Family Fun At The Diplomat

Hollywood, Florida, is a vibrant city located on the southeastern coast of the state. It is situated in Broward County, between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, making it part of the greater Miami metropolitan area. It enjoys a prime location along the Atlantic Ocean, with beautiful beaches stretching along its coastline, without the abundance of tourists you see in Miami.

One of the main attractions of Hollywood is its pristine beaches. Hollywood Beach is known for its wide sandy shorelines, clear blue waters, and lively boardwalk. The Hollywood Beach Boardwalk is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a scenic pathway for walking, biking, and people-watching.

 Hollywood is also known for its diverse population, comprising people from various ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. This diversity is reflected in the city's culinary scene, cultural events, and neighborhoods.

The city boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural centers. The ArtsPark at Young Circle is a focal point for cultural activities, featuring art installations, live performances, festivals, and outdoor events throughout the year.  It also offers a wide range of shopping and dining options to suit every taste and budget. From upscale boutiques and gourmet restaurants to casual cafes and international cuisine, Hollywood has something for everyone.

In addition to its beaches and cultural attractions, Hollywood offers plenty of recreational activities and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy water sports, fishing charters, golf courses, and nature parks, as well as nightlife venues and casinos. Downtown Hollywood is a charming area with historic buildings, art galleries, shops, and cafes. It's a popular destination for strolling, shopping, and dining, with a lively atmosphere and a sense of community.

Unlike it’s Southern neighbor, Miami, Hollywood is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with numerous parks, playgrounds, and attractions geared towards children and families. The city hosts family-friendly events and activities year-round, making it an ideal destination for travelers with kids.

And this is where you will find The Diplomat Beach Resort, a prominent luxury resort located in Hollywood, Florida, situated right along the beautiful coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. The Diplomat’s prime location provides guests with easy access to the beach and nearby attractions.

The resort offers luxurious accommodations, including rooms and suites with modern amenities and elegant decor. Guests can choose from various room types, including oceanfront rooms and suites with stunning views of the ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. We stayed in the oceanfront suite and it was ideal for our family of four. You have plenty of living space and have a gorgeous balcony where you can enjoy the spectacular views from the comfort of your room.

The Diplomat Beach Resort features a wide range of amenities to cater to the needs of its guests. These include multiple swimming pools, a full-service spa, fitness center, tennis courts, and water sports activities. The resort also offers beach cabanas for those seeking a more private and luxurious experience. The cabana is ideal especially if you have babies or toddlers that need to nap during the day!

Kids ages 4-12 can enjoy the Diplomat Kids’ Club. Located oceanfront on the Resort’s beachside patio, the Kids’ Club will fill their days with oceanside adventures, new friends and the freedom to explore their fun-loving side while parents enjoy some adult time. Between pool and beach games, arts & crafts, dress-up & imaginary play, video games, cooking classes and other fun activities, there’s no way your kids will be bored!

While the kids are playing, adults can relax at the Diplomat Spa +Salon. With a host of spa and wellness treatments, daily fitness programs, and lifestyle rituals, the spa staff will help to create a customized journey unique to your individual focus and wellness vision.

The resort boasts several dining options, ranging from casual beachside cafes like Playa to upscale restaurants like the delicious Diplomat Prime which is the top rated 4-Diamond Steakhouse in South Florida. 

The Diplomat Beach Resort is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for meetings, conferences, weddings, and other special events. The resort offers flexible event spaces, including ballrooms and outdoor venues, along with professional event planning and catering services.

Hollywood, Florida, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. And you are only a short drive away from either Miami or Ft. Lauderdale!

Learning the True Meaning of Aloha in Wailea

Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and is known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and outdoor activities.

Maui is often referred to as the "Valley Isle" due to the large isthmus between its two main volcanic regions. The West Maui Mountains and the Haleakalā volcano dominate the landscape. Haleakalā, a dormant volcano, is a popular attraction, especially for its sunrise and sunset views. A series of wildfires, in August 2023, burned parts of the island. The hardest hit area was the historic resort town of Lahaina, on Maui’s western peninsula, reducing most of the town to ash and ruins. The wildfire was one of the world’s deadliest on record. But the people of Maui are resilient, they are determined to rebuild and they want tourists to visit and enjoy their beautiful island!

Maui boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Popular ones include Kaanapali Beach, Wailea Beach, and Kapalua Bay. These beaches offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and relaxation.

The Road to Hana is a famous scenic drive along the eastern coast of Maui. The journey features lush rainforests, waterfalls, and breathtaking coastal views. The town of Hana itself is known for its laid-back atmosphere.

Maui has a diverse climate due to its varying elevations. The coastal areas are warm and tropical, while higher elevations, such as Haleakalā, can be cooler. Overall, Maui enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year.

Maui's combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences makes it a sought-after destination for a wide range of travelers.

Coming from the East Coast of the United States, Maui is a long flight for us…over ten hours!

Flying Southwest Airlines was the obvious choice for us.

We divided the trip up into two days; flying first to Los Angeles, where we spent the night, and then proceeding onto Maui the next morning. Southwest Airlines is truly one of the most family-friendly airlines. Southwest operates on an open-seating policy, allowing families to choose their seats upon boarding. This flexibility is advantageous for families who want to sit together or accommodate specific needs. Southwest offers a family boarding option, allowing families with children under the age of six to board the plane early and find seating together. Our kids are older than six and we were still allowed to board early so don’t fret! Southwest is known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, which means that passengers, including families, can check in their first two pieces of luggage for free. This can be particularly beneficial for families with additional baggage. They are also known for their no-change-fee policy. Families appreciate the flexibility of changing travel plans without incurring additional fees, which can be especially helpful when unexpected situations arise.

Southwest provides complimentary in-flight entertainment, including live TV and movies, which can help keep children entertained during the flight. And, most importantly, Southwest is known for its friendly and approachable staff, which can create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for families traveling with children. We had an amazing experience with them!

Once we arrived in Maui, we headed straight for Wailea.

Wailea is a resort area located on the southwest shore of the island. Wailea is a picturesque and upscale destination that combines natural beauty, luxury accommodations, and a range of activities for families to enjoy.

Wailea boasts stunning beaches with soft white sand and clear blue waters. Families can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and building sandcastles together. There are many family-friendly resorts in Wailea that offer amenities and activities catering to both adults and children. These resorts often have pools, kids' clubs, and special programs for family enjoyment.

Our first stop was The Grand Wailea, a luxury Waldorf Astoria Resort. The Grand Wailea offers a range of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and villas. The rooms are elegantly designed and feature upscale amenities, private lanais (balconies), and views of the ocean, garden, or pool. One of the highlights of the Grand Wailea is its extensive pool complex. It includes multiple pools, water slides, a lazy river, and a water elevator. The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is often considered one of the most impressive pool areas in Hawaii. My kids couldn’t get enough of the pools and my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing in the lazy river.

The resort is home to Spa Grande, a 50,000-square-foot spa that offers a variety of wellness and beauty treatments. Spa Grande is known for its unique Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit, featuring saunas, waterfalls, and mineral baths.

Grand Wailea features several dining options, ranging from casual to fine dining. The restaurants showcase a variety of cuisines, including Hawaiian, Japanese, and contemporary American. The resort also offers options for private dining and romantic dinners.

The resort provides convenient access to Wailea Beach, one of the beautiful beaches in the area. Guests can enjoy water activities, lounging on the beach, and taking in the scenic views.

The resort is situated near championship golf courses, allowing guests to enjoy golfing in a picturesque setting. Golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the resort's proximity to some of Maui's renowned golf courses.

Amongst one of the many highlights at the Grand Wailea was spending a morning with their cultural ambassador, Kalei. She took us around the property and educated us on Hawaiian culture and people. It was the perfect way to start our magical journey in Wailea and is one of the reasons we fell in love with this area. Cultural activities at the Grand Wailea include lei-making, hula lessons, and traditional Polynesian performances.

One of our most memorable experiences was their luau, which included traditional Hawaiian music, dance, and a feast featuring local cuisine.

The Grand Wailea provides a range of luxury services, including concierge assistance, personalized experiences, and amenities to ensure a high level of comfort for guests.

But Maui isn’t just all beaches! One of the things we like to teach our kids about when we travel is the land they are visiting. We took one afternoon to learn about sustainability and giving back to the land we were visiting. We went to the Skyline Conservation Initiative, in nearby Kahului, whose mission it is to develop programs, partnerships, and leverage resources at the intersection of conservation, agriculture, eco-tourism, and education. One of their main objectives is to reduce invasive species by increasing native habitat so we spent a couple of hours learning about the native KOA tree and even planting a few of them. We walked through their fields and learned about the gorgeous plants and fruits they grow there and even tasted some of their local tea. Always make sure to explore the areas you travel too and connect with the locals!

Speaking of sustainability, our next adventure awaited at the Fairmont Kea Lani luxury resort in Wailea. The resort is committed to environmental sustainability and has implemented initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. This includes energy conservation, waste reduction, and community engagement.

The resort offers spacious suites and villas with separate living areas, private lanais (balconies), and luxurious furnishings.  We were fortunate enough to stay in one of their newly constructed beachfront villas with a private plunge pool and grill. One of best nights was grilling steaks and sipping Hawaiian beer while the kids swam in the pool until midnight!

The Fairmont Kea Lani features several dining options, including Ko, an award-winning restaurant serving plantation-inspired cuisine. It is truly magnificent!

The Willow Stream Spa is a full-service spa offering a range of wellness and beauty treatments. Guests can enjoy massages, facials, and other rejuvenating services in a serene and luxurious environment.

The resort has multiple swimming pools, including an adults-only pool (perfect for multigenerational vacations if you have grandparents that can watch the littles for a bit!) and a water slide for children. The expansive pool area provides a relaxing setting for guests to enjoy the Hawaiian sunshine.

Fairmont Kea Lani has direct access to Polo Beach, allowing guests to easily enjoy the sandy shores and engage in water activities. The resort provides complimentary water sports equipment for guests. Sunsets at Polo Beach are the best I’ve even seen!

Wailea is known for its breathtaking views, especially during sunset. Families can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings together. Hawaii has a rich cultural heritage, and Wailea provides opportunities for families to explore and learn about Hawaiian traditions, music, and dance. Hawaii, in general, is considered a safe destination for travelers. The low crime rates and welcoming atmosphere make it a comfortable place for families.

Wailea Coastal Walk is a scenic oceanfront path that stretches along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and neighboring islands. It's a popular spot for walking and jogging.

During the winter months, Wailea becomes a prime location for whale watching. Humpback whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters, and various boat tours offer the chance to witness these majestic creatures.

Overall, Wailea truly was the most magical vacation we’ve had, as a family, in the United States. It’s relaxing, beautiful, fun and it’s history and culture are unparallel. More than anything, the warmth of its people seeps in your bones.

As we learned, Aloha is not just a word, it’s a way of life. Aloha is the Hawaiian word for love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy, that is commonly used as a greeting. It has a deeper cultural and spiritual significance to native Hawaiians, for whom the term is used to define a force that holds together existence. When you visit Wailea, you learn what Aloha really is.

Winter Glow At George Washington's Mount Vernon

I don’t know about you but one of the things I miss most about this yucky year is all the holiday cheer enjoyed with family and friends. From parties to pageants and big light displays we all congregated at together. Luckily, not all is lost this year. One of the DMV’s most popular landmarks, Mount Vernon, is still full of holiday joy and you have one more weekend to enjoy it. Winter Glow is all the rage so join Mount Vernon for an enchanted evening of holiday lights! 

In case you didn’t know, Mount Vernon is George Washington’s Mansion just outside Old Town Alexandria, VA. In addition to being his home, it is also where the tombs of both George and Martha Washington can be found. More recently, the property added a memorial dedicated to the enslaved people who lived and worked on the estate. During Winter Glow, it is lit in subtle lights. Bundle up and wander along while listening to classic holiday music. View the upper garden and greenhouse glowing in blue and lavender lights and watch as wintery light patterns move throughout like friendly ghosts.

While the mansion itself is off limits this year, you can still meander through the lantern-lit Historic Area and see the vast stretch of the Bowling Green washed in ambient holiday illumination. 

Go back in time and take an opportunity to chat with soldiers at an 18th-century winter encampment or see sparks fly at the Blacksmith shop! Costumed Christmas carolers abound as you shop for artisan-made gifts. And don’t miss one of the guests of honors, Aladdin the Camel! Come hungry as you can purchase warm food and holiday drinks from the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck! 

Mount Vernon has taken all Measures to make sure this is a safe event including:

·         Social Distancing: They ask guests to maintain 6-feet of social distancing. Signage is placed throughout the estate to remind guests.

·         Facial Coverings: All guests and staff will be required to wear facial coverings. Costumes with masks are encouraged!

·         Hand Sanitizer: They have installed hand sanitizer stations around the estate as well as signage promoting proper hygiene.

PRICE INFORMATION

• Member tickets start at $25. Non-member tickets start at $30.
  Winter Glow runs thru-Dec 28, 2020; find the time(s) here
  Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
  More details can be found here
  

Cirque du Soleil Crystal :A Breakthrough Ice Experience

Yesterday, my kids and I got a one of a kind opportunity. We were allowed backstage at Cirque du Soleil's CRYSTAL, in Baltimore's Royal Farms Arena. Not only did we get to see how the show comes together from hair and costumes but also got to see the performers rehearsing amazing scenes...ALL ON ICE!

Wardrobe getting ready for the show. 

Crystal's various wigs that need to be styled for each performance. 

Performer's shoes with nails hammered into them so they can walk on ice and not slip. 

Crystal is Cirque du Soleil's first show on ice. The show has world-class ice skaters and acrobats claiming  their frozen "playground" with speed and acrobatic beauty Cirque is known for. If you've seen a Cirque show before, this is totally new and different as the addition of ice defies all expectations.

Follow Crystal, the lead character, on an exhilarating tale of self-discovery as she dives into a world of her own imagination. Feel the adrenaline as she soars through this surreal world at high speed to become what she was always destined to be: confident, liberated, empowered. If you're taking young kids, there is an element of Elsa in Frozen in this show but very different. The show is divided into various dream sequences and segments. 

PLAYGROUND is hockey game on the pond that turns into a high-octane romp on ramps where extreme skaters do crazy flips, twists and jumps at breakneck speed, until the ice turns into a giant pinball machine. We watched this practice and it was incredible but a whole other thing with costumes and rock music. My five year old son LOVED this. 

BALLROOM was one of my favorite segments. Crystal falls in love and the couple performs a spellbinding aerial straps/skating pas de deux that blurs the boundary between ice and sky. The couple is interacting to Beyoncé's song Halo, one of four "popular" songs utilized and it's beautiful and romantic with an amazing level of aerial intensity. 

In TEMPÊTE, acrobatics are mixed with skating in a fun, high-energy number where tumbling is interwoven with jumps, flips, spins and gliding on blades.

This show combines exhilaration with fun, romance and adventure. My group was made up of kids, Millenials, 40 somethings and grandparents. We ALL loved it. It's playing at Royal Farms Arena, in downtown Baltimore, through July 8th.

You can purchase tickets here:  http://www.royalfarmsarena.com/events/detail/cirque-du-soleil-crystal

A Relaxing Weekend At Omni Bedford Springs Resort

Bedford is located in the Allegheny Mountains of south Pennsylvania. The countryside is beautiful, the people are friendly and there are many family oriented activities to enjoy. The pace is a little slower than most places, and that’s exactly what makes it so charming!

Bedford is steeped in history. In the late 1700’s, Fort Bedford and the surrounding area grew as a transportation and lodging center because of its strategic location on the major route through Pennsylvania. In fact, in 1794, George Washington, stayed at the infamous Espy House. The President's arrival was in response to one of the Country's first tax crisis, the Whiskey Rebellion.

The discovery of healing spring waters, by Native Americans, and the establishment of the Bedford Springs Hotel, attracted prominent guests to Bedford during the 19th century. Actually, President James Buchanan used the hotel as his summer White House when the humidity and heat were unbearable in DC! It was at Bedford Springs that the President received the first trans-Atlantic telegram, sent by Queen Victoria, from England.

Few properties can boast the historic significance of Omni Bedford Springs Resort. The resort has hosted 13 U.S. presidents, seven of whom visited during their presidency.

Bedford Springs became home to one of the first golf courses in America, and, in 1905, the resort opened one of the nation's first indoor pools – fed by the property's spring waters. With its appealing atmosphere and prestigious guest list, Bedford Springs became the “in” place to vacation.

In 1984, Bedford Springs was designated a National Historic Landmark. In the early 2000’s, the resort expanded and went through a major restoration. It reopened in 2007 and returned to its original grandeur.

The Omni Bedford Springs Resort is truly the perfect blend of the past and the future. A stay at Bedford Springs restores your enthusiasm for adventure! Spend quality time with friends and family by taking a hike on one of their many trails or partaking in one of their many fun activities like biking or fly fishing.

Communal Dinner at LIFeSTYLE with new friends and great food! Picture from LIFeSTYLE Facebook Page.

We arrived on a Friday evening and went straight to Bedford’s Main Street where we had reservations at LIFeSTYLE. Lifelong friends Stefano Ferrari and Luca Fanni were born and raised in northern Italy. In 2007, Stefano moved to the States and opened an Italian gourmet retail store, LIFeSTYLE, in Bedford. Luca joined him in 2015 and together, they’ve made this an arena for authentic Italian products from pottery to pasta; salt to olive oil.
On Fridays and Saturdays, they host trattoria dinners, where you can enjoy a traditional Italian meal. No menu, fixed price and communal dining! You’re served five different courses depending on what Stefano and Luca feel like cooking that night! You bring your own wine and there’s no corking fee.  

Saturday and Sunday, we relaxed at Bedford Springs. Springs Eternal Spa is amazing! It’s a 30,000-square-foot destination spa, and is one of the few spas in the country that uses natural spring water in all of its treatments. You can sign up for the renowned "Bedford Baths" which use the resort’s original product line containing local herbs. You can relax with a massage or treatment and, by all means, spend some time in the peaceful spa garden.

Spa Lounge. Picture by Omni Bedford Resorts

The indoor pool is a must for families! In 1905, Bedford Springs Resort debuted one of the first indoor pools in the United States. Many moons ago, musicians would serenade the swimmers and visiting VIPs dove into the pool from the upper level. The heated pool is ideal for wintertime with the kids and is very relaxing and spacious.

Indoor Pool

For sure one of the weekend’s highlights was dinner at the resort’s main dining room, the Crystal Room. This restaurant offers delicious food, in a sophisticated, chic environment. 

The cuisine combines local and regional foods beautifully and they make the best dirty martini and service I’ve ever had! 

The executive chef partners with family farms, ranches and fisheries across the region and the result is fresh, simple, satisfying and seasonal food.

Crystal Room

For many travelers, Bedford County is an easy place to visit, but a difficult place to leave.

Many thanks to Omni Bedford Springs Resort for hosting me and my husband for dinner in the Crystal Room. My opinions are my own; when they aren’t you will be the first to know.