Beth123

OK - narrowed it down to these three islands based on the beach recommendations from this forum. I could use some additional help in narrowing the island down and choosing the hotel/resort.

- 4k budget for 5-6 days - not including airfare/transportation.
- looking for kid friendly hotel/resort on beautiful, gentle beach.
- wish for 0-entry pool
- room service/ full service (not in need for villa or condo with kitchen (no cooking!!)
- want some entertainment (i.e. live music by pool in afternoons/early evenings, etc...)
- good food - some choices.
- 2 bedroom suite/villa (would love ocean view and/or access)

(Priorities are: #1 beautiful beach, #2 kid friendly pool/s, #3 nice accommodations.

THANKS!
Beth

PS: I did see the other post much like mine - but those responses seemed to concentrate on condos.

Beth123

Oh - and we plan to go in early May this year. And would not love too many biting insects.

Laby

Well, I repeat my previous recommendation of the Malliouhana Hotel in Anguilla (http://www.malliouhana.com/). This is is first class resort, located on one of Anguilla's best beaches, with children's and regular swimming pools (and a supervised children's program). The rooms are gorgeous and very spacious. And, as I mentioned, the Malliouhana offers a family plan that gives you two connecting ocean view rooms for the price of one.

Beth123

Thanks Laby! I did see your previous - and Malliouhana Hotel in Anguilla is now in our top choices. We are just not 100% yet.

We are still considering the Westin on St John, the Four Seasons Resort Nevis (may be over our price range), and T&C (not sure where ... our agent keeps pushing Beaches the kids all-inclusive - we just feel we may be disappointed there).
Does anyone know if any of the pools at the Westin on St John have a 0-entry? (just so easy to have a 0-entry with toddlers).
I will talk any recommendations - I need to decide - this is so difficult.

Thanks-
Beth

tgbussiere

I must say that my experience at the Westin St John started off horribly. They took our bags at St. Thomas, then we took a boat to St. John. Our room wasn't ready. The bags didn't make it on the boat. When the room was ready, the bags didn't show up for hours. Then the main water line broke so no water... The beach at the resort kinda sucked. I understand there are nicer beaches on the island but we didn't get to them. The room itself was nice and the view were nice, but I won't go back...

Beth123

I'm sorry to hear about your bad luck at the Westin in St John tgbussiere. Thank you for sharing.

We are working on booking the Malliouhana Hotel in Anguilla. I think we've made the right decision for us. If anyone has any advice and/or suggestions as far as traveling to Anguilla - or our stay at the Malliouhana please reply.

Thanks again.
Beth

ziggy60

I got confused for a second since I'm the one who posted the similar post and my kids are also 3 & 5. After all the research we settled on splitting between st thomas and st croix

Kelly456

In regards to the Westin St John. We've stayed there twice and have had great experiences both times. The trip from St Thomas to St John may be a little tough on some small children, but exciting and fun for others. The Westin handles it all and it's not bad. All rooms view the water. With small kids the pool view rooms might be easier. They did have a kids pool, attached to the main pool, I do not believe it was a zero entry. The beach is not as pretty as others on the island, but still pretty good. At 3 & 5, they'll still love it. Very calm and good for little ones. If your 5 yr old is a good swimmer, you can take him/her out to the trampoline in the ocean to play. The best food is the grill at the pool. They have a kids club too. They also have cute activites on the beach for kids...crab races, etc. Not much night music, maybe one or 2 nights, and sometimes a steel drum playing at the pool. But a nice little bar area by the beach, where you can get a drink in the evenings. Hope this helps!

Tuxedocat

Beth123: Just to concur with Kelly456 about the Westin. It is an immaculate property even if it isn't completely immune to the occasional problems as experienced by other posters. I was there this past month and noticed that it's actually gotten a bit more kid friendly (I've got a 3 year old). Their beach is certainly not the best one on the island, but if you've seen the pictures, it is certainly far from mediocre. The water there is usually so calm, your 3 and 5 year old will love it. Also, most of the resort does not have mosquito problems, but anywhere in the Caribbean in May will get some near the water. Just bring some family OFF and you'll be fine.