Sonoran Southwest

The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort

c3kids@addtoc3kids.com (Kira Alexander) — Wed, 17 May 2006 13:45:00 -0500

A Local Phoenix Vacation This Year

It's getting close to summertime, and I recently began thinking about where to take my kids for our family vacation. I wanted to spend a little less money for our summer trip, and then plan a Mexico vacation during our school's Fall break in October (fabulous weather in Mexico at that time of year). I debated about a trip to Las Vegas -- about a 6-hour hour drive from the Phoenix area -- and summer rates are low because it is SOOO hot there.

Then a friend of mine asked if I had ever seen the waterpark and pool areas at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort here in Phoenix. I hadn't, so the kids and I drove over to the resort a few Sundays ago to have a look. All I can say is... WOW! I was shocked that such a fabulous family resort existed right here in town, and I had never realized it. The resort is developed within the classic desert terrain of rolling foothills and natural cactus vegetation, but it exists within a larger region known as the Biltmore area of Phoenix. This is a very high-end zip code, and the surrounding community is very nice and very safe.

We walked up to the waterpark entrance (it's so much more than a swimming pool) and explained that we lived locally and would like to see the grounds since we're thinking about making a reservation. The staff was very nice and let us in for a tour, no problem. Just inside, we found the nirvana for kids. There are a couple of tall and lengthy waterslides that curve around the various pools; there's an area of fountains and sprinklers (great for smaller kids); and, best of all, there's a lazy river (floating on inner tubes) that winds throughout the entire waterpark area. Of course, once the kids are bored with all of that, there's a miniature golf course that travels side-by-side with the winding ways of the lazy river. Honestly, my kids were just knocked out! They can't wait for their local vacation this summer.

Here's the best part... since it's so incredibly hot here in Phoenix during the summer, the rates are actually quite low after about mid-June. I'm using my trusty AAA card to get a great rate with no strings attached. Since we're used to the summer heat, we'll be fine during a July vacation. I'll pack lots of sunscreen, and I'll be spending my time under a shady umbrella keeping an eye on my happy kids.

Here's the link for the resort if you'd like more information:
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort

More on My Favorite Mexico Family Resort

c3kids@addtoc3kids.com (Kira Alexander) — Tue, 16 May 2006 16:49:00 -0500

In my last entry, I was describing our family vacation at the Paradise Village Resort & Spa in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico (outside of Puerto Vallarta). In that entry, I described the beautiful resort architecture, the well-appointed suites, the onsite exotic zoo, and the fabulous swimming pools with their three water slides. Did I mention that a breathtaking white sand beach is right across a sidewalk from the swimming pools? Let's see... shall we lay on the beach and swim in the ocean today? Or sit at the pool and play on the waterslides? Such a difficult choice. The beach faces the Bay of Banderas which is a large bay on the Pacific coast of the Mexican shoreline. At the beach, you can rent jet-skiis, go parasailing or check-out boogie boards for body surfing. Or just relax under one of the many umbrellas available for guests and enjoy the on-the-beach cocktail and snack service offered during the day.

After your day at the beach, you may want to check out the local Mexican shopping to find one of a kind treasures or duty-free luxury items. You won't have to travel far. With a five minute stroll down the main street of the resort, you'll reach a local shopping mall with 50 of the finest shops and restaurants you could ask for. If you read the first part of this entry, you'll remember this is also where the supermarket is located for stocking up on cooking and entertainment supplies. Restaurants in the mall range from steakhouses to seafood to italian and all are popular with the guests. Speaking of dining, there are several restaurants within the resort itself. My personal favorite is the outdoor grill which is tucked in between the "activities" pool and the beach. After a morning of sun and fun, you can pull up a stool and bar counter (or table and chairs) and dine casually outdoors. Again, GREAT with kids in tow.

Last, but not least, would you believe that the spa at the Paradise Village Resort is ranked within the top 20 spas in the world? No, really, it is! The spa includes the finest treatments and procedures such as massage and saunas, mud wraps, etc. I'm not fortunate enough to have really used the spa facilities in the past (always had the kids in tow), but I can attest that the spa facilities are sophisticated, glamorous and luxurious. I must admit, everyone I see in there always looks pretty darn relaxed and pampered. Oh, and I'm also not a golfer, but the resort just opened its own golf course within the last two years -- top flight, of course! The resort owners have been sponsoring high visibility tournaments to increase their name in the golf world.

There are probably many more details that I could share with you on this wonderful resort, but I believe that I conveyed the basic point -- this is really the most wonderful resort destination around. Although the resort has now gone full-time timeshare (no hotel-type reservations), it's pretty easy to rent from an owner through the Internet. Check out any of the timeshare rental websites and search for "Paradise Village." You should be able to find a week-long stay for between $800 to $2000 depending on the size of room you want (studio to 2 bdrm) and and on the time of year.

A Mexico Family Vacation to Remember

c3kids@addtoc3kids.com (Kira Alexander) — Mon, 15 May 2006 13:51:00 -0500

Several years ago, I stumbled upon one of the greatest family vacation destinations that I could have hoped for. A friend of mine suggested the Paradise Village Resort located in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico (just outside of Puerto Vallarta). She had traded in some of her timeshare points and taken her own kids there just the year before. At the time, my kids were still little -- about 6 and 7 years old -- and I needed a resort that would keep them occupied and happy to fulfill my hope of actually enjoying the vacation myself.

Wow! Was I ever bowled over once we arrived! The resort lobbies are decorated in a theme recalling the ancient Mayan civilizations, and gigantic, beautiful murals decorate the lobby walls. As you check in, you'll find a beautiful, clean, well-maintained hotel room with a generous use of local marble throughout. Best of all, the rooms are all timeshare suites with full kitchens. Personally, when traveling with kids, I am very grateful for the chance to simplify some of our meals by eating in. To stock that kitchen, you'll soon learn that one of the pleasures of your day will be a leisurely stroll down the resort's main street to reach a local supermarket run by the resort (about a 1 block walk).

This daily stroll also introduces you to one of the most unique marvels of this resort. A zoo with many exotic animals lines the main street across from the hotel buildings. You can see lions, tigers, jaguars, alligators, monkeys, deer, black panthers, and exotic parrots and other birds. But, don't worry, these animals are there on a rescue basis and not just to entertain the tourists. The resort actually sponsors a non-profit foundation that rescues these exotics from wealthy owners who have lost interest in maintaining a healthy situation for the animals. The foundation is overseen by the Government of Mexico and works to rehabilitate the animals and make long-term placements for them when appropriate. So you can enjoy these beauties and feel good about it at the same time!

Now, let's talk about the swimming pools. The second major blessing of this resort for parents is its wonderful set of pool slides. At the main "activities" pool, where group activities occur throughout the day, there are two waterslides that are about two stories high. They are curved and very fast! I have literally spent 6 hours at poolside without my kids ever once complaining that they're bored. They just ride the slides endlessly. There is also a second "quiet" pool which is very beautiful and relaxing, and which has a third, slightly more tame, waterslide for the kids.

Did I mention that the resort also offers a world-class spa? Or did I list the water-sports that are available? How about the proximity of the best Mexican shopping destination in Puerto Vallarta? Or the powdery white beaches right outside of the pool area? Or the great formal and poolside dining? As you can see, this really might be the greatest Mexico family vacation ever, but I'll write about the rest of these benefits in a future article.