Across The Ages with Opal: Perfect Multigenerational Getaways
There’s something about traveling that turns moments into memories. Our senses are alive, our eyes are widened and our minds are refreshed and engaged, ready to make the most of it all. Perhaps that’s why, when we sit around the holiday table or gather for the family reunion, the stories of trips taken together spill out of us. Remember how the sunset looked that night? Remember that little cafe on the coast, the one we returned to every morning?
It makes sense, then, that in the past few years, a new trend has emerged: multi-generational travel. If travel is the stuff of memories, families have learned that there’s no better way to take a trip than by extending the group, bringing the grandparents along to join in on the fun. Opal Collection hotels have been ground zero for this trend, thanks to their roomy, residential-style accommodations and crowd-pleasing array of activities. Every family — no matter what type of family they are — will find something worth remembering at these Opal Collection destinations, from the teensiest tots to the family matriarchs.
FOR THE FAMILY WHO WANTS TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL: COASTAL MAINE
Generations of families have sought out the coastal towns of Rockport, Rockland, and Camden — also known as Midcoast Maine — for centuries, thanks to its rugged beauty, quirky villages, and quintessential New England charm. These historic towns and the waters that surround them are havens for artists, nature lovers, and, well, lots of lobster.
Scenic Penobscot Bay, formed where the mouth of the Penobscot River empties into the deep waters of the Gulf of Maine, is known by many to be the jewel of the Midcoast region, and it’s here where you’ll find Samoset Resort. Perched on 230 oceanfront acres, the resort’s history dates back to 1889; these days, families use it as a base for lighthouse-hopping, hiking, kayaking, schooner-ing and gallery-browsing. Days might begin with a round of golf and end with stargazing by the bonfire or from the ocean-view patio. Ventures into town allow for history lessons, art-filled outings, and plenty of fresh-from-the-bay seafood.
What the Grown-ups Will Love
Exploring the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, which is less than a mile’s walk from the resort, making for easy access and providing postcard-perfect views. Parents and grandparents might consider booking a staff-recommended babysitter for the day in order to hit the links and tackle one of the most challenging finishing holes in New England or to unwind on a private patio with sweeping Penobscot Bay views at the resort’s spa.
What the Kids Will Love
The resort’s “Ultimate Backyard” with tennis, pickleball, badminton, basketball, corn hole, playground, shuffleboard, croquet, and zero-entry pool. They’ll also look forward to the nightly s’mores ritual by the Samoset bonfire, which ends the day on a sweet note.
FOR THE ACTIVE FAMILY: LAKE GEORGE, NEW YORK
It’s hard to say what’s the biggest attraction at the historic Sagamore Resort: the Adirondack Mountain views, the crystalline lake or the award-winning golf course. The good news is that families don’t have to choose — they just have to choose what to do first. For many, that’s hiking. On the west shore of the lake, families can tackle Cat and Thomas mountains; on the east shore, Buck, Sleeping Beauty and Black mountains. For others, it’s all about the lake, whether that’s casting a fishing line from the resort’s docks or renting a motor boat to water ski to your heart’s content. And for some, it’s golf: the Donald Ross-designed course is woven into the verdant landscape, offering views (and challenges!) aplenty.
But even the not-so-active members of the family will find something to love at Lake George. The resort occupies 70 acres on a secluded private island, so it’s easy to find ways to unwind, whether that’s poolside, lakeside, at the spa or on the outdoor terrace in one of the resort’s residential-style lodge condominiums. A visit to the quaint hamlet of Bolton Landing offers worthy diversions as well, like boutique-browsing and brewery-hopping on picturesque Lake Shore Drive.
What the Grown-ups Will Love
A cruise on The Morgan, a 72-foot, 19th-century touring vessel that navigates the waters of the lake and the Narrows. Keep an eye out for a bald eagle or a loon during your trip.
What the Kids Will Love
The Rec Center, an indoor entertainment and sports center with a climbing wall, ping pong, indoor basketball, mini golf, and more — the perfect antidote to a rainy vacation day.
FOR THE FAMILY IN NEED OF SOME VITAMIN SEA: NAPLES, FLORIDA
Anyone who’s ever taken a child to the beach knows the struggle. The gear. The snacks. The sand — oh, the sand. Luckily, the Edgewater Beach Hotel knows the struggle, too. Set on a tranquil 7-mile stretch of southwest Florida sand, the all-suite Edgewater has thought of everything. Families can book private beach beds, umbrellas, and cabanas, and have food and drinks delivered right to them; kiddos can move back and forth between the beach and the beachfront pool with ease before heading back to relax in a spacious suite.
Kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes are all available for guest’s use, and charming Old Naples is just a short trolley ride away. Another convenience? All rooms have a kitchen, making it easy to feed the entire family. After a full day spent on an Everglades tour, at the Naples Zoo, on a dolphin-watching cruise, or just making the most of the Edgewater’s pristine beach, it’s great to have a laid-back kind of evening.
What the Grown-ups Will Love
Sneaking in some wellness and “me time” at one of Naples’ best wellness resorts. Parents and grandparents can sign up for private yoga classes, meditation sessions and paddleboard lessons.
What the Kids Will Love
The homemade cookie bar that pops up in the lobby every afternoon. They’ll also enjoy the lawn games on the pool deck and board games that can be checked out on rainy days.
FOR THE FAMILY WHO WANTS TO SUMMER CAMP: CLEARWATER BEACH, FLORIDA
Some families love to relax on vacations; others are looking to go, go, go. For families who want an itinerary full of activities each day, energetic Clearwater Beach on Florida’s Gulf coast is an obvious choice. Sandpearl Resort makes for a convenient home base for family fun in the sun. Kids will be entertained by the kids club, Camp Ridley, where they’ll make new friends while doing nature walks, scavenger hunts and arts and crafts.
Around the zero-entry pool, kids can take in a dive-in movie while the grown-ups enjoy grouper sandwiches and mojitos from Tate Island Grill. Afterwards, everyone can relax together under the stars at the beach bonfire, or from the serenity of the private balcony back at the suite. You may not want to leave Sandpearl, but Clearwater Beach beckons with sea life tours, dolphin cruises, and a world-class marine mammal rescue aquarium.
What the Grown-ups Will Love
Relaxing at a poolside cabana or napping in a beach hammock while the kiddos play at Camp Ridley during the day. If the kids stay for an evening session, the parents and grandparents could sneak in a quiet meal at Caretta on the Gulf — or even a cooking class.
What the Kids Will Love
Camp Ridley! And meeting the rescued dolphins at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the place featured in the popular Dolphin Tale films.
FOR THE FAMILY WHO LOVES TO PLAY: SARASOTA, FLORIDA
Tucked away on a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota is a 410-acre paradise known as Resort at Longboat Key Club, home to pristine private beaches, a world-class tennis facility and 45 holes of championship golf. Add to that roster five restaurants, a 2,500-square-foot workout studio, a meditation facility and the largest marina on Florida’s west coast, and you’ve got a resort the whole family will never want to leave — especially when you stay in a roomy two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen, dining area and over 1,750 square feet of space.
If you do decide to leave the grounds, however, you’ll find plenty on offer in nearby Sarasota, from an outstanding research aquarium and lovely botanical gardens to opera and orchestra performances.
What the Grown-ups Will Love
Perfecting their backhands and short games with the resort’s first-rate tennis and golf pros — and then unwinding after a good workout with a quenching aloe wrap at the spa.
What the Kids Will Love
Challenging parents and grandparents to a game of corn hole, beach volleyball, or tennis. They can also keep the competition going strong by taking up pickleball – aka the fastest growing sport in America.
