Sydney Solis, author (copyright World Family Yoga)

As you know, we love our children and drag take them anywhere we’re off to. Thank goodness for World Family Yoga, started by two moms, Peggy Profant and Christine McQuardle-Oquendo, who’ve devised a way for entire families to quest for nirvana (sort of). They offer family-friendly yoga vacations 2 or 3 times a year: thus far they’ve done California and Costa Rica and have plans for retreats abroad in Spain, Peru and Bali.

Note that the luxury here isn’t the accommodation, as most retreats are held at eco-friendly simple lodges in remote places. What you do get, however, is a chance for an authentic and priceless cultural experience and a yoga program that embraces the entire family in several ways: there’s a separate program for children 3 and up (with babysitting provided for smaller babes), so while you’re doing Downward Dog and limbering up your Anusara, the kids are off learning kidcentric yoga and engaging in other fun activities. Also, if only one adult is into yoga, the other parent can still attend for $200 less. Finally, while you’re certainly encouraged to participate in all the activities, the program is not rigid; you attend the sessions you want, with no frowns if you decide to sleep in one morning.

If you’re looking for something more upscale, the luxury resort Caneel Bay, on the island of St. John in the USVI, has a Self Centre that offers instruction in yoga, Pilates, meditation and more. You can create your own wellness program from a wide variety of daily group classes and private instruction, and the resort’s Turtle Town program for kids 3-12 will look after the kids while you find yourself. Even in your room you’ll find it easy to decompress: the resort’s sumptuous rooms lack telephones and televisions, meaning less real-world intrusions and more family (and self) time.

Caneel Bay, copyright Rosewood Resorts

2B at Peter Bay porch view
copyright McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas

Oops!

We really should have posted this on Tuesday, which is when we normally bring you our Villa Rental of the Week. But no fear, your villa rental is here. And in keeping with today’s theme of warmth, warmth, warmth, we’re bringing you a breathtaking villa via McLaughlin Anderson, which has a superb collection of villas throughout the USVI and the BVI, most with gorgeous views. We wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve had to force people to leave…

2B at Peter Bay Pool View
copyright McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas

The villa, called 2B at Peter Bay, can host a maximum of 8 people (children included). The bedrooms include 1 king suite and 3 queen suites, all air-conditioned (elevated twin airbeds can be provided for people not sharing a bed). All bedrooms have safes for valuables. Two of the upper queen suites have alfresco showers with lush landscaping for privacy, while the third queen suite has its own private balcony and private indoor shower. The spacious king suite enjoys a surrounding balcony, and lighted stone walkway connects this suite to a garden terrace complete with hot tub.

2B at Peter Bay bedroom
copyright McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas

One of the most lovely features of this villa is the way outdoors meets indoors, with its covered gallery and high ceilings that allow for soothing sea breezes. The villa also has its own pool, and is a mere 100 feet away from Peter Bay Beach. The villa is well-equipped with 36-inch satellite TV, DVD-player & VCR along with a collection of movies, and books and games. Maid service is currently provided once a week.

2B at Peter Bay bathroom
copyright McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas

2B at Peter Bay is available on a weekly basis. Rates for the summer season (April 14 – November 16) are $8200 a week. For more information or to book this villa, see the website’s extensive page of information or call McLaughlin Anderson at 800.666.6246.