Travyler

Looking for suggestions on a mid-size resort (nice, approx. 100 beds) on a Caribbean beach but within walking distance to a good selection of beach bars and restaurants. We will be traveling late April 2012. I will be traveling with a husband who is recovering from a broken leg this winter (so no long hills or stairs), a 14-year old who requires weaning from XBox (water sports will do the trick), and a 12-year old who is game for anything and loves to snorkel. I just want a nice beach lounger with an umbrella or palapa available at 10:00 a.m.

We have been doing the AI thing (Iberostar, Club Med, Beaches) since the kids were young, but I don't like the hustle and bustle, watered down drinks and having to get up at 6:00 a.m. to save a chair on the beach. For us it's all about the beach, pool and sun. We are adventurous foodies and like our rum drinks - with rum in them. We are willing to pay, but I do not want to feel like I have prove I belong somewhere. Don't mind operating on Caribbean time if it is worth the wait (food and cocktails).

If a locale or resort comes to mind, please let me know. Thanks, Candace

blamona

Sounds like Turks and Caicos might fit the bill for you.

Of your tags, Anguilla you can't walk anywhere, all spread out.
Barbados is huge.
BVI and Jamaica are extremely hilly

So Provo (Turks) because:
nice flat island
sidewalks everywhere, so easy access.
Nice snorkeling off the beach (but may require car from my main recommendations)
Never have to play the save an umbrella at the beach game
upscale with service on the beach

I recommend:
Seven Stars. Centrally located, can walk on side walks to small shopping strips and numerous restaurants and supermarket. Gorgeous and upscale huge upscale rooms.

Grace Bay Club, another gorgeous choice. Check out the Villas section. (swim up bar in pool, 3 pools to choose from)

Somerset. Upscale yet laid back.Prettiest architecture on the island

Regent Palms, a little more "see and be seen" but gorgeous and favorite upscale of families. Swim up bar and tables in the pool make the kids like it even more. You could walk from this one to off-the-beach snorkeling.

West Bay Club is gorgeous and upscale on a lessor price point. 2 minutes to off the beach snorkeling, but you need a car for everything else. (although only 5 minute car ride on a straight road)

Many water excursions and activities, from hobie cats, kayaks, (included)snorkeling, and at a cost: parasail, skiing, paddle surf, jet ski, great excursions snorkeling and to the cays, banan boats, more.

GeorgeR

Even though you did not tag it in your post, it sounds that Grand Cayman would be perfect for you. It is relatively flat. Seven Mile Beach has a lot of condos which have between 20 to 50 units. The beaches in front of the condos are never crowded. There is a large selection of restaurants and bars. The island is safe than some of the places listed above so you don't have to be forced into a crowded resort.

Weadles

I agree with the posts above. We stayed at West Bay Club in T&C and would go back in a heartbeat. In fact, can we leave now? But we also used to really enjoy Grand Cayman when our kids were your kids ages. Check out The AVALON if you want an upscale condo development, although I'm sure it's pricey.

Travyler

Thanks for your suggestions. I must say, the descriptions and pics of T&C make me drool. I'll definitely check out Grand Cayman as well.

I just tagged some islands I had not been to that I want to visit, so my question would get better visibility on the Forum. We are interested in any island/resort/hotel/condo suggestions that would meet some of our criteria above.

blamona

Seven Stars in T&C