Below you will find Macaroni Kid's favorite warm-it-up destinations.
- Azul Beach, Mexico. Unlike many all-inclusive resorts that can feel like a beached cruise ship, Azul Beach is small, intimate and special. Guests are greeted by name, not only at check in, but also by the beach butlers. Pools wind throughout the property, with many rooms providing swim in, swim out fun. Food is abundant and delicious, and kids have been considered throughout. The kids club and rooms can be tricked out with all the baby gear necessary for traveling with a baby.
- Atlantis, Bahamas. One of the ultimate family resorts, Atlantis has something for everyone, from a huge water park, pretty beach, amazing kids' club, teen center, to oodles of dining options and even the chance to swim with dolphins rescued after Hurricane Katrina.
- Curtain Bluff, Antigua. Though we've never been, a family we trust who knows travel goes back each and every year citing the true all-inclusive nature, great food and the resort's commitment to "doing whatever it takes to make your vacation fun and effortless."
- Great Wolf Lodge. Okay, so not exactly a warm weather destination, but in the dead of winter the chance to put on a bathing suit and spend hours in the 84 degree indoor water park can make you feel like you have escaped winter.
- Grande Lakes, Orlando. With unfettered access to two awesome resorts -- the JW Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton, gorgeous pools, a lazy river, kids club, huge spa, amazing food, and organic garden all just minutes from Disney, Grande Lakes is a definite family favorite.
- Cruising ... With new super ships offering fun for the entire family, and last minute deals that come up from time to time, jumping aboard a cruise ship might just be the way to beat the cold. Three of our favorite huge, family-friendly super ships? Disney Cruiselines' Dream and Fantasy, Norwegian's Breakaway and brand new sister ship the Getaway which is setting sail this week. And on our radar is the first ship in Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class, the Quantum of the Seas.
- Grand Wailea, Maui. Described by one of Macaroni Kid's editors as "the ideal family vacation spot in paradise," Grand Wailea offers the beautiful Hawaiian beach plus the awesome Wailea Canyon Activity Pool which has multiple water slides, a lazy river area, a rope swing and the world's first water elevator. Plus, there's SCUBA training, a great kids' club, and a unique spa program for teens!
- The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Where else can you warm up in the desert sun and hit the FlowRider, a massive wave simulator that allows you to bodyboard or flowboard (think surf) right in the middle of the desert. Keep busy at the lazy river, splash pad, waterslide or at the OK Corral - an outdoor gaming area with ping pong, foosball, basketball and life-size chess.
