A what? The hotel comes with what?
My mind almost couldn't comprehend what I was hearing.
The hotel I would be staying at on our family holiday came with a vacation nanny.
With two young ones in tow and a husband who was also in desperate need of a vacay, I was ready to pack my bag that instant.
Sidebar: I have a 3.5 year old and a six month old, didn’t take a mat leave and have been working full time pretty much since I gave birth running my own business.
Where is this magical place they call Franklyn D Resort and Spa (FDR)? Jamaica.
After having traveled with my first son to Florida for the last three winters and experiencing cool and cloudy weather, guaranteed sun and tan (and tropical drinks) were a definite bonus.
Plus it was all-inclusive? Let the umbrella drinks flow.
It really sounded too good to be true. And as most moms often do, I began to wonder…
What would the food be like? Would the drinking water be safe or would we all be coming back with upset tummies? Would this Vacation Nanny service be all it’s cracked up to be?
Doubts aside, we booked the vacation and looked forward to our time away as a family.
If you’ve ever traveled with kids, you understand the stresses that come along with it as well as the disappointment when you’re handcuffed to the room while your wee one naps or goes to bed early.
That is probably the best thing about FDR. Even though the resort is small, the rooms are spacious and you neverfeel trapped. In fact, I can honestly say I had a vacation… my first vacation with kids. I read a book, sat by the pool enjoying pina coladas at 2pm, and even managed to make a fool of my self on stage winning a dance contest after my kids were in bed.
They’ve thought of everything!
From safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, to stroller ramps located smartly throughout the resort, to early sittings for all meals (7:30 breakfast, 11:30 lunch and 5:30 dinner), to stools located in all the bathrooms, it’s like taking your own home and routines on the road.
Happy Kids = Happy Parents
An accessible beach that allows young children the opportunity to enjoy the ocean without the fear of big waves and tides, a play area with climbers and swings, a basketball court with a variety of different sized hoops, daily arts and crafts, cooking classes and even crab races... the kids are very entertained.
It’s all about the Vacation Nanny
While it took our older son some time to warm up the Nanny, she was incredible with our six month old, Josh. The challenges with traveling with a baby is that they need constant attention and can’t really do much. Having Michelle available from 9 -4 (we also paid for extended hours every evening so us adults could go out), allowed us to go on excursions, relax, play and enjoy the sun. All of Josh’s needs were met, his schedule was kept and she even came every evening to put him to bed. I can honestly say the vacation would have not been half as enjoyable, fun and relaxing if it wasn’t for Michelle and her dedication to Josh.
Managing Expectations
While I can’t say enough good things about our time there, it is important to note that the resort is five-star in service but not in style. The food is simple and standard but good and, like the rest of the place, geared to kids. Beyond some Jamaican flare (great jerk pork) and a fabulous beach barbeque every Wednesday, don’t expect any gourmet meals. The water is safe to drink and none of our tummies got upset once! HUGE in my opinion.
Everything is clean but very basic. The staff can’t do enough for you and work non-stop to ensure all your needs, wants and desires are met.
It’s not a cheap vacation but if you’re traveling with little ones and need to recoop too (and who doesn’t deserve that?), then I highly recommend you look into this fabulous getaway.
We will most certainly go back. No questions asked!
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