jubileefd

We are in dire need of a vacation and will be travelling with a 2 year old. We prefer beach and relaxation and not a huge fan of the giant, eavily populated resorts,-although I know we are limited with a 2 year old. Right now I"m looking at St Lucia, St Kitts/Nevis - does anyone have experience with these locations with a little one? Another option is Turks or Cayman island but haven't looked too much into these yet.

St Lucia looks beautiful but seems like some tough drives which could be a challenge. St Kitts/Nevis looks gorgeous and calm (and not too overrun like other islands), but again unsure of its suitability with a 2 year old, especially since we are coming from Newark/NYC area and direct flights are limited.

Would love some suggestions and feedback, thank you!

allisonjames

I think with a 2 year old your best bet is Turks & Caicos (I have been to all those islands). The beach is absolutely gorgeous with talcolm powder sand and very gentle surf (if any at all) -- a great beach for a little one. In addition, Grace Bay beach is lined with condo resorts of all kinds so there are lots of great choices for accomodations where you can have the luxury of a separate bedroom and a kitchen. You are right about St. Lucia, it's beautiful but difficult to get around and the beaches are not what you think of when you think "Caribbean" (dark sand, dark water), St. Kitts beaches are a bit better than St. Lucia but still not great, and I think St. Kitts lacks beachfront resort options for you (the Marriott St. Kitts dominates the island and is a behemoth). After T & C, Cayman would probably be my second option for some of the same reasons I like T & C -- gorgeous beach, choice of some condo resorts, easy to get around.

qwovadis

www.caneelbay.com

www.maho.org

Good air from NYC

www.gracebayresorts.com/gracebayclub

one of my favs

www.runawayhill.com very neat more of a B&B

on a beautiful beach but closer and amazing...

AIs with children's programs if budget might also be good

www.bookit.com

Happy Hunting,

SakuraSakura

I agree with Allison, T&C is good choice for the families with small children. The island is pretty much flat and beach is absolutely beautiful. If you don't like popular resorts, you can also find vacation rentals thru VRBO.com.

St.Kitts/Nevis is hilly, there are many nice Plantation Inns to stay, but quite far from beach. Oualie Beach on Nevis is very nice beach front but not really small children friendly..besides, no direct flight from EWR.

For St. Lucia, I'd recommend Coconut Bay Resort.
http://www.coconutbayresortandspa.com/
Many children activities there.

If you'd consider Mexico, we stayed twice here & was fantastic each times. Very small children friendly (my daughter was 4 when we got there for the 1st time), wonderful staff & service. Not typical AI (room service is included for AI plan) It's a boutique hotel, less 100 rooms and a beautiful beach front, have a very nice kiddie pool too. Highly recommended. This area is very safe, 4 hr from EWR/JFK, 20mins car ride from Cancun airport.
http://www.karismahotels.com/resort/...-hotel-karisma

SuziMason

Grenada is also a good option with lovely, calm, white sand beaches. Most of the hotels are located in and around the Grand Anse area within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, banks, local bus routes, etc. Accommodation ranges from 5-star to self-contained apartments - all within walking distance or located directly on the Grand Anse Beach (a 2-mile stretch of white, powdery sand). It is a great island to explore and you can have a choice of a relaxing or an adventurous time. The calm beaches are great for families with young children.