Just as there are distinct differences between wines and within an actual type of wine—varying degrees of taste and flavors in a chardonnay—Florida beach communities offer unique opportunities for families. Each area has different family elements creating a new vacation experience. Contributing to these different vacation feelings is the resort.We traveled over to the pristine and quiet Vero Beach area and experienced two very different resorts—each family friendly and each unique in its offerings and experience. Our first night was spent at the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa. This upscale property is owned by Kimpton Hotels and does not fail to meet the chain’s reputation as a luxury, hip, pet friendly, quaint boutique hotel. This modern boutique has contrasting elements as it sits on a relaxing beach front location, but its modern marvels makes a visitor believe they are in a trendy big city hotel.
In a property that boasts only 113 rooms and suites, there are more than 10 different room categories, fulfilling the needs of all travelers. For those staying longer, the two- or three-bedroom, ocean view suites are highly recommended as it is your home away from home. Giving you the homey feeling, you also have a temporary goldfish pet to keep you company. The suites are complete with a gourmet kitchen too, giving you more opportunities to relax over meals together or not rush in the morning before you hit the sandy shore.Other unique kid offerings by the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa include a welcome gift for the smaller guest and their own child-size animal print robe, available for loan or purchase. The kid is a very important guest at this hotel as child comment cards are even provided.
For our next night, we journeyed up the trail eight miles to visit the Disney Vero Beach Resort. The design and layout of the property is reminiscent of the Walt Disney World Wilderness Lodge Resort, complete with a campground where kids and parents engage in camp songs and complimentary s’mores! Again, against the back drop of the Atlantic Ocean, many of the rooms offer ocean views and as you walk along the trails, you are within steps of the white sandy beach.
The pool at this Disney resort is a highlight as it is in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head and features a three-story water slide that our toddler must have gone down 50 times! There are music and pool games throughout the day, a mini-golf course on-site, games to check out and on Saturday mornings, a Disney character breakfast to delight the little ones.
The Disney property has a very unique room offering for families—a stand-alone Beach Cottage, complete with three-bedrooms and pristine beach location!While we did not venture far from either resort, the landscaping around Vero Beach further contributes to the overall relaxed beach feel of this town without high rises and traffic congestion as some of the other more prominent Florida beach destinations. We also felt as though we had two very distinct vacations built in one. Vero Beach will be a repeated family getaway for us to continue our beach exploration and making memories.
Photo Credits:
Compliments of Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
Disney Vero Beach Resort photos courtesy of Tropical Latitudes Travel
