Jason

Hi Everyone,<BR><BR>My wife, daughter (3 years old) and I are thinking of a week or so in the Caribbean over the Chirstmas holidays this year. Not having been to the Caribbean before, we are not sure which island or property/resort to choose from.<BR><BR>We will be coming from Switzerland and would like something very nice, quiet, and not Club Med like. We generally prefer smaller places, we want a good beach and good dining options. Nightlife is not very important to us; nice shops or little towns to explore would be good. We like to explore, so an island with some opportunity to walk a little bit or go to other islands would be a plus.<BR><BR>I took a look at the Grace Bay Club website and liked it until I read that they do not accept children under 12. But this gives you an idea of what we might be interested in.<BR><BR>In terms of budget, recognizing that it is trhe holiday season, we would be willing to pay about $600/night.<BR>Any recommendations? Thanks in advance...<BR><BR>Jason

Margo

The La Sirena Hotel in Anguilla might be want you would like--its quiet and on a gorgeous beach. In fact, I believe the owners are from Switzerland! You can get more information on Google--just type out "La Sirena Hotel, Anguilla".

Jason

Thanks Margo , I'll take a look at La Sirena.

C

I agree, La Sirena would be a good choice. Book fast where ever you decide to go as Christmas is a popular time. La Sirena is run by a Swiss family and is very good for families. They might be able to arrange babysitting too. <BR>Anguilla has lots of white beaches and good restaurants. For day trips you can go to St. Martin and St. Barts, but St. Barts might be better as an overnight trip since your daughter is young. <BR>There are lots of places on Anguilla to choose from, but my favourite is La S as they are so nice to kids. Over Christmas Eve, Day and New Years eve they have children's parties and special dinners. This might suit you as your daughter could have fun then be put to bed and you could enjoy a nice dinner knowing she is near by in case the sitter has a problem. <BR>If La S is booked up, try Carimar Beach Club (it doesn't have a pool or restaurant) or Shoal Bay Villas on Shoal Bay East or Blue Waters on Shoal Bay West. <BR>They have a choice of rooms, from a standard hotel room to 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom suites.<BR>Bring lots of sunblock and hats for your daughter wherever you decide to go!

C

To the top for Jason.

O.T.

hi,<BR><BR>I can definately recommend Anguilla as a holiday destination for a family with small children. We have been travelling there with our children since they were babies (they are now 11 and 16). We also travel from Europe (Norway and now England), and always over the Christmas period. <BR><BR>I think the quickest route for you to travel is from Paris to St. Maarten and transfer either by a small island hopper plane or by boat.<BR><BR>We havn't stayed in any of the hotels mentioned, but have met families who stay both at the La Sirena and the Shoal Bay Beach Hotel (one of them is a Swiss Family) and they have all been very happy there. SBBH is right on the beach, but it also has a pool, the La Sirena is about 5 min walk thru the gardens to the beautiful Meads Bay.<BR><BR>Suggest you check out Anguilla's website - www.news.ai there is a link to Carib-On-Line where you can post questions on a very active Anguilla Forum.<BR><BR>Good luck in your search, if you have any questions and would like to ask me directly, please feel free to email me.<BR><BR>

C

Coming to Anguilla via St. Maarten is a good idea. Generally Corsair is cheaper, but Air France now flies direct Paris to St. Maarten. Then you can get a taxi to Marigot for about US$12-15, where you take the ferry to Anguilla. But I would recommend looking into flying over depending on what time you arrive in St. Martin.

Lorie

That's a long flight, I don't think you want to go into Marigot and take a ferry, just get the flight over to Anguilla from St. Maarten--very short flight. Windward Airways or other.

Jason

Thanks everyone for your thoughts thus far.<BR><BR>I have looked at Bitter End and am quite impressed. Drawbacks from posts to other questions seem to be the food and beaches that are not great for relaxing on over a few days. On the other hand, the activities seemed like lots of fun.<BR><BR>Biras is nice, a bit more than I'd like to pay and I wasn't thrilled with the 3/4 mile walk to the beach.<BR><BR>I will report back with my thoughts on La Sirena and Shoal Bay Beach Hotel. Please keep the recommendations coming.<BR><BR>Jason

Martha

Caneel Bay resort in St. John, USVI is another good choice. It has gorgeous beaches and the town is small, quaint and lovely shops and restaurants. Easy walking. The resort has 7 beaches. You could also look into renting a villa on this island, there are so many to choose from and all different price ranges.<BR><BR>There are so many small lovely beaches on the island of St. John. Very very lovely with crystal clear bluest of blue water. You can also take a ferry over one day for tons of shopping on the island of St. Thomas. Short ferry ride.<BR><BR>Everyone has given you very good choices. All the islands mentioned above are very nice. Each has it's own charm.<BR><BR>Good luck.

Lori

How about Grand Cayman? You can get a fully equipped 2 to 3 bedroom condo in your price range that is situated directly on 7 mile beach. <BR>7 Mile beach is one of the most georgeous beaches around (yes, Anguilla is quite nice too). However, the water on 7 mile beach is crystal clear and clam - just like a bath tub. Grand Cayman is a quiet island with little nite life. Great beach... great snorkelling directly from shore. Most condo's can arrange for a baby sitter. Plus, Grand Cayman has some of nicest restaurants... I can definatley suggest a few. If you simply want to relax with a nice beach and nice restaurants.... then Grand Cayman is a choice. Go to www.caymanislands.ky and look at some of the condo choices. <BR><BR>Have fun!<BR><BR>Lori

Dolores

Check out Samana, in the Dominican Republic. Great place for Christmas. Some hotels: El Portillo, Las Ballenas, Colibri. <BR><BR>See http://dr1.com/travel/samana/

Donald

I agree with St. John, USVI. We just returned and it is gorgeous. St. John is protected by 2/3 National Park. There are only 2 resorts...upscale Caneel Bay and the Westin everything else are villas which there are numerous ones to choose from.<BR><BR>It is a gorgeous island with plenty to do and lots of spectacular beaches to choose from. The town is lovely. My wife loved the shopping there. Great restaurants to choose from. It was our first trip there and are already planning next year's trip.<BR><BR>We stayed at Caneel Bay resort. Beautiful resort but after talking with many other vacationers who rented villas, we have decided to do that next year. You can also go on either half/full day trips over to the BVI's. We did not take those trips because there was so much to see on St. John. It was so picturesque that we didn't want to leave the island. We will take one of the day trips next year. Again, St. John is very very lovely.<BR><BR>Don