Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay

Girls' trips come in all forms. We wanted to take a trip with our girlfriend ShallowGal and were determined to make it happened one way or another, in this case with our (count 'em) six kids. So it was that we took a mini-vacay to the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, which ShallowGal coined our "Baycation."

The Hyatt Regency is on a secluded spot on the Chesapeake Bay and with its beautiful golf course and king-size spa, it makes a good choice for weddings and conventions.

We had adjoining rooms which were recently renovated and plush, including the largest bottles of amenities in the bathrooms we've ever seen. The rooms were spacious, even for our numbers, and bright and looked out onto the pool area and the Bay.

We had our hands full with our crew while we were there; but the hotel offered activities every hour for children: moon bounce, cooking demonstrations, swimming, putt-putt, face painting, crafts, movies and s'mores.

We toured the 18,000 square foot Stillwater Spa with the gorgeous Spa Director, Patti Dail, though we couldn't steal away for a treatment this time. The Stillwater Spa had a large number of treatment rooms and when we were there, they were all taken which was proof to us that they're doing something right. The spa offers treatments ranging from the Raven's view massage at the top of the lighthouse tower, to teeth whitening, to the River Stone massage. The spa will set up group treatments good for bachelorette or bridal parties in either the couple's room or in private suites in the hotel.

The Hyatt would make a fine girls' getaway (perhaps sans children next time), with its three restaurants, three pools, sailing trips, golf and, of course, spa.

On our way home we stopped at the Out of the Fire Restaurant in the super cute town of Easton, Maryland (think boutiques, coffee shops, and antiques). The server was skeptical when he saw our party of eight; but sat us quickly. The wild mushroom pizza and curry chicken salad were delicious.