alfredo069

Ah, the wrinkles to each trip that make for new questions to post....
We are planning a trip to the Caribbean in June (yes, that's right) with our then 2 1/2 year old and 6 month old. We are looking to get away and decompress from the busy-ness of life. We would like good, safe babysitting for the evenings to go find good food, and plan to just hang out with the little ones during the day (was it Stan or Roam that mentioned shade at LDB?- actually would be good for us). A bit of island exploring would be a bonus (sounds like not much to do on T & C with the Palms). Will treat my wife to a spa day or two- any experience with those? Also, since we'll be schlepping 2 little ones and luggage, how hard is it to get to LDB and Caneel? I would prefer to do ferry, for the open air vistas, but is that realistic with the wee ones? Have enjoyed Cap Juluca, Mustique, and didn't like the ever-present hawking on Jamaica. Thanks very much!

timeforvacation

Can't comment on Caneel (although I presume it is similar to LDB)or Regent Palms, but I can comment on LDB. We were there 3.5 years ago (in July). We had no children but commented throughout what a great spot it would be to go with kids. The child care services are AMAZING. The children seemed to genuinely love the women who watchded them and vice versa. We watched one couple at breakfast that had a maybe 1 year old with them. The baby joined them at breakfast, played, etc. When she started getting fussy, the care taker, who was standing discreetly on the sidelines, swept her away and took her to the children's grove. The baby seemed very content to see this woman and hugged her. The parents went on to enjoy their breakfast. The children's grove is cute, it seems they do a lot of activities with the kids. Walking early one morning before the trash had been picked up, we noticed a bag full of boxes that had previously contained paintable coffee mugs...seems like the children are engaged in a lot of activities like this.
There is some shade at the beach, just pick spots under the trees lining the beach. Be careful which island you choose if you decide to go to a beach drop...they will take you by Boston Whaler and give you an umbrella but on a couple beaches we went to, the umbrella offered us little protection, and that was with just 2 of us under it. Ask them which beaches offer more shade. Did not go to the spa there for some reason (who knows) but have heard amazing things about it and definitely plan to go next time. Getting there - fly to tortola and then they take you by ferry. Ther eis an indoor and outdoor portion to the ferry, with table area outside to seat the children at. I would not be concerned taking 2 young ones where there is an adult to hold each one's hand.

alfredo069

By the way, how are the mosquitoes on Virgin Gorda?

mnag

We love VG and took our 2 1/2 yr old a few years ago. We stayed at the Mahoe bay villas so can't comment on Little Dix but wanted to let you know that the trip from the US to VG is not very easy - usually 2 planes to get to Tortola, a ferry over to VG and a taxi to the resort. It may end up being a hassle. Also I recollect that on our return trip (think it was Sat) the ferry times from VG to Tortola were very inconvinient and we ended up spending quite a bit of time at the airport. So that is something you may want to look into in advance. It may be easier with two little ones to go to Turks. For us it was a direct flight and much easier. Most hotels also have a kitchen and washer/dryer in Turks which we found very convinient with our little one. But ofcourse there is a big difference between the feel of the two islands.

Dianebridles

The spa at LD is fabulous with a breathtaking view. Rooms are much nicer than Cameel's LD offers an air shuttle service from St. Thomas airport to Virgin Gorda. The pilot meets you there and it is a 15 minute scenic flight and you're there. Currently the resort is offering a $500 air credit with ocean cottage rooms are above (in price) Taking it made me feel like royalty

In addition to their half mile crescent beach, the resort offers complimentary boat drops to many to VG beaches. Many hiking trails and places to explore Many great day trips are available. Since the BVIs are so close the distance and time to other islands are short. I really enjoyed the trip to Anagada Island and the sunset cruise. Your wife may also enjoy the pool Palates.

Kristen1206

PI have never been to Little Dix though I would love to! So I can't comment on that but we did spend time at Caneel on our recent trip to St. John. Seemed very kid friendly to me and there were children there. And the beach area is protected so very calm all the time which will be a plus with little ones. Palms seemed more adult oriented but I only toured that property. Palms does have an incredible spa though.

blamona

I have stayed at the Palms, and "hung out" at Little Dix Bay and Caneel Bay. I have also taken my little daughter, who has loved all. BUT my overall impressions (keep in mind I trully love all 3 islands):

Palms is easy to reach, on big planes. St. John requires plane plus ferry. Virgin Gorda is even harder to reach, usually 2 planes (1 is usually a turbo prop) and a ferry.

Caneel Bay and Little Dix Bay is "rustic" luxury, you are giving up for example, TVs, which may not be important to you, but could help entertain/calm down children. Some of the more expensive rooms have TVs, unless they've upgraded since the 4 years I have been there. Caneel Bay, some rooms are a little worn, again no big deal, but need to know. St. John and Virgin Gorda are hilly, offering stunning vistas, but a little harder to get around with children. The taxis are open air, (almost) giving the feeling of a roller coaster. (Not all taxis are like this, some are vans, but again something to consider to get around.) The beaches are more in coves, and require transportation to get around. The beauty of Virgin Islands is enjoying sailing, and hoping to other islands, and hanging at the funky beach bars, which is no fun with small children. I have seen the water calm at both, but I have also seen plenty of waves.

T&C was made for kids, The Palms is extremely family friendly. Kids club, babysitting, and long stretches of beaches with usually crystal clear super calm waters. (I say usually, because no one can predict the weather, just going by averages.) There will be other families with children your children's age, and plenty of beach toys. Palms is luxurious pampering, they serve bottled waters and frozen fruits on the beach and pool, and even can bring you drinks and food there. The spa is out of this world, so gorgeous it's been on numerous magazine covers. It's also next to (easy walk, even with children) to multiple other resorts with different restaurants, and there are sidewalks to all the shopping and other restaurants.

If it were just the 2 of you, it would be a tougher choice, all 3 islands are gorgeous. With kids, I really lean towards Palms for you.

blamona

no hawking at any of the 3 choices, to discribe Palms, probably closer to Cap Jaluca, Caneel Bay and Little Dix Bay closer to Mustique. (I have also been to Cap and Mustique)

mah1980

Just an FYI- I was looking at the Rosewood website today (company which owns LDB and Caneel), and noticed that they are having some great deals for both resorts that would be during your time period. Free breakfasts, really good rates, and a $200 credit if you book by May 15.

alfredo069

Thanks for all the great info! We booked into LDB late June. Yes, great deals. We got a complimentary room upgrade. Trying to sort out the travel from St. Thomas to VG. I lean towards the taxi from airport to dock, boat to Tortola, taxi to next place on Tortola, resort boat over to VG. Busy yes, but seems more 'authentic' way to get around in Caribbean and makes one savor the destination, rather than hop on small plane and go right to VG. Am I nuts (I usually think 'we can do this', maybe stuck in my single days, or in our DINKS traveling days), or will my wife shoot me by the time we get there??
I'll post a report after our trip.

emcash

we stayed at the RP in Feb and loved it- as did our 3 year old. The rooms are luxurious and spacious. the beach is gorgeous. The hotel is kid friendly but not kidcentric. My only negative is that the beach doesn't offer umbrellas-- just cabanas that cover a part of the chairs. so that might make a little bit of a difference for you.