The best vacations include everything at your fingertips so all you have to focus on is spending time with loved ones. Planning a resort staycation close to home gives you a dream holiday complete with sparkling pools, amazing restaurants, world-class spas and outdoor activities at your disposal while avoiding unnecessary travel time and distance. The only drawback of having so much to do at a luxury resort is ensuring you have time to experience everything you want to while you’re there. We created this list to help you prepare for your next resort getaway, and make sure that you take full advantage of everything your resort has to offer.
What is a Staycation?
A Staycation is a vacation spent at home. Sometimes you just can’t get out to travel, like during a global pandemic. This is the perfect opportunity to your vacation days to explore local attractions in your hometown. Have you ever been to a state park near your house to hike? Have you considered a walk around downtown as a sightseeing adventure? Take a staycation and get started.
Tip 1: Choose outdoor activities and excursions first
Even on a staycation, there is no better way to create lasting memories with loved ones than having one-of-a-kind experiences. While planned excursions and adventures add fun and excitement to your staycation, you don’t want to overbook yourself, so choose just a few activities spread throughout your stay. Then, plan the other aspects of your trip around them.
When planning outdoor activities, it’s important to choose carefully, considering the interests and limitations of those traveling with you. If you’re planning a trip with children, most resorts offer an array of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Bike rentals, guided nature walks or paddleboard and kayak rentals at waterfront properties are all fun options suitable for children. Before your stay, check the resort website to confirm minimum age requirements to be sure your little ones are old enough to participate.
If you’re looking for an adventurous excursion, see if your resort has any adrenaline-pumping options on property. Some resorts, like the Omni Mount Washington Resort, have zip lines, archery lessons and river tube rentals for guests to enjoy. Otherwise, a concierge can book an offsite excursion through a trusted partner, making the booking process and travel arrangements from the resort a breeze.
When planning a day of championship golf, many resorts allow you to book a tee time online. You can also typically rent clubs for a small fee instead of lugging your set from home. Be sure to show up at least 30 minutes before your tee time to unpack your bag and get in some practice swings.
Tip 2: Add pool or beach time to your staycation itinerary
What is a vacation without someone bringing you a cocktail by the water, after all?
You may not think to look ahead of time to review your pool choices, but resorts generally offer multiple places to dive in from adult-only to kid-friendly pools, wave pools to splashpads, and even lazy rivers. Choosing which pools you want to visit ahead of time will make sure you don’t miss out during your stay.
At beach destinations, it’s important to remember that the early bird gets the worm. You can secure the perfect location for sand and sun if you’re one of the first to the beach. If you plan to spend a whole day at the beach or pool, consider reserving a cabana if it’s available. This will give you a place to relax for a break from the sun and to store your belongings.
Tip 3: Research restaurants in advance
You may not think of eating as part of your itinerary, but one of the best things about resort living is the many dining options available. Checking the resort’s options ahead of your stay will ensure you’re able to secure a reservation at a coveted restaurant and choose the perfect time in between any other planned activities.
While you explore the resort’s restaurants, check to see if they will have any special offerings or events during your stay, like chef-created tasting menus or farm-to-table dinners. These specialty offerings are definitely worth adding to your itinerary for any foodie!
Tip 4: Plan the perfect spa day
Frequent spa-goers know that timing your spa day perfectly is half the battle. Do you need to kick-off your vacay bliss with a relaxing massage or wait until after an excursion or golf game to relieve any tension? Be strategic when planning your appointment day and time. In any case, plan time to allow yourself to relax and leisurely enjoy the spa amenities before and after your appointment. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your appointment time.
Also, make sure to book in advance, as spa appointments can book up quickly at award-winning destinations.
Tip 5: Find unique souvenirs
If your perfect vacation includes exploring local wares and picking a few souvenirs, take a peek inside your resort retail shop before venturing to other shopping destinations. Many resorts’ onsite boutiques are full of curated items from unique local designers and vendors. You’re likely to find the perfect souvenir and cut out unnecessary travel time.
When you’re ready to plan your next resort staycation, we hope you’re able to use these tips to create your ultimate getaway. As you’re searching for the perfect oceanfront oasis, award-winning spa destination or championship golf resort, start by discovering a one-of-a-kind Omni retreat near you. Read more on 3 Reasons to Take a Staycation this Fall.