Bay State resort caters to all ages

The Sheraton Ferncroft Resort has something of a split personality.

Stepping into the lobby of the hotel, located in Danvers, Mass., a visitor will discover a quiet elegance. Whether for a business traveler or a couple on a getaway, the recently renovated facility offers two restaurants, a lounge, a championship golf course, tennis, racquetball, swimming, a fitness center, a steam room, a sauna and a spa.

A guest who continues to wind through the gleaming establishment soon will uncover a place for children of all ages: CoCo Key Water Resort.

So let’s review: urbane hotel out front, indoor water park in back.

Based on historic Key West, CoCo Key is the eighth such water resort in a national chain, with the Danvers location opening May 23. With more than 65,000 square feet, the resort offers four 275-foot-plus slides (the Shark Slam, the Gator Gush, the Barracuda Blast and the Pelican Plunge), the Parrot’s Perch interactive play island, the Coconut Grove adventure river, Loco’s Lagoon wave beach, the Dip-in Theatre children’s pool, the Coral Reef Cavern activity pool and the indoor-outdoor Palm Grotto Spa.

Additional attractions include the Wet Rooster Bar, the Gallaloo Grill with A&W and Pizza Hut entrees and the Key Quest Arcade.

The first such park in New England, it holds about 190,000 gallons of water, with the giant dump bucket atop Parrot’s Perch more than 300 gallons by itself.

Lifeguards blanket the park, so parents may actually get to relax and also enjoy the experience.

Admission to the park is part of a package at the Sheraton Ferncroft, with room rates that range from $189 to $289 a night for a family of four. Group rates are available for those wanting to visit just the water park.

Similar in concept to Great Wolf Range, CoCo Key seems to skew toward younger families, and is less daunting overall than its more established brethren. With easy access to food, drink and rooms, it’s a quick getaway for Mainers to someplace warm as the weather turns cooler.

For more information, go to www.cocokeywaterresort.com or call 978-777-2500.