Beach destinations | MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

Regarded one of the most romantic hotels in the world, Ko’a Kea Resort curated its new “Blissful Beginnings” babymoon experience for growing families to connect and unwind in the intimate, scenic setting before their little one arrives. (photo: Meritage Collection)

Koloa, Hawaii- Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach, Kauai’s closest accommodations to the waterfront, launches Blissful Beginnings, a babymoon accommodations package designed to offer expecting parents a serene escape as they prepare for an exciting new chapter. Regarded one of the most romantic hotels in the world, Ko’a Kea Resort curated the experience for growing families to connect and unwind in the intimate, scenic setting before their little one arrives.

“Our award-winning resort has long served as a sought-after destination for parents-to-be celebrating this special chapter in their lives,” said Garrett Busch, President of Pacific Hospitality Group. “With Blissful Beginnings as our newest babymoon offering, we are raising the bar – blending our intimate oceanfront setting with curated amenities that are thoughtfully designed to help expecting couples unwind and reconnect in new ways.”

Those who add Blissful Beginnings to their reservation will enjoy accommodations in one of Koʻa Kea Resort’s 121 spacious guestrooms and suites, specially outfitted with a cozy pregnancy pillow and a soothing belly balm to take home, ensuring the utmost comfort and optimal sleep experience for moms-to-be. The package also includes a 50-minute pregnancy massage The Spa at Ko’a Kea to relieve tension and promote serenity.

Fully embracing the gentle rhythm of paradise, Blissful Beginning guests will have access to a private daybed at Koʻa Kea Resort’s ocean-view pool, where they can soak up Vitamin D on Kauai’s sunniest locale. The package includes a $25 credit for mocktails for expecting parents to indulge in the resort’s handcrafted beverages, either poolside or at the resort’s award-winning Red Salt restaurant.

To capture this precious moment, guests can add a 20-minute maternity photoshoot with Kauai Beach Photography. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Poʻipu Beach, the intimate session includes ten beautifully edited photos, preserving unforgettable memories long after their stay.

Blissful Beginnings guests will also take home a blue whale onesie by MILKBARN^® Kids, a one-of-a-kind collection of organic and bamboo baby goods, serving as a special keepsake to remember the stay by.

Beyond the Blissful Beginnings package, guests will enjoy taking strolls along Poʻipu Beach, exploring the island via the resort’s on-site Tesla rentals, and dining at Red Salt. With sweeping palm-tree lined ocean views, the renowned restaurant is helmed by Kauai native Executive Chef Noelani Planas, who creates masterful dishes inspired by her island upbringing, with a twist on classic techniques.

Koʻa Kea Resort’s Master of Moons – the resort’s dedicated concierge for ‘moon’ celebrations for all life cycles (babymoons, ‘engagementmoons,’ ‘buddymoons’) – is available to craft itineraries with experiences both on and off property. The Master of Moons is at the ready to share handpicked babymoon-friendly recommendations, from local boutiques to healthy dining options.

For more information on Koʻa Kea Resort’s Blissful Beginnings, visit koakea.com. There is a three-night minimum. Use promo code PKGBBY to book.

Koʻa Kea Resort is part of the Meritage Collection, a lifestyle and luxury hotel brand that blends iconic, one-of-a-kind places with locally inspired experiences designed for the curious traveler. Debuted in 2013, Meritage Collection is comprised of four hotels & resorts throughout California, Texas and Hawaii – The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, Hotel Viata in Austin and Ko’a Kea Resort on Po’ipu Beach in Kauai. Reflective of its California roots, the Meritage Collection offers a laid-back luxury service culture that caters to the modern-day traveler.

For more information, visitmeritagecollection.com.

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The Wildwoods, NJ – The Wildwoods, NJ has so much to offer, from beautiful free and spacious beaches with plenty of room to spread out and a world-famous boardwalk with lots of fun attractions. As families venture out to enjoy summer vacations, the Wildwoods offer the ultimate ‘safecation’ destination to ensure a worry-free getaway.

Drive in

The most popular way to reach the destination, especially in the summer 2020, is via car. Load up and hop in your vehicle and head ‘down the shore!’ Vacationers will know when they are close to the Wildwoods without looking at their GPS – with the sea air, signs and excitement in the air signifying their arrival is near.

The Wildwoods have rolled out the red carpet for vacationers with a fabulous new Grand Gateway, an all-new visitor experience designed to greet all visitors and launch them into vacation mode from the moment they arrive. As they make their way over the bridge and onto the island, vacationers are greeted by a new ‘Welcome to the Wildwoods’ Doo Wop style sign in the shape of a surfboard. With its vivid colors and lighting, it can be seen upon approach day or night, setting the tone for the fun that lies ahead. The new Gateway also features a digital billboard announcing the latest events and information. Visitors will also notice colorful beach ball bollards along the entranceway, leading straight to the world-famous Wildwoods sign.

‘Sparkling’ Hotel Accommodations

Once on the island, visitors may check in to the lodging destination of their choice offering over 8,000 hotel-motel rooms and 3,000 vacation rentals, many of which appear to ‘sparkle’ with Doo Wop themed architecture, décor and bright colors. Inside, social distancing practices, enhanced sanitizing and cleaning protocols are being followed. Hotel and motel swimming pools are following safety practices by including screenings upon entering the swimming pool area; social distancing while in the water and on pool decks, and non-sharing of pool furniture and equipment, except among families and partners.

Beach Therapy

Stretching for five miles across North Wildwood, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, the Wildwoods beaches are clean and free for all visitors to enjoy. With today’s ever-changing world, we sometimes need a safe escape. The Wildwoods beaches are the ideal location for visitors to clear their minds, escape the chaos, and enjoy the calming ‘Beach Therapy’. Our wide spacious beaches allow plenty of room to stretch out. Beach goers have the option of choosing to enjoy a relaxing day in the sun, or a more adventurous day of activities on the water, such as surfing, boogie boarding, fishing, power boating, jet-skiing, sailing, kayaking, and whale watching.

Boardwalk Fun

Along with our award-winning beaches, another ‘must do’ is our world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk. Known as ‘2-½ miles of smiles,’ the boardwalk has fun for everyone, whether you’re looking for relaxtion, shopping and dining, or thrills and adventure. Amusement piers, arcades, games, waterparks, shops and outdoor dining can all be enjoyed safely on our boardwalk – with social distancing, facemask requirements and sanitizing protocols in place. For a more peaceful day, take a ride on the 140-foot Ferris Wheel that overlooks the beach and ocean, go for a bike ride, take a stroll, fly a kite, or take a ride on the famous Wildwoods Boardwalk ‘Sightseer’ Tram Cars. For more action and adventure, go on any of the Boardwalk’s world-class roller coasters, take monster truck rides on the beach, or plunge to the bottom of a huge waterslide, and more!

Watch the Tram Car, please!

The Wildwoods Sightseer Tram Cars provide a leisurely cruise down the Boardwalk. First introduced on the Wildwoods’ Boardwalk in 1949, the Tram Cars are an iconic part of the Wildwoods Boardwalk experience, transporting tens of thousands of guests along the two-mile Wildwoods Boardwalk each year. The four original Tram Car trains are some of the oldest, continually operating modes of public transportation in the United States. Today’s Tram Cars are environmentally friendly, running on battery power. Each Tram Car can run for up to 12 hours on a single charge from their 2,000-pound electric batteries.

The Tram Cars require riders to follow social distance guidelines and are employing enhanced sanitizing protocols. Modifications include plexiglass dividers and plastic shields between seating areas; and a sanitizing regimen with quick-drying disinfectant every half-hour. Tram employees are also wearing masks while interacting with visitors and passengers.

Bikeability

Bike riding is a favorite pastime and no town seems to do biking better than the Wildwoods. The Wildwoods have coined the word ‘Bikeability’ to capture all of the amazing opportunities for biking. Right now, there is no better way to recharge, get physical exercise and enjoy the beautiful salty air – all while keeping a safe distance from fellow visitors – than a leisurely bike ride. From lengthy and scenic bike paths, to bike lanes along popular roads, to biking along the boardwalk, there are many ways to enjoy the Wildwoods on two wheels.

Cap off your family vacation with a shopping spree in the many shops and boutiques on the Boardwalk and Downtown Wildwood. Don’t forget to wear your mask and stay safe in the Wildwoods.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.