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 #1 (A Splurge): Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
This balmy paradise with 27 individually owned villas serves up privacy, comfort, five-star service, and a touch of glamour in a convivial club-like atmosphere. The experience: The kids are happily ensconced at the high-energy Kids' Club, and the two of you are strolling hand-in-hand down to the seaside terrace for cocktails and grown-up conversation followed by ocean-side spa treatments, golf, or maybe some deep-sea fishing. Member-only perk: Two 50-minute Tranquility massages (with minimum 4-night stay).
 #2 (A Steal): Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica.
Perched on a hilltop with a stunning view of the Pacific, this haven of relaxed luxury has a collection of homey and well-appointed casitas and offers pleasing portions of serenity, relaxation, and adrenalin-filled excitement. The experience: You had dreamed of retreating to your private hammock to read the latest thriller, but you've been tempted (yet again!) to join the rest of the family for their latest adventure--will it be surfing, a kayaking eco-safari, a treetop canopy excursion, or horseback riding on the beach? Whatever it is, you're up for the challenge! Member-only perk: One private golf lesson for two and a 25-minute reflexology massage at Casa Spa for two.
 #3 (A Splurge): The Resort at Paws Up, Montana.
Set on an impressive 37,000 acres, this resort offers 28 private, rustically elegant ranch homes as well as a cluster of roomy and oh-so-luxurious tents that have all the creature comforts necessary to make you forget you're practically roughing it. The experience: You've never seen the kids this excited before--they were all smiles as they planned the week's events (river rafting, horseback riding, and fishing, to name a few), but they're downright giddy now as they assist your camping butler in lighting a campfire to make s'mores; the two of you are pretty giddy, too, as you enjoy a glass of champagne under the lightshow that is the amazing Montana night sky. Member-only perk: A $150 one-time resort activity credit.
 #4 (A Steal): Carimar Beach Club, Anguilla.
Friendly, low-key, and well-managed, Carimar offers the comforts and conveniences of home (thanks to its cluster of 24 condo-style villas), plus many of the things that lure us to the islands--tropical breezes, sandy beaches, and relief from day-to-day stress. The experience: Your condo is just steps from the pearl-white beach (aah) and, earlier in the day, the beach is where your family made friends with a family nearby; now, you've all gathered together again for a barbecue on the beach where you share good times and what has to be the most beautiful spot on the island to enjoy the sunset. Member-only perk: 10% discount off rates when paying by check.
 #5 (A Splurge): Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic.
Spanish for "country home," Casa de Campo is just that--a welcoming retreat that will relax and charm you; its real treat may well be its selection of two- to four-bedroom villas tucked into the luxuriant foliage along the private beach that offers everything a proper "country home" should, including maid/butler service, private patios with pools or whirlpools, and enough space for a family or group of golfing buddies to really spread out. The experience: Sure, the kids love the children's programs, horseback riding, and water sports--and the two of you love de-stressing at the spa or even re-stressing at the three Pete Dye-designed golf courses--but what has quickly become the family favorite is tooling around the resort's sun-soaked 7,000 acres in your own touring cart. Member-only perk: A $200 credit toward the Cygalle Spa during your stay.
 #6 (A Steal): Mount Cinnamon, Grenada.
This delectable boutique hotel--with its sun-splashed group of fully equipped two- and three-bedroom villas--is ideally situated on a lush West Indies isle known for its tasty spices. The experience: Earlier, the kids took a boat to a nearby island, while the two of you enjoyed a soul-soothing experience at Moi Spa; now, before feasting on a dinner of local and seasonal specialties, your entire family is leaving its footprints behind in the powder-white sand along the hotel's two-mile stretch of Grand Anse Beach. Member-only perk: Couple's massage (with minimum 4-night stay).
 #7 (A Splurge): Santa Marina Resort & Villas, Mykonos.
Smart and sexy, this resort offers a litany of luxuries--from sumptuous bedding to gourmet Mediterranean cuisine featuring organic fruits, herbs, and vegetables grown on Santa Marina's own farm; it's also warm and welcoming toward families--each of its spacious two- to four-bedroom villas is so complete (from a kitchen to a private pool) that your gang might never want to leave. The experience: You're perched atop a private peninsula, sequestered away on the mythical island of Mykonos, and with each passing moment you feel your family's collective tensions just melt away as you're drawn again and again to the dazzling and undisturbed views of the peaceful Aegean. Member-only perk: Fruit and wine upon arrival, and cocktails for two at Marine Club. Exclusive BOGO Steal: Buy one night, get one free! 4 nights TOTAL available in a Deluxe Room; $523/night, double occupancy = 2 nights for $523!
 #8 (A Steal): Ocean Club Resorts, Turks & Caicos.
This deluxe beachfront resort has a generous selection of 84 condos--ranging from studios to 3-bedroom villas--located in a series of three-level buildings designed to blend into the landscape along the spectacular sands of 12-mile-long Grace Bay Beach, which is consistently rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The experience: Once again, you leave your wallet behind as you head out for the day (that feels so good) as most of your favorite experiences here are complimentary, from "renting" bicycles to explore the area to collecting everything the family needs to enjoy the beach: chairs, umbrellas, towels, and even toys for the kids. Member-only perk: 5% off rates when paying by check.
 #9 (A Splurge): The Athenaeum, London, England.
This resort offers luxury at its finest with a can't-be-beat Mayfair location and all the comforts of a five-star home in a series of perfectly appointed apartments. The experience: Good thing you all packed comfortable walking shoes, since The Athenaeum is perfectly positioned for 360-degree sightseeing and exploring. You cut through Green Park right across the street and arrive shortly at Buckingham Palace. You take a right outside the hotel, and you're in Hyde Park within minutes. Turn left, and you run smack-dab into the buzz of Piccadilly Circus and the theaters and galleries of the West End. Or walk behind the hotel and follow the cobbled streets of Shepherd's Market to the fashionable shops of Bond Street, just beyond. Imagine how well the kids--and you--will sleep each night. Member-only perk: Fruit platter, 2 tickets to the Royal Academy of Arts, and 1-way transfer to or from Heathrow (with minimum 3-night stay) or return car transfer from Heathrow or 1-way car transfer from Gatwick (with minimum 5-night stay). Exclusive BOGO Steal: Buy one night, get one free! 6 nights TOTAL available in a One Bedroom Apartment; $983/night, double occupancy = 2 nights for $983!
 #10 (A Steal): Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, St. Lucia.
This resort offers a fortuitous blend of seclusion, sports, and sociability and is surrounded by the amazing scenery for which the island of St. Lucia is justly famous; its spacious and private villas are tucked among the trees on a hillside above pretty Labrelotte Bay. The experience: It's all about choices here, and--lucky you--each choice you make is the right one, whether you decide to sunbathe on the white sand beach, swim in one of the four pools, ride a horse, have a massage, go snorkeling (or windsurfing, or waterskiing), or have dinner in one of the four restaurants, or even have a Windjammer chef prepare and serve a gourmet meal in your own villa . . . and, oh yeah, there are lots of choices for kids and teens, too. Member-only perk: A sunset cruise.
 #11 (A Splurge): Covecastles, Anguilla.
This beachfront villa resort--with 16 super-luxurious, one- to five-bedroom villas and beach houses--is dramatically set along a gorgeous crescent beach on a deserted stretch of Caribbean waterfront. The experience: Your time here literally revolves around the pristine, half-mile beach at your doorstep--yesterday, the whole gang took a glass-bottom boat excursion, today you'll try Sunfish sailing, and tomorrow you'll snorkel in the crystal-clear water; in between all that fun in the sun, you can usually be found enjoying a little me-time in a shaded hammock on your private sundeck, reading a book or, more likely, enjoying a much-deserved siesta. Member-only perk: Daily continental breakfast.
Trust Your Big Plans to the Travel Experts at Hideaways
This list is subjective, of course, and far from complete! For even more recommendations, or to book a stay at one of the villa resorts mentioned here, simply call Hideaways Travel Services (toll-free: 800-843-4433). Planning a trip with us is easy and gratifying--beyond simple "order takers," Hideaways Travel Specialists are highly lauded experts at crafting a travel experience that best suits an individual's travel style, budget, and expectations.
"I contacted [Hideaways Travel Services] to put together a memorable, and affordable, trip. It was the best decision we could have made. They handled all the arrangements, including airfare, rental cars, and villa. They also suggested day trips and provided us with a checklist of other things we needed to consider--we didn't have to worry or fret about anything, and we knew they would find the perfect place to complement our tastes and expectations. In the end, we all came away with a lifetime of wonderful experiences. You can be sure Hideaways will be first on the planning list for our next family adventure."--Tom Cocchiaro and Family, Portsmouth, NH
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