Why People Are Traveling With Their Parents Again
Every family reaches a point when vacation planning becomes a tradition handed down the line as if it were an heirloom. Those fun trips our parents once organized become ours to create, and the very special people we most want to come along are the ones who used to bring us along. That inheritance is the reason multigenerational family vacations have become one of the most requested stays we plan at The Point Luxury Villa in Tamarindo.
And yours could be next.
THE TRIP YOUR PARENTS USED TO PLAN? THAT’S NOW YOUR THING
For a lot of us, the earliest family vacations always seemed so easy. After all, your only task was to pile in the back seat and play elbow-war with your siblings. Only as adults do we realize all the work that must have gone into the planning of your time away. Gifting the experience in reverse is its own kind of offering, and treating your parents to a family vacation is the best “thanks!” they could ever dream about.
To make your own life easier though, start with a thoughtful look at the accommodation choices. Yes, you could put your parents down some hotel corridor, separated by a keycard, or you could share an exquisite space and wake up to coffee on the terrace, with everyone still in their PJs. Families who’ve stayed with us often tell us this is the part they cherished most.
TOGETHER, SURE, BUT NOT TOGETHER-TOGETHER (IF YOU KNOW WHAT WE MEAN)
The hardest part of traveling with several generations is that nobody has the same hours and compromising isn’t something anyone wants to do on vacation. Grandparents are up with the sunrise and want their coffee on the ocean-front terrace, while teenagers tend to do one of two things. Either they are up at the crack of dawn for a surf session or they appear groggy and famished around midday. Younger kids, on the other hand, run hot and fast all day and invariably crash before dinner. And then there’s the middle generation that hopes everyone can find time during the day to be together.
A resort stay tends to emphasize the generational timing difference, with such strict activity and buffet schedules that you end up with eager grandparents and grumpy teens forced together at the breakfast table at 8 am. Not exactly a great way to start the day. On the opposite side of the spectrum is the private luxury villa rental, which makes everything so easy-going.
When the whole property is yours, your dad can carry his cappuccino out to the terrace long before anyone else stirs, and your mum can enjoy a second breakfast when the kids get up. You can luxuriate in a massage in the gazebo, knowing the little ones are enjoying a dip in the pool with their grandparents. Having your own villa means you can still all do your own thing but you can do it under one roof and that makes all the difference.
A VILLA DESIGNED FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
The Point was designed with multigenerational family vacations in mind, so you get seven ocean-facing suites that sleep up to 17. The master suite tends to be handed to the ones being treated, which is usually the grandparents. It has a hand-carved king bed and a stunning, 180-degree view of the bay. The adjoining room is perfect for the youngest grandkids, so they can pad along on tippy toes to find them at first light. The remainder of the suites are king or twin-split beds, so couples and cousins can arrange themselves however suits.
Days at The Point tend to sort themselves out organically, and it’s this kind of freedom that everyone loves. Our saltwater infinity pool has a shallow end for little swimmers and soft underwater lighting for a sneaky midnight dip. Anyone holding onto a fitness routine can use the ocean-view gym, and the in-home golf hole always gets a workout, too.
The best part of a stay with us is that our Concierge team takes on the tedious but important tasks no one really wants to do, like airport transfers and restaurant bookings. This way, the family member who normally handles the arrangements (probably you) gets to also enjoy their relaxing vacation. From the moment you land in Costa Rica to the minute you’re about to fly home, we take care of all the logistics so you don’t have to.
WHY COSTA RICA SUITS EVERY AGE
Not every destination is ideal to bring several generations together, but Costa Rica is among the best. Flights from most of the United States and Canada are short, which keeps the tiredness and jet lag to a minimum, and the weather along the Guanacaste coast is warm and dry through the winter.
Yet where we think the country shines best, and what makes it so perfect for Costa Rica family vacations, is the sheer variety of excursions and activities on offer. If you have taken a family vacation before, you will know just how helpful it is to be somewhere that truly has something for everyone.
In Tamarindo alone, you can take relaxing morning mangrove boat tours in search of monkeys and herons, or adrenaline-pumping canopy tours through the jungle. You can head off and explore on AWDs and enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise around the bay. Mum can enjoy an in-house spa treatment while dad takes off on a horseback ride along the beach. You’d be hard-pressed to find such variety in one spot.
TIME TO PLAN THAT ‘MEMORY BOOKS’ EXPERIENCE
The melancholic thing is that the window when everyone can still travel together is not endless. Grandparents who are active today won’t stay that way forever, and grandchildren are only small enough to want everyone around for a handful of summers. Before you know it, you’ll be passing the baton down to your kids.
Time to get those plans rolling and book that family vacation you’ve been thinking about?
Yes. We think so too.
FAQs ABOUT MULTIGENERATIONAL FAMILY VACATIONS AT THE POINT
How many people can stay at The Point for a multigenerational trip?
The Point sleeps up to 17 guests across seven ocean-facing suites, with a variety of bed set-ups which can be adapted to your group.
Is Tamarindo a good base for Costa Rica Family vacations?
Absolutely, it is one of Costa Rica’s most popular family-friendly options because of the array of activities on offer.
Can you handle meals for a large family?
Of course, we can. The Point’s private chef can prepare all meals (or only some) depending on your wishes. The fridge and pantry are stocked for your stay, and the kitchen stays open if anyone wants to cook. Opt for all-inclusive or self-catered. Just let us know.
How much in advance should we book to stay at The Point Luxury Villa?
We usually recommend booking at least 3-4 months in advance for the dry season, which coincides with end-of-year vacations. The most requested period for us is from December through April, and school holiday breaks. The sooner you book, the more options you have, and it also gives us time to satisfy special requests for milestone events.
If you’re thinking about a multigenerational trip in one of Tamarindo’s most private beachfront settings, our concierge is glad to help. Message us on WhatsApp or check your dates on our booking page, and we’ll shape the week around your family.
