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Which Island? Need some kids activities & place with kitchen

Which Island? Need some kids activities & place with kitchen

Old Jun 26th, 2011, 04:24 AM
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Which Island? Need some kids activities & place with kitchen

Just got back from a fabulous couples vacation in Barbados. Looking to book a family trip for next year - different island. Will be traveling with kids 17, 15, 8, 8.......
Want an island that offers kid friendly activities/tours so they have stuff to do besides just the beach. Need to stay somewhere with a kitchen.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
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Old Jun 26th, 2011, 05:48 AM
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If you need a unit with a kitchen consider renting a condo or a villa on your next trip. You'll find them in all sizes and varying price ranges on every island on your list. You can choose from beachfront units, beach access units or (depending on the island) mountainside units. Most will offer daily maid service.

So, why not pick first the island you want to visit then research the rental villas/condos on that island.

A few hints:

Providenciales (Turks & Caicos) has scores of beach front family oriented "Condo Resorts" - these have all the amenities of full service resorts but the convenience of condo living - perfect for families.

BVI's - more rental villas rather than condos. Wonderful laid back islands with nice beaches, plenty of diving & snorkeling, sailing and other watersports. A little more difficult to get to but worth the extra travel time. Check out villas on Virgin Gorda's Mahoe Bay.

St. Kitt's & Nevis - Going to either of these islands is a bit like stepping back in time to the days when sugar plantations ruled the islands. Lush rain forests and volcanos to hike, old forts and plantation ruins to explore plus the usual beach activities. You'll find some condos on each island but villas are the main draw - many are perched on the sides of the mountains offering spectacular view of the Caribbean (note: You won't find many beachfront villas on either island and beachfront condos are limited).

USVI's - This island chain is loaded with condos and rental villas plus you have a choice of three different island with distinctly different vibes. St. thomas - Plenty of duty-free shops, every watersport imaginable, nice beaches, lots of restaurants - like being in the US with the beach at your doorstep. St. John - 2/3's of this island is a National Park so you'll find lots of secluded beaches, plenty of hiking trails, interesting flora & fauna plus you'll only be a 20 minute ferry ride from St. Thomas if you need a shopping fix. Scores of rental villas and a few condos can be found but none are "true beachfront". This is an expensive island so rental fees will be higher than on other islands.
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Old Jun 26th, 2011, 05:51 AM
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Sorry, can't help with your queston, but I would be very interested in your couples vacation to Barbados. Do you have a trip report/pictures?
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Old Jun 26th, 2011, 07:28 PM
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roamsaround - thank you for the detailed tips! All of the above are on the list. So tough to narrow it down to 1 or 2!

KVR - we stayed at Crane resort on the East Coast. Fabulous room / ocean view. Resort only at 60% occupancy in June which was nice. Restaurants on resort pricey and food just OK, had cheaper / good food at both Cutters & Crane Palms (both within walking distance). We did a cool runnings catamaran snorkel cruise on West coast which was a lot of fun. Got a rental car for a day - roads very narrow & poorly marked, but it was an adventure! Enjoyed Harrison's caves & Oistin's on Fri night.

Spent a lot of time on beach & resort pool just relaxing. Would love to go back to see Bridgetown & more of west coast.

Perfect couples vacation, but I think our kids would like a little more adventure.
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Old Jun 27th, 2011, 06:51 PM
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We have teens and liked Aruba (Marriott has timeshares for rent) Also liked Grand Cayman and there are many condos there.

Both islands have lots of watersports and are friendly with wide varities of food from fast food to great restaurants. GC is more low-key and may have more condo options. Like the Marriott in ARuba because it does have the timeshare with kitchens, but resort feel with other kids and stuff to do. Lots of pools and watersports on property. We stayed at the hotel option, but many we talked to were in the timeshares and liked it.
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Old Jun 28th, 2011, 03:01 AM
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maho.org

magenspoint.com

used to own a condo there great

RCI timeshares all over the Carib cheap

great deals especially if u listen to

time share scam drivel...
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