The beachfront Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes is set in an exclusive residential community. You will have your choice of multiple indoor and outdoor pools, so you can get your swim on even if the weather isn’t cooperating. Lounge with a cocktail from one of the two seasonal poolside bars and marvel at the endless blue skies and uninterrupted ocean view, or keep an eye on the little ones splashing in the children’s pool with water fountains. When it’s time for lunch, there are plenty of options. Enjoy a laid-back, poolside lunch at The Woodsy Grill & Pool Bar, check out Sand Dollar Grill or take advantage of the BBQ grills for a family cookout. After lunch, drop the kids off at the children’s club and get in a workout at the fitness center. A post-cardio visit to the sauna and steam room is a must. Pick up the kids and swing by the children’s playground before heading back to your condo.

Air-conditioned two-bedroom condos sleep eight guests and offer garden, ocean, oceanfront or oceanside views. Full kitchens have everything you need to make your own meals. There are three grocery stores just a short walk from the resort plus an on-site Marketplace Express for the basics (grab a Starbucks espresso or frappuccino while you’re there)! Pack less thanks to the in-suite washer/dryer (you’ll especially appreciate it if you’re traveling with little ones!) In-suite entertainment includes a flat screen TV with HBO, CNN and ESPN, premium movie channels and a DVD player. Stick a few of the kids’ favorite movies in your suitcase or browse the selection of DVDs available to rent at the resort. Surprise the kids with family movie night. Now the only question is: Despicable Me or Frozen?

Dunes Golf and Beach Club is a short drive from Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas. This Robert Trent Jones-designed eighteen-hole course opened in 1949 and was renovated in 1992. Robert’s son Rees Jones made minor renovations to the course in 2003 and completely renovated it in 2013. Dunes Golf and Beach Club was the co-host of the 2014 PGA Professional National Championship. While the golfers are occupied at Dunes, gather the shopaholics in your party and head to Broadway at the Beach. Little ones will love Build a Bear and Toys & Co. For jewelry by Pandora, Brighton, and Spartina there’s The Mole Hole. Or create your own unique piece of jewelry at Pick a Pearl. If you’re up for even more shopping, check out Barefoot Landing. For souvenirs and gifts, there’s Crabby Jack’s General Store. Cariloha features apparel for men and women that is made out of bamboo. Treat yourself to a pair of shades by Chanel, Prada, Ralph Lauren or Tory Burch at Sunglass Hut. When the kids get hungry, grab a burger at Hard Rock Cafe, pizza at Extreme Pizza or seafood at Joe’s Crab Shack.