In today's digital age, the omnipresence of screens in our lives—tablets, smartphones, and computers—poses a significant challenge for parents, especially during the summer break. The threat of excessive screen time on developing minds is well-documented, with studies highlighting potential impacts on cognitive development, attention spans, and physical health (Hale & Guan, 2015). To combat these effects, finding enriching, screen-free alternatives is crucial. This summer, our family discovered the perfect antithesis to screentime during out 2 week vacation up the South East coast when we visited the JW Marriott Plant Riverside District in Savannah, Georgia. This resort offered a plethora of activities that aligned with the MIND fundamentals—movement, intention, nourishment, deep connections, fresh air, unplugging, and learning—providing a holistic, enriching experience for our children.
The Risk of Screens on Developing Minds
Excessive screen time has been linked to various negative outcomes in children. Research indicates that prolonged exposure to screens can impair cognitive development and academic performance, as well as contribute to behavioral problems (Twenge & Campbell, 2018). Moreover, excessive screen time is associated with physical health issues such as obesity, poor sleep, and decreased physical activity (LeBlanc et al., 2015). Given these risks, it is vital to provide children with opportunities to engage in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Movement: Encouraging Physical Activity
At the JW Marriott Plant Riverside District, movement was naturally integrated into our daily activities. The resort offers a state-of-the-art fitness center and beautiful walking paths along the Savannah River, encouraging families to stay active. Our children enjoyed swimming in the resort's rooftop pool, and running through the splashpads along the walk to cool down. Swimming is known to improve cardiovascular health, build strength, and enhance coordination (Connolly, 2017).
Additionally, the resort's prime location allowed us to explore Savannah's historic district on foot, turning every stroll into an educational adventure. Walking tours are an excellent way to incorporate movement into a family vacation while also engaging the mind and learning about the local culture and history.
Intention: Mindful Experiences
The opposite of the distraction provided by screens is mindfulness, which really was a central theme during our stay at the JW Marriott Plant Riverside District. While everyone tends to only think of mindfulness from yoga or meditation, mindfulness really is more about being in the present and taking time to notice your surroundings. The JW Marriott Plant Riverside District made it SO easy to enjoy every moment, from moment to moment.
There was no need for distraction because just around each corner there was something to take note of and slow down to enjoy. One of our favorite things to stop and take note of were the massive ships that were coming through the river at any given moment. We had an incredible view of the river from our room that we spent time just watching as tug boats, personal boats, and ships came through.
Nourishment: Healthy and Delicious Dining
Nourishment goes beyond just eating; it's about fueling our bodies with nutritious and delicious food. The JW Marriott Plant Riverside District offers a variety of dining options that cater to families. We enjoyed our first meal at Graffitto Pizza, a delcious Neapolitan-style pizza dining experience. Because diversifying food choices and experiencing different flavors is not only crucial for health, but for our mental health, I ordered the Octopus as an appetizer for the family. While no one else enjoyed it as much as I did, they DID all try it and for a five and a six year old--you know that's a win!!!
We couldn't miss out on trying some BBQ while we were in town so we also enjoyed District Smokehouse, an amazing open-air walk up experience right on the waterfront. Tony and I enjoyed some beers and brisket while listening to the live band right next to us while the kids inhaled mac n cheese and hot dogs. I love a restaurant that feels like a win for both adults and kiddos, and the Plant Riverside District seemed to have that as their goal for all of their experiences.
Finally, I can't forget the amazing amenities that the hotel sent us. Chocolate totally counts for nourishment every. single. time! How cute is this little interactive breakable chocolate egg with edible rock candies?! So on brand for their lobby's geological exprience! And again, they kept Mom and Dad in mind with a delicious charcuterie spread and a bottle of wine. I taught Addie for the first time about how delicious it is to blend stone-ground mustard with honey and that it can go on just about anything.
Eating together as a family is a powerful way to strengthen bonds and promote healthy eating habits. Research shows that family meals can improve dietary intake in children and adolescents, leading to better nutrition and overall health (Hammons & Fiese, 2011). Our meals at the resort were not only delicious but also provided an opportunity to reconnect and share meaningful conversations.
Deep Connections: Strengthening Family Bonds
One of the highlights of our stay was the opportunity to strengthen our family bonds. The resort offers various activities designed to bring families closer together, from scavenger hunts to live outdoor music. These activities provided a perfect balance of fun and learning, allowing us to create lasting memories together.
Building deep connections is crucial for mental health and well-being. Engaging in shared activities helps to foster a sense of belonging and support within the family unit (Bolier & Haverman, 2019). The quality time we spent together at the JW Marriott Plant Riverside District reinforced our family bonds and created a sense of unity.
Fresh Air: Embracing Nature
The resort's beautiful outdoor spaces and proximity to the Savannah River allowed us to embrace the benefits of fresh air and nature. Spending time outdoors is associated with numerous mental health benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function (White et al., 2013).
Additionally, the restaurant Baobab was an incredible display of nature and the animals of Africa. Although we didn't have time to eat there, we did walk through. I hesitated with the littles because the ambiance was very sophisticated but we were greeted warmly by the bartenders who encouraged us to come in, see all the sights, and take as many pictures as we wanted. I cannot emphasize how family-friendly this place is!
We spent our afternoons exploring the scenic riverfront, playing in the nearby parks, and enjoying the natural beauty of Savannah. These outdoor activities provided a refreshing break from the confines of indoor spaces and screens, allowing us to recharge and reconnect with nature.
Unplugging: A Digital Detox
One of the most significant benefits of our stay was the chance to unplug. We were eight days into a two week vacation and the best part of the day and next morning that we spent at he JW Marriott Plant Riverside District was how un-scheduled and carefree this portion of our trip was. We knew there would be plenty to do when we got there and we allowed the environment to dictate what we did and didn't do. That means that we went for leisurely walks, we took naps, and wandered aimlessly. That could be far less entertaining at many other places, but there is so much to do here, there was no such thing as taking a wrong turn or getting bored.
Though our kids are used to being device-free, it is still admittedly a challenge for my husband and I who were challenging ourselves to enjoy the downtime and disconnect from tech to take in the activity, but JW Marriot Plant Riverside District made it so easy. Unplugging from screens has been shown to improve mental health, increase productivity, and enhance overall well-being (Przybylski & Weinstein, 2017). Our digital detox allowed us to be fully present, enjoy our surroundings, and connect with each other on a deeper level.
Learning: Educational Opportunities
The JW Marriott Plant Riverside District is not just a place to relax; it's also a hub of learning and exploration. This was easily my favorite MIND Fundamental to fulfill here!
The JW Plant Riverside District is actually an old electricity plant which has been converted into the resort. Many of the original structures are still intact, including beams, catwalks, and the original exposed brick. In the lobby, you can view videos explaining the history of the plant in unique tube-like listening domes and the kids were also encouraged to pull many of the levers and switches from the olden days in a display along the wall.
That would have been enough, but the learning at JW Marriott PLant Riverside District doesn't stop there--there's still so much more! From the moment you valet, you're greeted with amazingly massive displays of quartz, and the entire first floor is decorated with geodes and agate and other gems. As you continue walking towards the back, you can't miss the fossil display and tony's favorite, a standing bear skeleton.
Again, that seems like it would be enough for just a basic resort check in right?! RIGHT?!!! NO, I haven't even touched on the hanging life-size brontesaurus fossil replica or the accompanying scavenger hunt for kids. From inside the lobby to exploring out and through the district, the kids had a blast finding everything from dinosaurs to free cookies, and then getting a reward from the concierge when they were done. It was a great excuse for Tony and I to have a couple of beers and walk them up and down the riverwalk without complaining.
Engaging in educational activities during vacations can enhance children's cognitive development and foster a love of learning (Barker et al., 2014). The learning experiences at the resort enriched our trip and made it both enjoyable and informative.
A Memorable Stay at JW Marriott Plant Riverside District
Overall, this stay was easily a 12/10. I can't overstate how well-thought out this resort is for parents looking to have a luxury stay while also keeping their kids engaged and entertained every moment of the way.
Our overnight trip to the JW Marriott Plant Riverside District was a remarkable alternative to screen time and tablets for our children during the summer break. By incorporating the MIND fundamentals—movement, intention, nourishment, deep connections, fresh air, unplugging, and learning—we provided our children with a holistic and enriching experience that supported their mental health and overall well-being.
Our stay at the JW Marriott Plant Riverside District not only allowed us to escape the digital world but also helped us create lasting memories and strengthen our family bonds.
For working parents and families with children, finding screen-free alternatives that promote mental health and well-being is essential during the dog days of summer. The JW Marriott Plant Riverside District offered us a perfect solution, and we only wish we could have stayed longer to take more of it in. That just means we'll have to be sure to return next summer! 😉
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