The best vacations often include memorable experiences, real adventure and transformative moments. Here are five ideas to consider.
Traverse Norway’s fjords by yacht
From the deck of a Windstar yacht, the scenery unfolds at an unhurried pace. Waterfalls tumble from cliffs that seem to disappear into the clouds. Tiny farms cling improbably to mountainsides. Colorful villages appear like storybook illustrations. With fewer than 350 guests on board, Windstar’s yachts navigate smaller ports and narrow waterways, bringing travelers closer to the heart of coastal Norway. In Åndalsnes, for example, adventure begins just beyond the dock. Some guests board the celebrated Rauma Railway, where dramatic bridges, rushing rivers and towering peaks make every mile feel like a postcard come to life. Others choose to hike to panoramic viewpoints or simply enjoy coffee or a traditional cinnamon roll in town. Farther north, opportunities abound to paddle a quiet fjord by kayak, sample freshly caught seafood, visit Viking heritage sites or stroll through villages where flower boxes overflow during the short but glorious Nordic summer. Norway also tells a compelling cultural story. Families will learn of the locals' deep respect for nature. Centuries-old stave churches, maritime traditions and communities shaped by the sea offer meaningful glimpses into a way of life that has endured amid the region’s dramatic geography.
For more: www.windstarcruises.com
Stay in Sam Lord’s Castle, Barbados
Once the domain of a notorious buccaneer, the original Regency-style mansion was gutted in a major fire. Today, the legend of Sam Lord lives on but guests look forward to a stay in a modern castle perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.
This 422-room, eco-luxury, all-inclusive resort boasts a mile-long private beach for sunning, sandcastle building and a menu of water sports. Families can look forward to golf, tennis, coastal snorkeling, diving expeditions, boogie-boarding, spa time and deep-sea fishing while relaxing into the casual Caribbean vibe. Expect a surplus of family-centered activities and child-friendly amenities and menus designed to delight young travelers and their parents. A kids’ club for infants through age 12 is run by professionally trained child-care experts who provide classes, games, outdoor fun and activities to engage and entertain the youngest guests.
For more: www.wyndhamgrandbarbados.com
Sample a two-island treat in the Maldives
With two distinct island resorts (and an exclusive private island) Four Seasons offers multiple ways to sample the South Asian tropical paradise.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa feels like the Maldives many travelers imagine. Traditional thatched villas perch above crystal-clear water, palm trees sway in the balmy breeze and every path seems to end at another mesmerizing view. Mornings begin overlooking a lagoon where reef sharks and colorful fish glide beneath your villa. Afternoons are made for snorkeling, sailing or simply surrendering to the soothing rhythm of island time. Even the spa requires a short boat ride — an experience that transforms a treatment into an adventure.
A scenic seaplane flight later, the vibe shifts at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. Larger, wilder, and surrounded by the protected waters of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Landaa Giraavaru is where nature takes center stage. There, marine biologists introduce guests to coral restoration projects, manta rays gather seasonally in nearby waters, and every snorkeling excursion feels like the start of a deep-sea documentary.
Children will discover a playground where hermit crabs become fascinating neighbors and tropical fish are new friends. Multigenerational families will want to share meals and the day’s newest discoveries under the stars.
For more: www.fourseasons.com
Discover the geology of Zion National Park, Utah
Shimmering waterfalls and verdant hanging gardens. Crimson cliffs and emerald pools. Descriptions of Zion National Park rarely do it justice. The landscape is one best experienced up close, wading through the world-famous Narrows or capturing the colorful canyon hues at sunset. Visit to imagine the first peoples who once tracked mammoth, giant sloth, and camel across this southern Utah terrain as you hike, bike or float through the geologic wonder. Make the most of this bucket-list worthy adventure by staying at Zion National Park Lodge, the only lodging inside the park.
For more: www.zionlodge.com
Play the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia
Families can play three championship caliber 18-hole courses that offer rolling hills, tree-lined tracks and coastal play along the James River. Young family members can learn from the resort’s PGA professionals, who use a personalized approach through a variety of schools that feature putting, short game and instruction geared specifically for junior golfers. Participants receive equipment evaluation, a take‐home video analysis and a video instruction page.
They'll experience play on courses designed by legendary players including Arnold Palmer and Curtis Strange. After a round, cool off in one of three pools, including an always popular lazy river. The family-friendly resort also offers hiking, biking, Segway tours and fishing as well as organized kid’s activities. Accommodations include one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums and riverfront cottages with three or four bedrooms.
For more: www.kingsmill.com
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