Family travel 5: Shared discovery

Travel, at its best, provides a pathway for deepening bonds with our family members. Here are five places that offer the opportunity for shared discovery.

Enjoy an eco-adventure at the Jean Michel Cousteau Resort

The whole crew can learn through adventure in this stunning eco-focused retreat. Young explorers can snorkel among coral reefs while learning about marine conservation. Families can also tap into the resources of the Kids Bula Club where personal nannies, buddy groups and tailored teen programs enable parents to pursue their own adventures. The resort is built on a 17-acre property with 25 thatched bures, traditional Fiji houses crafted from local materials and nestled along the waterfront. The hand-carved furnishings paired with sweeping sea views reflect Cousteau’s desire to blend comfort with conservation. It’s an eco-education wrapped in barefoot luxury.

For more: www.fijiresort.com

Sample the best of Broadway in the Big Apple

Head to the Big Apple for a theater experience that will provide a lifelong memory and perhaps instill a lasting love for theater. Peruse the performances for those that will be age and subject matter appropriate. Consider matinees for younger children. Once you’ve targeted the shows you would like to see, talk about the story and listen to the soundtrack in advance. Up the vibe by staying in one of the many hotels in the area that embrace the Broadway culture.

For more: www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/nycrt-hyatt-regency-times-square

Relax at Hawks Cay Resort

Set in the heart of the Florida Keys, this resort offers families the chance to kayak through mangroves, snorkel in clear blue waters or relax near (or in) one of five pools, with no agenda. Younger travelers are drawn to the marine programs and dolphin experiences while parents appreciate the easygoing pace, a hallmark of a relaxing getaway. Spend time riding bikes, fishing, at the spa or on the tennis or pickleball courts.

For more: www.hawkscay.com

Play at Pinehurst

Up your game with a visit to America’s largest golf resort. Legendary Pinehurst, in North Carolina, welcomes young players with junior tee markers and scorecards on all but one of the resort’s courses. Plan a multigenerational tournament on Thistle Dhu, an 18-hole putting course reminiscent of the Himalayas Course at The Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland. Play is free for resort guests. Book a tee time on The Cradle, a welcoming, par-3 short course where kids 17 and under play free with an adult. During the summer and holiday weeks, course No. 8 is reserved for families after 5 p.m. Ask about family packages, clinics and free rentals for juniors.

For more: www.pinehurst.com

Cruise aboard Crystal

Sail away with your clan for the chance to explore multiple destinations, hear interesting speakers, and sample a wide range of culinary options and entertainment venues. On a Crystal Cruise you’ll unpack once, settle into your spacious digs and enjoy each other’s company amid top-notch service. Sit by the pool, play pickleball or work out in the fitness center in between guided excursions. Older children may want to join you for a spa appointment or two. Consider destinations from Alaska to Africa and choose from itineraries that offer ports rich in history, culture and adventure.

For more: www.crystalcruises.com

____…Read more by Lynn O’Rourke Hayes, FamilyTravel.com