi Hotel, at the end of our trip. More on that later in my Morocco with kids series …

Our guide was ideal for this kind of tour. He made sure we hit many of the different specialty areas of the souk. We stopped to browse when we felt compelled, otherwise he led us through an incredible labyrinth of streets and alleys.

The first stop was through the food market with enormous quantities of food on display.

Bartering is essential and expected throughout the market.

The live reptiles on sale were a hit. Devon wanted to bring this baby chameleon home. Wouldn’t Swiss customs like that!

The amount of “stuff” for sale is nothing short of insane. This seller was offering a bit of everything from a Minnie Mouse phone to old cameras. It begs many questions including where these goods are from and who buys them …

The main event for our family, however, was the man who carved wood with his toes. Don’t try this at home kids!

Of course, part of the fun is buying souvenirs. In our case, hard bargaining still left us feeling robbed. I know, that’s not the spirit! We laughed in the end and know it’s all part of the experience.

You could spend hours and hours in the medina and never get bored. A guide who can lead you through the maze is a must — really, don’t even think of going on your own for the very first visit or you may never come out. Finding a kid-friendly guide who knows the shopkeepers who are most likely to engage children is a plus. Be sure and stress the age of your kids when you book the tour.

For more Photo Friday posts, head over to Delicious Baby.

Relevant Links:

Review of Four Seasons Marrakech for families

Tips for planning a trip to Morocco with kids

Dispatch from Marrakech,Morocco

Meander through Tangier, Morocco

Adventure travel with kids, tips for planning a family safari in Africa

Tips for planning a trip with a tour operator

Bluefields Bay invited Ciao Bambino to experience one of their luxury villas in Jamaica. We couldn’t make it, so I asked Kim-Marie Evans, The Luxury Travel Mom, if she could go and investigate. Here’s her report — a fun read! Bluefields Bay sounds like the ultimate retreat for families that need to get away from it all.

Jamaica and luxury are words that don’t always go together.  Jamaica and massive all-inclusive hotel, yes.  Jamaica and wild spring breaks, also yes.

When we were invited to review the luxury property Bluefields Bay Villas, we weren’t sure what to expect.  They told us we would have “staff” and that “every need would be met”.  This turned out to be an understatement.

Aerial shot of Bluefields Bay

Bluefields Bay Villas

Bluefields Bay Villas are an exclusive collection of six seaside homes.  If you were a Rockefeller (or a Gates) and you were looking for a Caribbean pied-a-Terre, these would fit the bill.

Each home is completely different, what they have in common are private pools, full staff and lovely antiques.  The homes feel as if your wealthy ancestors decorated them and left you the engraved silver platters and grandma’s good china.

Luckily, you don’t need to inherit your spot in the sun; Bluefields Bay Villas are for rent. Their idea of all-inclusive is beyond any definition we’ve ever seen.

Bluefields Bay Villas is comprised of six fully staffed seaside homes

Bluefields Bay Service

You are met at the airport by your personal driver (ask for Percy, trust me).  The property is a little over an hour from the Montego Bay airport.  If the drive seems just too long, you can book a helicopter.  In 15 minutes you’ll be landing on the lawn of your estate, Trump style.

Upon arrival (by car or copter) the staff greets you with a hearty “Welcome Home.”  It’s enough to make you believe you might actually be a Rockefeller and just didn’t know it.

This is the Bluefields Bay definition of “staff”.

Headman: In charge of all of your activities, the rest of your staff and in my case, making the morning bloody mary.

Driver: Will take you wherever you might need to go, and if you are lucky enough to get Percy, will be a better tour guide than you could ever hire.

Housekeeper: Not only does she keep the house clean, she also does your laundry.  It’s like having a mom that doesn’t yell at you for leaving towels on the floor.  Wherever you go, she just picks up after you.

Chef: Every meal is prepared in your kitchen just for you. It’s then served up on the good china and silver.  I still dream about the coconut rundown fish we were served one morning.

Nanny: You can reserve a nanny for each child.  They will  also travel with you.  If you want go zip-lining but not leave your little one behind, the nanny will come along and keep them busy and happy while you risk your life.

Night watchman: This is the one that killed me.  Pepito stayed up all night patrolling all six properties.  I doubt there is any crime as I’m pretty sure I could take Pepito in a fight and he wasn’t armed.  He also made the coffee so when you wake each morning, even if it’s 4 am, your coffee is ready for you.

Bluefields Bay kayaks

Things to Do Around the Villas

Each villa is perched above the Caribbean Sea and has a private beach (naturally).  You can relax in the sand, swim out to their private floating sun docks or take out the kayaks.  If you choose to leave the property they can take you to YS Falls for zip-lining or in to Negril for some souvenir shopping, or really anywhere you want to go.

Our visit to the local school

My favorite part of our stay was visiting the local schools.  The owners of Bluefields Bay send fresh vegetables to the nearby schools, they built the computer lab at the local high school and they fund one of the grades at the basic school.  Guests are welcome to bring much needed school supplies from a wish list and are allowed to deliver them in person.

This takes a vacation from just being relaxing to being truly meaningful. You can read about our school visit on Luxury Travel Mom.

Everything about our trip to Jamaica was a surprise, except for the Jamaicans.  It’s always said that Jamaicans are the nicest people you’ll ever meet, this also was an understatement.  We loved our time at Bluefields Bay, but more than the swank accommodations, we loved the staff and feel like we’ve made new friends.

Photo Credit: Bluefields Bay Villas and Kim-Marie Evans. Kim-Marie was hosted at Bluefields Bay but was not asked to express any particular point of view

Relevant Links:

More about Bluefields Bay on Luxury Travel Mom

Jamaica with kids

Six Caribbean Islands for kid-friendly bliss

If you’re a travel blogger, chances are you’ve either met Jennifer Miner or have seen her speak at an industry event. Jennifer, aka SoCalGal of The Vacation Gals, is one of the leading voices in the blogosphere and a networking goddess.

Jennifer has put together a mini-conference at the Vallarta Suite Resort & Convention Center in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for bloggers of all flavors from January 5-8, 2012. The one entry requirement is that the blogger must be a parent and/or publishing content for parents. This group, known as Mommy Bloggers, is taking the web by storm as their credible coverage of everything from fashion to food is capturing astounding online mindshare.

Conference Versus Camp

Conferences like BlogHer attract mass numbers of these bloggers and can be valuable, particularly for blogging newbies. It’s incredible, however, to have an experienced blogger who is down in the trenches fighting for traffic and revenue, put together an event that is intimate and will enable participants to really roll up their sleeves and answer fundamental, persistent questions about how to run an effective blog.

It doesn’t matter what you cover — if you’re a parent, the one thing that is in constant short supply is time; this means to be successful, you (we) need readily available tools and knowledge. I just read that there are now 3.9 million mom blogs in the US alone (see yesterday’s press about Disney’s acquisition of Babble.com for reference). The moral? Competition for loyal readers is fierce and it’s not enough to publish great content; bloggers have to learn how to optimize their websites for meaningful traffic.

Jennifer has recruited an outstanding list of presenters to cover everything from legal issues, to photography, to public relations. The key difference here is that this format and forum will allow bloggers to dive deeply into each topic. See the full list of speaker bios for a snapshot of who will be presenting.

Velas Vallarta Suite Resort Venue

It’s certainly appealing to have an industry event take place at a luxury resort. Velas Vallarta is not in our Mexico family hotel portfolio, but I’ve had feedback from readers who love it. Jennifer set up the event so participants can incorporate a vacation into business as the one-bedroom suites included in the price of the event sleep a family of four. The conference seminars, all meals, nightly entertainment, poolside and beach waiter service are all part of the all-inclusive camp tuition.

Believe me, by January 5th you’ll be ready for some sun and relaxation after the crazy holiday period is over. Plus, if growing your blog is part of your 2012 plan, the camp is a perfect way to kick off the year.

View the full conference agenda

View camp FAQ (includes pricing)

Book here

Marrakech has experienced a huge tourist boom over the past several years and the hotel possibilities are endless, particularly for couples in search of a romantic retreat. For families, however, the list of optimal options is quite small.

Staying in a riad, a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior courtyard, seems appealing at first blush as many are in heart of the atmospheric old city (medina). The challenge of this accommodation category for families — particularly those with young children — is that there is zero room for kids to run around.

The interior gardens of many urban riads are ornamental. Moreover, the streets outside the medina-based riads are exciting but stressful with people, animals, bikes, carts — you name it — vying for the right of passage. It’s not a place where wee tourists can wander without close supervision. It’s fun to explore the medina with kids for a few hours, but it’s nice to escape the chaos for any sort of real relaxation.

Acres of colorful gardens make Four Seasons Marrakech a family-friendly oasis

The Four Seasons Marrakech, located 10 minutes outside of the medina, is set within 40 acres of glorious gardens. The value of this set-up for families? Priceless. This would be enough for a family-friendly gold star, but add in a laundry list of best-in-class Four Seasons amenities and services, and you have an unbeatable luxury resort option for families with kids of all ages.

Opened this past June, the Four Seasons Marrakech is brand new. The property was developed and designed from scratch. What’s clear is that Four Seasons management decided early on that they wanted to successfully host families and constructed the property with them in mind.

Kids for All Seasons clubhouse by Zid Zid Kids

Four Seasons Marrakech Highlights for Families

With only 141 rooms and suites, this hotel feels intimate despite the expansive grounds. Exceptional, highly personalized service is a Four Seasons trademark and is in full force in Marrakech.  It’s no fun for hotel staff to learn to pronounce “O’Shaughnessy,” but they did, and we were greeted by name throughout the resort.

Our 8-year-old, Devon, received the same royal treatment and the staff made sure to include him in all communication.

Pirate Day treasure hunt costume preparations thrilled kids from around the world

Kids for All Seasons

Kids for All Seasons is the Four Seasons’ signature kids’ club program and is available at most of their resort properties. Zid Zid Kids, a local designer, is responsible for the wonderful space in Marrakech.

It’s optimal for toddlers with pint-sized seating and toys, but there’s appeal for older kids too with an enclosed outdoor space and walls filled with age-appropriate games and crafts.

The program is designed to entertain kids who are staying at the resort for days at a time with themes and activities that continually change. Hooray! This is a guilt-free amenity for parents with a perfect combination of cultural activities — from Moroccan hat and shoe making to learning to write family names in Arabic — and straightforward “be a kid on vacation” activities like swimming.

While we were there they had a treasure hunt that sent dressed up kids on an excursion around the property. From a front desk stick up to dancing in the teen center, the event produced giggles far and wide.

We didn’t use it, but the teen center is an older kids dream with state-of-art electronics, games, and a pool table.

Family pool is optimized for families to relax together

Family Pool

The family pool at many luxury hotels is the “inferior stepchild” and parents are left feeling like they are missing out on an incredible pool experience because they are traveling with kids. Not so here.

The family pool is a little slice of heaven with an irregularly shaped edge that creates nooks and crannies inside and outside of the water so everyone can find their own space. Plenty of shallow areas create a plethora of places to play with young kids and there’s a separate fenced baby pool.

A full restaurant is adjacent to the adult pool, but families can order food right from family pool lounge chairs and cabanas. We liked this pool so much that we opted to relax there sans offspring.

View of adult-only pool

Parents-Only “Me” Time

Given the fantastic kids’ program at this resort, parents-only “me” time is a breeze. From elegant lounge areas for tea to a decadent spa offering all sorts of exotic treatments, the only question is “what” not “how.”

We managed to fit in daily workouts in their well-appointed gym, a visit to the traditional hammam in the spa where moist heat and vigorous scrubbing result in ridiculously soft skin, and logged hours of reading time by the pool.

We felt so comfortable with the childcare program and staff that we also opted for two off-property solo excursions: dinner at the local hot spot, Bo Zin, and a morning walk in Yves St. Laurent’s Majorelle Gardens.

I should mention that the onsite Bleu d’Orange restaurant featuring Provençal cuisine was just in the process of opening along with the rooftop bar, Zest, while we were there. If I was a guessing woman I’d say that this property will quickly become the IT place in Marrakech for dining and nightlife with it’s stunning interior design and marvelous views.

Post kids’ club glow

Guest Services

Exceptional guest services is a big part of the Four Seasons experience. Myriam Thomet runs this program at the Four Seasons Marrakech and will do everything and anything to ensure families are happy and make the most out of the their time in Marrakech. Our planning with Myriam began long before arrival. Access to a reliable short-list of resources is very helpful in a city that is overflowing with people offering mediocre tours and services.

If you travel all the way to Morocco for a family vacation, particularly from Canada or the United States, chances are you will have a busy but thrilling itinerary planned to visit the incredible sites. We had such a trip thanks to Kensington Tours. The Four Seasons is an ideal place to begin touring as it eases parents and kids alike into the wholly exotic environment.

Photo credit: Amie O’Shaughnessy

Ciao Bambino received a media rate at the Four Seasons Marrakech. We weren’t asked to express any particular point of view.

Relevant Links:

Tips for planning a trip to Morocco with kids

Dispatch from Marrakech,Morocco

Meander through Tangier, Morocco

Adventure travel with kids, tips for planning a family safari in Africa

Tips for planning a trip with a tour operator

Tips for healthy travel with kids

Fantastic winter vacation venues are in great supply and I always find it hard to choose between a week-long ski week where everyone has the opportunity improve their skills and an escape into sunshine. In addition, urban getaways in Europe can be a blast in winter when cities are filled with locals instead of tourists.

I combed through our portfolio for our 2012 Family Vacation Dream List. The best part is there’s something here for a variety of budgets and interests, so just maybe, that dream can become a reality.

Don’t forget that what makes Ciao Bambino different from most of our travel blogging friends is that you can book everything we recommend in our family-friendly hotel portfolio through us. The best part is that your requests go right to the property for the latest offers — the price is the same as if you found it without Ciao Bambino! When you go through us, we see commission on the back end which costs you nothing, but pays our bills so we can continue to offer amazing tips and advice for traveling families.

If you’ve used our service before, you know another benefit is that Ciao Bambino offers tremendous service. We have a dedicated resource — JT Swanson — who will make sure you get a quote that includes the information you need to decide if a property is the right fit for your vacation. If you don’t want to use our form for requests, you can always email JT on info<at>ciaobambino.com.

Sun Seekers

Honua Kai Resort and Spa | Maui

Honua Kai is a new resort in a popular part of Maui for families.  Affordable luxury (not an oxymoron!) is the theme here with condo amenities paired with the full services of an upscale hotel.

Convenience factors include an onsite gourmet grocery store and a Duke’s restaurant. Hip Travel Mama provided the intel on this hotel and reports that the pool is fantastic.

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Vero Beach Hotel and Spa | Florida

A Florida hotel for families doesn’t need to be a mega-resort where it takes you 20 minutes just to walk to the pool from your room. Kimpton, one of our favorite kid-friendly hotel brands, runs this boutique hotel in Vero Beach.

Two and three bedroom suites are ideal for families, plus they have kitchenette facilities for quick meals and snacks. The service gets rave reviews and so does the food. Given the small size of the hotel with just 113 rooms and suites, the pool and beach aren’t overflowing with piles of parents and kids.

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The Somerset | Turks & Caicos

When I think of a Gilligan’s Island-style getaway, I think of the Turks & Caicos. I haven’t been there yet, but I’ve interviewed many people who have and swear the water and sand are the best they’ve seen anywhere. Luxury Travel Mom reviewed The Somerset for us.

When Kim-Marie Evans, a seriously discerning traveler,  tests a luxury hotel with her four kids in tow and swears it’s kid-friendly and amazing, we know a hotel’s a keeper. Top-notch condos paired with pampering at every turn ensure families leave relaxed and refreshed.

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Winter Wonderland

Resort at Squaw Creek | California

Resort at Squaw Creek in Squaw Valley, California has every kid-friendly winter activity imaginable at your doorstep. Skiing? Check. Dog sledding? Check. Ice skating? Check. What is not available at the resort is accessible in the greater Lake Tahoe region. Squaw Valley just unveiled a massive investment for the 2012 ski season — we’ll be there in January to cover it on Ciao Bambino.

The resort features condos with kitchen facilities so you can take the edge off ski pricing by eating quick meals in the room. In the mean time, their Kids Ski, Skate, and Sled Free package includes daily free lift tickets for kids, free sledding, and skating. Yahoo!

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The Lodge at Steamboat | Colorado

When you think about the best Colorado skiing for families, Steamboat always makes the list. See my review of Steamboat Springs Resort for my thoughts on why it’s worth a trip with kids. The Lodge at Steamboat makes an excellent home-base. Condo-style guest units are managed with care and quality is consistent.

For value, these accommodations are a winner and families are just a 5-minute shuttle ride to the ski area. Steamboat Springs is remote enough that it’s not a good candidate for a weekend getaway unless you live in Colorado. We love it, however, for a 4-7 day family ski trip!

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Top Notch Resort and Spa | Vermont

When we need Vermont insider information our first stop is Find and Go Seek.net.  The brains behind the operation, Dana Freeman, has tried and tested kid-friendly properties up and down the state. She loves Topnotch Resort and reviewed it for the Ciao Bambino portfolio. Accommodation options for families include suites or fully equipped resort homes.

Either way, they’re luxurious with rustic-chic furnishings and access to year-rounds swimming and a spa with a laundry list of parent-approved treatments.

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Hotel Bodmi | Switzerland

Is it worth it to travel all the way to Europe to ski with kids? My answer is that it depends on where you go. I know families who are hooked on coming to this side of the pond for their annual ski trip. The reasons vary but one consistent motivating factor is the terrain. You’re skiing mountains (not runs)  — which can mean that you take a gondola up once and ski for hours without waiting in another line.

Add insane mountain scenery to the mix and outdoor-loving families will be in a “pinch-me is it real” state-of-mind. I spent some time in the Jungfrau Region last summer and fell in love with all there is to see and do. Winter is equally as outrageous. Our pick for a cozy family-friendly lodging is Hotel Bodmi, a 3-star hotel that feels like a 4-star which is good for the wallet, even with the challenging exchange rate.

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The Resort at Paws Up | Montana

Montana is on my bucket list and any trip will include a stop at The Resort at Paws Up. This exclusive and luxurious resort is a consistent award-winner. They just sent me information about their Holiday Season program and it looks like the ultimate getaway for a pampered white Christmas. In addition to the usual suspects, winter activities in Montana include indoor horseback riding and snowmobiling.

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Urban Adventures

Lungarno Suites | Florence

There’s no question that it can be unpleasant to walk around a city in the snow and rain trying to make the most out of sightseeing. In places like Florence, however, that are so overrun with tourists during peak travel months, dealing with the elements may be well worthwhile. The city transforms over the winter months to a place where you hear more Italian than English, plus you can get crisp, bluebird days that are fantastic.

When swimming is not an option, staying in the heart of the city is optimal. Ferragamo family-owed Lungarno Suites is one of our original Ciao Bambino recommended hotels and we still stand by it as a terrific option with kids as the all-suite units are stylish, spacious, and feature kitchenette facilities. Be sure and request a room with an Arno River view.

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Hotel Vondel | Amsterdam

As someone said to me the other day, “I think Amsterdam may be just as cloudy and cold as London.” Yep, a little known fact for those who haven’t been there is that London gets a bad rap but many other European cities are in the same boat. The rub is that cold days are possible in the summer months too, so why don’t visit when hotels are less expensive.

Hotel Vondel is a hip hotel for families with a home-like living room area filled with books and art. When you aren’t sightseeing, relaxing in this lounge is an absolute pleasure. Room categories include suites and apartments with kitchenette facilities.

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Something Unforgettable

We spent our February vacation in Kenya and Tanzania last year with AndBeyond on a luxury family safari. Although we missed the migration, we had terrific weather and escaped what I hear can be a sea of vehicles during the peak summer months. AndBeyond covers many different markets in Africa — I wholeheartedly recommend this company for families irrespective of your destination for an unbelievable level of service and personalization.

Click here to contact AndBeyond for more information

When I think about Africa, I must also mention Kensington Tours. We just finished a fantastic trip to Morocco. I just started my series on the blog with a planning tips post,  I’d save Morocco for spring as the winter can be rainy but in the meantime, I wouldn’t hesitate to use Kensington Tours for other adventure itineraries in Africa.

Click here for Kensington Tours contact details