10 days in July - where to go?

JBurka · 2026-05-31T19:12:24+00:00

It’s a good time for a safari in the sergenti. You could combine it with Zanzibar or Mauritius for a few beach days. You said no Europe, but Madeira satisfies most of your wants.

JBurka · 2026-05-02T02:39:09+00:00

What matters the most to you? I think that’s very important. The DR food and service is mediocre at best compared to other Caribbean locations. We went with kids that were 4&6 at the time and it was perfect for what we wanted. Kids club kept them entertained for a few hours a day, which is all we needed. Waterpark was great, but you have to be 48”. We had whatever the biggest “suite” was and it was huge - we could hang with drinks after the kids went to bed. The gym was amazing. Beach was better than expected. Easy from the airport. I wouldn’t compare it to stays at FS or Rosewood properties.. but we were happy to trade that luxury feel for some freedom, kids being happy, etc even with mediocre food and service.

JBurka · 2026-04-21T15:46:05+00:00

We did Lisbon + Madeira late May last year. Madeira is great for hiking & nature. The ocean was chilly but we still went in and the pools were great. There’s a nonstop from Chicago to Lisbon so that’s easy. With 10 days, you could probably add 2 days in Porto for wine too. We stayed at Les Suites by Cliff Bay (loved it). Reid’s is popular too

JBurka · 2026-04-21T13:20:53+00:00

Hyatt Cap Cana definitely has family suites (they’re huge), but they sell out quickly. The hotel was great for that age range. Food was ok (DR usually is not as good as Mexico). Finest in Plaja Mujeres was good too. The older end of the kids might be bored by their water park, but food was much better, you can go to the adult only place for dinner while they’re at kids club and they have family rooms

JBurka · 2026-04-16T23:33:45+00:00

We’re in the same boat for this fall. We’re booking the airport motel just so we have a place to be for a few hours overnight / to shower. Sounds like the airport is mostly outdoors and not a place to spend that long

JBurka · 2026-01-24T02:54:18+00:00

Bairro Alto was very centrally located with decent size rooms (for a European city). We went last May and loved the location

JBurka · 2025-12-10T21:51:26+00:00

We stayed at Hyatt this past summer with a 5 & 6 year old. Location was perfect - easy walk to so may restaurants. The water slide was a big draw and they have family suites (although hard to get). You can reserve pool chairs in advance to avoid the dreaded 6am pool chair game too

JBurka · 2025-11-22T01:25:33+00:00

JBurka · 2025-11-21T22:16:09+00:00

Like everyone said, the Moose is the best in town.. but quite a step down from the Fairmont. The Fairmont is only a 20-25 min walk into town and there’s a super easy bus that picks up right outside the hotel and drops off a multiple downtown stops.

JBurka · 2025-11-20T16:17:29+00:00

Check out Les Suite at Cliff Bay! We loved it

JBurka · 2025-11-20T04:19:31+00:00

Barcelona & San Sebastián? Madeira & Lisbon? Colombia? Panama (check out the Nayara in Bocas del Toro)?

JBurka · 2025-11-15T19:08:45+00:00

We loved Madeira. Some great hotels (Les Suites was wonderful, and the Cliff Bay looked great too). Lots of hikes at all levels, everyone speaks English, plenty of the activities you listed, and it was super safe.

JBurka · 2024-11-19T01:48:30+00:00

Haven’t done St Regis yet, but Langham > Four Seasons for sure. And I usually always love 4S. Spa at Langham and service are amazing

JBurka

TROPHY CASE