Mark Pavilons

Imagine a place where you never grow old, play all day in eternal sunshine, and soar like a bird.

Neverland was fiction. A family vacation resort, that welcomes you as one of their own, year in and year out, is reality. And when you find one that fits, you want to tell the whole world about it. I truly believe that Peter Pan would give his stamp of approval to the Delawana Inn and Resort at Honey Harbour.

Our family has made the Del its annual vacation destination for four years now and like the enthusiasm that abounds there, it never gets old. The Del is starting to fit like a favourite t-shirt, a veritable second skin.

In our case, it's almost like an addiction. As soon as I booked our holiday back in February, both Lexie and Liam began to stir. It was like a late Christmas present and they asked, week in and week out, how many more "sleeps until the Delawana?"

Their enthusiasm and excitement was almost uncontrollable as the school year came to an end and the Delawana holiday was on the horizon.

Even during the drive up, the "are we there yet?" from the rear of the mini van held a certain charm. They knew what awaited them and it warmed their tiny hearts and souls. I didn't find it annoying in the least, because I, too, was thinking of the week ahead.

Before the room was even ready, we enjoyed a few hours of Del hospitality and use of its heated, lakeside pool and beautiful grounds. We pretty much put in a good chunk of a day before unpacking!

An enjoyable family vacation is, to many I'm sure, worth its weight in emotions. Finding an ideal location, resort and price package are the hard parts. My wife and I have traveled to many Caribbean islands and Ontario resorts and few exude a sense of friendship and informal warmth as the Delawana.

It's not lavish or luxurious, although it has, in its history, catered to the social elite. You won't find any grand pianos, imported stone columns or Austrian chandeliers. These aren't important to the quality of one's holiday. Just ask the little ones.

These honest creatures, the most important things in our lives, are point-blank in their straightforwardness. They're more than happy to call it as they see it. I should have asked them to fill out the comment card!

As parents, we go out of our way to make the lives of our children enjoyable and stress-free. We often sacrifice our own wants and needs for what makes them happy. The Delawana answers the call, as it has for literally generations. And parents are also treated like royalty.

In and among the pines and birches that dot this 25acre, park-like facility, I can imagine Peter Pan and his crew leaping from tree top to tree top, playing tag with the squirrels and hide-and-seek with the gulls.

What I don't have to imagine is the look on my kids' faces as they promptly hit the pillow each night, completely exhausted from a full day of fun, good food and lively entertainment. Their nocturnal silence said it all.

And I think that's how it's all supposed to be. Many think that all-inclusive resorts promote out-of-control eating. But if you really think about it, our forefathers all ate hearty breakfasts, worked and played hard all day long, enjoyed a nice family dinner together and went to bed tired, but satisfied.

Back in the "real world" we seldom take time to eat a good breakfast; dart out the door to work in the morning, often battling traffic. We often skip lunch or eat on the run as we hurry to another meeting, appointment or project. We arrive home later than we should, eat quickly and often fall asleep watching the tube.

At the Del everyone is somewhat equal we all share in a vision; the enjoyment of a child-oriented waterfront playground, even if it's only for one week out of the year. From the fine and casual dining to the health spa, water sports and Very Important Kids Club, the Del appeals to almost every taste and circumstance.

Part of being "away" on holidays is just that leaving the race behind. The stress and daily grind we leave behind will still be there when we return. While away we need to cleanse, free ourselves from what ails us, and soak up the fun and sun. We need to connect, not only with our loved ones, but ourselves. We need to look around, feel the wind in our hair and realize nothing is as important as "family."

For days, I didn't read a paper, listen to the news or watch TV. There really was no need. Had the civilized world ended (and some would argue it did when their favourite World Cup team lost), I suppose I would have found out about it sooner or later. It's the freedom that comes with not having to wear socks, and eagerly awaiting BBQ night or the Miss Midland cruise.

It's like the facility and its surroundings are protected by some huge, invisible, impenetrable dome.

It's not so much mystique or design, but a very simple philosophy of a well-rounded family vacation.

I plan and save for this annual trip. It has become our family's summer tradition, and I hope I can continue to make this memorable trek. It would be great if my kids visit the place with their own one day. It would be even greater if they treated dear old dad and mom in our twilight years!

But wait, if we never leave, we'll never grow old, right?