ztrip

We are looking at going with our children to the Caribbean?Mexico in March. We'd like to be in a beautiful and calm beach in a place not overly americanized. We'd love to snorkel (no need for banana boats, kids club, etc), explore the island and eat well. Don't think all-inclusive is ou best bet, but would consider it.
Any suggestions???
Thanks!!!

cariblover10

We took our four children to St Kitts, and stayed on Turtle Beach which was an idyllic situation. We had the beach to ourselves most of the time, and the snorkeling was great fun. We also found plenty to do around the island, like exploring the rainforest, ziplining, catamaran cruise etc...the kids loved it. We stayed here which is ideal for families http://turtlebeachhousestkitts.shutterfly.com/

ztrip

Looks beautiful, thanks so much!

kkumar

We loved St.Lucia. Its been years since our trip with our
little one who i think was then 2 years old. She was in
a backpack carrier when we went to the volcano, rainforest,
waterfalls etc. There are some nice beaches. Driving is easy.
We stayed up in the north and drove to the south at least
twice through the mountains. The driving is on the other side
like in the UK. Also went to Anse-chastnet(Sp???), a nice
expensive resort up a hill and has a nice snorkel spot.
But make sure you have a 4x4 if you go up the hill to this
resort or else, when you come back, your stomach will be
out looking at the steep drive from the top down, banking a
curve over the water. Sometimes, cruise ships are in the
bay and is an awesome sight. Did i mention, this road was
unpaved with just gravel.

Another spot is Belize. You can also cross over to Guatemala
for Tikal if that interests you. The trip from Belize city
to the Guatemalan border is about 2 hours by road. You can
head to Ambergis Cay and stay at San Pedro. It is a
30 minute boat ride or 15 minute flight on a puddle jumper.
I was told not to stay in Belize city due to crime.

krish

texasgirl71

We stayed at the St. James Club in Antigua with our three a few years ago and had a great time. Lots of British families with their children were there, also. The villas were a perfect size for us and the kids loved the afternoon Tea Time! There's a spa on site and we bought food for breakfast and lunch at a small grocery and then ate dinner out. Very secluded and safe location. Lots of activities or do nothing but lounge by the pool or ocean!

flyaway2day

we love Atlantis as a family vacation...sooo much for kids to do- great kids camp- been going here for past 10 yrs...we have 2 kids, 7 & 10...nothing compares to this place in their eyes!

genio67

We stayed at the Radisson in Anse Marcel St. Martin last March. Beach and water was perfect for kids and ther eis a nice big pool. They have kid's activities but it's not a kiddie camp type of place. The hotel next door, Le Domaine, which shares it's beach with the Radisson, seemed to have a lot of French families. It was definitely not overly Americanized on the French side and the dining options on the island are really great.

Oldanalyst

My wife and I and our son and his family (wife and 3 kids 4,6 and 8) stayed for a week in the Palmas del Mar (near Humacao on east coast) of Puerto Rico in January. We found plenty to do including going to the beach and taking a snorkeling trip to Vieques. The Palmas if a large place with a series of gated communities many of which have play areas and swimming pools but is nearly vacant during the week. The beach is near. Villas with plenty of room, full kitchens and laundries are available.

If this is the type of place you might want, say so and I can give you some contacts in the area.

hopealexis14

I would suggest Anguilla, which is situated off the coast of St. Martin in the BWI. We stayed on Rendezvous bay at Rendezvous Bay Villas which no longer exist. Rendezvous bay is our favorite Caribbean beach, as it is very calm and not crowded with crystal clear water. A nice resort on the property is The Cuisinart Hotel. Shoal bay is very nice too, but a little more rough. The only other island comparable to Anguilla was Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman was more affordable, while Anguilla was more expensive. Seven Mile beach can be crowded, depending on where you stay. We Stayed at Villas of the Galleon, which is situated between the Ritz Carlton & The Westin. The beach infront of the ritz was always crowded, while the beach infront of the villas of the galleon was always empty. There was plenty of beach chairs, and did not need to fight for one. They did not have umbrellas, but they were not necessary, as the trees provided alot of shade.
Overall Grand Cayman is more Americanized, and Anguilla is more of a cultural experience with great food, but on the pricey side. To reach Anguilla you fly into St.Martin Airport and then take a ferry or puddle jumper (plane) over to Anguilla.

If you decide to visit Grand Cayman, look at vacation rentals on vrbo.com or HomeAway.com for a great deal.

Make Sure to check out the reviews and photos from travelers on tripadvisior.com before planning your vacation.
If you are looking for a more affordable vacation then i would choose Grand Cayman, but if money doesn't get in the way, i would choose Anguilla.

ztrip

Thanks so much!!