For years when vacationing with my family, I’ve looked for a location and lodging that is not only kid-friendly but offers the creature comforts of home — beds for each of the kids, a kitchen for quick, easy and inexpensive meals, and nearby activities we can do together or that keep the kids entertained on their own. But as the kids have grown older, I’ve been more inclined to skip the vacation cooking, upgrade my sleeping accommodations, and eat to my foodie heart’s content, all while lounging poolside and soaking up the panoramic views somewhere luxurious.
Enter the Opal Collection, which boasts a family of East Coast luxury resorts in Florida, the New York Adirondacks, and on the coast of Maine. I recently visited three of four Opal Collection properties in the Northeast United States, and I only wish I traveled this way when my kids were younger. At these luxury family-friendly resorts the extra money spent is well-worth the family time you gain, the gourmet cuisine you feast upon, and the opportunities for bonding with your significant other. Each resort elicits a unique vibe and offers something special for every member of your family.
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Selfie on The Morgan | A little view of the Rec Center |
The Sagamore Resort, Bolton Landing, New York
The Sagamore, located on idyllic Lake George, is located on a secluded island in Bolton Landing, where the waterways are less congested, and the mountain silhouettes create your own Adirondack hideaway. The 70-acre property is ideal for active families with plenty of opportunities to keep your family busy during your stay.
Outdoors, the property boasts an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, playground, two pools overlooking the lake, and a dock where families can fish and swim. The 10,000 square-foot recreation center houses the Kids Club (for ages 4 to 12), an indoor basketball court, climbing, mini-golf course, and much more. The complimentary Kids Club is a child’s dream featuring activities from crafts to hikes to pickup games of their favorite sport. Want to venture off property to explore the local trails? The front desk staff is more than happy to print a list of hikes that fit your family’s ability levels. One of the highlights for kids and parents alike at The Sagamore are daily tours around Lake George on its replica of a 19th-century touring vessel — The Morgan, included with your stay.
With eight restaurants featuring fare from the more casual pub variety to the classic Italian dishes and a steak cooked to perfection, there's bound to be something to please even the pickiest of eaters in your tribe. And there are several options for lodging to meet every family's vacation style — traditional-style rooms and suites at the historic hotel, The Lodges Adirondack-style rooms, lakeside suites, or condominiums.
The Sagamore is open full-time from mid-may through October. The resorts begins winter hours at the end of October through the beginning of May. During that time the resort is open weekends, holidays, and during school breaks. But whether visiting in the warmer months or during the winter holidays, there is sure to be a myriad of activities to keep your family members entertained.
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The Main Lodge | The comfiest bed I've ever slept in |
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Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid Lodge, the most extravagant of the Opal properties I visited, is where families go to unwind, unplug, and reconnect with each other and their natural surroundings, and where all your needs are met so there is no need to leave the property. Nestled among the evergreens along the serene shores of Lake Placid, this Gilded-Age-inspired resort combines luxury with the classic rustic design that defines the Adirondacks. Families have the option of staying in one of the property’s lakeside suites or cabins where fireplaces come standard. Your clan will relish these accommodations lounging in the living area, soaking in the tub, cozying up to the fireplace on chilly evenings with treats from the fully-stocked minibar or left during the nightly turndown service or, like us, cooking s’mores over the fire.
During the day the grounds are bustling with activities from swimming and fishing, paddling and kayaking, to lawn games like cornhole and ladder ball. There is no designated Kids Club at this resort, as it caters to providing its visitors with an authentic family experience, but there are a variety of activities offered throughout the seasons to keep little ones busy and entertained. The Adirondack Room in the lodge also transforms into a kids haven where movie nights, arts and crafts activities, ping pong, and more are on the menu. In the winter months, sledding, ice-skating, snowshoeing, and skiing take center stage.
There are two dining options at the Lake Placid Lodge. While most families of younger children will choose to dine at Maggie’s Pub, with dishes from duck wings and shepherds pie, to flatbread, burgers, and lobster rolls, those with a more refined pallet may prefer Artisans, which entices visitors with freshly-prepared, local seasonal cuisine for breakfast and dinner.
Lake Placid Lodge is open May through February and closed for the months of March and April.
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Life-sized chess — just one of many lawn games | My room with a view at The Samoset |
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The Samoset Resort, Rockport, Maine
The final resort I had the pleasure of visiting was the Samoset Resort in Rockport, which includes 230-acres along the shoreline of Penobscot Bay. Newly renovated this year in a nautical theme, the Samoset Resort evokes a vibe that is a combination of the two other Opal Properties I visited, providing opportunities for families to escape everyday distractions while spending time together relaxing or playing at the pool, strolling out to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, or indulging in a variety of family-friendly activities on and off property. But when parents want a few hours to themselves? They'll want to check out the complimentary Kids Club, or use a paid babysitter the resort offers.
Kids ages 5 to 12 can utilize the Kids Club, where they can enjoy activities that immerse them in their surroundings and introduce them to the local culture and wildlife. From hikes to strawberry shortcake parties, the Kids Club is sure to keep your little ones busy for hours. For those who need to chill for a while and plug back in, the Kids Club area also has a game room with plenty of TVs, gaming systems, and opportunities to veg out.
Like the Sagamore, the Samoset offers several dining options from the more elegant La Bella Vita and the Clubhouse Grill, to those that will appeal more to most kids, Enoteca Lounge and the Splash Pool Bar. For dessert, savor a s'more at the nightly bonfire. When it comes to where to rest your heads at night, a family suite with a semi-private bunk room allows for a bit of privacy for you and the kids. Rooms also come complete with a microwave and combination refrigerator/freezer.
Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the property, sledding, and I hear the Glacier Bay Ice Bar is a sight to see in January where parents can sip a cocktail or two while the kids admire the intricately carved ice sculptures.
The Samoset is open full-time May through Thanksgiving weekend, after which it begins its winter hours — open weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
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One of the newly renovated bunk rooms | Harborside Hotel guests |
The Harborside Hotel, Spa and Marina, Bar Harbor, Maine
The Harborside Hotel, recently renovated in the same “coastal-chic” decor as its sister site The Samoset, is the only property I haven’t visited. But with stunning views of Frenchman’s Bay, 12 family suites with bunk rooms like The Samoset, and its proximity to Acadia National Park, this luxury hotel will definitely leave families with a vacation experience they won’t forget.
Families can enjoy one of two pools with views of the harbor, a number of boating tours from whale watching to lobster fishing, and four restaurants and lounges similar to those at The Samoset. One of the excursion highlights of the Harborside is its brand-new Acadia by the Sea tour that began in July of this year. The 149-passenger Acadia Explorer, a motorized catamaran, will take passengers on a three-hour tour along the shores of Acadia National Park to experience just a glimpse of what Bar Harbor has to offer its visitors.
The Harborside Hotel is open seasonally May through October.
* I received complimentary meals and accommodations for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
