There are four primary categories of resorts: golf resorts & beach resorts, island resorts & lake resorts, mountain resorts & ski resorts, and spa resorts. Each type of resort caters to a different guest. While some may be looking for a getaway filled with mud baths and relaxing, others may be hoping to up their golf game. Resorts have something for everyone. Understanding the different types can help families plan an incredible vacation together by choosing the best kind of resort.
Golf and Beach Resorts
Vacations are all about relaxing, but relaxation looks different depending on the vacationer. Golf and beach resorts both involve relaxation, but each in their own way.
Golf Resorts
A golf resort caters to people who love golfing. This type of resort will have everything a vacationer could need during their stay. This includes lodging, food, drink, entertainment, and access to a golf course. Since this type of resort caters to people who wish to golf, most packages will include green and cart fees, range balls, and often other types of accommodations like meals.
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Beach Resort
Beach resorts are perfect for families who want close access to a sandy escape right by their accommodations. These resorts will provide the obvious lodging space and food and drink offerings. They usually also have access to a private beach for the resort's guests to enjoy.
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Island Resorts & Lake Resorts
Island and lake resorts seem pretty similar because they are both on bodies of water. However, they are not the same, and the best choice for each family depends entirely on what the family wishes to do while visiting the resort.
Island Resorts
Island Resorts take beach resorts to the next level. These kinds of resorts will be located on an island. Since an island is a body of land surrounded by water, there tends to be plenty of sand and water to go around at island resorts. For guests looking for an even more luxurious resort stay, some resorts take up entire islands. This way, guests can have a more private and secluded experience. Often, these resorts offer many different kinds of ways to play and explore in the water, including surfing lessons, scuba, and snorkeling.
LUX South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas is a beautiful resort in the Maldives. It offers bungalows off the water, exquisite cuisine and drinks, as well as a spa and many water activities for thrill-seekers and relaxation crusaders alike.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora in French Polynesia is another incredible island getaway. Here, guests are served breakfast by boat each morning. The resort offers kids activities as well as water sports and the Te Mahana Spa.
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Lake Resorts
Like other resorts, lake resorts offer lodging as well as food and drink options to their guests. Lake resorts also provide all the benefits of staying next to a lake. Here, guests may fish, boat, waterski, and hike if trails are nearby. Lake resorts offer a more rustic experience, but still all the comfort and ease that a resort should give guests. Oftentimes, lake resorts offer cabin or house rentals right off the water.
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How are they different?
While both island and lake resorts offer a place to stay right by the water, they are quite different. For example, suppose a family is looking to stay near the ocean and enjoy a space more devoted to relaxing on a beach. In that case, an island resort is probably the best choice. On the other hand, if a family wishes to stay by the water but wishes to spend some time hiking and fishing, a lake resort would be a great choice.
Mountain Resort & Ski Resorts
Mountain and ski resorts are about as different from beach and island resorts as one can get. In the mountains, there's a whole lot more snow and a whole lot less sand.
Mountain Resorts
A mountain resort is a resort that is nestled in the mountains. Like all resorts, these types of resorts offer the accommodations one might expect with an extra boost of open sky views, crisp, cool nights, and snowy mountain peaks.
Ski Resorts
Like a mountain resort, a ski resort will often be located in the mountains or near tall hills. The focus for these resorts is skiing. The price of a stay at these types of resorts typically includes the cost of a lift ticket and perhaps even gear rental. These resorts also offer classes to teach kids (and adults) how to ski.
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How are they different?
Ski resorts and mountain resorts are very similar because they are both located in the mountains. The most significant difference between these resorts is that a ski resort will cater to people who enjoy snow sports. A mountain resort will likely not have the necessary amenities to enjoy winter sports.
Spa Resorts
At spa resorts, the name of the game is "relaxation." These resorts offer all the accommodations of a standard resort, but with a massive perk: a full spa. At most spa resorts, guests pay for everything separately, so if the resort offers golf in addition to the spa, that can be added to the tab. These resorts cater to people who want to focus on self-care and escape their everyday life. However, there are often pools and other activities to help keep kids busy.
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