The collection:
Caribbean for Families
Gorgeous beaches are a given in the Caribbean, but each island varies hugely. Which resort should you choose for your family?
The Caribbean brings a unique charm to tropical holidays with its white-sand beaches, turquoise sea, lush interiors and world-class hotels. But there are distinct differences between the islands which, when you’re travelling with a family, mean that some are better suited to you than others. Read on for our Caribbean recommendations especially for families. All the islands below have direct flights from the UK, taking approximately eight hours, giving you one of the quickest journey times into the Caribbean.
All-Out Superstar
Sugar Beach - St Lucia
Known as ‘the one with it all’, Sugar Beach is a firm favourite of ours. Cradled between the verdant pitons that St Lucia is famous for, Sugar Beach has a prime view onto the picturesque hills rising from the sea. ‘Wow’ is a fitting description for the accommodation – and with lots of choice from villas, cottages to residences, families can spread out. Even better, each one comes with an outdoor plunge or swimming pool.
The private bay in front of the hotel is one of St Lucia’s finest, and from here you can kayak the calm waters to get up close to the Pitons, or simple relax by a lounger with a cocktail in-hand. The kids’ club at Sugar Beach is known for its imaginative activities including movie screenings on the beach. This is the perfect moment for parents to sneak off to the Rainforest Spa for pampering treatments.
“The Pitons are stunningly gorgeous to look at, but if you’re keen, the hotel can arrange a hike up and around them. The view from the top is sensational.”
Good to Know
The hotel has an army of golf buggies ready to ferry you around the expansive resort. If little ones are tired, call for a buggy to sweep you up and take you to dinner in record time.
Loved by Little Ones
Blue Waters - Antigua
One of our smaller and more intimate options for the Caribbean, Blue Waters is great value for families with younger members and its kids’ club and creche is known for being one of the best in the business with its ‘secret garden’ and fun yoga classes. Coupled with its high-quality all-inclusive program (meaning mealtimes are flexible and fuss-free), Blue Waters promises a fabulously easy holiday.
We’d recommend staying in the spacious and modern Cove Suites, which are slightly set apart from the main hotel, with the use of a private pool and just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. And while you’re here, make the most of the snorkelling, windsurfing and kayaking which you can try straight from the beach.
“Blue Waters is a very welcoming hotel to families with thoughtful touches such as early dining, where restaurants open from 6pm so little ones can top up their energy after a day on the beach.”
Good to Know
To capture a little Caribbean flavour, consider using the hotel’s babysitting service to enjoy a toes-in-the-sand beach BBQ followed by a live reggae band.
Teen Heaven
Spice Island Beach Resort - Grenada
Grand Anse is known to be one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the whole of the Caribbean, and here on its powdery-white sands you’ll find Spice Island Beach Resort named after the nutmeg that lushly forested Grenada has exported for centuries. As might be expected, much of your time will be spent on that glorious beach, where clear turquoise waters gently lap the sand.
Spice Island makes the most of its stunning location with a range of complimentary water sports, which will appeal to older children and teens, who will spend the day on the ocean, zipping about in Hobie Cats, kayaks and paddle boards. There’s also an opportunity for family learning – perhaps you and your tribe could learn to scuba dive together in the clear, calm Caribbean waters.
“One of the best ways to bond as a family is to participate in an activity all together. At Spice Island, there are so many opportunities for memory-making experiences such as fishing trips, scuba diving and sailing.”
Good to Know
Spice Island has a very good value all-inclusive program. If you’re travelling with fast-growing teens, this is a great way to ensure appetites are satisfied without busting the budget.
Privacy-Seekers
COMO Parrot Cay - Turks & Caicos
If you’re the kind of family who prefers a more secluded stay, then COMO Parrot Cay could be the right choice for you. Surrounded by the startling beauty of powder-white beaches and azure waters, the ocean front villas have plunge pools and feel very private. Your butler will help with all your day-to-day needs meaning you can sit back and relax with your family.
Little ones will love the calm Caribbean Sea and older children will enjoy the freedom of roaming a private island, and in the intuitive new kids’ club they can join plantation walks to see bananas and coconuts growing or try their hand at fly-fishing. In the evenings, you can eat at your villa with a meal prepared by the private chef, or head to the Terrace restaurant which has a clever adjoining library where kids can lounge while you linger over dinner.
“Parrot Cay has one of the most laid-back atmospheres in the Caribbean, which is a testament to their team of efficient staff who anticipate your every whim. Your butler will even remind the children to top up their suntan lotion.”
Good to know
If you’re travelling with a large multi-generational family, stay at Parrot Cay’s private estates, which come with three bedrooms, plus additional cottages for two which make an ideal sanctuary for grandparents.
Go-Getting Families
Crystal Cove - Barbados
Do you and your family struggle to stay still on holiday? Do you love getting out and about to explore the area? If so, Crystal Cove in Barbados could be just the ticket for you. This friendly resort, brimming with Caribbean charm has a clever all-inclusive program which includes motorised water sports which suits active families down to the ground. Try your hand at water skiing, sail a Hobie Cat or ride the banana boat – all day long!
In the evenings, all-inclusive extends to dining at other selected hotels on the island. Get dressed up and board the hotel’s private water taxi to be dropped off at a sister resort allowing you to see more of the island and enjoy the nuances of Caribbean food or sample Italian or Asian cuisine at top-class hotels. Come home feeling full of the joy of Barbadian life.
“As well as complimentary water sports, Crystal Cove is one of our favourites for active families for its wide-ranging offerings including tennis lessons, a kids’ club focusing on adventure, tiered lagoon-style pools and snorkelling trips to see turtles.”
Good to Know
Although you’re staying at a resort, Crystal Cove’s forward-thinking approach to all-inclusive means you can explore Barbados and its sister hotels for a day on the beach, lunch out, or evening fine-dining, dropped by their handy private water taxi service.
The collection
Chic Family Retreats
Family friendly and boutique? Yes, it’s possible. And our travel experts know just the place. Well, quite a few actually. It’s time to slip away from the mainstream, with more authenticity and personalised service.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
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Villas for Multi-Generation Families
The collection
Caribbean Spa Calm
