No one has to tell you how stressful a mom’s life can be. If you add to it possible factors such as having young children or your own business or being divorced, the need for rest and relaxation multiplies! I fit into all of the afore-mentioned groups and needless to say I was in dire need to get away this August
So when the going got rough I chose to go to the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis, MA on Cape Cod. Surprisingly I had just spent a whirlwind week on Cape Cod in a rental home with my kids and extended family. My friends and family were wondering why I was driving from New Jersey to Cape Cod AGAIN.
There are many reasons but the most alluring is that Cape Cod makes me whole again. And while it is the epitome of the perfect family destination, I needed to get away to have time for me.
The following details all the mom-time ways I enjoyed the Cape Codder on my own. While I spread out the following activities over a three-night stay, for simplicity’s sake I am grouping them together.
STARTING THE MORNING OFF GENTLY
At home I usually jump out of bed – even on the weekends – because there is always some kind of parental, business or household duty to attend to. However I so relished starting my day out slowly at the Cape Codder Resort. Three mornings a week in the summer complimentary yoga is offered by Rainbow Falls outdoor pool. Comparatively, most cruise ships these days offer yoga for a fee; Cape Codder’s free yoga classes were appreciated value added. The best part was the salubrious sounds of the cascading waterfalls from Rainbow Falls pool. The entire atmosphere was very much in sync with yoga.
After the class, I took advantage of the fact that Rainbow Falls – which is a heated, year-round, outdoor, salt water pool — is for adults only from 8 to 10 a.m. and also 8 to 10 p.m. I love swimming laps and thoroughly enjoyed having the space to do so in the early morning.
Feeling fully refreshed, I headed back to my room in the Residence Club Section. These vast, upscale multi-room residences are available for non-owners to stay in when not occupied by their owners. I especially love this area of the resort with its Cape Cod scenes painted on the hallways and the special touches in the rooms. The bathrooms are extremely luxurious. The heated floor tiles were a first for me and the multiple water jets aimed at one’s back are very therapeutic! With a push of the button steam can be added
for a real spa-style shower too.
SPA….AHHHH!
For the full treatment, the Cape Codder has the Beach Plum Spa and Med-Spa. This full service spa features a full line of treatments as well as specialty med-spa services. These range from medical peels to acne treatments, Botox, low light laser machine to lose inches and more. I enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere of the spa and treated myself to a much needed pedicure.
There are also complimentary spa options at Cape Codder including the two whirlpools on site. One is next to Rainbow Falls outdoor pool while the other is a soothing pool for 24 people, located next to the indoor wave pool and the two tube slides. Also right by the indoor whirlpool is a sauna.
WINE AND DINE
When one travels with children there is the potentiality for “whine” instead of “wine.” On my mom’s getaway thankfully there was none of the former. Instead the Cape Codder Resort has the Grand Cru Wine Bar & Grill for drinks, appetizers and dessert. The locale has a lovely atmosphere and even live musical entertainment on weekends year round.
The other Cape Codder eateries include the Hearth ‘n Kettle which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. I really loved The Deck which is outside overlooking a courtyard that is lined with profuse flowers. On The Deck, breakfast and lunch are from the Hearth ‘n Kettle menu while dinner is from the Grand Cru menu. The grounds of the Cape Codder are beautifully landscaped and The Deck is a perfect spot to chill and take time to “smell the roses.”
DAYTIME PASTIMES
During my stay I actually got a chance to relax by a pool and read magazines….a rarity when I’m with my kids! Once again the sound of the cascading waterfall was very conducive to relaxing.
The Cape Codder is close to lovely beaches and indoor activities too in Hyannis. Some of my favorite include: cocktails at Baxter’s Restaurant right on the Hyannis pier where you can watch the sailboats and ferries come and go; a visit to the John F. Kennedy Museum which chronicles in touching photographs his love for Cape Cod; and Sandy Neck preserve and beach which is really unique. I walked along the trails, admired the dunes and even spotted an osprey in a nest! Then after working up a sweat, I went to the beach for a swim since it was just a few minutes’ walk away. The gentle waters of Cape Cod bay were perfect for more swimming of laps which I usually love.
But actually, since I had already had two nights of unwinding at the Cape Codder,
I didn’t feel the need to push myself to be active in the water as I usually do. Instead I floated on my back, exhaled deeply and was very grateful for this mini-mom getaway!
