The Villas at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa050

Driving onto the property of The Villas at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa is like entering an enchanted little village where magically - even before the spa treatments - visitors find themselves sighing, "ahhhhh."

The fairytale feeling continues as one walks up the stairs of the majestic lobby to the registration desk. The registration desk clerk was as easy-going and down-to-earth as can be when greeted us, but the place just exudes a feeling of luxury and attention to details.

We stayed in the Barcelona room, a very cozy room with high ceilings decorated in hues of gold, rose, and green, with two incredibly luxurious queen beds, a comfy sitting chair, ornate desk, wall sconce lights, and a gas fireplace. Four arched windows look out on views of trees, the landscaped property, and an ornate gurgling fountain. With the double-paned windows closed, the room is absolutely quiet.

The spacious bathroom is perfect for families, with its deep Japanese-style tub with jets, 10-foot tall double-head shower, and separate toilet area. Oh, and did we mention the his and hers sinks? Everything about the impeccably-clean bathroom was simply lovely - from the decorative marble and soapstone floors to the beautiful brushed stainless steel fixtures to to the plush towels and Thymes toiletries.

Parents be warned, there are no DVD players or pay-for-view movies, but The Villa does have cable television.

Other amenities include the use of two thick cotton robes, complimentary wireless Internet, bottled spring water, and a healthy and delicious made-to-order breakfast cooked by a staff chef.

The kids' favorite amenity? Hands-down it is the five -count 'em - five pools, including a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool and two lagoon-style children's pools. In the summertime, the pools are bustling with life and provide all the entertainment one could ask for.

Parents fav? The spa. The exercise equipment, steam room, and hot tub are available all day long for guests to use free of charge. Facial and body treatments, massage, hair, nail, and make-up services are also available by reservation and for a fee. You name it, they got it! There are also twelve tennis courts that are available for guests to use.

A stay at The Villas at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa makes a great family getaway. Check their website calendar because they offer a great schedule of family events including Kids' Cooking Workshops, Exotic Animal Workshops, Lego Days, and much more.