Top 5 Family Reunion Getaways

When a family reunion works, it really works. You can shop while your grandson snoozes, and your daughter-in-law can take a Pilates class while your son sits on a porch chair and catches up on months of magazines. But, picking the right place to host your family reunion, whether it's on a barge or in Bermuda, takes a tiny bit of work — and making sure everyone is on the same page. Good thing there are plenty of resources for getting the help you need, crucial for the nearly 8 million people attending about 200,000 family reunions annually, according to the Travel Industry Association.

So, before you do anything else, do a little homework on where you think three generations will want to travel together. "Talk to a client that has already been to this location before," suggests John Frenaye Jr., a travel expert in Annapolis, M.D., and father of three. "See if there's something for everyone to do, from you to your teenage granddaughter." Here, our top five family reunion spots:
 

1.Sail away on an authentic Maine windjammer.

Photo courtesy of Maine Windjammer Association. Photo by Jan Burnham.

So long as seasickness doesn't run in the family, consider this: You can either charter an entire vessel (these hold 20 to 40 people) or join up with a regular cruise. There's plenty to do, whether you're hauling sails while you traverse the Penobscot Bay, whale watching, or just relaxing with a good book. Fresh seafood meals are prepared on a wood stove, and homemade breads are a treat. This sounds like good, wholesome fun to us (especially because no one is going to be taking any cell phone calls while aboard). Weekend trips start at $425 per person/per weekend. For more information, visit sailmainecoast.com.
 

2. Tap into your inner cowboy.

Photo courtesy of Grand Teton Lodge Company Jackson Lake Lodge

The Jackson Lake Lodge is THE place to feel like a real John Wayne. Not only is this full-service hotel, with 348 guest cottage rooms, tucked right in the awe-inspiring Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, but everyone will have a good time — guaranteed. We're talking horseback riding, cruises on Jackson Lake, Snake River float trips, fishing, golf, and food at three restaurants, serving only the best of local Rocky Mountain cuisine. Rooms start at $189 per night. For more information, visit gtlc.com.
 

3. Experience some fine Midwestern hospitality.

Photo courtesy of Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

At the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City, Mich., you'll check into a 600-room resort that just underwent an $11 million renovation. The property offers world-class spa services for Mom, three championship golf courses for Grandpa, and fun-filled water sports for kids of all ages – even teens. The resort also boasts Wi-Fi Internet throughout and the kind of stuff that family reunions are made of: skiing in the winter, fishing in the spring, even fruit-picking with the grandkids in the summer. Rooms start at $119 per night. For more information, visit grandtraverseresort.com.
 

4. Head to the Southwest for adventure.

Photo courtesy of Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa

The Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa in Santa Fe, N.M., is legendary for its adobe-style lounges, some of which were built in the early 1900s. The property just underwent a $20 million renovation and expansion, meaning there's more to do than ever. There's a skeet and trap range, a gorgeous outdoor pool, and 450 acres of hiking space to explore. The SháNah Spa boasts an authentic Native American teepee and outdoor Watsu Japanese pool. Plus, your grandkids will love the on-site kids' program, which offers trout-fishing expeditions and other cool activities. Sign us up! Rooms start at $179 per night. For more information, visit bishoplodge.com.
 

5. Tap into your inner celeb.

Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa

Head to The Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena, Calif. It may not be the Chateau Marmont, but what this venerable 392-room hotel, built in 1907, offers is serenity. You'll love the peaceful Japanese garden, luxe lounges, Olympic-size pool, and tennis courts — all in a recently renovated resort that's just 15 minutes from LA. Pasadena. Its known for its culture, including the renowned Norton Simon Museum, just minutes from the resort. Or, if you'd like, you can create a family compound in one or more of the eight guest bungalows (most feature working fireplaces). You'll love the spa almost as much as your grandkids will get a kick out of tennis lessons, pastry-making classes, and even a kids' night out. Rooms start at $259 per night. For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com.