North county folks, the day has arrived—The Shake Shack, located in The Beacon La Costa, is now open for business. Rumors about the modern-day “roadside” burger stand, known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches, and flat-top Vienna beef dogs opening its fifth San Diego location in Carlsbad, surfaced last year. Burger connoisseurs, young and old, have been anxiously waiting for its grand opening ever since.“We’re thrilled to finally open our doors at The Beacon,” said Andrew McCaughan, Chief Development Officer at Shake Shack. “Our newest Carlsbad Shack is beautifully designed and we’re so excited to finally welcome in the community to dine with us.”
Shake Shack
The La Costa location offers a walk-up window, which gives guests the ability to pre-order via the Shack app and pick up their food from the exterior of the shack. Whether you choose to take out or dine in, we recommend trying the Shroom Burger—the delicious option proves that a "veggie" burger can be the star of the show! The mushroom is breaded, fried, and full of cheese, and can easily be a family favorite.
Shake Shack
Expect to see all the classics on the menu, including the ShackBurger®, Chick'n Shack, crinkle-cut fries and hand-spun shakes. In addition, The Carlsbad Shack will serve up a SoCal regional burger, the Roadside Double featuring a double Swiss cheeseburger with Dijon mustard and onions simmered in beer. Shack-canned Wine, Shackmeister Ale, and local beers are also available Seasonal burgers and drinks will hit the menu in the coming weeks.
Shake Shack is committed to being part of a larger mission to Stand for Something Good® and donated a dollar for every burger sold on opening day to Kids for Peace. Kids for Peace is a California-based global nonprofit that provides a platform for youth to actively engage in socially conscious leadership, community service, arts, environmental stewardship and global friendships.
The Beacon will ultimately offer a collection of restaurants, shops, and lifestyle concepts curated to celebrate the North County Coastal community. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is soon to open, joining other local favorites like Lofty Coffe Co. and La Costa Wine Co.
Did you save beloved toys from your past to share with your little ones? Mattel announced the grand opening of the Fisher-Price Toy Museum, a virtual museum designed to celebrate the brand’s 90-year legacy. This first-of-its-kind virtual experience, which will be hosted on Instagram, enables visitors to relive their favorite toys through a curated exhibition.
The museum also includes a digital gift shop that offers an assortment of apparel, accessories, housewares and more, featuring vintage imagery from Fisher-Price classic toys.
“The Fisher-Price Toy Museum was inspired by the idea that, whether you were born in the 1950s, 1980s or 2000s, everyone has a memory of their favorite childhood toy, and many of those are from Fisher-Price,” said Chuck Scothon, SVP and Global Head of Infant and Preschool, Mattel. “The intent of this museum is to take visitors back to their unique childhood experiences, and give them the opportunity to relive their youth, even if just for a few moments.”
At the museum, the legacy of Fisher-Price toys will be on full display. In honor of the brand’s anniversary year, the museum will feature more than 90 different exhibits that will be organized by decade, enabling visitors to easily locate the vintage toys from their childhood. The collection will include a variety of classic products creatively presented by artist, set designer, and photographer Leila Fakouri, who focused on keeping the toys as the star of each environment while incorporating dimension and texture to create an authentic museum feel. Exhibits include Snoopy Sniffer, which launched in 1938, and sits atop a fabricated slice of blueberry pie, the iconic Roller Skates, which were first introduced in 1983, and are showcased in a miniature roller-skating rink, and many more.
Accompanying the museum is a gift shop offering 16 products that celebrate the brand’s timeless toys. Gift shop items, which will be available in limited quantities, include a Doctor Doodle T-shirt, Space Blazer socks, shoelaces featuring the brand’s classic roller skates and a lunchbox with imagery of vintage Little People figures.
Consumers can experience the Fisher-Price Toy Museum by following @fisherprice.toymuseum on Instagram.
Dinut worry, be happy! Krispy Kreme just announced that its highly anticipated Times Square Flagship Shop will open Tuesday, Sept. 15. This new location will deliver the most impressive doughnut experience, including hot and fresh Original Glazed Doughnuts 24 hours a day.
The world’s largest Hot Light
An iconic doughnut-making theater
The largest and iconic Glazed Waterfall for spectators to watch doughnuts run through
Stadium‑style seating inside a giant Krispy Kreme dozens box
A 24-hour street-side pickup window where people can get doughnuts as they walk by
Merchandise specific to New York City and Times Square to commemorate the experience
A special edition and commemorative “Big Apple” Doughnut exclusively at the Times Square Shop
The opening of the flagship at 1601 Broadway (at West 48th Street), will serve more guests annually than any other Krispy Kreme location in the world, had been scheduled for May but was pushed back due to the pandemic.
“We’re filled with joy to share the sweet news that Krispy Kreme is opening in Times Square,” said Michael Tattersfield, CEO of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation. “We said earlier this year that when New York City and Times Square are ready, we’ll be ready. We can’t wait to bring a new bright Hot Light to Broadway beginning Sept. 15.”
Safety of guests and team members being the top priority, Krispy Kreme will implement a plan designed to keep everyone safe by controlling crowds, including remote queueing and providing guests the ability to reserve a time to visit the shop online. Krispy Kreme will provide more details on this closer to the grand opening. The shop also has a “grab-and-go” counter and window for curbside ordering and pick-up.
Inside the shop, Krispy Kreme will adhere to COVID-19 regulations and guidelines provided by the city and CDC, including employee health screenings at the beginning of shifts, washing hands regularly, wearing face masks, social distancing floor stickers, protective barriers at ordering points, and additional disinfecting throughout the shop. For added convenience, people can order doughnuts ahead of time for pick-up at the Times Square location by visiting our website or via mobile app.
The Times Square shop is part of Krispy Kreme’s 2020 expansion in New York City, which by the end of the year will total eight shops from uptown to downtown, including the brand’s remodeled Penn Station location. Krispy Kreme will hire more than 400 new team members in New York City so far this year.
“We all need a little joy right now and with that we welcome the Krispy Kreme flagship location to the heart of this great city. We’re thrilled for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy the one-of-a-kind treats and the famous Hot Light experience. This iconic brand will make Times Square sweeter and we can’t wait to take a bite,” said Tim Tompkins, President of the Times Square Alliance.
Making plans to head out for a family vacation might seem like a fantasy at the moment with social distancing being our temporary reality. But, we’re looking ahead to brighter days when restrictions are eased and you can once again let the sun kiss your skin. We dug around for resorts and destinations that lend themselves to you easing back into travel while still allowing for a wee bit of distance. Read on, daydream and get excited to explore once more!
Mystique Blue: Isla Holbox, Mexico
Mystique Blue
Located just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Mystique Blue, a boutique resort located on Isla Holbox, is the ideal getaway for families who want to continue social distancing. Isla Holbox itself is a small 26-mile island within the protected YUM Balam nature reserve, unspoiled by the mass tourism of other popular Mexican destinations, such as Tulum or Playa del Carmen.
Mystique Blue is located just minutes away from lush lagoons and an abundance of wildlife where families can participate in exciting excursions, such as learning how to kiteboard, birdwatching, kayaking through the mangroves or swimming with Whale Sharks. Kids will love getting to see the indigenous flamingos that roam.
Mahekal Beach Resort: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Mahekal Beach Resor
For those looking for a taste of true culture, book the Mayan Culinary Casita for no more than ten guests, which rests inside a secluded alcove nestled in an emerald patch of jungle, where diners help native Mayan chefs prepare a private, multi-course lunchcomplete with Mayan rituals, hands-on interaction and rich, historical tradition. Or if travelers are looking for private suites boasting plunge pools, book Mahekal’s“Ocean Front” casitas or “Beach House” bungalows, which are located directly on the beach - just 10 steps from the crisp, Caribbean Sea—and tout open-air terraces with crochet hammocks, personal plunge pools or private outdoor moon showers.
Margaritaville Beach Resort: Nassau, Bahamas
Margaritaville Beach Resort
Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, opening this summer in The Bahamas, is the ultimate resort destination in The Bahamas—a casual-luxe island escape for vacationers to kick back, relax, & discover the island vibe. With 129 residential condos available to rent through the hotel, guests can enjoy all of the comforts and convenience of home—including a full kitchen to prepare meals—along with access to the resort’s many amenities. Vacationers who would prefer a traditional hotel experience can choose from a range of suites in the hotel tower, many of which include private outdoor terraces and jacuzzi hot tubs for relaxation away from the crowds.
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort: Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica
Surrounded by natural wonders, cultural richness and only-here experiences to explore,Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Ricais the ideal getaway for post COVID-19 travel. When it comes to ways that families can continue social distancing while traveling this summer, the all-inclusive resort just keeps giving.
Their Star Class™ Producer’s Suite, the biggest and baddest hotel room available, offers large windows ensuring uninterrupted views of the Papagayo Gulf, a private balcony that spans the entire length of the suite and comes complete with a personal jacuzzi, a personal kitchen area and in-room bar, and a pool table and Your Soundtrack™ that provide in-room fun and entertainment.
The resort has a curated list of private, off-property excursions to explore and discover the wonders of Costa Rica, non-motorized water sports (kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and more!) that can be done alone or in small groups, and plenty of room to roam and bask in the beauty of the Papagayo Peninsula.
Bungalows Key Largo: Key Largo, FL
Bungalows Key Largo: Key Largo, FL
Plan a romantic getaway to recharge! The luxury, adults-only Bungalows Key Largowhich celebrated its grand opening this past December as the first and only all-inclusive resort in the Florida Keys, provides intimate boat excursions (at an additional cost) for guests who would like to dive the world’s third-largest reef system, enjoy an unrivaled Florida sunset aboard “Lady B” the 56-foot sail catamaran or for a daytime sail—to lounge on Lady B’s drink mat sprawled across the stern or to kayak the Everglades, taking in the destination's beauty + wildlife.
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa: Orlando, FL
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
Located next to a beautiful 85-acre spring-fed lake, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa In Orlando is the perfect place to retreat with expansive villas, fully equipped kitchens, in-room jetted tubs and private balconies with fresh air overlooking lake views. The resort offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including a marina with boat and kayak rentals, miniature golf and Sunset Key Island—a private tropical island oasis in the middle of a spring-fed 85-acre lake that makes the perfect setting for intimate get-togethers with family and friends.
Tallahassee, FL
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Tallahassee, Florida lies in one of the most biologically diverse regions in the U.S. and is home to more than 700 miles of diverse trails—aptly lending the nickname “Trailahassee”—with abundant biking, hiking, paddling, equestrian and running trails. Notable parks and gardens within Tallahassee include Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens, Cascades Park and Tom Brown Park. With more than 20 undulating lakes or endless rivers, kayakers observe Florida’s wildlife on scenic adventures throughout the year. Whether by land or water, breath-taking landscapes, amazing wildlife and recreational activities abound for families during the summer that wish to practice social distancing.
Florida’s Sports Coast: North of Tampa, FL
Giraffe Ranch
Located just north of Tampa on the beloved Gulf of Mexico, Florida's Sports Coast offers a more active vacation spot to tackle your next adventure. The souvenirs you'll take home are legendary stories and unforgettable memories from one-of-a-kind attractions.
Book a private segway safari tour at Giraffe Ranch, for an intimate eco-experience. The wildlife preserve—located on 47 acres of rolling countryside, with huge live oaks, native orchids, lush pastures and ephemeral wetlands—is a Florida agritourism enterprise, open by reservation only (meaning you won’t have to battle large crowds as tours are strictly limited in size and are fun, educational adventures).
Go on an easy, edible, adventure—often referred to as an underwater Easter egg hunt, scalloping is one of the easier sea adventures (only requires basic swimming skills) making it an ideal excursion to be enjoyed by solo-travelers, families and groups alike—just grab a snorkel, mask and fins!
Rent a boat from Windsong Charters, and dive into captivating coastlines known for world-class flats fishing and some the highest scallop counts in the state. Be sure to swing by Anclote Key Preserve State Park for added seclusion—accessible only by boat, the preserve boasts seven miles of coastline and is home to more than 8,000 nesting shorebirds. Rich in wildlife and birding trails, birding enthusiasts can see countless native specifics that call the coastline home. . . and as an added bonus, a picturesque 1887 lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the southern end of the island.
Hike, bike and explore 100 vibrant area trails and 35 public parks. Trinity Cyclerywill happily outfit your family with mountain bike rentals for off-the-beaten-path exploration.
In a statement on Wed., Mar. 31, Merlin Entertainments and LEGOLAND Resorts announced that the new resort in New York will be postponing its grand opening until sometime in 2021. The theme park was originally slated to open this summer, on Jul. 4.
New York Divisional Director Stephanie Johnson stated, “We are grateful for the support and understanding from our guests and neighbors as we navigate the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We look forward to building unforgettable memories with our guests and their families when we open in 2021.”
photo: Courtesy of LEGOLAND New York
All annual passes or single-day tickets that have already been purchased will be honored when the park opens in 2021. Anyone who has booked a vacation package through LEGOLAND Vacations will have the first opportunity to book for the 2021 season as soon as it becomes available.
The resort still pans to hire over 1,000 employees, and all employees who were already offered employment still have standing offers for 2021.
Guests can find all the up-to-date info by visiting the LEGOLAND New York website.
If the name Nik Wallenda rings a bell, it’s because he just walked over an active volcano, live on ABC, as his latest high-wire stunt. And his next major event will be walking the plank at the grand opening of the all-new Pirate Island hotel at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.
photo: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
In true pirate-fashion, Wallenda will “walk the plank” from inside the theme park to the new hotel to kick off the resort’s opening festivities on Thursday, April 16. LEGOLAND Florida Resort park and hotel guests are invited to take part in the fun and watch the nail-biting stunt safely from the ground.
Wallenda will walk across an over 500 ft. long high wire, using a 28-foot balance pole enhanced with LEGO bricks. Check out the video below of Wallenda’s invite and a sneak peek of the progress of the hotel!
If you can’t make it to LEGOLAND on April 16, don’t worry. The event will be covered on LEGOLAND’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Pirate Island Hotel will be connected to the existing LEGOLAND Hotel, becoming the third on-site hotel at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Located right outside the main gates of the park (130 steps, to be exact) the hotel will include 150 rooms, a heated pool and pool deck, a pirate ship in front of the hotel, a pirate-themed restaurant, nightly kid-friendly programming, LEGO character experiences, LEGO play pits and a lobby bar for the grown-ups.
Pirate Island Hotel will officially open to the public on Fri., April 17. Reservations are available at LEGOLAND.com/pirateisland
featured image: Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Put travel on your 2020 bucket list, and book some family time at one of these brand-new hotels and all-inclusive resorts. From the much-anticipated new LEGOLAND NYC property to Caribbean resorts that cater to all members of the family, we’ve got the list for you. Scroll through for major travel inspo, and book your getaway today!
LEGOLAND New York Resort—Goshen, NY
Wave the stars and stripes and start counting down to the fireworks! LEGOLAND® New York Resort will hold its bricktastic Grand Opening celebration on July 4, 2020. LEGOLAND New York Resort will be the largest LEGOLAND theme park Merlin Entertainments has ever built, with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions across seven themed “lands” on 150 acres. When it opens on July 4, 2020, LEGOLAND® New York Resort will introduce the LEGO® Factory Adventure Ride featuring the world’s first use of on-ride tracking technology. By identifying the attributes of guests and mapping their position in the virtual space, the ride transforms riders into LEGO® Minifigures right before their own eyes!
You'll have to wait until 2021 to stay on-site at the property as the LEGOLAND New York Hotel will open the following year.
Across from DISNEYLAND® Resort and adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center, the Westin Anaheim Resort will be a stunning retreat for families vacationing in Orange County. In the heart of the Anaheim Resort District, this newly constructed 618-room hotel is a great central launching point for all Southern California adventures with Huntington Beach a short drive away and both Los Angeles and San Diego within two-hours’ drive from the hotel. Enjoy new guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds® for a great night’s sleep, a concierge lounge plus four innovative and exciting restaurants and bars, including a rooftop bar with amazing panoramic views of Disney’s fireworks.
You won't be able to wait until 2020 for the brand-new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya to open its doors. It will offer 276 oceanfront swim-up pad suites and flat suites, plus four sprawling Nickelodeon-themed signature penthouses (including your favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants) perched on the top floor of two modern six-story buildings. All-inclusive luxury means you'll spend lots of time at the 500,000-square food Aqua Nick, which includes a lazy river, water slides, a splash park, an interactive water playground for toddlers and mini relaxation pools.
Located in the rapidly-growing Seaport neighborhood along South Boston’s waterfront, Hyatt Place Boston Seaport District is expected to open in the spring of 2020 with 297 guestrooms. The new upscale select-service hotel will provide guests with close proximity to the Institute of Contemporary Art, Fan Pier, Liberty Wharf and more. Additional hotel amenities will include a rooftop lounge, free breakfast for World of Hyatt members and a 24/7 menu with freshly prepared food.
Located within the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Hotel Drover is a $100 million, four-star, Marriott Autograph Collection boutique hotel and rustic resort named for the legendary Drovers, who herded cattle along the Chisholm Trail. Hotel Drover will feature 200 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, as well as 15,000 square feet of meeting space and a dramatic, elegant barn for weddings, meetings, and social events. Hotel Drover will boast a true western aesthetic, marrying handcrafted elements with genuine Texas hospitality. The hotel’s backyard will offer fire pits, a lushly landscaped pool area, and paths to stroll Marine Creek.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection—Kamuela, HI
Opening on the tranquil, scenic shores of the Island of Hawaii, the newly-reimagined, family-friendly Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection is set to debut in January 2020—as Auberge’s first in Hawaii. Boasting contemporary guest rooms and suites, five private bungalows, five restaurants and lounges, three pools, a signature spa, a wellness haven, active pursuits, cultural programming and an interactive Holoholo Kids Circle, families will want for nothing as they delight in panoramic Pacific views and revel in Auberge’s gracious service. Taking advantage of Mauna Lani’s storied and sprawling land, the educational and fun kids' programs range from cultural immersion, athletics and wellness, to culinary classes, movies under the stars, moonlight storytelling and navigation.
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is inviting brick fans to #VacationLikeAPirate in 2020 with the announcement of the “Year of the Pirate” including the grand opening of LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel. Located just 130 kid-steps from the theme park entrance, LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel will feature 150 LEGO-filled rooms (including four suites), a heated pool (complete with LEGO soft bricks to build in the pool), hundreds of LEGO models, in-room LEGO treasure hunts and exclusive character experiences. Similar to the popular LEGOLAND Hotel, each room will include two separate spaces: a kid’s sleeping area and an adult area.
Opening early 2020 in downtown Cincinnati, The Lytle Park Hotel, part of Autograph Collection, is an imaginative collaboration between two historic buildings and the celebrated Lytle Park just outside its doors. The property will feature 106 oversized guestrooms, including 18 two-bedroom suites that are perfect for families. Cleverly blurring the lines between park and hotel, The Lytle Park Hotel will boast a central wine and cocktail bar, a fine-dining Italian restaurant and lounge, and Cincinnati’s only four-season rooftop bar and event space offering views of Lytle Park, downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River.
Long regarded as one of the world’s greatest getaways, Rosewood Little Dix Bay will re-open in January 2020 following a four-year closure due to the 2017 hurricanes. Inspired by its natural setting, the exclusive resort has been reimagined for today’s ultra-luxury traveler with 80 new guestrooms, suites and villas that will offer a level of refinement unrivaled in the Caribbean. Spanning 500 acres on half a mile of beach, the resort will include four distinct dining venues, two pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center and Sense®, A Rosewood Spa set high on a bluff at the cliff's edge. A family-friendly destination, Rosewood Little Dix Bay will offer a wide array of activities including a tennis center, Rosewood Explorers Club, hiking trails, watersports and beach drops.
Opening in December 2020, the Royal Uno® All Inclusive Resort & Spa is a beachfront resort located in the Cancun Hotel Zone. This all-inclusive resort welcomes guests of all ages, and will have five new restaurants serving international, Mexican, Italian and Asian cuisine and offers all kinds of fun including a kids club, plus a kids' water play area, a family room for video games, and more. There are 540 new rooms in total and options include one-and two-bedroom suites with either a private ocean view terrace or balcony, queen or king-size beds. Guests can kayak and sail on the lagoon, and there are plenty of daily activities to keep everyone busy.
Omni Viking Lakes Hotel is scheduled to open on the Viking Lakes campus in fall 2020 in Eagan, Minnesota. The four-star, full-service 14-story hotel will include 320 rooms and suites offering guests first-class accommodations with Omni Kids Crew. The Kids Crew program brings the personalized Omni experience to the youngest guests: Upon check-in, children receive a backpack filled with fun items designed specifically for them. The backpack includes an activity book with stickers, an e-book, crayons, binoculars and a small tabletop game. They’ll also receive milk and cookies delivered to their guest room on the first night of their stay. Omni is also launching a Junior Chefs menu in 2020 (Think unique menu items for kids like breakfast tacos, rainbow yogurt breakfast bowls, a Chinese takeout dish and Jenga French toast). Located adjacent to the Minnesota Vikings’ brand new headquarters and practice facility, the design of Omni Viking Lakes Hotel features elements inspired by the American-Nordic landscapes and the dynamic and unpredictable character of its climate.
The family-friendly Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel is set to be one of the tallest buildings in Manhattan's enchanting Flower District. Set on the former site of New York’s beloved Antiques Garage flea market, the hotel pays homage to the area’s vintage appeal with an immersive “secret garden” design concept. Encouraging guests to “look and look again,” whimsical touches are sprinkled throughout the property, including more than 50 hidden bunny icons. With 341 guestrooms and spacious suites, the property is near Manhattan attractions like Hudson Yards, the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden.
The 2,050-room Dockside Inn and Suites will open in 2020 as the second wave of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. This coastal-themed hotel is also a value property, with rates starting at $76 per night. Inspired by sand, sea and breathtaking sunsets, this retreat has a coastal vibe and comes with all the fun and convenience of staying with Universal—including awesome hotel guest benefits. With plenty of standard rooms and spacious, two-bedroom suites that sleep six, it’s a great spot for families of any size to base their Universal vacation.
Hyatt House Nashville/Downtown-Sobro—Nashville, TN
At Hyatt House Nashville/Downtown-Sobro, guests can make themselves at home in the heart of Music City. Slated to open in early 2020, the hotel will feature 217 extended-stay rooms with full kitchens or spacious one-bedroom suites spanning 454 square feet. The hotel will be located minutes from many Nashville landmarks, Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, trendy restaurants and high-spirited honky-tonks. Hotel amenities will include complimentary breakfast for guests at the Omelet Bar, small bites and shareables at the H Bar, an indoor pool and grab ‘n' go snack at the H Market.
The Gordon Hotel in Eugene, Oregon will be opening in October 2020, will have a significant focus on art and design, and will strive to engage guests with first-hand experiences. A focal point of the lobby will be an "art bar" stocked with art supplies like pencils, watercolors and clay, along with an industrial sink for cleaning up after fits of inspiration or family time creating a unique souvenir. Also, guest hallways will feature local art and interactive pieces, like strings of colorful postcards from previous guests.
The new property will feature 82 rooms and complement the nearby existing 5th Street Public Market (a mainstay in the community) with an additional market alley showcasing local and regional food, beverage and retail shops, including a collection of experiential, craft-focused vendors; an adjacent co-working space; and a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the downtown Eugene skyline.
The Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort & Spa—St. Thomas
2020 will bring the return of the Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort & Spa and a new, adjacent resort under Marriott's Autograph Collection, Noni Beach, a St. Thomas Resort. The resort complex located on the Caribbean Sea will provide several distinctive dining experiences for families and singles. The Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort & Spa, dramatically situated atop a harbor-side cliff with panoramic ocean views, will boast 384 guest rooms, including 28 spacious suites, three resort pools including an infinity edge pool with swim-up pool bar, a state-of-the-art luxury wellness spa, and 85,000 square feet of extraordinary indoor and outdoor event space. The family-friendly resort will have ample activities for kids that will teach them about the environment and how we can help preserve it. There will also be activities for the whole family to enjoy making a stay at Frenchman’s Reef unforgettable.
An architectural beauty surrounded by palm trees, tropical blooms and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, Conrad Punta de Mita provides stunning views from anywhere in the resort. Guests can relax in a coastal-chic guest room, sink their toes in sandy beaches and indulge in premier dining and endless activities. Families will especially love the three outdoor pools, tennis and basketball courts and 24-hour indoor/outdoor fitness center along with land and water activities for all ages.
Opening January 2020, The Ranahan by Welk Resorts is located on six acres of a scenic bend in the stunning Blue River and minutes from the historic town of Breckenridge. The brand-new, ranch-inspired resort pays homage to town’s history as a mining and ranching community through native stone and timber design. Even the name Ranahan is derived from the “Ranny,” the term for a top ranch hand or a good all-around cowboy.
Families will enjoy spacious one- and two-bedroom villas with fully-equipped kitchens, a living room with a flat-screen TV, balcony or patio and fireplace. Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, lively indoor/outdoor pool complete with slide and splash pad, hot tubs, fire pits plus barbecue stations. The resort’s prime location is across the street from Breckenridge Golf Club and within easy access to skiing, bike trails, fishing, shopping and dining and much more.
Hotel Cerro will be the first full-service, luxury hotel to open in the college town of San Luis Obispo. The property has a variety of room types, from double queens to spacious suites with flexible sleeping arrangements that are great for families. It has a rooftop pool and deck with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The countryside is one of the big attractions of SLO—it has miles of bike paths, hiking trails and family-friendly beaches in nearby Avila Beach and Morro Bay, not to mention stunning Montana de Oro State Park on the coast.
Located in the heart of historic downtown Bozeman, Montana, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants will turn the National Guard Armory building into a 122-room hotel with a signature restaurant, a speakeasy featuring music and live entertainment and 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The new Kimpton will also feature a concert hall designed to attract top musical performances, as well as a rooftop pool and bar, where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bridger Mountain Range.
The hotel’s location will attract a broad spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts, with Yellowstone National Park as well as Big Sky and Bridger Bowl ski resorts at its doorstep. In addition to Bozeman’s premier outdoor offerings, which extend to incredible biking trails and fishing adventures, the city is also home to a vibrant art and music scene.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee—Greensboro, GA
The family-friendly waterfront retreat’s multi-million-dollar renovation has begun and will spring new life into the luxury guest rooms and suites, Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge Level, and guest experiences—all capturing the spirit of effortless lake life. A special focus is being placed on the resort’s youngest guests with the construction of a shorefront family pool and a brand new Ritz Kids center nearby, serving as home base for all things fun.
Holiday Inn Express® Trier is a modern hotel situated on the shore of the River Mosel. In the morning, enjoy a complimentary healthy breakfast in its comfortable breakfast room, then enjoy a 20-minute walk along the river to the city center. The city center is the oldest city of Germany which offers multiple sights and many attractions including the oldest city gate “Porta Nigra”, the old thermal bath as well as the Dome. As with other Holiday Inn Express properties, breakfast is complimentary.
Joie de Vivre and Destination Hotels Beach Resorts—Oceanside, CA
Expected to be completed late 2020, Oceanside’s brand-new Joie de Vivre resort and its sister property by Destination Hotels (both by Hyatt) will make up what will be the largest beachfront development on the San Diego coastline in over 20 years. Fronting Oceanside’s historic pier and sandy beach and within easy walking distance to restaurants, museums and shopping, both properties will offer families a stunning location from which to experience a Southern California beach vacation.
The Joie de Vivre hotel will feature 160 guest rooms and suites – most with private, ocean-facing balconies. Amenities include a restaurant, expansive rooftop pool, meeting space and a public garden. The property also will be the new home for Oceanside’s beloved “Top Gun” house, named for its appearance in the popular movie from the 1980s. Dating back to the year 1887, the historically-protected Queen Anne Victorian is being meticulously restored to its original splendor and will re-launch as a curated food outlet.
Oceanside’s Destination Hotels resort will boast a residential, upscale beach house feel with 226 guest rooms and suites, most with full or partial views of the ocean. Noteworthy amenities include a signature restaurant, an indoor-outdoor bar lounge, a luxury spa, an elevated 9,000-square-foot pool deck and extensive event space, including a poolside living room and terrace.
Set to debut March 1, 2020, in the exclusive resort enclave of Mexico’s emerging Costa Mujeres, just north of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun will offer guests of all ages an upscale and unforgettable all-inclusive vacation. The resort will feature 898 luxury suites, as well as an all-star line up of activities and adventures for travelers of all ages. Children are sure to enjoy the Stars Kids Club, a unique kids club program designed to spark the imagination of younger guests or have a blast at the new JUMP trampoline park. The whole family can channel their inner PGA player at the mini-golf course, wind down the lazy river, zoom down slides at the water park or test out their surfing skills on the FlowRider® surf simulator. Keeping with the Planet Hollywood lifestyle, the new-build resort will be reflective of the iconic '90s brand boasting authentic Hollywood memorabilia and curated entertainment experiences.
The ultimate glamping vacation, Under Canvas, creates an immersive escape that connects travel and nature and encourages being Outside Together. Guests of all ages can fall asleep under the stars, wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a day of endless activities amongst incredible views of America’s most iconic national parks and monuments.
NEW for 2020, Under Canvas Acadia, 75 lodging tents set on 100 acres, will comprise of more than 1,200 feet of coastline just a short 35-minute drive to the acclaimed Cadillac Mountain Trail and Acadia National Park.
Legacy International Center Resort & Spa—San Diego, CA
Legacy International Center Resort & Spa is located in the heart of San Diego’s famed Mission Valley. Featuring a 126-room hotel and conference center, an International Experience Center, and a 500-seat performing arts theater, this one-of-a-kind resort will become one of the region’s premier family-friendly destinations.
The International Experience Center will feature a dramatic 18-foot-tall interactive globe that gives visitors the chance to learn about different cultures. The Legacy Center’s flight motion simulator attraction will include a thrilling 4-D, 100-seat motion theater, conceived by former Disney Imagineers, where guests can experience “Wings Over Israel,” a full sensory “hang gliding” tour of Israel complete with sights, sounds and scents.
Set your sights for the British Virgin Islands in late 2020 to visit Bitter End Yacht Club after extensive renovations that were the result of the 2017 hurricanes that hit the islands. In the 2020 winter season, Bitter End will debut all-new world-class marina facilities complete with a two-story, open-air marina complex and lounge with expansive views of the North Sound and setting sun. Later in 2020, the club will introduce enhancements to the nautical village including yacht management programs, a casual beachfront restaurant and bar, private event space and an epicurean market for provisioning. Following on the heels of the marina and waterfront rebuild, the resort development will include a variety of unique accommodations and hospitality amenities.
Construction has already begun on a new 127-room hotel with anticipated completion as early as Fall 2020. The four-story hotel, located on a portion of the Chapel parking lot near Copper Road and Ten Mile Circle will consist of 127 guest rooms offering a mix of two queen beds, king beds and suites. With a spectacular panorama of Copper Mountain and the Sky Chutes, the Creekside Hotel will feature an outdoor patio nestled along West Ten Mile Creek complete with fire pits and hot tubs, giving guests a chance to unwind and soak in the views after a day on the slopes. The hotel will be a significant new addition to the resort’s Center Village and will provide easy access to unmatched Colorado adventure.
Alaia Belize, Belize’s first Marriott International Autograph Collection property, is opening December 2020 on Ambergris Caye’s San Pedro Town (dubbed La Isla Bonita by Madonna). The beachfront community resort will sit on over 20 acres and feature a hotel, as well as two- and three-bedroom condominiums and oceanfront villas available for purchase. Alaia will boast world-class amenities for the whole family, including a beach club, rooftop suspended pool and lounge (a first for Belize), full-service spa, fitness center, kids club, dive shop and live art gallery with family-friendly activities.
The Ben West Palm is shaking up the hospitality scene in West Palm Beach as it gears up for an opening in mid February 2020. As the first water-facing hotel in the downtown area, the highly anticipated property will be the ideal launch point for an unforgettable South Florida family vacation. Drawing inspiration from the Ben Trovato Estate, Byrd Dewey’s South Florida home that helped put West Palm Beach on the map, the hotel will reflect its roots with whimsical details throughout the property, like sliding bookcases and edgy fixtures intended to be discovered by guests and visitors.
The hotel will welcome all members of the family, including the four-legged ones, with pet-friendly offerings that include bath amenities like a plush bathrobe to match the human’s, and a special menu for canines. Other family-friendly offerings will include an interactive F&B program that includes weekly chef-led tours to the local green market, where families can pick up a wicker basket at the lobby and follow Chef Andre’s lead to the freshest produce of the day and enjoy a family meal back at the hotel. For a day of exploring, visitors can hop on one of The Ben’s colorful bicycles and pedal to the beach, wander through Rosemary Square and end the day back at the pool, where the kids can enjoy a dip and mom and dad can take in the views with a glass of wine in hand.
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana—Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hyatt
All ages resort Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana will be part of the greater Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara complex. Located on Juanillo Beach in the private community of Cap Cana, the grand opening date is set for March 2020. In addition to multiple pools on property, there is also a water park that is being built with both kids and adults in mind (large slides, lazy rivers and a splash pad for the little ones). Food and beverage offerings will span fast food, Italian and Asian/Mongolian among others along with an old-school diner offering everything from a robust selection of coffee to ice cream sundaes for kids.
In 2020, the 43-story The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences will deliver a new generation of luxury with dramatic architecture, a 1.5-mile private beach, 35 world-class restaurants, a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the ocean and 795 lavish guest rooms and suites and 231 residences. Adventurous families need only travel next door to its iconic sister hotel Atlantis, The Palm for access to Aquaventure Waterpark with the Middle East’s longest river ride, Lost Chambers Aquarium with 65,000 marine animals, Wavehouse with the world’s first 3-axis rotation VR simulator and more.
An architectural landmark turned luxury hotel, Villa Copenhagen, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts will open its doors in April 2020, offering 390 guest rooms and suites. Set in the century-old Central Post and Telegraph Head Office, Villa Copenhagen holds a prime location next to the famed Tivoli Gardens and the Meatpacking District. Families can enjoy the outdoor heated pool, the private rooftop garden and the uniquely designed courtyard, which will serve as a vibrant social space. Also unique to the hotel are its genuine connection to the city’s history, interior green spaces created to promote calm, well-being, and sociability, and traditional Danish and international dining options.
Set on eight acres of oceanfront in Palm Beach, Amrit Ocean Resort & Spa is ideal for a relaxing family getaway along the coast of Florida. The resort will feature coastal design elements across the 153 guest rooms and 34 grand luxury wellness suites with floor-to-ceiling windows to soak up the unobstructed ocean views from its Singer Island location. Families will also find solace in the 11 penthouse residences (each with private rooftop terraces), ideal for multigenerational families. For parents focused on wellness, relaxation is available throughout the resort from an infinity pool steps from the shore, a four-story spa, and, private beach cabanas, and a full-service salon.
In early 2020, Half Moon, one of the Caribbean’s most iconic resorts, will open a stunning new luxury hotel experience. It will feature 57 spacious accommodations, two restaurants, three bars, a Salamander Spa, a vegan café, an expanded beachfront with a natural swimming cove, an infinity-edge swimming pool and a market café. These enticing new offerings will join the existing amenities that have made Half Moon Jamaica’s top resort, including a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and the Sugar Mill restaurant, which is consistently ranked as Jamaica’s best.
Opening January 2020, the all-new beachfront resort situated on a white sand beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea offers 537 elegant rooms and suites. Now® Natura Riviera Cancun features a modern design surrounded by lush nature including a lazy river, waterfalls and a grotto bar. Guests can enjoy the brand’s signature Unlimited-Luxury® experience, where everything from reservation-free gourmet cuisine to top-shelf spirits is included. Activities and thrilling entertainment for families include an infinity pool complete with a waterslide, a Rollglider aerial ride, and the Now Spa by Pevonia® designed to look like the region's remarkable cenotes.
Cuyama Buckhorn is a hotel in the Santa Barbara County area known as the “Hidden Valley of Enchantment.” It’s a classic motel getting an incredible revamp from two LA designers and is set to be completed in late Spring 2020. The vibe is Stone Barns meets Marfa, meets something like Scribner’s Catskills Lodge. Right now rooms are open on weekends (the café/restaurant is fully open); the pool/bar area and additional rooms, lobby, etc. will be completed in the spring. The road from Ojai to New Cuyama is the only unmarked Scenic Highway in North America—it's a great California road trip to take with kids. The property features double rooms that can comfortably sleep four, and the restaurant features classic dishes using fresh ingredients from farmers in the area. Parents and kids alike will enjoy the pancakes for breakfast or the Buckhorn Burger for lunch and dinner.
From their home renovations to their Target products, Chip and Joanna Gaines bring plenty of style to everything they touch. It should come as no surprise then that their new Magnolia Press Coffee shop looks stunning.
The new coffee house that the couple has been working on for months finally celebrated its grand opening this week. Magnolia Press Coffee joins a handful of other restaurants and shops launched by the Fixer Upper stars in their hometown of Waco, Texas.
Joanna has been counting down to the reveal of the new project on Instagram and shared an excited post when the shop finally opened. “Happy Grand Opening @magnoliapress!” she wrote in the post. “If you’re a local or just visiting, be sure and stop by and try a few of my favorites… the 1905 coffee, magnolia press chocolate cake, and the artichoke croissant! #icallthatlunch.”
The Magnolia empire will be growing again. The couple recently announced that with the coffee shop complete, their next project will be a boutique hotel in downtown Waco. Here’s hoping their next expansion finds them heading outside of Texas and into cities across the country so we can all enjoy a Magnolia latte.
With the highly-anticipated opening of LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s Pirate Island Hotel in April of 2020, it’s no surprise that LEGOLAND Florida has declared 2020 to be the Year of the Pirate. In fact, LEGOLAND is inviting families to #VacationLikeAPirate throughout 2020. Here are a few ways they’ll be helping your skallywags rock the year.
photo: Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
A Pass Worth It’s Weight in Gold (Dubloons)
Enjoy the “Year of the Pirate” and more event days than ever before with an Awesome Annual Pass for less than twelve dollars a month and no down payment. Awesome Annual Passes include unlimited access to the theme park, water park, seasonal events, free standard parking and discounts on retail, dining and hotel rates.
An Overnight Stay at the New Pirate Island Hotel
Pirate Island will be connected to the existing LEGOLAND Hotel, becoming the third on-site hotel at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Located right outside the main gates of the park (130 steps, to be exact) the hotel will include 150 rooms, a heated pool and pool deck, a pirate ship in front of the hotel, a pirate-themed restaurant, nightly kid-friendly programming, LEGO character experiences, LEGO play pits and a lobby bar for the grown-ups. Read all about it here.
photo: Edward Linsmier for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
An All New Pirate Water Ski Show Adventure
The only LEGOLAND® Resort water ski show in the world, Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty, will close after a successful eight-year run to make way for a brand-new pirate adventure on April 18 with skiing acrobatics, water stunts, pirate humor and more surprises.
photo: Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
All Pirate Action at PirateFest Weekends
Sailors, seadogs and pirates of all ages can learn to walk like a pirate, talk like a pirate and vacation like a pirate in this brand-new, three-weekend event. Guests can complete an exclusive “pirate passport” while exploring resort-wide activities, meet exclusive pirate characters and run a rig with a scurvy pirate bunch following the grand opening of Pirate Island Hotel. Dates are April 18-19, 25-26 & May 2-3.
photo: Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Other awesome openings and events in 2020 include:
LEGO® NINJAGO® Days – January 25-26 & February 1-2 & 8-9
LEGOLAND® Water Park Season Opening – February 15
Red, White & BOOM – July 2-4
THE LEGO® MOVIE™ DAYS: July 11-12, 18-19 & 25-26 & August 1-2
Heroes Weekend – August 8-9
Brick or Treat – October 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 & 31
Holidays at LEGOLAND® November 27-29, December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 & 24-31
Hasbro has just announced a brand new interactive touring experience called NERF Challenge and it’s unlike anything you’ve experienced.
NERF Challenge is filled with all kinds of unique interactive stations like a 4,500 square foot NERF arena, colossal foosball, a game of wrecking ball bowling where you become a human wrecking ball and a Ninja-style soft play obstacle course.
“Simply stated this is 50,000 square feet of over the top, zany, active play for all ages. At NERF Challenge, we have created a world of fun-filled, gamified play between parents and children, siblings, friends, and new friends,” said Mark Manuel, CEO at Kilburn Live.
“This is something NERF fans have been dreaming about for decades, and with our partners at Hasbro, we are finally able to bring this adrenaline-filled event to life. We are putting guests into the ultimate action-sports experience. This will be pure, 100% fun, active play at its finest!”
The touring event will debut in Los Angeles at the Event Deck at L.A. Live starting on Dec. 7 and running through Jan. 5, 2020. It will then move on to other cities across the United States and Canada which have not been announced yet.
Kilburn Live, which has partnered with Hasbro on this event, anticipates a high demand for tickets but fans can register to receive first access to a limited quantity of tickets for the LA event at NERFChallenge.com. Tickets will go on sale on Oct. 28 for the grand opening at L.A. Live on Dec. 7.
