Hawaii's Grand Wailea 2N Super Luxe Family Beach Vacation from $429/N

From now until March 31, 2010, travelers looking for a more luxurious getaway can jump on a flight to Hawaii to enjoy Hilton’s Grand Wailea of the Waldorf Astoria collection on the island of Maui. Wow!  Sounds luxurious and you get it is -- The Grand Wailea was one of FTF's Top 10 Luxury Resorts for Families.

The family beach resort hotel  will be offering their “Winter Escape” package, which includes breakfast for two and, for each two-night stay, a $50 activity credit that can be used toward resort activities, spa treatments and select dining venues.

Also, book early or by January 31, 2010 and you’ll receive one complimentary night for a future three-consecutive night stay or more at any of Hilton’s participating hotels worldwide. This complimentary offer can be used for travel between May 1 and December 20, 2010, so it's great for families who crave luxury resorts and will be able to take two family vacations this coming year.

Starting rates for a terrace room with a king or two queen-sized beds typically begin at $429/N per room in mid December, while the lowest rates for January can fluctuate between $489 and $519/N per room for the same room type. Guests should keep in mind that only when two nights have been booked can you receive the $50 credit. For those who choose to forgo the added bonus of receiving a future complimentary stay and booking after the January 31 deadline, higher rates can be expected in the months of February and March 2010.

The upscale facilities of the Grand Wailea resort include an 850-square-foot Hibiscus Pool, aptly named for the mosaic tile Hibiscus flower that graces the bottom (for adults 18 and over only). However, the most enticing element of the outdoor space is the resort’s 25,700-total-square-foot Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, complete with nine pools connected by a river of both white water rapids and lazy currents. To top it off, kids can spend the whole day splashing around in the jungle pools, slipping down one of the area’s four tile slides or the exciting whitewater rapids slide, or rope swing like a natural jungle-born over the Tarzan pool. The fun doesn’t stop there, either; the space also includes the world's only water elevator, a sand beach, six waterfalls, caves, three Jacuzzis, an infant pool, and a swim-up bar, where guests can order refreshing beverages.

Camp Grande is a great way to spend time with the little ones on vacation and offers programs where parent and child can enjoy activities such Hawaiian lei-making, painting, ancient island games and storytelling. From 5 to 10 p.m., kids can participate in the Night Camp program, which includes exciting adventures such as walkie-talkie tag, hotel scavenger hunts, crab hunting, theatre games, and a Night Swim. No worries about keeping your child hungry - dinner and a snack are included. Only a minimum of three kids are needed for these programs to take place, so round up the little tykes and give them a chance to have fun and meet others under the supervision of the program’s friendly counselors.

Even those not participating in camp programs can enjoy the area’s facilities, which include a movie theatre, arcade, a large crafts room and even a Kiddieland indoor play area with Lego blocks and board games.

Voted for one of the "Top 10 Spas in the United States" by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines, the resort’s Spa Grande is the place to go for some peaceful relaxation and where you can throw your troubles to the wayside for just a few hours. Here, you can rejuvenate your mind and body with one of the spa’s 100+ water therapies, many infused with Hawaii’s homegrown ingredients.

The resort also has many small boutiques for shopping, so whether it’s footwear, clothing, souvenirs, beach necessities or just a pair of stylish sunglasses, the resort’s got you covered.

Grand Wailea offers several dining options for the hungry vacationer, from the more casual Volcano Bar and Café Kula to the grand and more luxurious Bistro Molokini, Grand Dining Room and impossible-to-pronounce Humuhumunukunukuapua'a Restaurant.

The island of Maui itself is a tropical playground ideal for any family. Be sure to check out FTF’s Maui, Hawaii Attractions article or our Maui, Hawaii article for a mother's perspective on recreational activities, as well as a list of several other lodgings on the island.

For reservations for the Grand Wailea’s Winter Escape package, call at 877/205.8271 and ask for the Winter Escape, promo code “PRES1N,” or book online at the Hilton Luxury website or through Hilton Hotels.