Spring inspires, invigorates and encourages fresh ideas. Here are five to consider:
1.Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, Avon, Colo.
After a day on the slopes or an afternoon of high-altitude hiking, this slopeside resort welcomes families for restorative spa time, relaxing in the outdoor, heated pool, or s'mores around the firepit. In the Allegria Spa, youngsters can delight in nail decals, a footbath or a massage designed for tweens and teens. During the warmer months, consider a raft trip or try your hands at fly fishing in nearby streams.
Contact: colorado.com; beavercreek.park.hyatt.com.
2.Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Check in to one of the resort's recently updated spa casitas and suites and let your spring refresher begin. Head to the Asian-inspired spa for one of their signature treatments, the Wakai Renewal. The Japanese word wakai means mature and youthful, making it an ideal option for mothers and daughters to enjoy together. The 90-minute treatment offers exfoliation and intense moisturizing as well as a 30-minute massage. Later relax around the pool, play tennis or hike on nearby Camelback Mountain.
Contact: sanctuaryoncamelback.com.
3.Atlantis, Bahamas
This expansive seaside resort is a wonderland for kids of all ages. Begin the day swimming with dolphins or interacting with sea lions at Dolphin Cay. Later, slip and slide through the water park, float through the milelong series of canals, rapids and tunnels aboard an inner tube, or lounge at the beach or one of 11 pools. Make time for a culinary adventure, crafting pottery or creating your own Atlantis pal. Teens will want to check out CRUSH, the hip kids-only nightclub. Stop in to the spa for a parent/child relaxation treatment, French braids, or colorful nails.
Contact: atlantisbahamas.com.
4.Amish Country, Lancaster, Pa.
Turn back the clock and wander through the towns and villages of Lancaster County, where Amish carpenters and woodworkers are busy creating beautiful handcrafted furniture, birdhouses, bowls and children's toys. Stop to admire potters at work or the extraordinary hand-stitched quilts, designed and created by Amish women. Learn what it means to live the "plain" lifestyle where the horse and buggy is still a primary means of transportation.
Contact: discoverlancaster.com.
5.The Great Outdoors
There is plenty of research to confirm that fresh air and time spent in the natural world is good for what ails all of us. Nothing refreshes like a walk in the woods or a stroll on the beach. Make time for a family picnicin the park. Seek out nature preserves, conservation areas, state and national parks. Discover a bird sanctuary or a colorful flower garden. Enjoy the quiet, the bounty of the season and the good company of your family.
Contact: nature.org; nps.gov
