Williamsburg's New Lodge

You don't have to worry about Old Man Winter spoiling your vacation plans when you visit this Virginia resort.

Soft, white snowflakes swirl around my balcony door, but I don my bathing suit, grab a towel, and head for the water park anyway.

I plan to start with a heart-pounding plunge (or two) down the waterslide, ride the waves in the pool, and then finish with a soak in a thermal spring. I've weatherproofed my winter getaway by making reservations at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia.

All-Season Water Park

The resort's 55,000-square-foot water park sits under a giant dome. The mercury here hovers near 84 degrees year-round. With six pools and eight different waterslides, it offers fun for every age. Because the park only opens to guests staying at the lodge, the lines remain blissfully short, even when the resort is full.

North Woods Theme

Oddly enough, you can spend days at this resort and not even know you've been to Williamsburg. All 301 family-friendly suites boast a long list of modern amenities, including microwaves, refrigerators, wireless Internet, and pay-per-view movies and video games. The most popular suites-Wolf Den, KidKamp, and KidCabin-feature secluded alcoves for children, with bunk beds and separate TVs.

Great Wolf also offers special programs to entertain the younger set, including Story Time in front of the fireplace. If that's not enough, Northern Lights Arcade races with more than 100 different games. Guests don't even have to leave the lodge to eat. The resort features two full-service restaurants and a snack bar.

I finish out my day at Elements, the resort's Aveda Concept spa. The facial ranks among the best I've experienced, and the deep-tissue massage has become my favorite way to cap off a frigid winter day. CASSANDRA M. VANHOOSER

Great Wolf Lodge: 549 East Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188; 1-800-551-9653 or www.greatwolf lodge.com. Rates: $259-$499, including unlimited use of the water park.

INSIDER'S TIP

Make spa reservations several weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Feb 2006
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