That's what we did. But did Curaçao first for a couple of nights and then flew to Aruba. Went home from Aruba so we wouldn't have to do customs in JFK or MIA. We did sightseeing in Curaçao and relaxing in Aruba.

Curaco sounds exciting...just wish I could use my United miles to get me there.

Should be easy to fly into San Francisco, from there you can go north to Napa, and south to Monterey. Lots of fun.

Consider Wentworth by the Sea in New Hampshire. It's a hotel loaded with history and character. It's just south of Portsmouth and the southern coast of Maine, offering lots to see and do. Our favorite near by lobster pier is Chauncey Creek.

I know it's far for only 5 or 6 nights, but I agree that Hawaii may be an option to consider (PM me if you have any questions too, I lived there for 3 years and now am not far from you but prefer to fly out of BWI).

United has a nonstop from IAD so at least it's well, less painful? Since it goes to HNL and with less than a full week, I'd stick with Oahu. Ko Olina is a much more peaceful area (I own at the MVC there so also if you need any advice I'm here!). Bad thing is, it's a great family spot too so you may wish you had planned it for a family vacation! But I know (we go frequently and have two kids) using miles for 4 or 5 tickets is hard to do and you go through the miles fast. I've never used cash for a ticket (but did upgrade 3 reward tickets for cash once). At least if you have enough for first class even just on the return it would be nice.

I also agree Orlando is so quick and easy to get to, and LATE August (not early) is not a bad time there. Tons of resort options to choose from!

The one and only time my husband and I did a similar trip to yours (I think it was about 13th anniversary, now we're going on 21 years yikes!) we used Amex membership rewards points and AA miles and went for 5 nights to Peter Island in the Caribbean. It was the absolutely perfect amount of time and perfect getaway without the kids, and I understand, like you I needed it. We flew BWI, stopped once in San Juan then on to Tortola (they ferry you over from there). It was so quiet and peaceful, the perfect place to go without the kids. It cost us (at the time) I think 300,000 Amex points for the stay (and it's full American plan so you only need to pay for drinks really). I don't know if they're participating anymore, and I think now the meal plan is separate (it used to always be included). Peter Island does allow kids, but you won't see many or any! There's not much for them there.

I believe there's also a nice adult only resort off the Gulf Coast in Florida too - is it Little Palm Island?

You can also look into a nice adult only AI in Mexico. The nicer ones are the adult only ones. Some are really pricey but look fabulous.

Congratulations on your anniversary! Have fun planning!

Thank you for all the information. We have looked into Hawaii as a possible next year vacation for our entire family so one reason we are holding off on that idea. With 3 boys (7,5,1) this mama needs a relaxing getaway for sure. We do have Amex platinum points to work with also so I am looking around for those options. We just used up the last of our Delta miles for our spring break trip to San Diego so we are stuck with United for now for the most part since we are just down the road from IAD. We will be going early Aug before the kids head back to school...as our anniversary isn't until October but too hard to arrange babysitters, etc. when school and sports are involved! Thanks for all the advice and I am off to do some more research.

One more thought was the Atlantis in the Bahamas. There are some tickets available through the US partnership so you would have to hurray. There are usually deals at the hotel around that time of the year.

Just sent my parents to the San Juan Marriott 2 weeks ago from NY. They loved it and was very impressed with the lounge up to the last day. Free Happy Hour too. But see the warning below.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/22384147-post320.html

Would we be crazy to consider other areas of the Caribbean in early August?

Another possibility is the JW Marriott Resort in Las Vegas. It is in the suburb of Summerlin. It is relatively quiet before Labor Day and you can hit the strip for dinners and entertainment in the evening.

My wife and I did this for a few years in a row in August, right after dropping our kid off at college in Southern California.

They always gave us wonderful upgrades and we found the setting very relaxing.

If you can stand the heat, the Camelback in Scottsdale is very nice and very cheap that time of year. They usually offer really good resort credit deals you can use to splurge at the spa and dining.

Love the Camelback but we've done all the resorts in Arizona as we use to live there...also the JW in San Antonio love that property as well. My husband and I were just saying we wish they would open some similar type properties here on the east coast in the VA/NC/SC region for great weekend getaways with our kids! I know it is warmer in those areas but the Homestead has a nice outdoor pool complex that is opened year round and heated. Wish they would build an awesome JW resort property over this way!

I'm so with you on this! It would be nice to have something great like a JW resort driving distance.

I'm sure you considered a weekend in NYC, maybe see a couple of shows? I went to the Ritz Central Park with my mom and sister last year for Mother's Day and used MR points for one of our rooms. The service was over the top, and their lounge was nice (no complaints at all - sometimes at the Ritz it's just okay but this one was impeccable). I took the Acela to meet them (they flew in).

Hawaii will be a great family vacation! We've taken our kids (2 of them, now almost 15 and just turned 17) 6 times now (starting when they were 4 and 6). Never taken the United nonstop from IAD but that would be the least painful way to go, and if you have miles I'd start looking into that!

If you consider Orlando, the JW or Ritz may feel more grown-up and special for a getaway. I love Orlando!