We are planning to get away some time in late March/early April with our 14 month old son. We have vaguely narrowed it down to Anguilla Shoal Bay Villas or Turks Royal West Indies. We are very open to other options. If there are restaurants walking distance, that would be a big plus. A place with a kitchen would be ideal. Thanks!

Both Shoal Bay Villas and Royal West Indies are very nice and comparable in price (SBV may be just a tad less expensive). I know that Shoal Bay Villas has done some recent renovations so I can't comment on what it currently looks like, but, even before the renovations, it was a charming apartment-style inn.

RWI has a restaurant on its premises and several within easy walking distance. Shoal Bay East does not have an on-site restaurant but there are a number on Shoal Bay East close by. Between the two, my vote would be for Royal West Indies as it's a prettier resort with nicer landscaping.

Here are two other choices on Anguilla that you may wish to consider. Allamanda Beach Club Resort (http://allamanda.ai/) is close to Shoal Bay Villas in price, accommodations and location. Serenity Cottage (http://www.serenity.ai/) is a more modern, a bit more expensive (and, in my opinion, a little nicer) hotel than Shoal Bay Villas and Allamanda. Like the others, it offers suites with kitchens. Serenity is located a little further north on Shoal Bay East in a quieter, more secluded part of the beach. Both Allamanda and Serenity Cottage have restaurants on their premises that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Actually, if I remember right, Allamanda's restaurant, Zara's, did not serve breakfast and I don't think the nearby beach barbecue restaurant Gwen's, did either.

Thanks Laby! That was really helpful!

We have been to Anguilla and mloved it. This April we are trying Turks and caicos (staying at RWI). I don't think you can go wrong with either.

I think it will be easier to get around in Turks though...most things in Anguilla are pretty spread out.

My two favoite islands,you can't go wrong with either. Stayed at RWI in July 04,and had absolutely no complaints.However there is not much you can walk to ,especially with a 14 mo.old.We rented a car for two weeks,as driving is very easy there.Many good restaurants only a short drive away.

Wow! Thanks everybody for your very helpful replies! Now we just have to nail a date down and check for availability!

Love both, but with a child, I would pick Turks. Anguilla is more grown up, more romantic, Turks is extremely kid friendly. The beaches there are great for little kids. The hotel/resorts are like condos, so you can keep kids food easier. Each condo has a restaurant, so you can always get milk, etc in an emergency. Restaurants are more walkable, as Anguilla you have to drive to all of them.

I second the recommendation of Turks with a young one. Don't know where you are leaving from but there are many direct flights and closer to the US than Anguilla. We saw RWI from the outside and it looked like a nice place. The beach was totally uncrowded. I prefer Anguilla overall. Beaches on both islands are spectacular. But with a kid, I would go for T&C.