Laguna Beach cool has a new home at The Ranch at Laguna Beach.  Secluded within a peaceful blend of canyon and sea, our authentic sanctuary invites guests to get caught up in the world of a Laguna local that’s off the beaten path in every sense. Leave the pretention and rules of other resorts behind and step into the warm embrace of a place where everyone is family.

Grafted into the Laguna culture and notched into the perfect convergence of land and sea, a stay at The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a microcosm of the best of Laguna in one organic, refined place. Our staff offers an insider’s take on hidden surf spots, shops and specialty galleries. Laid-back luxury speaks to the Laguna mindset. Nonstop programs, such as our barefoot Friday golf with three clubs, and monthly art gallery tours, all capture the vibe of our unique locale.

Loosely scattered about the park-like grounds with the incomparable setting of Mother Nature’s own magnum opus, our spacious rooms, studio suites, one bedroom suites, and cottages enjoy a seamless dance between casual elegance and the breathtaking 360-degree vistas. Our pristine 87-acre canyon oasis is just a short walk from one of Southern California’s finest beaches, bringing the best of coast and canyon together in one uniquely Laguna experience.

Dining

Come savor the many flavors of a comfortable culinary experience that expands your appreciation of bespoke comfort food, drink and hospitality. HARVEST (opening late Spring) marries the bounty of the season with the atmosphere and creativity of Laguna Beach, inspired by the local flavors, ingredients and traditions of American and California Cuisine.

The restaurant, bar and private dining room pull from the incredible revival of California’s organic farming, ranching, brewing, distilling and oenology. The Harvest venue features outdoor patio seating with incredible golf and canyon views. As homage to the original homesteaders, handcrafted food and drink will be a focus throughout your dining experience. House-smoked hams, bacon and salmon, homemade bitters and grenadine for cocktails. Absolutely everything that we can grow or make on property will be.

Our menu will change with the seasons, as will the techniques used in the cooking and aging of provisions. Grapevines trimmed in the fall will be used to fire winter recipes. Fruit tree wood pruned in the spring will be used to smoke charcuterie for summer. Our barreled cocktails will be aged in preparation of holidays and special events and become anticipated features inviting tradition and history into the experience.

From plates you want to share with your friends to dishes that you’re happy to eat solo at the bar, the food is comforting and recognizable, but created with the foundation and craft of modern day. Channel the nostalgia for things you grew up on, done better than you have ever had and made from scratch.

Sycamore Spa (opening late Spring)

Enter this quiet bungalow respite and release into a canyon sanctuary from Southern California’s hectic pace. Personal health and wellbeing take center stage, nurtured by Laguna’s natural healing powers. With its small staff and tailored programs, this spa haven provides an Intimate experience customized to your goals and desires.

Sycamore Spa is a 3,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor spa that captures the bohemian lifestyle of Laguna’s laid-back beach life. That free spirit is showcased here with a dedication to connecting guests with earth, nature, sea and the sublime surroundings. The spa’s seamless spaces blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, welcoming natural sunlight and coastal breezes that connect you with Laguna’s powerful healing nature.

Indulge in inspired garden and sea therapies that rejuvenate inside and out. Release stress with a signature massage treatment that incorporates healing properties of the area’s indigenous plants and marine elements. Enjoy the serenity of our four treatment rooms, including a Couples Suite for a romantic rendezvous for two, or retreat to our relaxation room and outdoor courtyard.

Family Bonding

We offer an array of activities for every age and interest. Share a love of golf with our unique “Family Tee” program, featuring shortened tees to encourage junior golfers to play. Keep children and grandchildren entertained with our interpretive Junior Rangers kid’s program. Instead of a video game room, our themed program is chock-full of fun, adventure, exploration and education. Ranger activities include an array of opportunities for families to connect or children to make friends and explore nature. Choose guided programs and curriculum focused on marine life, sustainability and appreciating all of nature’s wonder. Bring the whole family for our “Deer Talk,” a great storytelling event at sundown—the magic hour when some of our favorite neighbors, the deer, appear.

Lose the electronics and all the “stuff” that just gets in the way. Come to The Ranch at Laguna Beach to kick back, unplug and make memories with the ones you love most. There’s no better place to just connect in the raw beauty of family time.

For more information on The Ranch at Laguna Beach visit RanchLB.com. Discounted, preview rates now available.

When you think about visiting Europe, there tends to be a few select cities that garner the most attention. You know the ones – Paris, Rome, so on and so forth. They’re incredible cities – beautiful, grand, with profuse amounts of history and architecture.

But as much as I adore them, there’s an unfortunate side effect to their fame – the overwhelming sense that the entire world has converged into a single location.  Saying there are tourists everywhere is an understatement.  Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying you can’t escape the hoards of people and enjoy these cities on a more intimate level, because you absolutely can.  But for first time visitors or anyone in the mood to take in the most common tourist sites (think Eiffel Tower, Coliseum, etc.), you’re going to wait.  And wait.  And wait.

For those of you wishing to visit Europe and yet escape from legions of other tourists, may I suggest Dublin.  It’s a city that boasts an exemplary blend of European history and architecture; it’s home to a wealth of modern activities and shopping; and if you venture just outside Dublin, it notes absolutely breathtaking sea and country views as well as a host of outdoor activities.

Why should you visit Dublin?

There are many reasons to visit Dublin, but the first and unquestionably best reason is a very simple one:  the people.  The Irish are a fantastic lot – jovial, welcoming, and incredibly proud of their country.  As such, they go out of their way to make you feel welcome.  I lost track of how many strangers we met on the street that upon finding out we were foreigners, immediately proceeded to give us lengthy recommendation lists of must-visit places and things to do.  It’s a place that you can visit and although a tourist, feel immediately at home.

As for actual activities to do, the list is enormous.   Obviously there’s the pubs.  And there are many.  Unlike American pubs, however, Irish pubs are key components of everyday life.  Traveling with kids?  Not a problem.  The first pub we stopped in actually had a soft serve machine where the kids could make up their own cones.  Want to go shopping?  Check out Grafton Street, home to a huge assortment of shops and dining options.  In the mood for some history and architecture?  There are numerous castles; stunning examples of Georgian architecture; and the Book of Kells (housed at Trinity College), an illuminated manuscript dating back to 800 AD.

Venture just outside of Dublin, and the list grows even more.  In visiting Ireland, it was imperative for me to find great seafood, so upon the recommendation of numerous strangers I took a quick trip to Howth, a quaint fishing village located just outside Dublin.  While there I enjoyed a meal at The Oar House Fish Restaurant, and it was sensational.  The Dublin Bay prawns were the best I’ve eaten, fresh off the boat (which you can see just outside the Oar House’s front door) and quite literally melting in your mouth as you ate them.  I also took a trip down to Wicklow, known as the “Garden of Ireland”, and home to some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.  There’s an abundance of stunning views, but also an abundance of outdoor activities to partake in (golf, biking, kayaking, sailing, horseback riding, etc.).

For me, it was these excursions that defined my time in Ireland.  If you want a modern getaway with shopping, a trip to the zoo or a visit to the spa, it’s all here.  Want to get outside and enjoy a huge range of outdoor activities?  Done.  Or maybe you’re looking for an intimate vacation with lush green countryside, stunning sea and cliff views and cozy dining spots – you’ve got it.  There’s simply such a huge abundance of things to do it’s impossible to fit them all in a single visit.

Thankfully, planning your visit to Ireland is actually quite easy, thanks to the Irish tourism board.  Their website VisitDublin.com makes it incredibly easy to see an overview of the numerous things to do and see in the city of Dublin (and surrounding Dublin County).  Better yet, walk down the street, ask someone for a recommendation, and prepare to be bombarded with more recommendations than you can fit into a week.  I love Dublin, and there’s no question I’ll be returning to see the huge amount of things I missed my first time around.

Four Seasons Hotel Dublin Overview

To paraphrase Roy Rogers, I’ve never met a Four Seasons I didn’t like, and the Four Seasons Hotel Dublin is no exception to the rule.  Comfortable elegance is how I would describe the Four Seasons Dublin – a handsome, superbly relaxed environment nestled roughly 5 minutes outside the center of Dublin.  It’s actually in an ivy-covered residential neighborhood known as Ballsbridge, which is fitting, as the hotel notes a luxuriously residential feel.

The lobby and lounge areas – recently the recipient of a new makeover – are simply beautiful, with a perfect balance of classic and modern styling harmoniously blending as one.  An absolute must, especially with kids, is partaking in an afternoon tea in the lounge.  There’s a diverse and delicious tea menu to choose from, along with a host of sweet treats and light dining options for you and your kids to enjoy.  The Four Seasons Hotel Dublin is also the only hotel in Dublin boasting a full service spa, an ideal way to get a bit of pampering in during your stay.

When you visit Dublin, the Four Seasons Hotel Dublin is simply the perfect place to reside.  It’s luxurious, it’s comfortable, it’s inviting, and it’s perfectly located for trips into the city center or excursions to the coast and country.

Four Seasons Hotel Dublin Rooms & Suites

The Four Seasons Hotel Dublin notes a total of 197 guest rooms and suites, with my personal choice being the Family Suite.  At 915 sq. feet, the room was incredibly spacious and bigger than many New York City apartments – a much welcomed feature when you’re traveling with two children.  The style was understatedly elegant, and in keeping with the hotel’s style as a whole, felt very warm and comfortable, with a distinctly residential feel.

As is synonymous with the Four Seasons family, the amenities were world-class.  Down duvets and pillows, terry bathrobes, a marble bathroom with deep soaking tub and separate glass shower – everything you’d expect from a five star hotel is here.  Everything you need for your kids is also on hand, including a crib, kids’ toiletries, bathrobes, and a welcome gift.

When traveling with children, there’s nothing better than being able to check-in to a hotel and having the room pre-tailored to your needs, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in the Four Seasons Dublin.  Simply make a note of your kids when reserving your room, and when you arrive, all of the kids amenities will be in place, waiting for you, meaning you can relax from the moment you check in.

Four Seasons Hotel Dublin for the Family

I’ve had the great pleasure of traveling to a variety of unique and interesting destinations with my wife and two children – enough so that those close to me question my sanity for even attempting to embark on some of my ventures.  Dublin, however, is a stark departure from many of the less-than-friendly kid places I’ve been, offering a sublime selection of things to do and see for kids of all ages.

It’s a sentiment that begins from the moment you arrive.  Upon check-in, kids are welcomed with their own check-in, room key and special surprise.  In the room, dedicated kids’ amenities offer up a bit of luxurious pampering, including toiletries and their own bath robes.  And from there, the fun is just beginning.

One of the highlights, and an absolute must during your stay, is a visit to the Four Season Hotel Dublin’s lounge for an afternoon tea and snack.  The list of teas available is huge, with a variety of exotic and irresistible flavors (not only for the kids but for you as well).  I recommend sampling at least a few varieties, as all the ones we indulged in were fantastic.  While you’re there, be sure to order a snack as well.  For kids and sweet lovers, there’s a delectable pasty tower, offering a vast array of sugary delicacies.  Or for something a bit more substantial, there’s a variety of tea sandwiches, including sliced duck with pickled onions and artichoke crisps on a grilled baguette and smoked Irish salmon with horseradish cream and caviar on a potato rosti.

Venture outside the Four Seasons Hotel Dublin, and the amount of family activities is absolutely sensational.  In the city, be sure to stop by Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo, a 70 acre sanctuary that’s home to some 600 animals.  Another great option for kids is the Imaginosity Children’s Museum (for ages 9 and under), where your little ones can take part in a variety of workshops and fun activities throughout the day.  And for the crafty, there’s numerous options to make and/or paint your own pottery.  We managed to fit all three in, and my kids adored them all.

Outside of the city, I recommend venturing into the world of knights and princesses by exploring at least one of the area’s numerous castles.  Another option might be a trip to the beach to enjoy family picnic, which by all accounts makes for a perfect afternoon.  Talk to the very knowledgable and helpful concierge, and they can arrange a special picnic basket to take on your adventures.  Lastly, no visit to Ireland would be complete without a trip to the country.  My recommendation, rent a car and take drive through Wicklow.  The views can only be described as breathtaking, and there are numerous historic sites your kids will love exploring along the way.

Looking back on our visit to Dublin, my family and I had a fantastic time, with our only regret being that we didn’t have more time to spend in Ireland.  It’s incredibly family oriented and is the ideal destination for kids of all ages and interests.  It is without question a must-visit destination for anyone planning a European vacation.

Four Seasons Hotel Dublin Dining

Dining at the Four Seasons Hotel Dublin consists of four options – the Seasons restaurant, the Lobby Lounge, The Bar and ICE lounge.  For a more traditional meal, the Seasons restaurant offers what’s described as a contemporary Irish cuisine, serving a variety of fresh, local ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I enjoyed several breakfasts as well as a dinner at the Seasons, and the food was perfectly in harmony with the hotel as a whole.  It was balanced, not excessively complicated and delicious.  I had the dry-aged Irish beef, my wife the lamb, and both were brilliant.  The key to great food is freshness, and the Seasons restaurant capitalizes on this ideal perfectly by sourcing locally grown and produced ingredients.

For lighter fare, as already noted, the Lobby Lounge offers a variety of tea sandwiches, pastries, and numerous tea and beverage options.  And for a relaxing night out, The Bar and ICE lounge both offer extensive drink options, including a wide assortment of Irish whiskeys.

Four Seasons Hotel Dublin Conclusion

Ultimately, my time at the Four Seasons Hotel Dublin was a splendid one.  Dublin is a city whose people are among the warmest I’ve met; the hotel itself and the staff were all sensational, and the amount of things to do and see in Dublin far surpassed the three days I had to spend there.  Although it’s not the most common city one thinks of when embarking on a European vacation, I can’t recommend enough taking the time to see Ireland for yourself, whether it’s for the history, the stunning landscapes, or the modern touches.  It’s a way to experience Europe in a completely relaxed, welcoming environment, and the Four Seasons Hotel Dublin is the perfect place to begin your Irish adventures.

In almost every child’s life, there exists a brand whose magic and bliss-inducing power is simply unequalled.  At the mere mention of its name, children have been known to cry tears of joy, break out into uncontrollable screams of happiness, or perform a multitude of other exuberant actions due to their uncontrollably blissful state.

The brand to which I’m referring, of course, is Disney.

I loved Disney growing up, and as the father of two young children, I’m still exceptionally well versed in the joys of Disney.  My Disney movie collection is comprised of nearly every classic Disney movie ever made as well as most of the new ones, and my kids have watched all of them multiple times.  So when my wife decided we needed to take a break from our routine and take a well-needed family vacation, we decided it was time to bring Disney to life, and thus began our adventure on Disney’s 3-night Bahamian cruise.

The Disney Dream 3- Night Bahamian Cruise Overview

Disney’s 3-night Bahamian cruise takes place aboard the Disney Dream, a sheer marvel of engineering boasting 14 decks, 1,250 state rooms, and the ability to accommodate up to 4,000 passengers (along with 1,458 crew members).  I’ll be talking much more about the ship in a second, but let me preface by saying the level of luxury and amenities found on the Disney Dream are absolutely world-class, irregardless of your age.  There truly is something for everyone, whether you’re 1 or 100, and the overall experience aboard the Disney Dream was absolutely remarkable.

For our 3-night journey, we departed from Port Canaveral, FL, with stops in Nassau (the capital of the Bahamas) and Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island in the Bahamas).  What’s great about the short cruise is that it allowed us to experience the world of Disney even with travel constraints.  We only had six days available for the trip, but we were still able to take in both Disney World and the cruise in a single trip, with plenty of time to immerse ourselves in the Disney experience.

If you’re short on time and looking for a quick summary, here it is:  the Disney Dream is brilliant, and from my experience, the best family cruise ship on the planet.  If you’re questioning whether to book a cruise on the Dream, do it.  It lives up to the hype, it offers world class luxury and entertainment, and both you and your kids will have an absolutely awesome time.

If, however, you need a little more convincing, read on for a more complete look at the Disney Dream and what makes it so great.

The Disney Dream State Rooms

It’s difficult to describe everything offered by the Disney Dream, but let’s start with the state rooms.

Myself, my wife and my two kids (ages 1 and 3 at the time) opted for the deluxe ocean view stateroom with verandah, which is big enough to fit 3-4 comfortably.  Some of the amenities include 246 sq ft. of living space, a queen-size bed, a single convertible sofa, an upper berth pull-down bed if sleeping 4, and a split bath with a tub and shower.

Comfort wise, the Dream’s state room ranks among the most comfortable state rooms I’ve stayed in.  A Sealy Posturepedic mattress and Egyptian cotton linens provide an exquisite night’s rest.  The kids’ sleeping area can be separated by a privacy curtain, which is a much appreciated feature when you have kids with early bed times.  Technology includes on board wi-fi in your room, a 22″ LDC flat screen tv, a refrigerator, an iPod Docking station and a pair of wireless phones with voicemail messaging that you can take throughout the ship (to stay in touch with your family).  Simply put, the Disney Dream boasts all the amenities found in a luxury hotel room, only in a smaller package.

In addition to the deluxe ocean view room, other state room options vary from either smaller options to the exceptionally lavish.  On the low end, a standard inside stateroom notes 169 sq. ft. of living space, whereas those looking for the ultimate in luxury can opt for the 1,781 sq. ft. Concierge Royal Suite with verandah.

The Disney Dream Kid’s Activities

If you’re considering a Disney cruise, there’s a good chance you have kids.  And if you have kids, you simply won’t find a better cruise ship for the entire family.  The Disney Dream is in a league of its own, and aside from other Disney cruises, there’s not even a close second.  Disney has created the Dream from the ground up to be a ship that caters to every age group, and for kids of any age, it’s simply magical.

The heart of kids’ activities is built around youth clubs – a series of destinations exclusive to kids, broken up into age groups.  For children ages 3 months to 3 years, there’s the “It’s a Small World Nursery”, a colorful space named after the famous Disney attraction of the same name.  It’s here that my two kids went during select portions of our cruise, and they absolutely loved it.  Mickey and the gang even stopped by while they were there, which made my son’s day, to say the least.

From there, kids then move up to Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, both of which are designed for kids ages 3-12.  There’s a huge amount of things for kids to do in the Oceaneer Club, with highlights including four distinctly themed play areas, computer banks with child-friendly computers, a reading area, multiple televisions, and a 103 LCD television where kids can interact with Crush, the animated sea turtle from Finding Nemo.  Connected to the Oceaneer Club is the Oceaneer Lab, which lets kids engage in a variety of hands-on activities, based on their individual interests.  There’s a working animator’s studio, where kids can learn how Disney animation works and create their favorite Disney characters; there’s a sound studio where kids can listen to music and/or create their own; and there’s a craft studio where kids can create a variety of arts and crafts projects.  I talked to numerous kids on the ship who partook in the Oceaneer Club and Lab, and the unanimous review from all was that it was awesome.

And finally, for those of you with pre-teens or teens, there are two sophisticated spaces for your kids:  Edge and Vibe.  Edge is a loft-style lounge exclusive to kids ages 11-14, with highlights including an illuminated dance floor, notebook computers that allow kids to play games and access a unique onboard social media application, and a state-of-the-art video wall that stretches more than 18 feet long and nearly 5 feet tall.

Vibe is equally as cool, designed to feel like a hip urban coffee shop and stylish night club.  Vibe’s central gathering place is a modern, hi-tech room where teens can kick back and take in a movie on a 103-inch LCD screen with digital surround sound.  In a separate stage area, teens can take part in talents shows, karaoke contests and dance competitions.  There’s a lighted, multi-color disco floor and video wall that set the stage for day- and night-dance parties, where aspiring DJs can spin and mix tracks.  And for a more laid-back experience, teens can recline in one of the individual built-in oval wall pods, where they can watch a personal video screen or play video games.  Again, I talked to kids from both Edge and Vibe, and every one of them said what an awesome time they had.

The key to the Disney Dream is that it’s built around kids of every age, and it caters to each beautifully.  When traveling on the Disney Dream, there’s equal parts entertainment for you and your kids, so while your kids are enjoying one of their clubs and activities built specifically for them, you can enjoy activities built around you.  You never have to worry about their safety or whether they’re having a good time, and the result is an incredible trip for you and your entire family.

The Disney Dream Entertainment

Describing entertainment on the Disney Dream… where do I begin?

Let’s face it – there’s really no other brand that can entertain like Disney, and the Dream is a shining testament to this fact.  Entertainment is both abundant and incredibly well orchestrated – again better than any other cruise I’ve been on.

For kids, I think the highlight of entertainment is the accessibility of Disney characters, and the Dream does a fantastic job incorporating characters throughout the entire trip.  There are a number of live performances by the characters that let you see the characters in action, and just as importantly, there are many, many opportunities to meet and take photos with your favorite characters throughout the journey.  Some of the appearances are scheduled, some are surprise visits, and the assortment of characters is huge.

For adults (and kids, if they like shows), there are two gorgeous theatres aboard the Disney Dream:  the Buena Vista Theatre and the Walt Disney Theater.  The Buena Vista Theatre is an opulent theatre designed in the grand Art Deco styles of the 1920’s and 1930’s, but despite its classic styling, it features the latest in state-of-the-art projection and sound technology.  Showings include first run films (some in Disney 3D) as well as other popular motion pictures.

The Walt Disney Theatre, on the other hand, is where you can take in a live, Broadway style show.  Inspired by by the red carpet and golden trophies of Hollywood award shows, the Walt Disney Theatre is massive and stunning, adorned in red and golden hues, and features both orchestra and balcony seating options.  There’s a variety of live shows performed, ranging from family friendly musicals to comedic revue-style shows, and all are backed by the Walt Disney Theatre’s state-of-the-art behind the scenes technology.  Moveable backdrops and scenery, a projection system for animated scrims and stage lifts, and maybe even pyrotechnics are some of the things you may see during one of the live shows.

I’m not a Broadway critic – I’ll leave show reviews up to you – but I will say that overall, the live shows were exceptionally entertaining and easily ranked as the best I’ve experienced on a cruise.

How good is entertainment on the Disney Dream?  It’s superb.  You will be entertained throughout your journey, from the second you arrive to the second you leave, and you’ll be entertained in a way that only can Disney can do it, which is absolutely brilliantly.

The Disney Dream Dining

Dining aboard the Disney Dream ranges from classic American fare up to more elaborate French options.  When compared to other cruise ships, the dining aboard the Disney Dream again excels.

To make the dining process aboard the Dream as streamlined as possible, Disney has implemented what’s called a rotational dining system.  When booking the cruise, you have the option to select either an early or late dinner seating, and you’re then assigned to a different restaurant each night.  It’s a system that works beautifully, because you never have to wait for seating, your wait staff rotates with you (so you get to know them on a friendly, first-name basis), and dining times are set up to correspond with theater times (so you can always take in a show before or after dinner without fear of scheduling conflicts).

As for the dining itself, standard dinner rotation includes the Animator’s Palate, the Enchanted Garden, and the Royal Palace.  From there, you can opt to upgrade your dining to include the adult-only Palo or Remy dining options.  Other dining options include the indoor/outdoor Cabanas buffet and the old standby,  room service.

For the family, Animator’s Palate will be the highlight of the dining experience, as you’ll experience not only dinner, but also a gorgeous, animator’s studio-inspired design along with an interactive show that actively engages you as you dine.  The cuisine notes a distinctly contemporary Pacific flair, with smoked salmon tartare; endive, arugula and watercress salad, grilled Pacific black cod with sautéed morel mushrooms, and crunchy walnut cake among my personal selections.  All were well-prepared and delicious, as were my wife’s selections of black truffle pasta purseittes and the trio of veal.

On the second night, my family and I enjoyed dinner at the Enchanted Garden, an ornately designed restaurant inspired by the Gardens of Versailles.  The cuisine is described as “market-inspired”, with more traditional culinary options.  I opted for the ahi tuna and avocado tower, duck consommé and caramelized sea scallops, whereas my wife’s selections included north Atlantic lobster ravioli and pan-seared sea bass.  Again, both were exceptionally prepared and delicious, which is truly a remarkable feat considering the amount of individuals being served.

On our final night, my wife and I enjoyed dinner for two at Remy, which was unquestionably the highlight of our dining experience aboard the Dream.  Named after the star of Disney’s Ratatouille, Remy is the most luxurious of the Disney Dream’s dining options, with a distinctly French menu that was created by Chef Arnaud Lallement from l’Assiette Champenoise (a Michelin 2-star restaurant just outside Reims, France) and Chef Scott Hunnel (from award-winning Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort).

If you’re looking for a romantic night aboard the Dream, Remy has to be at the top of your dining list.  The decor of is elegantly subdued in an Art Nouveau style, a perfect compliment to the sweeping sunset sea views you’ll experience while dining.  The menu is equally intimate, with complex preparations that are simply sensational.  Coastal turbot with Vin Jaune and gnocchi; lobster with vanilla, bisque and lobster roe foam; young pigeon pie with foie gras, spinach, and tomato; and veal tenderloin sweetbreads and braised shank with marble potatoes were some of the highlights.  Paired with your dining selections, a wine pairing option is available, or choose from an extensive wine list comprised of more than 900 bottles of both old world and new world selections.

Reservations for Remy add $75 per person to your trip (not including wine), but for an intimate night out, it’s a must add to your trip.

The Disney Dream Pools

When you’re in the mood to get wet on the Disney Dream, you’ve got plenty of options.  For the whole family, there’s Donald’s pool, with an approximately 5 foot depth and plenty of lounge chairs to take in some sun.  Close to Donald’s Pool is Mickey’s Pool, which notes a 2 foot depth and is perfect for smaller children.  And for new walkers, there’s Nemo’s Reef, an enclosed water play area featuring a variety of fountains, jets and bubblers in a unique Finding Nemo setting.

For the adults looking to take a break from the kids, be sure to check out the Quiet Cove Pool, an adults-only pool noting a four foot depth and connecting bar.

And finally, for those looking for a more exciting ride, there’s the AquaDuck – a 765 foot long water coaster that’s the first of its kind on a cruise ship.  During the ride, you’ll travel up, down, off and around the ship in an enclosed acrylic tube, with a grand finale of a four deck drop before the ride’s over.  And yes, it’s as awesome at is sounds.  You and your kids will love it, guaranteed.

The Disney Dream Spa + Salon and Fitness Centers

For those of you looking to stay fit and beautiful during your cruise, the Disney Dream boasts both a spa/salon and a fitness center.  I didn’t partake in either – there simply wasn’t enough time – but both feature the same amenities you’ll find at other luxury spa and fitness centers.

In the spa, highlights include a range of spa treatments, massages, body wraps, facials, aromatherapy and more, whereas salon services include manicures, pedicures and hairstyling.  As for the fitness center, choose from a variety of  state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment and weight machines as well as numerous classes and seminars offering aerobics, yoga and Pilates instruction.  Best of all, much of the equipment offers gorgeous ocean views, allowing you take in the beautiful Caribbean waters as you work up a sweat.

The Disney Dream Ports of Call

For our three day Bahamian cruise, there were two ports of call:  Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, as well as Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

In Nassau, our excursion led us to the Atlantis resort, which we purchased as an add-on for our trip.  A shuttle takes you directly to the resort from the dock, making the journey seamless, and you’re then given a brief tour of the main Atlantis shopping destinations.   From there, my wife and I opted to take part in the dolphin deep water swim, which not only lets you get up close and personal with the dolphins, it also lets you experience them in a more natural setting.  You first get to meet the dolphins (our dolphins were actually American, rescued from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina), and you then get to swim with them directly, which was absolutely the highlight of the experience.

If you’re debating between the dolphin interaction and the dolphin swim, go for the swim.  It’s well worth it, and for someone that’s never swam with a dolphin before, it’s an incredible experience.

The second stop – Disney’s Castaway Cay – is a private stop reserved exclusively for Disney cruise ships.  There’s a huge assortment of activities for all age groups, ranging from snorkeling, boating, biking, relaxing on the beach or exploring one of the two 2,400 sq. ft. water play areas.  As is the case on the ship, there are exclusive adult-only areas on Castaway Cay that for some added rest and relaxation, and there are also numerous areas and activities on the island designated for kids of certain ages.

It’s fantastic way to spend a day, and no matter what you’re in the mood for, whether you want to take a dip in the ocean or just spend on a day on the island, there’ something for everyone.

The Disney Dream 3-Night Bahamian Cruise Conclusion

Looking back at my time aboard the Disney Dream, there’s no question Disney has set the standard for family cruises.  Even without kids, the Disney Dream is a superbly designed and luxurious cruise ship, but for the family, there’s nothing in the same realm.  The amount of things to do, and the fact that virtually every activity is tailored to you based on your age, means that your time on the Disney Dream will be perfectly suited to you and your family, better than any other cruise you’ll encounter.  Add in an impeccable level of service, delicious dining options and an incredible amount of amenities, and the Disney Dream easily establishes itself as the world’s foremost family cruise destination.

For more info on the Disney Dream, where it visits, or to book your own trip, head over to the official Disney Cruise website.

A private club for sophisticated travelers, Inspirato is your invitation to hundreds of luxury vacation residences and exceptional service in the world’s most desirable destinations. From Aspen and Nantucket to Tuscany and Thailand, discover our portfolio of multimillion-dollar residences, luxury hotel partners and adventure travel experiences – all at exclusive, members-only rates. Want to luxuriate in the expanse of a private villa while on vacation – but still receive five-star service just like the finest hotels? Inspirato is the private club for you. No more risky online rental brokers. No more tripping over your suitcase in a small hotel room. Just perfect vacations, every time.

Members-Only Benefits

As an Inspirato member, you’ll have a personal team of travel experts at your disposal, 24/7. You’ll have your very own Personal Vacation Advisor and dedicated onsite concierge each and every time you vacation to one of our Signature Residences. You’ll also receive privileged access to a wealth of amazing partnerships, perks and members-only club events. Every member has instant access to Jaunt –our drop-everything-and-go, short-notice travel program. Inspirato membership is not just about vacationing better; it’s about living an inspired life.

Inspirato Signature Residences

These spectacular, multimillion-dollar homes are at the heart of club membership. Experience the luxury of a finely curated portfolio of residences that feature the charm and character of a private villa as well as the space, intimacy and convenience of your own vacation home. While vacationing in Signature Residences, you’ll enjoy all the luxury and amenities of the world’s finest resorts and the unmatched service of an Inspirato Destination Concierge, whenever and wherever you vacation.

Unparalleled Beach Getaways

The most sought-after beaches in the world are just some of the places our members get away from it all—and winter is the perfect time to lounge on a sunny shore. Renowned Caribbean destinations like Grand Cayman, Punta Cana and Anguilla offer short walks to white-sand beaches and sweeping ocean views. Families love the kid-friendly atmospheres of Kiawah Island and Rosemary Beach, while couples often slip away to the elegance of St. Barts. Our residences in Mexico and Hawaii combine ultimate comfort with resort amenities. Inspirato beach destinations also offer such perks of membership as five-star beach club access, soothing spa services, kids’ clubs, swimming pools and convenience to exquisite beaches.

World-Class Mountain Escapes

Of course, the pinnacle of ski season is also the time to experience the world’s best ski resorts with an Inspirato vacation. From the west coast of Lake Tahoe to the east coast of Stowe, Vermont, members have a plethora of world-class options. You can vacation right in the heart of Vail Village with a dedicated ski locker at the base of the gondola; book the ultimate group ski trip at a stone chalet with room for 20 in Beaver Creek; upgrade your mountain fashion in dazzling Aspen; and experience the thrills of heli-skiing in Whistler. If you need skiing and snowboarding equipment reserved prior to your arrival, simply ask your Destination Concierge.

Golf with Inspirato

As a member of Inspirato, you receive privileged access to some of the world’s most remarkable golf courses. From Kiawah Island’s The Ocean Course to the Tom Fazio-designed courses at The Resort at Pelican Hill, there’s something for every level of golfer. Choose from a gorgeous links setting in Punta Cana or the thin-air fairways of the Rocky Mountains (where the drive yardage increases). Your dream golf vacation can be booked whenever the urge strikes, thanks to the dedicated service of your Destination Concierge.

Additional Privileges of Membership

Inspirato can enhance your life whether or not you’re on vacation. Our club offers a range of events, perks and partnerships designed to share the finer things in life. In 2013, our members have access to exclusive Super Bowl packages, VIP entrance to The Masters and invitations to private parties with NetJets. Take advantage of priority reservations at the dining venues of such renowned restaurateurs as Nobu Matsuhisa, Michael Mina and Charlie Palmer. And enjoy such benefits as expedited airport security via CLEAR, the hand-picked chauffeurs of Savoya, and private golf and country club access through ClubCorp.