chrism125

Hello! I'm researching a trip for spring/summer 2009, but I'm in a quandry as it's our first vaca w/child... 18mos old at time of travel. We've never been to the Caribbean so we're open to all recommendations! We're well-traveled (Europe, Asia, and Africa) so we're leery of bustling American-centered AI's. We don't need a Kids' Club yet, but a dependable nanny or sitter service on-site would be ideal. A hotel/resort with reasonable rates, sitter service and world-class diving nearby? Please assist! Many thanks in advance ~
Christine

doug_stallings

Almond Resorts offers complimentary day-long babysitting service as a part of their children's programs, and they are located in both St. Lucia and Barbados. St. Lucia has world-class diving, but I'm not sure about the policy of allowing you to leave the resort while the kids are in their care. You'd have to ask.

The FDR Resort in Jamaica assigns you a nanny for the length of your stay.There are other resorts where you can get nanny service in Jamaica, but it doesn't really have world-class diving.

kelliebellie

We took a trip to Grand Cayman when my daughter was about 6 months old, and it was great. We stayed at the Turtle Nest Inn which is not on the main drag. It is about a 15 minute drive to downtown. But you are closer to the east end diving, which is much less crowded.

http://turtlenestinn.com/

It is actually small apartments with kitchens and they come and do all your dishes (including bottles!). They provided a crib as well. The day we wanted to go snorkle with the sting rays, the hotel arranged for a babysitter to come and watch our daughter in our room. It was someone that the owners knew. It worked out very well.

There is a great beach called Smith's Cove near town, that was great for a small child. They would also love the turtle farm. And the diving on Grand Cayman is definitely world class. The dive shop would pick my husband up each day from the hotel, my daughter and I would go shopping in town, and then we'd have a nice jerk chicken lunch and see the sites. It was very relaxing.

Just one note about booking the Caribbean during the summer is hurricanes. So get some insurance, or go to Aruba which is outside the hurricane zone.

Knowing

A "Vacation Nanny" is assigned to families with small children at the FDR resort in Jamaica.

Weadles

Another vote for Grand Cayman. When my kids were little (several years ago!!) we always stayed at VILLAS OF THE GALLEON, which is right on Seven Mile Beach, next door to The Westin. We rented a two-bedroom with full kitchen, living room, and balcony overlooking the beach. It was really well-equipped, and gave us plenty of room for the kids and their strollers, etc.

The hotel recommended a local babysitting service which we used for every visit, and it worked out very well.

There used to be a huge American style supermarket just across the street from Villas of the Galleon, so we never had to go far for juice, diapers, etc. EXPENSIVE, but still very convenient.

As another poster mentioned, there is world class diving on Cayman, and many operators to choose from. My kids also enjoyed the famous Turtle Farm, as well as Sting Ray City, and the Queen's Botannical Gardens.

I don't think there are nonstops anymore from the NYC area, but there is one from Washington D.C. on Cayman Airways. Have fun!

chrism125

Belated thanks to ALL for your wonderful insight! As my lapse in correspondence conveys, we've been delayed by flu and work and, oh... general toddler stuff! Will start the vaca search again in earnest next month. Thank you again for the great advice!!