Caribbean Family-Friendly Resorts
By Jenna Payesko
Whether you’re young or young at heart, you’ll always have a magical vacation with family in the Caribbean. What’s not to love? Sandy beaches, the warm sun, resorts, the salty air, the breathtaking sunsets and the quality time spent with loved ones — can you really ask for more?
To help make the most of your family vacation, we’ve compiled a list of the best family-friendly resorts in the Caribbean.
Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas
The resort features 11 swimming areas guarded by lifeguards; a theater showing three recently released movies daily at no charge with popcorn; 35 restaurants, many with kid’s menus; and 23 non-smoking floors. Parents take time to enjoy the 30,000-square-foot Mandara spa with unique water-therapy treatments, fitness center and candlelit French restaurant for adults and children ages six and up. The resort includes a 97-acre waterscape with 250 species of marine life, like sharks, barracudas, stingrays and more. There is a recreation of the legend of Atlantis with The Dig, an underground maze that stimulates the ruined Lost Continent, complete with royal treasure.
Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
The pirate-themed Sesame Street Treasure Caravan is a thrill for many young children. There are 12 miles of white-sanded beaches, pools staffed by lifeguards and the pirate’s island waterpark which features two waterslides and a Crayola art camp. The resort allows children to interact with Sesame Street characters through on-property activities like various character breakfasts. There is a program offered to children to teach them basic underwater breathing skills using scuba apparatus. Sunrise yoga and body scrubs with Blue Mountain coffee beans are sure to relax parents. The resort also offers single-parent-friendly months with receptions.
Almond Beach Village, St. Peter, Barbados
With swim-up movies in the pool to junior chef classes, a playground and various local arts and crafts shops, there are plenty of activities for the whole family. Parents plan island safari tours or enjoy the adults-only sister property, Almond Beach Club, or perhaps spend the afternoon sipping on traditional English tea. The all-inclusive, mile-long, white-sand beach and village atmosphere is perfect for families with young children. There are numerous family-oriented activities such as Hobie Cat sailing, aqua cycling, kayaking, limbo and Calypso dance lessons, nature walks and a barbeque.
Children are greeted with milk and cookies, a plush turtle toy and turtle treat upon arrival at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis. There are child- and adult-sized bathrobes in the guestrooms. The resort offers a free-form infinity pool for families, babyproofing kits, 17 family suites and a DVD player in all guestrooms. Perks for parents include chilled towels and fruit at the fitness facilities, a full-service spa with special couples’ treatments, a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II and a beachfront restaurant with West Indian cuisine. The resort has a perfect spot in the West Indies, with no neighboring hotels to compete with for the beach. Children have the opportunity to participate in the resort’s sea turtle education and adoption program. The Kids for All Seasons is also available and placed in the middle of the resort so parents are only steps away from their children all throughout the property. Activities include cake baking, croquet, sea turtle watch, beach walks and more.
