112. Top 5 Luxury Waterparks for You to Vacation to This Summer

Dreaming of a poolside escape that feels like a five-star resort? In this episode, we're diving into the world of luxury travel through the lens of upscale water parks. You’ll discover which parks blend thrill and tranquility perfectly, where to find that lazy river with butler service, and how to turn a summer weekend into a high-end vacation experience.

Connect with Michele on IG: @jetsettingwithmichele or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/MMTinsiders

Contact Michele to plan your next vacation: www.makinmemoriestravel.co/contact

This episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com. 

Transcript

Hello jet setters and welcome back for another episode of Jet Setting with me. So school's out, traffic is better, and the temps are hitting record highs. Where I live, we've actually had 100 degree weather for a month already. So this means two things at the exact same time. A the July 4th holiday is just around the corner. It is not too late to book a fabulous destination to visit for that holiday weekend. And if you're looking for ideas on where you can partake of said great fireworks in celebration, be sure to check out episode number 65, the top July 4th fireworks spectacles across America. The other thing that that means those triple digit heat indexes.

I don't even know what I'm trying to say. What I'm trying to say is it's been over 100 degrees and I'm hot. It means we all need to just cool off. Who isn't dreaming of a cool pool, a lazy river, a private cabana with luxe food and beverages, and an Amanda Batula swimwear suit? Okay, don't judge my reality TV bad habit. Just me dreaming. I do not think so. Which is why I have the top five luxury water parks for you to cool off at this summer. And once you pick out which one you want to go to, hit me up.

And except for that swimsuit thing and the packing, I can make this daydream a reality. Okay, coming in hot at number one is the Atlantis Aquaventure water park in Paradise Island, Bahamas. It is an ultimate luxury, I should say. I have actually been to this water park twice and I'm not sure I would have included this on my own personal list. But I did my research for you. I haven't been since it's been in rehab. The water park was rehabbed in 2018 and the hotel, which is why I wouldn't have included on my list, was actually fully rehabbed during COVID So it's she they've gotten a glow up. So where else can you get a wedgie from a ride and swim with dolphins as the same place? Probably not so much.

I will say I have seen with my own two eyes that it does have some really lavish surroundings. Obviously, as I said, you get a wedgie from some rides. It's got those thrill packed slides like that Leap of Faith, breathtaking Marine Life encounters. That is true. You can take a water slide that then goes into swimming next to Vibe Marine Life. It does have pretty pools and you can get a private cabana. And if you're staying at one of the five themed hotels that did just recently get this glow up in 2020 during COVID Then it can be a total VIP experience. It has shark tunnels and aquariums.

These are actually among the largest open air marine exhibits globally. The shark tunnels are super cool. I will say I'm kind of fascinated by sharks but don't want to get too close to them as I imagine most people don't. Luxury here however, does come with a high price tag. Rooms start at upwards of $300 a night and unless you are staying at the hotel or you are coming in from a cruise ship excursion, there is no Atlantis visit for you. The food does feature a marketplace resembling a food court with it says it has fresh seafood bites and Bahaman jerk chicken wraps, but really it's your typical AquaVenture aka water park theme park food and beverages and they are all extra unless you are staying at the resort and you have added the dining package. It is actually this park is known for its adrenaline inducing water slides and its free falls. It AKA the wedgie.

But it does have a really good lazy river. It's got a few fun rapids where you will fall off of that inner tube. For those of us like me who just want to cool off from the heat. All in all I would say it's a good day. Like I said, I did my research so it does come in at number one. But stay tuned because I actually think we have better parks. Coming up next, we have Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. You're probably wondering why Mandalay Bay of all places and especially like isn't Vegas like typical adults only vacation spot? Well, for me, yes.

But during the day it has definitely got the family vibe. And Mandalay Bay beach, which is the name of its water feature, it actually caters to families during the heat of the day. But if you're looking for that adult 21 or over sexy beach party, they have that too. So Mandalay Bay's beach is actually the largest water feature in Vegas. It's an 11 acre tropical oasis. It does have that full lazy river that I am always looking for. It has that wave pool where you can even try, you know, to pretend surf multiple swimming areas. And it does have a sandy beach.

So it does have that full water park theme park experience. Now MGM has Wet Republic. Wet Republic is primarily a day club pool party that's focused on music, DJs and nightlife. That is why, although some people say that they prefer MGM's Wet Republic, Mandalay Bay wins as the best water park or water feature in Vegas. It mimics a beautiful Full beach resort experience because it's got that lush landscaping, those palm trees, and like I said, they have a full sand beach. They do actually even offer surf lessons. They have themed events like beach yoga sessions right on the sand or on the pool deck, seasonal holiday celebrations like a fourth of July firework swim. And their rooms and suites have direct beach access and then of course, amenities tailored to complement the water park setup.

So you can always plus it up to give yourself even more luxury. Now, maybe because I live here and like the whole state is fricking hot, but we have some awesome water parks in Texas and I'm only going to name a few of them that are nicely located in Central Texas, near Austin, San Antonio, because those are both fabulous cities to visit. You can spend a very nice long weekend in either one of them. In fact, I'm pretty sure I have mentioned San Antonio in that fourth of July episode I mentioned earlier. You can heat up before enjoying a day or a weekend at the water parks. Now the sentimental pick. It's definitely less luxe, but very much sentimental because it is the first water park I ever visited and it always makes a list of just if you take out the word luxury. The list of best water parks in the world, world capital W it is Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels.

Schlitterbahn is pioneered like they were the first uphill water coaster. And those are of course now standard at most highly rated water parks. Stay tuned for the Orlando ones coming in a moment. On a personal note, it is also the first time I loved something anything with the name coaster in it. It's really fun going up those hills pushed by water. The Schlitterbahn. It has added a lodge which again, not lux. It is reasonable choice compared to any of these other Texas resorts.

Staying there gives you early park access, also gives you some discounted tickets. It makes it easy for a seamless water adventure, so to say. There is also plenty to do outside of the park. New Braunfels is a really charming town. It's famous for its German heritage. It's got lots of local shops and authentic locally owned restaurants. And if you do stay on site at Schlitterbahn, the lodge provides a shuttle. It's also a way you can go to the actual original water park, which is you can rent it to and you can cruise, man.

What do we call it? Tube down the Brazos. That's what it is. Although I will say the water level is sometimes very low. And so we have a thing where if you're going over rocks Everyone, the first person in the shuttle train yells out tushies up and that way we all know we have to lay flat and do our core exercises. Also, P.S. yes, it is legal to bring beer in a cooler in its own inner tube down the process making for what can be a fun day. But also wear that sunscreen on your shoulders peeps because they aren't in the water and you don't realize how hot they're getting. But of course, if you really want to stay cool, go to the water park okay looking for those more upscale water parks in Texas? Again, there's quite a few to choose from, but three of my very favorites.

The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Bastrop, and the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. You will of course notice that each of those does have that spa word in the name spa meaning that after a fabulous day at the water park you can have a massage. Now the JW Marriott I would like to say is where I was married. It features a thousand foot lazy river, it has 200 foot water supplied splash fountains. It does have the famous wave or a.k.a. surf Simulator and it is reserved for hotel guests only. It does offer private cabanas by the pool area available for rent. Those do of course come with I prefer to call it butler service, but okay, waiter service.

And as I said, it's got a sift surf simulator. But it also does have paddleboarding lessons so you can try and sign up for those lessons if you're extra adventurous. And if you're not going for the spa, I of course don't understand you or the water park. There is also a TPC golf course as part of the resort. Now the Hyatt Hill country is located just outside of San Antonio. It offers an eight story volcano waterside complex, a sprawling lazy river. They host poolside movie nights. It's got nearby golf courses and a shuttle to San Antonio's nearby theme parks.

Did I mention they have a spa? I probably did. Hyatt Lost Pines is a little closer to Austin. It's about 30 minutes away from Austin. It's in Bastrop. It is the sister resort to the Hyat Hill Country. They're very similar in build and design, but the Lost Pines is suitable for couples, groups of friends and yes, even families. You want a balance of relaxation, some upscale amenities with outdoor activities and easy access to Austin's vibrant city life. They also do poolside movie nights and live music by the pool.

Enhances that keep Austin weird mood. Now if I had to pick one of these to suggest to you, I would need to do a in depth conversation with you because I honestly don't know which one I would choose for myself. I have visited them all multiple times. As I mentioned, I got married at the JW Marriott. I used to host an annual meeting group at the Hyatt Hill country in San Antonio and I worked, yes, I worked for six weeks one summer at the Hyatt, Lost Pines and Bastrop. The food is exquisite at all three and take my word for it, I would love to set you up for a weekend at any one of these. They're all worth the price of admission. A room for a weekend.

Take my word for it, they are all worth the price of admission AKA the room rate for a weekend. Water filled cool down and I would love to help you decide which one to next the water park at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention center in Nashville, Tennessee. Another one I have had the good fortune to visit. It is expensive and expansive, but if you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, it's a great place to trade in some points. And what you may not know is that Nashville is actually the bachelorette capital of the us. Yes, it is not Las Vegas. It's not even Austin which does host its fair share of bachelorette parties. It is Nashville.

It's also where I took my daughter for her 21st birthday and when we stayed at the water park. You will eagerly jump into this expansive indoor outdoor water park complex because Nashville is hot and humid and one of the most popular things to do there is the pedal bar. It's got multiple pools, it has its water slides, it's got the famous Lazy river and it actually does have a white sandy beach entry zero entry. It's ideal for beating the summer heat with sophistication. It is a very sophisticated resort and that's why it's so expensive. It does have upscale amenities, fine dining, a spa, beautiful indoor gardens and then seasonal events and themed pool parties. The resort's location obviously also offers plenty of entertainment options, AKA that Nashville downtown, world class music videos and of course that down home Southern hospitality and charm. I really did love Nashville.

It was a lot of fun. We went to the country musical call Fame. You can book a cabana so again you can. Plus the experience that does come with comfy seating, fan cooling, personalized food and beverage service, secure storage for your belongings. It's like your little private oasis in the heart of the water park. I will Say I did not book a cabana at the Nashville location, but when I went to the Grapevine One to go to that water park, that was actually during COVID We just needed to get out of our house in a water park. Being outdoors was a really good, obviously good Covid place to be. And I did rent the cabana there.

And I believe it or not, aside from the fan and the comfy seating, my favorite part was actually the secure storage. I could put my phone, my watch, my headphones all in there and then just float, which in the middle of COVID was a really nice thing to do. And obviously, as I said, beyond the water park, the location near Nashville's famed live music scene makes it easy to combine an active day. Now, there are actually more than just this one in Nashville. I mentioned the one, the Gaylord, which is in Grapevine, Texas, but there is also one in Orlando. They all do have their water parks. This just happens to be the best one in terms of its location. It's not near other water parks which are better by comparison.

So it's really easy to get in and out of to Nashville. Also its location by the airport. It's just a really great addition to the list. Now, another place that I would offer, and I kept this one for last because it's central Florida. I mean, honestly, who goes to Orlando just to go for a long weekend or a staycation at a water park? But you could. There are so many to choose from and three of them actually make every single list of luxury water parks there is. When you put theme park innovation and storytelling into a water park, it is simply a winning combination. And having been to all of these that I'm going to list for you multiple times as well, I actually really love a good water park.

I definitely think that two of these on this list are probably my favorite water parks in the US that don't have the word spa attached to them, I should say. And if you want those spoiler alerts for what those are, you can check out podcast episode number four, where I podcast live from Universal, Orlando and Volcano bay. And number 37, which is way back exploring the exciting changes at Walt Disney World in 2024. Again, spoiler alert. One of those was the reopening of Typhoon Lagoon after it had been closed. So Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando and Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World are the two most well known in Orlando and for good reason. Volcano Bay is a high tech water park paradise. They have tapu, tapu, which means you just basically tap in.

You put a credit card on your account and you do not have to carry your wallet, a credit card, or even your phone for Apple Pay. It's a themed Polynesian island vibe and if you tapu tapu the right things, you will find entertainment as well. You can definitely rent a private cabana or you can get an umbrella. Be sure to bring your own towels though, because those are only available for an additional fee unless you have an umbrella or a cabana. Upscale Dining they say it's right inside the park. I call BS on that. It's your typical theme park junk food at a higher price and a bigger portion. Although the Polynesian nachos were tasty, it's a seamless blend of adventure and comfort.

If you do that umbrella or private cabana again, see previous podcast episodes for that Typhoon Lagoon has whimsical theming. It also does have premium cabanas Concierge service It is a lush tropical escape with water park luxury wrapped in classic Disney magic. On a good day you can find Lilo and Stitch dressed in their swim finery. That would not be Amanda Bachula, swimmer Just in case you were wondering. They are always trying to surf the big wave. But for a good nighttime experience, try the HTO Summer Glow at Typhon Lagoon. It's a lot of fun and it's much cooler and therefore easier to cool off. Now between those two, I definitely will say I thought Volcano Bay was a little more exciting, but Typhoon Lagoon is definitely the sentimental favorite.

I actually worked at Disney when it opened. It's got a great theme and it's got probably the best lazy river I've ever been on ever at any of these water parks. It's just awesome. The newest luxury drum to enter the water park space in Orlando is actually at the Margaritaville Resort in Orlando. Now it also combines those tropical island vibes with upscale amenities, also including the private cabana, the Lazy River. But this one really does have upscale dining options that the previously mentioned water parks don't have. That's because it's actually next door to the Margaritaville Resort. So you compare your water park access with room bookings that make it more seamless and therefore you've got the dining in there now.

Finally, one more in Orlando. It is also attached to yet another theme park, but it's a more intimate and all inclusive experience is Discovery cove over near SeaWorld. It does have a maximum daily guest cap, which makes this luxury because you get plenty of space and personalized space service. It is more of a nature and an animal interaction park. It does have water fun. You can actually snorkel with the tropical fish and the stingrays. You can float with the manta rays. Things that you do on island excursions in the Caribbean or Mexico.

And just like those other island excursions, you can swim with the dolphins. For an additional feat, the park is beautifully landscaped. I've said that a couple times now, but this one really is with the, I've said it again. Lush tropical environments. It also does have a lazy river. It has pristine beaches. It has serene pools. And when I say serene, I mean serene.

They are actually designed for relaxing all day. Food and drinks are included. That's fresh tropical fruits and premium cocktails. All included. You get your complimentary wetsuits, your snorkel gear. This time you don't have to bring your own towel or locker. All included. And it means that you don't have any hassle packing or remembering to bring your towel from your hotel room.

And you don't have to worry about rentals again, you can plus it up with your private cabana. There are VIP packages to elevate it further. If you want to do a combo with the other SeaWorld true quote unquote water park, you can do that too. Now for my bonus. Lava Lava Beach Club Water park at Walakoa Beach Resort on the Big Island. We're going to all say that together three times. Lava Lava Beach Club Waterpark at Walakoa Beach Resort on the Big Island. Lava Lava Beach Club Water park at Walakoa Beach Resort on the Big Island One more time for the people in the cheap seat.

Lava Lava Beach Club Water park at Walakoa Beach Resort on the Big Island. Okay, it's my bonus now. We're still here with domestic based luxury water parks, but a location that is definitely suited and deserving of a longer stay. We couldn't not go to Hawaii. Now again, previous podcast episodes about my love for Hawaii and in particular Maui, which isn't the Big island, but still, we have to go to Hawaii. No water park list would be complete without it. And unlike large chain water parks like the Nashville Gaylord or Disney and Universal and even Marriott hotels, the Lava Lava Beach Club is a true boutique water experience. It does offer those beautiful pristine pools.

You know the one I'm thinking of, where you come lay on the side with your sunglasses and your beach vibes. Vacation sun hat. It's got those vibes, those upscale beach club vibes. The focus is on relaxation and refined Hawaii island fun. It is sophisticated yet laid back. It's perfect for those empty nesters who want to unwind without the summer family vacation crowds which you will find at all of these other water parks previously mentioned mentioned. It is nestled right on the white sands and I'm going to say this wrong. Anahomalu Bay where you are surrounded by the stunning and very cool I might add Pacific Ocean.

There are true tropical palm trees. It's not just decorated that where and it truly does have that luxury beach, oceanfront pool water experience that is private and serene. You can of course order your food and drinks right to you at the poolside. With premium services it does have gourmet dining with a Hawaiian twist, I can attest to that. And the beautiful handcrafted cocktails and mocktails. You can spend the day there lounging in style with sunscreen while enjoying ocean breezes refreshing drinks. Also the Big island and really all of Hawaii is known for hiking, volcano tours, snorkeling, whale watching, living. I mean marine life.

So guests, you compare that with your luxurious water escape with those unique natural wonders and adventures. So unlike crowded sprawling parks, this intimate scale creates for you the more personalized and serene and experience. So Jetsetters, did you pick a favorite? Because I am here to set you up on any and all of them. It is not too late for your fourth of July vacation as I mentioned, or for your luxurious water park trip. Until next time Jetsetters, safe travels.