Families at Round Hill?
Oct 13th, 2005, 03:06 PM
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Families at Round Hill?
We are thinking of Jamaica for my six year old daughter's spring break because we can get a nonstop flight from BWI. We have been to FDR and Half Moon; I think she's too old for FDR now and we liked Half Moon but the children's program was just so-so. Anyone have any experience with the children's program at Round Hill or any feedback on families there in general? My daughter is a great swimmer so while the pool does not have to be fancy, it needs to be big enough in which to really swim.
Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Mary in D.C.
Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Mary in D.C.
Nov 15th, 2005, 04:50 PM
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We were there with a family group about a year ago with 4 kids aged 5-8. The kids program was fine. Generally, more babysitting oriented, less program. There was a very good ratio of friendly staff to kids however. The kids enjoyed the beach toys - snorkel gear, kayaks, trampoline, etc.
The pool was disappointing compared to most resorts I've been to.
The pool was disappointing compared to most resorts I've been to.
Nov 16th, 2005, 09:35 AM
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MIG--thanks for the reply; in talking to the resort, I surmised what you said and instead booked Windjammer Landing in St. Lucia.
Appreciate the time you took to write, Round HIll looked great and I'm sure we'll go another time.
Mary
Appreciate the time you took to write, Round HIll looked great and I'm sure we'll go another time.
Mary
Nov 16th, 2005, 09:46 AM
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Round Hill is a wonderful place, but I wouldn't ever recommend it for a family that is looking for a children's program. There's just not enough of a draw, though the villas are truly outstanding, and for a family whose children require little stimulus, it would be a great place. I'm sure they could round up a nanny for you, too. But the resort pool isn't really a place for kids, and it's far distant from most of the villas.
Nov 16th, 2005, 05:30 PM
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Hi Doug, help all of us out who ask this question all the time on this forum--where are the best children's programs?
Thanks!
Mary in D. C.
P. S. I don't see children's programs as necessarily "stimulus," but a nice way for everyone to have a break.
Thanks!
Mary in D. C.
P. S. I don't see children's programs as necessarily "stimulus," but a nice way for everyone to have a break.
Nov 17th, 2005, 05:33 AM
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This is a surprisingly difficult question. With the warning that I'm childless, so other posters may have more informed opinions, I'm going to give you a few and then open up the floor. Please keep in mind as well that a good family resort needs to have more than just good kids' programs. It needs substantial enough facilities that it will appeal to kids, access to a good beach without too much surf and undertow, and even food that will appeal.
I think FDR in Jamaica is great because it offers a nanny for your entire stay. You can't beat that convenience. Turtle Beach Resort in Barbados is also really good. My writer in St. Thomas swears by Wyndham Sugar Bay but also the Ritz-Carlton (it's the best Ritz in the Caribbean, and it's not even a close race). A lot of the all-inclusive resorts in the D.R. are really good for kids. The Club Med in the D.R. is one of the best for families, and it's actually on the best stretch of Punta Cana beachfront (the one shared by only Punta Cana Resort on the Caribbean-facing side of the peninsula). Iberostar also has good programs. Beaches resorts are good for kids, particularly the one on Providenciales. If you stretch the definition of "Caribbean" and include the Bahamas, then Atlantis is also a great family resort. These are a start, and they may be obvious. Less obvious are places like Malliouhana in Anguilla, Sandy Lane in Barbados, and Club Med La Caravelle on Guadeloupe, though the first two will appeal only to those who can afford their luxuries.
I think FDR in Jamaica is great because it offers a nanny for your entire stay. You can't beat that convenience. Turtle Beach Resort in Barbados is also really good. My writer in St. Thomas swears by Wyndham Sugar Bay but also the Ritz-Carlton (it's the best Ritz in the Caribbean, and it's not even a close race). A lot of the all-inclusive resorts in the D.R. are really good for kids. The Club Med in the D.R. is one of the best for families, and it's actually on the best stretch of Punta Cana beachfront (the one shared by only Punta Cana Resort on the Caribbean-facing side of the peninsula). Iberostar also has good programs. Beaches resorts are good for kids, particularly the one on Providenciales. If you stretch the definition of "Caribbean" and include the Bahamas, then Atlantis is also a great family resort. These are a start, and they may be obvious. Less obvious are places like Malliouhana in Anguilla, Sandy Lane in Barbados, and Club Med La Caravelle on Guadeloupe, though the first two will appeal only to those who can afford their luxuries.
Nov 17th, 2005, 10:34 AM
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Thanks Doug; I appreciate your responsiveness and suggestions. FDR is a great place for little kids; another resort to put on that list is the Buccaneer in St. Croix--it has a good children's programs, other things for older kids to do and room choices, like their family cottage, that appeal to families.
Mary
Mary
Feb 2nd, 2006, 10:25 AM
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For a teen, I think the best programs are actually at the all-inclusive resorts in the D.R. that get a good family quotient. Also, consider a cruise ship. Several of them now have teen discos and clubs with organized activities (NCL, for example, and even some Holland America ships). Club Meds that have the circus program are also a good choice for teens.
