Five resort picks for single-parent families

Keeping the kids occupied is key to any family resort vacation – moreso when there’s only one parent to keep watch!

With the market growing for single-parent family vacations, Canada’s major tour operators are actively catering to these travellers by offering resort collections specifically geared toward this segment.

Have a client that fits this description? Here’s a quick look at five resorts to suggest for their winter sun vacation:

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana

Designed with kids in mind, the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is literally a cartoon come to life, boasting bright colours and characters such as Dora the Explorer and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, who are regularly seen hanging out with guests.

The resort has 208 suites and guests can also choose to book one of four exclusive villas, including the 1,500 sq. ft. Pineapple, inspired by the home of SpongeBob Squarepants. At the heart of the resort is Nickelodeon Place including the Aqua Nick water park, Character Central for meetings with Nickelodeon characters and the Just Kiddin 'kids' club.

The concept will come to Mexico next year, with the opening of Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya.

Grand Memories Splash

One of, if not the, biggest water parks in the Caribbean can be found at Grand Memories Splash, located along Punta Cana’s Bavaro Beach.

Offering something for kids of all ages, the park includes splash pads, spray grounds, tubes, a wave pool and seven monster water slides. After a day of fun, families can unwind in spacious modern suites with lavish amenities, including 24-hour room service.

Club Med Punta Cana

For kids and parents who always wanted to join the circus, Club Med Punta Cana has the answer.

Launched in 2015, the Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil concept puts a new spin on resort activities. First launched at Club Med Punta Cana, CREACTIVE allows kids and parents alike the chance to try out their athletic and creative sides, from drumming and mask-painting to trapeze and aerial silk.

Royalton Blue Waters & Royalton White Sands

Located just east of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica, these two Royalton properties are located side by side for double the fun!

The properties’ central waterpark offers multiple slides plus a central pirate ship feature, along with a lazy river which winds its way through the complex. Kids can also take part in sports and activities at the Clubhouse Kids Club and enjoy live entertainment and themed activities with kids’ TV characters Max & Ruby.

Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa

Nestled along the picturesque Bay of Banderas in Mexico's sublime Riviera Nayarit, the Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa has plenty to keep kids occupied.

Family Selection rooms are equipped with a cookies and milk turndown service and a welcome kit, ensuring kids enjoy their stay, while three kids’ clubs – for toddlers, younger children and teens – and a water park entertain younger guests.

Throughout the property, the Raggs gang – five multi-coloured musical dogs – are ready to meet younger guests and perform a series of pop-up shows as well as nightly shows held in the kids’ clubs.

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