amynuzz

Hi everyone -

I've been enjoying reading old posts - there certainly are plenty of resources right here from people's past questions regarding toddlers and Caribbean vacations.

I wanted to throw a question out there hoping for some more personalized advice, however.

We are considering a trip either during President's Week or the last week of March (I'm a teacher, zero flexibility on dates), probably 4-5 nights, and seeking an island that has direct flights from NYC. After reading, I've narrowed it down to Turks & Caicos or St. Maarten, but am still open to other ideas. Our budget isn't huge - we'd like to spend about $3000 (tops), all told. I have some reward points that I could most likely put towards a chunk of the airfare.

My husband and I know that bringing a toddler to a beach won't be like the "old days," (lolling on a hammock, getting up to seek some good guacamole, returning to the porch of the oceanfront cottage to read some more)... rather we'll be looking for the simple pleasures of enjoying a special place with our little girl. What would make her have a great time - a kiddie pool/shallow splash area, accommodations that include a kitchen so we don't have to worry about asking so much of her day in and day out in restaurants...and maybe some activities for kids, but the kind that we would do with her - we will not be leaving her with any daycares or sitter services and we don't need to see Sesame Street characters walking around. We're not adverse to an "all inclusive" idea, but maybe something on the more intimate side, since we really only ever liked to travel to small guest houses, etc. So certainly we'd want this trip to be win-win - our daughter has a good time, but we also get the most out of our vacation (and hard earned money!) - something with an ocean view...something that feels a little special.

We've never been to the Caribbean so don't have the lay of the land. I'd appreciate all advice that you would have on specific places we could look for accommodations.

Finally, I was browsing Frommer's Best Family Vacations article, and saw a place in Barbados that caught my eye for its reasonable prices and kiddie pool...Amaryllis Beach Resort. Anyone heard of it?
http://www.amaryllisbeachresort.com/

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you can share.

diann24

You mention Turks and Caicos. I was to there Beaches resort years ago which is famiy friendly and geared for kids. It is right on the beach with snorkeling a short walk down the beach. They have magic shows in the p.m for kids. I do not know about prices for there resort.(?) I have never stayed at the resort you mention in barbados. Have you condisered Aruba? Aruba is very friendly safe, and have tons of restaurants, and could be enjoyable for all of you. They also have a baby beach at the end of the island which is perfect for the little ones. Henceforth called "baby beach." Need a car or go on a tour to get there however. The Phoenix has a nice beach at there hotel where the water is shallow and no waves. I am sure others will chime in. Some say Aruba is to "americanized" but I love it there. I cannot do without my starbucks coffee!!! Not for a whole week. Good luck.

blamona

I personally feel with a 2 year old Turks and Caicos should be your choice, it's made for families! Direct flights on big planes direct from JFK on jetblue, ewr on United.

There's a beach on provo, the main island, that makes kids giddy. Called Sapadilla Bay. Shallow for hundreds of miles, kids feel so comfortable that they have the best time!

Resorts were made for kids, with full kitchens, easy access to everything, with bonus, the worlds most scrumptious beach!

You might want to consider calling turksandcaicosreservations.tc with your budget, let them do the work for you for your budget.

St. Martin is a lot of fun, has a foreign (French and Dutch ) flair. It's livlier and more adult in my opinion.

bostonallison

Hi amynuzz, I cannot comment on T&C because I have never been, have heard nothing about fantastic things. While on Barbados last year, my husband and I took a long walk from our hotel and ended up at the Amaryllis. We checked out the pool and beach areas - the beach was just spectacular! It gets good reviews on Trip Advisor and seems like a quieter resort where you could enjoy time with your little one.

Delishbajansauce

Hi amynuzz,

How's the vacation planning going? St. Maarten is a nice option, beautiful beaches and wonderful restaurants and nightlife, not to mention some of the best duty-free shopping on the Dutch side however as blamona mentioned it does tend to a more adult feel.

For Barbados, the beaches that would be the quieter less touristed beaches aren't those that are friendly for swimming, that being said though there are plenty of beaches along the south west coast where you'll spot and enjoy family's enjoying the beach. Amaryllis hotel is one of the nicer hotels on the South Coast of the island and sits on the beach in an area that is close to many amenities and restaurants that are child and adult friendly including TGI , Cheffette, and the bar at the end of accra beach opposite Bert's bar which also a nice option for the family.

Provo, and other islands of Turks & Caicos has amazingly gorgeous beaches that offer the freedom, intimacy and peaceful play you described. There are several accommodation options fitting the criteria for your vacation located on the beach, perhaps trip advisor would be a great bet.

All in all you have three great vacation places in mind. Perhaps Turks & Caicos and Barbados may be more towards your list.

Happy travels