chrism125

Well... I just spent HOURS and hours researching vacation options in the Caribbean and after excrutiating analysis, I decided on Beaches T&C. Unfortunately, DH is unhappy w/the price tag ($9K)! This will be our first family vacation w/our 2yr old son, so childcare of some sort (Kids Club or nanny/sitter) is absolutely key. My husband will soon return from overseas deployment, so we're looking for good, simple beach fun to reconnect as a couple and as a family. We've never been to the Caribbean, but I'm leery of Jamaica and we've already done Cancun/Tulum/Akumal. AI's are not our bag, either, but "free" diving and childcare were inticing options. I'd be indebted for any/all suggestions! We're looking for 7-10 days in a suite (separate sleeping area for kiddo), plus air from Raleigh for $6K or less. Am I dreaming?
Thanks in advance!

leecarol

I have stayed at Velero Beach Hotel in Cabarete, DR. They can provide a babysitter but not full day care. It was a great place. Here is my review I posted on Fodor's:

I stayed for a week last week during "hurricane season" but we had perfect weather for the entire stay. It was quiet, as it is the low season, meaning we had the resort to ourselves and all the wonderful care of the employees- who are Dominicans who attend to your every need in a truly caring, attentive, warm, respectful and friendly way, while being very professional- very different from the US. The rooms were clean, charming, comfortable, although simple with all the amenities I needed- kitchen, cable TV, wireless internet. The price was very reasonable. Usually I think of the DR as all-inclusive resorts but this was a refreshing alternative to that type of stay. Security was great- I never thought twice about leaving my ipod out for hours on the property - the guards will help you, watch you, I felt like I was a child again being taken care of and watched over. The property was prestine, natural, extremely well maintained. Units have beautiful views- I just kept saying in any direction I looked- that is beautiful, and that is beautiful.. over and over. The food at Velero was good. but what I liked is leaving the property and finding local dominican restaurants with great food, great locals to talk to, and unbelievably inexpensive prices ($3 , $4 a meal). Because it is on the Atlantic you have surf! body surfing, sailing, windsurfing, surfing.. and kite surfing for the adventurous- combo of snowboarding, sailing, trapeze, surfing.. The craziest sport I have ever seen. The town is very cute- lots of shops. At nite the restaurants on the beach pulled out tables w/ very beautiful lighting- it was a magical scene with food ranging from local to italian, Japanese, Irish, All American. (but I still like the local restaurants the best!). A combination of cultural experience, beauty, new cuisine, relaxation, pampering, and great music and dancing at nite for those who like to stay up late. Velero is on the point of Cabarete bay and has the best view and location in the area. Hope you get a chance to experience this- it is unmatchable.

aruba1006

I know it's not the Caribbean but check out club med sandpiper in Florida or Club Med Punta Cana. When my daughter was 2 yrs old, I almost went to the one in FL after all the research that I did but then something came up with my husbands work so we never went. From what I remember, there were some mixed reviews on how nice the rooms were but as long as you're not looking for the Ritz, this might be something to look into. You also might want to look into Punta Cana but I think most of those resorts are AI too. Depending on what island you go to, sometimes AI is the best way to go and the least amount of hassle (ie. less driving, various types of restaurants on the property). I've done both but I decide on whether I want to go all-inclusive or not based on the island that I visit. Also, maybe Disney's Vero Beach Resort in FL would have what you're looking for in your price range. Hope this helps.

chrism125

Many thanks to Aruba1006 and Leecarol! You both really captured what we're looking for (especially Leecarol!). I'll poke around a little more but appreciate any "gems" seasoned family travelers can share.

eileen

Hi, don't be bummed about not going to Beaches, personally, I think it is way overpriced and many of the amenities will be lost on a two year old. I love Grace Bay Beach though -- you might look into other condo resorts there and see if the resort could arrange babysitting. For much less than 9K, you could probably stay at a condo resort with a full time nanny for the week! Would you consider a cruise? I have travelled quite a lot with my children and found it to be the best combination of family time and adult time because of the kids clubs that are offered. Some will now even take very young children and babies. Other places we have been that you might check out -- Aruba (has lots of condo resorts such as the Marriott Ocean and Surf Clubs, which has lots of amenities and I am sure could arrange for a Nanny or a babysitter); Paradise Beach Village in Puerta Vallarta is also a great family resort with condos, lots of amenities and very reasonably priced. Also check out Marriott St. Kitts which has condos and suites as well as lots of amenities and many great dining options nearby.

emcash

beaches in T&C is so geared to kids, and your child is so young as to not be able to fully enjoy it or appreciate it,that I think you and your husband would be disappointed. I don't know of any kids' club anywhere which allows 2 year olds, so I would just focus on someplace you and your husband would like to go to that has good and reputable child care.

we stayed at the Regent Palms in T&C. There were plenty of families, and we used the babysitting service. It was simply wonderful. I'm not necessarily suggesting that for you, as it is a very expensive property (but i bet you could do the whole vacation for what you say Beaches costs), but just as an example of what you can do.

chrism125

Thanks so much, everybody!! Emcash ~ I took a look at the Regent Palms... WOW! I think that might have to be our first "vaca without baby" trip next year!
For this go-around, tho, I've re-looked what's really important and to be honest... as long as my husband's home and safe, our vacation destination's just icing on the cake. At half the price of most T&C options, Club Med Ixtapa Pacific rated very well w/TripAdvisor Travelers Awards this year. Will have to research further. There aren't many posts re: the resort here, but heck... it's a start!!
Thanks again to all of my fellow travelers for your kind insight! I'll certainly let you know what we decide.