Katie

Have a great "deal" on Chenay Bay...but I'd be traveling with two kids 12 & 13.
Is it a safe place to vacation w/kids? expensive to eat out? any tips on things to do w/kids? sights they might enjoy? any warnings? (almost robbed in straw market in Bahamas last week!) I'm a little skiddish about traveling w/kids out of country now.
I realize common sense is always in order
anywhere!
Thanks in advance,
Katie

Michael

We stayed at Chenay Bay in the May with our 16 month old boy. The resort area is very safe and the staff were all very friendly they have a pool and I think a kayaking school on the premises and a kids program that runs at various times during the year for up to I believe 12. There is also one or two tennis courts on site. We utilized the cottage kitchen facilities for breakfast and lunch and went out for dinner. There are a couple large grocery stores (pueblo is one) on the island and many mini marts to stock up on food. The meals were fairly reasonable compared to some other islands. The island does have Wendys, Burger King etc. The resort was very nice. The beach at Chenay does have a lot of vegetative growth but is shallow for quite a distance and is in a bay protected by an Island so the water is very calm. The resort has plenty of snorkeling equipment to use there or at other beaches. There is a beach called Cane Bay which is very beautiful, has good snorkeling on the other side of the capital (a very nice drive and a very good place to eat across the street (Cane Bay Beach Club)and they'll keep an eye on your car from the outdoor bar. YOu can also arrange scuba diving and horseback riding at Cane Bay. They take you on the horses right out into the water at Cane Bay. Didn't do it but it looked fun. If you enjoy golf the Island has two great courses and a easier one a few miles east of Chenay Bay. I have to admit I played all three. A day excursion to Buck Island would be a must for the kids
and Christianstadt is an interesting place to browse during the day. Duggans and Cheeseburgers in Paradise are both nearby places that were good fun for meals. Garlic Press serves pasta and pizza, though a bit farther of a hike on the other side of the capital in a small plaza. There are many places downtown. We ate a few times at Chenay Bay and they do have theme nights like a Pig Roast.
We had no problems with any safety issue although most books and magazines told you to be sensible and careful. We were not in the downtown area at all at night and did not stop at deserted beaches. At Cane Bay the staff at the bar told us to park in front of the bar so we could roam the beach without worrying about the car (they kept an eye on it. I'm sure fodors or other guidebooks could go into more detail on activities for your kids.

Ann

Ditto the previous poster! My husband and I spent a week there in 1995 and wd love to return. Unless your kids require constant fast paced high tech entertainment, they should be fine between what's offered at the resort and the different excursions recommended above. (And there's always the TV in the room but I refuse to let my teens spend time indoors on a sunny day on a Carribean vacation!) It's very safe and if you plan for pacing the activities along with down time for relaxation you'll be fine and have a great time! You can sit on the beach while they float, snorkel or play in the kayaks in the protected bay. Have fun, wish I was going!!

Katie

Thanks Micheal!

MOLLY

Stayed there 2 yrs ago when my daughters were 7 and 11. They loved it. The key is the water there is shallow and safe. We explored other beaches and some were rough with large swells. A little intimidating. I would say the average meal out for 4 is about $80 in decent restaurants. Also, after exploring the island quite a bit, we really liked this side of the island better. Lots of water toys at Chenay for hte kids. Enjoy.

Katie

Thanks Molly