Norma Jones goes to a destination spa twice a year. But the 65-year-old will never forget her last visit. Her 85-year-old mother, two daughters and teenage granddaughter went, too. They relaxed and played together. “It was a wonderful opportunity to bond,” Jones says.

During their stay, the women decided to take a two-mile hike. “The leader was amazed to see four generations on the trail,” Jones recalls. Yet multi-generations of families take vacations at destination spas with increasing frequency. They know that these retreats offer something for everyone. Activities can be enjoyed together or apart. Father and daughter may walk on adjacent treadmills while mother and son swim laps and grand-children lift weights or practice power yoga.

Early mornings found Jones’ mother relaxing in the lobby. She waited for the others to return from a leisurely stroll. Together, they’d head to the dining room for breakfast. All quickly learned that the chef’s nutritious meals satisfy
every appetite. Their critical review: “We loved the food.”

Every day, they went together to a stretch class. Jones’ mother participated while sitting in a chair. Jones and her daughters took a variety of fitness classes daily, and her granddaughter enrolled in anything aerobic. “She’s very athletic,” Jones says.

All enjoyed the wide pampering selections. Pleasures ranged from massages, pedicures and manicures to body treatments with organic substances. Other guests greeted the family warmly as they saw the four generations having fun together and enjoying one another’s company. “We all got really close,” Jones explains. “The experience was one of the biggest memory makers we’ve ever had.”