We've traveled to the Caribbean a bunch before kids (Aruba, Antigua, Punta Cana, St. Lucia, Barbados, Cayman, Jamaica) at various style resorts, and are now hoping to take a 7-10 day vacation at the end of May/early June with our 1, 3, and 6 year old. I think we have narrowed it down to the Ritz on St. Thomas, Malliouhana in Anguilla or one of the 4 or 5 star places in Turks (not Beaches). We're looking for a calm clean beach (no seaweed or grass) and luxurious smaller hotel with great food and rooms and not huge crowds. Quiet R&R is what we're looking for. We don't really need a kids program because they're so little they'll just want to stay with us on the beach, but babysitting at night would be great. We're leaning toward Malliouhana - we like that there are playgrounds and a toddler pool and a kids' dinner hour available. Has anyone had experience there with children & babysitters etc? Are there a lot of stairs to get to the rooms & are the rooms far from the beach? Cap Juluca we also considered but they have less availability and no kids' amenities though being able to just walk out to the beach is a plus. Anyone know the status of the Viceroy - do you have to take a vehicle to a beach?
How is the Ritz in St. Thomas and is that beach as nice as those in Anguilla and Turks? As far as Turks, I can't make heads or tails of some of the reviews of the resorts. We can get packages to Sands and Regent Palm and Somerset, but for the Somerset for example, many reviews talk about roaches.
Another option would be some place in the Mayan Riviera. Hubby & I went to Escencia in the fall and the beach was beautiful. Any suggestions of places to look into?
Any advice I'd greatly appreciate... you all know what you're talking about!!!! Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Malliouhana in Anguilla, Ritz in St. Thomas or Turks & C?
Recent Activity
View all Caribbean Islands activity »
- 1 St.Thomas St. John
- 2 Suggestions on Good Restaurants in Grand Cayman
- 3 Four Seasons Nevis or Four Seasons Punta Mita, Mexico?
- 4 June vacation trip for guys
- 5 Need some guidance with my Puerto Rican vacation!
- 6 Which island to visit???
- 7
It's Excellent in the Exumas ~ A week on Staniel Cay (+ Atlantis)
- 8
HONEYMOONERS on BUDGET...HELP
- 9 Multi Family Vacation- Caribbean
- 10 DR vs Riviera Maya - Which Resort?
- 11 Honeymoon Help!
- 12 Search Engines for Any Caribbean destination?
- 13 Anyone drive a rental car in Dominican Republic?
- 14 Grand Cayman
- 15 Sandals La Source Grenada
- 16 Sandos Playacar Beach resort
- 17 Gifts for Cubans - ElectricalOutlets
- 18 Honeymoon - St. Lucia, Martinique, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
- 19 Sisters trip can't seem to narrow down
- 20 quiet and relaxing
- 21 Dress Code - Little Dix Bay
- 22 Scam & Fraud in Cancun / Mexico = Watch Out For Mayan Palace!!
- 23 Planning a Thanksgiving 2013 Honeymoon- Caribbean or Mexico?
- 24 All Inclusive for small children?
- 25 Private tours in Jamaica
The Somerset does NOT have roaches....they may have seen a water bug. I contacted the GM, Ms Karen Whitt --you should too if you have doubts. It is the most beautiful resort on Grace Bay IMO...We have stayed at The Somerset many times--love it, great on site dining, excellent zero entry kids pool, you would love it.
Thanks for the response, Caribzack. There were several tripadvisor reviews that said this but then others said it was wonderful. Are some of the units privately owned and not run by the hotel management? Are the rooms all very different then because of this? I appreciate your feedback!
Yes, all are owned by private parties. Some people put their unit in a rental program. Some do not rent theirs at all. Yes, all are different...all beautiful! IMO My wife and I have looked at at least 12-15 units as we are very serious about buying a condo at The Somerset. Hi end finishes, marble floors, Viking kitchens, beautiful glassware, china etc We love the staff and the food is great. Location wise walking to other dining options is so easy. The grocery store is very close by ( rent a car or take a cab) When I contacted the GM , she told me they spray for bugs like everyone on an Island. BTW we staed at Cap on Anguilla and loved it, Somerset would be better with children. Plus easier to get to.. Also, check the website www.thesomerset.com or call them, they are offering 1 night free I think.
I think the Ritz STT is an outstanding hotel on a not so outstanding beach. Great service, nice pools, nice stuff for kids, but if beach is paramount I would look at the other two islands.
We stayed at both the Somerset in T&C and The Ritz in St. Thomas. The Ritz was a very nice hotel but I was NOT impressed with their beach at all. The water has lots of seawood and is pretty cramped (especially on the side near the pool which is where I would assume your kids would want to be). The Somerset was one of the best experience I have had. The rooms are beautifully furnised, clean (No roaches!) and are a perfect size for a family. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. We stayed on the beach the entire time and did not want to leave. The water is clear and calm and you feel as if you are the only one on the beach. We didn't go into the pool once during our 8 day stay but it is gorgeous as well. We are going to Anguilla this year but believe me, we will be going back to the Somerset again. Good Luck!
As Caribzack says....there are not roaches at The Somerset or other resorts on the island for that matter.
I personally think that for children Turks and Caicos would be perfect with the 12 mile beach that is protected by the reef so the water is calm and great for swimming with kids.
The Somerset is one of the most gorgeous properties on the island. We love it and have stayed there on MANY trips. They have a zero entry pool that is perfect for small children.
Another family friendly resort is The Sands. This is not as upscale.
Have been to St. Thomas as well as Anguilla many times.
We have fallen in love with Grace Bay and it has become our favorite beach vacation destination.
I would pick TCI and consider The Somerset.
It certainly deserves it's listing in Conde Nast Johansens Small Luxury Hotels of the World which we find to be our standard for travel destinations.
sbs
I gave you the same answer on your other post of just Anguilla--Having been to all your choices, my rec still stands--Somerset in T&C! Currently they are offering some nice specials too.
Please let us know which one you booked!
Where did you end up going and did you like it?