Rather than pay a babysitter so you and your honey can escape for a romantic weekend getaway, why not bring the kids? Numerous California resorts make it possible for couples to embrace romance while their kids are on property playing and making friends. Later, regroup for family time with s’mores, a movie and other fun activities.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Santa Monica (http://www.loewshotels.com/santa-monica/)
Couples are pampered with champagne and strawberries, dinner in the Ocean & Vine restaurant, and a complimentary in-room movie with the Romance at the Beach package while kids are entertained with Loews Loves Kids, and Teens Too, amenities. The “Kids Closet” for ages under 10 includes toys, books, car seats and numerous other amenities; minibars are stocked with child-friendly snacks. Babysitting is also available. Tweens and teens get music download cards and access to a lending library of Gameboys, DVD players, board games and more. The entire family is pampered with the seasonal Pool Concierge, which includes chilled hand towels and smoothies. Kids under 5 eat free and receive amenities (water bottle, activity book plus more) with the Sprout Dream Stay Package. Call 877-869-2511
Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Nigel, Dana Point (www.ritzcarlton.com)
Everyone is spoiled at this luxurious resort featuring plush rooms, sumptuous dining and an array of children’s services (beach toys, games, movies) and beach butlers in summer. At the onsite Eco-Adventure Center, families can join naturalists on various excursions to learn about whale migration, native fish and more. Ritz Kids offers numerous services and activities for babies, kids and teens. In Creative Kitchen ($90 per child), kids learn about the resort’s organic garden and how to cook a meal.
The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Dana Point (www.lagunacliffs.com)
Perched on a bluff, the resort is walking distance or an easy bike ride to the beach. Although the Kahuna Laguna Kid’s Club is seasonal, the outdoor Splash Zone is open year-round. Various spa packages for couples are available. Expecting? The Babymoon package includes accommodations, one bottle of sparkling apple cider and one 60-minute prenatal massage.
St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point (http://www.monarchbeachresort.com/)
While parents indulge in customized spa treatments in a Spa Gaucin couple’s suite, kids ages 5 – 12 swim, play games and hear stories in the Sandcastle Kids Club. That leaves time to linger in the spa for organic wine pairings and delicacies from the Mediterranean-inspired café menu.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad (http://www.lacosta.com/)
Find the perfect balance of relaxation and family time at this iconic resort. The Romantic Journey For Two spa service is a 50-minute couples massage followed by 45 minutes in the VIP Spa Suite, complete with private Jacuzzi and patio, champagne, strawberries, and truffles. Meanwhile, Kidtopia offers an array of activities for ages 3 – 12. For teens, there’s bocce ball, surf camp and a game lounge. Rendezvous with the kids at the Sandy Beach Family Pool, one of eight pools. Wind down the day with s’more roasting.
Loews Coronado Bay, San Diego (http://www.loewshotels.com/coronado-bay-resort/)
Sip champagne, enjoy a private gondola cruise through San Diego’s waterways and relax with a couple’s spa. Family amenities include three pools for children, families and adults, and Loews Loves Kids, and Teens Too. Kids under 5 eat free and receive amenities (water bottle, activity book plus more) with the Sprout Dream Stay Package. Call 877-869-2511
Terranea Resort, Palos Verdes (http://www.terranea.com/)
There’s plenty of time for romantic walks along the beach, spa services and snuggling by a fireplace while kids are in Terranea’s Pointe Discovery activity center and the Tide Pool Kids Club. After kids return from a day of activities, science experiments and art projects, they can join their parents for a round of golf or whale watching. Pick up a s’mores kit from Catalina Kitchen to enjoy by one of the resort’s 228 fire pits.
Paso Robles Inn, Paso Robles (http://www.pasoroblesinn.com/)
Situated in the Paso Robles wine region, the historic boutique hotel oozes romance with private Jacuzzis on balconies, therapeutic mineral waters, and in-room spa services. But kids are welcome too. Feed fish in the Koi ponds and swim in the pool. Lush gardens and walkways provide a romantic setting as well as relaxing family fun. The Unlimited Kids Vacation Package includes discount lodging, a Family Day Pass to the Paso Robles Children’s Museum, coupons for Powell’s Sweet Shoppe and $40 in dining credit to the Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse. For every adult entrée ordered receive one free Kid’s Meal (12 and under) for free. Photo; Ron Bez.
Madonna Inn, Central Coast (http://www.madonnainn.com/)
Nestled on 1,000 acres of lush meadows and rolling hills, the hotel is popular for weddings and anniversaries as well as family getaways. Numerous themed rooms, with names like Antique Cars, Captain’s Bridge and Fox & Hound, cater to kids and adults alike with fun wall coverings or private space. Spa treatments are available for adults, and guided trail rides (for ages 7 and older) and a swimming pool round out family fun.
9 Romantic California Hotels That Embrace the Whole Family. Do you have a favorite hotel that we missed? Let us know!
