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From Miami to Orlando: Luxury Resorts For The Family

Brr... it's been an incredibly cold winter and I'm over it already. Thankfully, my family and I are heading south to warmer temperatures, soon. I'm counting down the days—we all are, actually. I need the sun, the warmth, and the sound of the ocean waves waking me up every morning.

I was on CTV Ottawa Morning Live talking about travel tips when you're travelling with the kids, and I had to mention three amazing resorts that I'll be visiting during my upcoming vacation to Florida. Having travelled to Florida many times with the little ones, I know what works, and what doesn't.


These resorts are amazing, family-friendly, and very accommodating—and I know they'd be perfect for you, too—whether you're travelling with children, or not.

1. Diplomat Resort and Spa: We can't wait to be back at the beautiful Diplomat Resort and Spa. (For our 10th time!)  The Diplomat has been so kind to us over the years, providing us with amazing perks like upgraded rooms, corner suites, spa services, cabanas, free wi-fi, valet services, and so much more. The resort is incredibly beautiful, with never-ending ocean views and two pools: an infinity pool, and and lagoon-style pool, below.

Soon, I'll be testing out their New Year, New You Spa Package: "A special New Year, New you package invites guests to experience a one-hour personal training session to help start their New Year off right, along with a refreshing 80-minute Diplomat Fit Massage and 50-minute Firming Facial. The experience concludes with a shellac manicure and pedicure, leaving guests polished and new." Um... yes, please. I cannot wait! Read more about the Diplomat Resort and Spa here.



2. Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour: Luxury, relaxation and more—I can't wait to visit and review the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour for the first time. If it's anything like the Ritz-Carlton in Biscayne Bay, I know I'll love it. This stunning luxury beach resort has so much to offer, from private suites to a 10,000 square-foot spa where you can get pampered, to the beautiful, outdoor heated swimming pool with private cabanas.

Bal Harbour is my favourite place in Florida and I know this escape will be amazing. After all, it's down the road from the Bal Harbour Shops and my favorite Italian restaurant—especially for people and celebrity watching—Carpaccio's! The Ritz-Carlton is a stunning resort for adults and children alike. They even have a Ritz Kids Club, too—the kids learn as they're kept busy, through four pillars: land, water, environmental responsibility, and culture, and there are other fun and educational activities for the children, too, like a summer reading program, a book and movie library, board games, gaming systems, and more. There is also, of course, plenty to keep adults busy, as well, from lounging around the pool and beach area, to enjoying the fine dining and spa services. The bathrooms at the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour were voted one of South Florida's sexiest... don't you agree?




The first time I was in Orlando, I fell in love—with Disney World, sure, but more with the resort we stayed at—the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. I never forgot the stunning pool area with massive waterfalls, the Kids Club, and the huge, spacious lobby. I was only 12, but wow—what an impression it left! The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a 1,500-acre resort, surrounded by 21 acres of lakes and lush landscaping, just one mile away from Disney World. It's hard to leave the resort, though, let me warn you.

What you can enjoy while you're at the Hyatt: Enjoy the spacious guestrooms with private balconies, play 18-holes on any of the four championship Jack Nicklaus designed golf couress, play tennis with certified tennis pros, swim in the 800,000 gallon lagoon-style pool, go on a hike or a family bike ride, enjoy the water slides, or go rock climbing. You can also relax in the Marilyn Monroe spa, go paddleboating, and enjoy the many yummy restaurants.



From Miami to Orlando, these resorts have all you need for the perfect family vacation.

I'm be re-capping my vacation and giving full reviews on each resort upon my return. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

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