First, the basics:
- arrival and transfer to the resort: ideally, all you need to do is find the booth or rep for your resort, and be whisked away.
- multiple restaurants. Poolside snacks; buffets that feed kids with no waiting, often with a kids' section; specialty a la carte restaurants (Japanese, Mediterranean, etc.) Note that, often, guests have limited access to the a la carte restaurants: i.e., one or two dining opportunities during a 5-night stay.
- drinks: from self-serve soda dispensers, to fancy cocktails --virgin or with alcohol. Liquor varies from house brands to premium.
- watersports: typically, the non-motorized watersports are included, such as kayaks, windsurfing, sunfish sailing. Sometimes lessons are included. Some resorts include snorkeling boat trips and scuba; other places, these are excluded as "motorized".
- kids programs: many resorts have a basic kids' club for ages four to 12. Others go all out, with separate programs for 4 or 5 distinct age groups. Some offer infant care.
- family activities: Bingo, scavenger hunts, beach parties...
- night-time entertainment: ranges from cute-but-amateurish to professional caliber. Many places have theme nights.
Some resorts have nice little touches, such as sand toys available for borrowing.
*photo of Coconut Bay Resort © Teresa Plowright
