Give Thanks for the Vacation from Turkey

Family Getaways over the upcoming holidays mean you can really get away from some of those time-consuming, pesky chores. Imagine a Thanksgiving spent all together around a table where no one has to jump up to clear the soup bowls or refill the stuffing platter. Heaven?

If so, some of these get away deals may appeal for this season. Each has an element of pampering as well as a bit of homeyness too.

Florida:  Bask in the Sunshine at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point

East coasters can consider southwest Florida's Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Stillwater Beach as an ideal Black Friday retreat because it's so near great shopping.  They also have a fourth night free offer in place, which makes this luxury spot a good deal prior to the Christmas holidays. So come now, and take advantage of knowing you can shop ‘til you drop with your comfortable resort close by. 

Reporter Erin Boyle was recently at the resort, and loved it (read her review here), and this new Hyatt was also named one of the world’s top 100 hotels by Travel + Leisure.  On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24 from noon to 8pm, they will put out a bountiful holiday buffet with all the trimmings, plus seasonal local fare; this feast is priced at $59 per adult and $27 per child aged five to 12, plus tax and service charge.  (Kids under 5 eat free.) The meal is followed up by live jazz and dancing for all ages. The next day, it's out the door to the 1.2-million-square-foot Coconut Mall. This pretty mall offers 113 stores, 25 restaurants and a boardwalk that is perfect for strolling.  Guests can also hunt for bargains at the nearby Miromar Outlets which features an assortment of luxury brands.

After a full day at the malls, weary shoppers can retreat to the resort’s Stillwater Spa, the beach or pools. To reserve your holiday getaway visit the site at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point or call 800/233-1234. Remember, guests who book four nights receive the 4th night free now through December 31, 2011.   Reference offer code SALE11. 

Mexico: The Pacific Coast at Punta Mita Gives Back for the Holidays

West coasters can give back over the Thanksgiving holiday (Nov. 22-23, 2011) at the very luxurious St. Regis Punta Mita Resort (about an hour north of the Puerto Vallarta airport) is offering families a chance to participate in the two-hour ArteMita Workshop [artemita.com] for a Good Cause. These workshops are led by famed Mexican contemporary artist Lizette Aguilar, who studied in Europe and, as an enthusiast of urban art and murals, is known for “El Atardecer,” an urban sculpture on display in a Jalisco housing development and “Rompiendo Estructuras,” a collection of bronze and concrete sculptures created exclusively for the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita. 

The hands-on workshops are free for children and afterwards, the resort will host an exhibit of the students’ works for parents and resort guests. (Who wouldn't want a souvenir of this?)  Proceeds from any student work purchased will go to the Costa Verde International School in nearby Sayulita, a privately-funded school and the first in the area to go “green.” 

Of course, this luxury resort provides everything a family would need for a fun Thanksgiving vacation. Situated along the wild coastal stretch known as the Riviera Nayarit, the recently built St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is known for its worldly dining and fine amenities. Non-stop butlers service 89 spacious guest rooms and 31 suites tucked into classic, tile-roofed Mexican style casitas. A stunning golf course wraps around part of the property.   The region is packed with activities for adventure travelers and teens eager to get out into the pristine environment.

Families will enjoy the resort’s La Tortuga Children’s Club, group Spanish lessons, water activities, and whale watching, plus a host of amenities for mom and dad, including Remede Spa and two Jack Nicklaus golf courses.

Rates at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort begin at $395 for a Deluxe Room Garden View over the Thanksgiving holiday.  Reservations can be made online at the St. Regis site or by calling 877/250-8871.

Let us know if choose to eat turkey when you're not at your in-laws!