Travel Trends-"Parents-Only Vacations"

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

23 Feb 2007 08:10 PM

One of my daughter's favorite books is "The Berenstain Bears and the Week at Grandma's." It's a cute story about how Brother and Sister bear spend a week at their grandparent's house while Mama and Papa take a second honeymoon. The first time we read it together my 2-year-old demanded to know why the cubs weren't going with their Mama and Papa on vacation. The concept is foreign to my daughter: A vacation without her-unthinkable.

Compare that to my former colleague's definition of "vacation." He doesn't consider it a true vacation if his three kids are along. No, if kids are involved it's considered a "trip" not a "vacation." I thought about him the other day when I ran across an ad for a travel special to Aruba. The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino's Marina Hotel is currently offering spring specials to those who don't relish the pitter-patter of little feet.

I've heard of resorts that feature adults-only pools, but an entire hotel that is kid-free? Whoa! Apparently, the entire Caribbean resort has been split in two. Its pools, beaches and buildings are divvied up between families and adults without children. The child-less adults are offered rooms at the glitzy Marina Hotel, which features fitness rooms, a spa and a white-sand beach with a bar that serves a plethora of tropical libations. The family-friendly side of the property boasts the more low-profile Renaissance Ocean Suites, which features swing sets and barbecue buffets.

But, this latest travel trend reaches beyond Aruba. In what some are calling an anti-family-friendly travel movement, hotels are banning kids from their properties. At Madrona Manor in Healdsburg, California the new rule is simple: No smoking, no pets and no kids under 12. Even Atlantis, the Bahamian mega-resort (often referred to as the "granddaddy of the family-friendly movement") is adding a new adults-oriented hotel, complete with kid-free pools and bar areas. Meanwhile, Cambridge Beaches in Bermuda, will only allow kids under five years old if a full-time nanny accompanies them.

And don't think the kid-free rules are bent for the rich and famous. According to W magazine, when actress Gwyneth Paltrow asked if she could bring her 2-year-old daughter, Apple, to the 16-and-over Paraiso De La Bonita in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, the resort's manager replied, "Yes, if you want to reserve the entire property." Price tag for that luxury: $90,000 a night.

What do you think about this kid-free crusade? How often do you vacation without your children?

Related Articles:

Splurging On a Second Honeymoon

Vacationing with Elmo

Top 5 "Sweet" Travel Destinations For Families

Destination: Hawaii--A Great Family Beach

Travel Deals: Single Parent Caribbean Vacation

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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