Top Family Reunion Destinations & Packages

If potluck dishes at your local Knights of Columbus Hall come to mind when you think of family reunions, think again. Today, families reunite at fabulous vacation spots like dude ranches, Caribbean cruises and swanky resorts.

Here is a list of some of the top feel-good spots for families to laugh, love and even bury long-standing grudges.

Disney Cruise Line

Most cruise ships offer kids’ clubs, spas, organized games and food options to please even the most finicky palates. And, it’s no secret that “kids” of all ages love amusement parks. Once upon a time, Walt Disney World used to be for children. But today, the magic wand at these resorts taps every age group and Disney Cruise Line offers a Family Reunion package that includes a family photo shoot and leather photo portfolio, Disney T-shirts and a commemorative certificate.

Bonuses: The ships sail to a private Caribbean island and you can complement your cruise with time spent at the theme parks. For more information, call 800-951-3532. Disneycruise.disney.go.com

Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa

 

• There’s something for everyone at Bishop’s Lodge Ranch & Resort, from horseback riding to spa massages.

Courtesy of Bishop’s Lodge Ranch & Resort

Check into one of the 15 adobe-style lodges here located at the base of the gorgeous Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Santa Fe, N.M., and prepare to surrender to Southwestern charm. There’s something for even the most discerning family member (ahem)—hiking and horseback riding trails, sunset cookouts and a spa with massages in a Native American teepee.

Bonuses: The lodge offers a year-round kids’ program and the historic Santa Fe plaza district is three miles away. For more information about planning a family reunion, call 505-819-4006. www.bishopslodge.com

Peter Island Resort

If you are recession-proof, spread your wings at this sultry Caribbean resort in the British Virgin Islands which offers the Family Reunion at Falcon’s Nest Villa package. The seven-night package includes a six-bedroom Villa estate with a personal chef, housekeeper, valet, butler and manager, as well as spa treatments, private snorkeling excursions, private family culinary classes and more. The cost: $71,170 for seven nights for 12 people. Tel. 800-346-4451. www.peterisland.com

Enchantment Resort

 

• Relax in your very own hacienda at the Enchantment Resort.

Courtesy of Enchantment Resort

If your family could benefit from a heavy dose of tranquility and spirituality, Enchantment delivers with its award-winning spa Mii Amo, with classes that include yoga, meditation and tai chi, and a setting in one of the country’s most serene locations, Arizona’s Red Rock Country. You’ll want to check into either the Hacienda or Casita suites with central living rooms (think beehive fireplaces), full kitchens, dining rooms and king-and-queen-bedrooms.

Bonus: Camp Coyote for the youngest family members, which offers cooking classes, nature walks and more. For more information, call 800-826-4180. www.enchantmentresort.com

Beaches Turks and Caicos

All-inclusive resorts like cruises where one price buys accommodations, food, beverage and fun, can be wallet-friendly and hassle-free. Beaches resorts, which have perfected the family vacation concept, offers a Family Reunion package at its Turks & Caicos property offering something for everyone in the family, including the hardest-to-please—teenagers. The resort has a new teen program (think teen spa treatments, DJ-training, teen-only lounge). The reunion package includes Save the Date postcards, family reunion T-shirts and a 20-page photo album from Hoorray.com (a photo-sharing Web site). If you stay during September or October 2009 (hurricane season), you’ll also receive room upgrades and a catamaran cruise. Rates begin at $2,289 for a family of four (three-night stay).

Bonus: The resort is running a sweepstakes through January 2009, and the winner will receive a three-night family Luxury Included Family Reunion for up to 20 family members and friends (five rooms total). For more information, visit www.beaches.com/familyreunion or call 800-327-1991, ext. 4372 or 4373. Refer to promotion code HOORRAY08.