Get extra benefits when you stay at an official SeaWorld hotel

If you’re heading to Orlando for a visit to SeaWorld, Aquatica or Discovery Cove, booking your rooms at one of six official SeaWorld hotels could save you money and give you exclusive benefits you can’t purchase anywhere else.

As of January 2011, all guests at either of the SeaWorld Orlando official hotels will receive:

• Early entry to SeaWorld on select days during peak seasons
• Complimentary front-of-the-line access to SeaWorld’s thrill rides (this benefit alone makes me want to book a room!)
• Discounts on select food and gift purchases at SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark
• Complimentary transportation to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove and Universal Orlando
• Exclusive access to the SeaWorld Rescue Tour

To receive access to these extra privileges, simply visit the guest service desk of the official hotel during your stay.

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Sometimes you need more than a hotel room when you’re on vacation—especially when you bring the family along. On Ambergris Caye in Belize, a stay at Ambergris Lake Villas allows you to have much more room to relax.

Within a short ride of San Pedro Town, the 18-unit condominium complex has spacious units that are fully furnished with a kitchen, one to three bedrooms and living area. Each unit has air-conditioning, cable TV and a washing machine (so you don’t have to lug your dirty clothes home)—and you can lounge at the on-site swimming pool or head to the sandy beach, just a few feet away. Rates start at $99 per night.

Relax in your own living room

All units face a small lake and the swimming pool, and balconies provide an extra spot to chill out and watch the world go by. If you tire of going out on the town and don’t want to cook in your kitchen, you can arrange for a chef to come and prepare meals for you “at home.” And hey, what’s better than having an island home, even if it’s only temporary?

Ambergris Lake Villas, +011-501-226-2196
Mar de Tumbo Drive, San Pedro Town, Belize

Photos courtesy of Ambergris Lake Villas

I was in Belize as a guest of the Belize Tourism Board.

Related post: Rustic, Rainforest Accommodations at Jaguar Paw Resort Near Belmopan, Belize

Winter vacation is just around the corner, and it’s a great time to take that family vacation.  Boston is a wonderful place for a family vacation – with all of the history, culture, and family activities.

Just in time for February winter school vacation, the Seaport Hotel, located in the Seaport district of Boston, is offering a Children’s Museum package.  The package is being offered for $169 per night (plus tax and $3 per night service charge).  The package includes the following:

• Deluxe overnight accommodations for two adults and two children
• Admission for four to the nearby Boston’s Children’s Museum – a great place for children to explore.
• A welcome toy for each child in your party from Seaport’s Treasure Chest
• Free use of the Wave Health and Fitness club including indoor pool
• Complimentary use of an in-room DVD player and a family movie
• Free access to Seaport’s Lending Library – offering books for kids of all ages to borrow during their stay.

The Seaport Hotel offers some wonderful amenities including complimentary wireless internet access, pillow-top beds, Bose radios, flat-screen televisions, deluxe bath amenities, and much more!

This package can be booked by calling 617.385.4000 or via the Seaport Hotel website.

Seaport Hotel and Seaport World Trade Center Boston
1 Seaport Lane
Boston, MA 02210
(800) 440-3318

Photo credit: The Seaport Hotel

Las Villas Akumal

Want to take the family on vacation for fun in the sun, a little education and a lot of family bonding? Head south of the border to Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Las Villas Akumal. Perched right on the beach, it’s ideal for families looking for an escape.

The property has 26 spacious villas with one, two or three bedrooms. Each villa has an ocean or garden view and a fully equipped kitchen, a living room and terrace. All villas have air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, safety deposit box, towels and linens, beach towels and daily maid service. Rates start at $158 per night, and vary based on time of year, number or rooms and view.

Spend family time in a quiet villa

Play in the on-site swimming pool, or use kayaks and snorkel equipment to discover the Caribbean Sea, just steps away from your villa. A rooftop restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner—or walk down the beach to the town of Akumal to dine in local restaurants.

While in Akumal, take the kids to visit the Akumal Ecological Center, which operates volunteer projects on sea turtle and coral reef monitoring. Located in the heart of town, right near the beach, it’s easy to stop in and check out the various displays used to educate people about why the area’s natural attractions are so special and worth preserving.

Las Villas Akumal, 866-589-4311
Cancún-Tulum Highway, Km. 104, Akumal, Mexico

Photos courtesy of Las Villas Akumal

More Mexico-related information:
Green Is Gorgeous at Hacienda Tres Ríos in Riviera Maya