Hard to believe but the winter holiday season is almost here, and with it comes many options for winter vacations, one of which is the Teddy Bear Tea package at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess in Bermuda, offered for families of 2 adults and 1 child. Teddy Bear Teas on weekends will also feature that most special of guests, Santa himself. And since this is all about the season of giving, the package includes a charitable donation. Teddy Bear Tea includes:

• accommodations on a Fairmont Gold club-level floor
• a Fairmont teddy bear
• admission for 2 adults and 1 child to the hotel’s Teddy Bear Tea at the Heritage Court
• a $30 donation to the Children’s Ward at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital or the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute

This package is available from December 1 through December 23. Rates start at $309 per night, do not include taxes, gratuities or resort fees. Package is based on double occupancy and is subject to availability. Additional tea reservations for more children may be made at $19 per child. For more information on the Fairmont Hamilton Princess or to make reservations, click here or call the hotel directly at 800.441.1414.

accommodations at Cambridge Beaches

In November, Cambridge Beaches in Bermuda will be hosting an exclusive event that encompasses far more than just the usual spa treatments most women’s getaways offer. (Not that we have anything against spa treatments - moms cannot get enough of those.)

On the weekend of November 15-18, actress and author Mariel Hemingway will be in residence and spending the weekend with guests engaging in enriching activities and discussions, inspired by her book Healthy Living from the Inside Out, Every Woman’s Guide to Real Beauty, Renewal Energy and a Radiant Life. (whew, that’s a mouthful, but it sounds useful)

Hemingway’s book focuses on four cornerstones: food, exercise, home and silence. The weekend will highlight these cornerstones with activities such as:

• a book signing and mocktail party to start the weekend
• an inspirational beachside yoga session
• a personal Q&A on the benefits of great nutrition and how to choose “food that boost”
• a delicious sampling of Hemingway’s signature menu items throughout the weekend
• a personal conversation with Mariel about stress and the benefits of meditation

Now tell us there isn’t a mother among you that couldn’t use this type of weekend. The beachside setting and intimate atmosphere of Cambridge Beaches are perfect for this type of weekend. And when we say intimate, that extends to the event itself too: it’s only open to 36 guests.

Package includes premium deluxe accommodations, all meals prepared by the renowned Cambridge Beaches culinary team, additional yoga classes and a spa treatment at the Ocean Spa. Guests will also receive Rare, a gift from Lili Bermuda, the country’s on-site perfumery. Rates for the 4-day/3-night event are $2,825 per person based on double occupancy or single occupancy at $3,550. For more information call 800.468.7300.

Bermuda is often mistakenly referred to as a Caribbean country, but it actually sits firmly in the Atlantic Ocean, only an approximate 750 miles southeast of New York. Its more northern location makes it less than ideal for those looking for a warm-weather escape in the dead of winter - it can get quite chilly there. There are other caveats for families as well: taxi rides - along with pretty much everything else - are expensive, and rentals consist of scooters, which are fine with tweens and teens but not the best way to get around for those with young children. Still, if you’re looking for a family vacation in a spot not too far from the East Coast, Bermuda is a wonderful destination that’s easy to get to.

Part of the Mandarin Oriental luxury chain of hotels, Elbow Beach is offering a Family Package that includes: (more…)