[A Dad's Guam Babymoon Review] The Reason We Chose Hoshino Resorts Instead of PIC (in early pregnancy)


It's been about 1 year and 5 months since we went to Guam. Our trip, which started with my wife's simple comment, "I want to go to Guam once," unexpectedly turned into our babymoon. We were a bit cautious as I was only 8 to 9 weeks pregnant, well before the officially recommended "stable period," but my doctor's casual approval gave us the confidence to go ahead with the trip.

For many, the first big question when planning a Guam babymoon or a family trip to Guam is about the accommodations. My wife and I debated between the popular PIC (Pacific Island Club) and Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Guam before finally choosing the latter. However, after staying there for 4 nights and 5 days, I realized that if you have a child, PIC is the one to choose. From a dad's perspective, I'll share some honest tips on choosing the right resort, based on our firsthand experience.

A Dad's Honest Take on Guam's Pros and Cons

To be frank, Guam has clear drawbacks: it's expensive, and the room quality often doesn't match the price. You might think you could get much better value in other Southeast Asian countries. But there is one key reason why Guam remains a beloved family travel destination: shopping. It's a shopping paradise, especially for children's clothes and toys, which offer amazing value. I'll share more about my great shopping finds later.

4 Reasons Why Every Dad with Kids Should Choose PIC

I foolishly dismissed PIC with the thought, "I don't want to see a bunch of Koreans even on an island in Southeast Asia," but looking back, I want to scream, "If you have kids, go to PIC!" Here are four reasons why, from a dad's point of view.

  1. A Kid's Paradise! The Huge Pool Complex

    PIC has a variety of pools with different themes, perfect for kids. From toddler pools to fun slides, each area has its own unique charm. It's not technically a water park, but it offers more fun than most water parks. If you're planning water activities for your kids in Guam, this is the place to be.

  2. High-Quality Entertainment for the Whole Family

    The famous "Super American Circus" holds regular shows at PIC. Since it's on the resort grounds, there's no need to worry about transportation or shuttle schedules. If you're looking for a great show for kids in Guam, this is an excellent choice.

  3. Prime Location and Excellent Accessibility

    PIC is located in the heart of Tumon and Tamuning beach, making it highly accessible. You can easily walk to nearby shopping malls and famous restaurants. Short distances are a huge blessing for any dad traveling with kids.

  4. A Break for Dad, Fun for the Kids! The Kids' Club

    PIC offers various activities, including a "Kids' Club" with English programs. While the kids have a blast with professional staff, parents can finally enjoy some much-needed relaxation. What more could you ask for?

A Dad's Honest Review of Hoshino Resorts

Hoshino Resorts, where we stayed, is located a bit further from the center of Tumon, offering a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It also boasts a fantastic water park! Though smaller than PIC, it has a wave pool and a toddler's play area, so it was more than enough for a day of fun with the kids.

However, there were some disappointments for a family with a child. There weren't many restaurants within walking distance, and the quality of the on-site restaurants was underwhelming for the price. Still, with its wide range of activities like sunset cruises and dolphin watching, it's a great choice for couples or honeymooners who prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

A Dad's Essential Guam Shopping Guide

For dads, one of the best parts of Guam is the great deals on clothes and toys. Major brands often have huge sales, so it's a good idea to bring a shopping list.

I highly recommend ROSS. It's a discount store that sells a wide range of branded apparel, shoes, and household goods at very low prices. If you're lucky, you can find some great treasures, so going at opening time is a must!

As for the Calvin Klein denim shorts I got for about $15, I found them at a Calvin Klein store inside a shopping mall during a sale. You can often find great deals on designer brands there.

Finally, for kids' toys, make sure to visit the toy store at Micronesia Mall. You'll be amazed by its huge size and the prices, which are often much lower than online prices in Korea. It’s the perfect place to buy birthday presents or Christmas gifts in advance.

I hope my honest Guam travel review helps you plan your own wonderful family trip. If you have any more questions about traveling to Guam, feel free to leave a comment! 😊

#GuamTravel

#GuamFamilyTrip

#GuamHotelRecommendation

#PICResort

#HoshinoRisonare

#GuamShopping

#GuamBabymoon

#TravelingWithKids

#DadLifeTravel

#GuamWaterActivities

Location: 괌

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