Looking for an Carribean beach vacation with kids?

Question

Hello,

The wife and I have finally decided to go tropical. Other than our wonderful honeymoon (Hawaii) which was 8 years ago, we've never been anywhere tropical. We have three daughters (6 years, 4 years and 1 year) and we had heard about all-inclusive kid-friendly packages in places like Jamaica, Turks/Caicos, etc.

The amount of information out there is over-whelming and we aren't sure where to start. What we are looking for:

1. A place where there are camps/activities for the kids (all ages listed above) where we can pick and choose when to 'dump them off' and when to keep them with us for the day.

2. Beaches that are family friendly ... no crazy riptides/waves, not loaded with lots of oiled up single people, not over-crowded.

3. Good amount of food/drink options! (i.e. not a place with very limited food options)

4. Somewhat affordable? Willing to spend 5K (give or take) for a week

Looking to go sometime between late January and May? Sooner may be better :)

Thanks in Advance!

Answer 1

Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort

Relax in the cool vibe of the legendary Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa; a unique all inclusive experience in the heart of Ocho Rios. Come celebrate the resort's fresh multi-million dollar enhancements to the lobby, restaurants, pools and spa. The Sunset Jamaica Grande is situated on the island's northern coastline and occupies the longest stretch of beachfront in the lively resort town of Ocho Rios. The resort's 730 guestrooms and suites are located in two towers separated by a spectacular open-air lobby overlooking the blue waters of the Caribbean.

The resort has upgraded its five restaurants and added a new entertainment pavilion, new lobby, two beach bars and the captivating Aqua Azul Spa. Other resort features include five pools (three brand-new) and a kids' wading pool, a slot machine casino, gift shops, two beach grills, eight bars, four championship tennis courts and a newly remodeled fitness center and a full service spa.

The children's center, "Club Mongoose," is open daily and available for kids age's two to twelve. The Pirate's Cove Teen Center entertains older children. Golf, horseback riding, polo, river rafting and world famous Dunn's River Falls are all nearby.

Answer 2

We took our girls to Viva Wyndham Maya in Playa del Carmen Mexico when they were 3 and 5. The 3 year old was really as young as I would suggest. None of the All inclusives take anyone who is not potty trained from my experience. I did a lot of research and found that Wyndham resorts are great child friendly places. This was certainly the case. It was wonderful my kids still beg to go back and even liked in more than Disney Land. The ocean was swim friendly for my 5 year old. The 3 year old was a little afraid. The shows were great, food plentiful and kid friendly. The staff treated our kids so well. We always felt great about leaving them in the club for a couple of hours to get some time off.

I'm sorry that you probably need to wait until the 1 year old is a bit older, or leave her at home with family.

Answer 3

Disney Cruise Line is the best.  We have been to the caribbean 6 times 5 times with our kids (now 10 and 12).  We have found Disney far exceeds any of the Beaches resorts.  The ship has many activities planned for the kids and the adults as well.  It is not a floating chuck e cheese by any means.  Very elegant and fun.  Castaway cay is the most beautiful island we have been.  And we have been to Jamaica, antigua, dominca, tortola, Cozumel, Aruba, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas well you get the point.  The island at castaway cay has so much to do as a family or if you wish there is serenity bay for the adults.  Check it out at Disneycruiseline.com.  You will love it,  Worth every penny.

Answer 4

I would think your children would love the Beaches Resorts. They are located in Jamaica and Turks&Caicos.

The water and sand in Turks & Caicos are awesome. The sand never gets hot and the water is calm.

check this website

http://www.beaches.com

Another option would be Mexico. Dreams Resorts are family friendly. They have a day camp for children, not sure if the 1 year old is old enough for Dreams day camp.

http://www.dreamsresorts.com

May is a better month for prices. Dec 15th to April 15th is high season. May is considered shoulder season. Price drop after April 15th.

check these sites for prices and some other vacation ideas.

http://www.applevacation.com

http://www.libertytravel.com

Always check with your local travel agency, they will most of the time match anything you find on the web. The advantage of a travel agent is they are there if you have any problems. We saved $400 going to a travel agency this past May. They do not charge a fee.

Good Luck and enjoy)