Hi all -
I'm about to give up on this idea I have of taking two boys 12 and 17 on a really nice trip to the Caribbean. I can't find what I'm looking for.

Specifically, I am travelling from the Northeast in April, I am a single mom, so feeling comfortable and safe is important. We all like luxury, but with teens not sure if this is possible. Nice pools and beach are important as well as water sports, but mostly having other kids around would be ideal. Our favorite trip by far was to Atlantis in Paradise Island. The younger one loved the slides, the older one the teen center, they both made friends and I felt comfortable as well as entertained by all the action. We have already been to T&C, St. John, St.Thomas as well as Grand Cayman, Cozumel and a cruise. (The cruise was a little difficult as a single, but it did have the entertainment and other kids, not sure I'd do it again though). I tried inviting a friend for my older son, but no one can make this trip. I would love to go to Bermuda, but the weather in April is iffy.

I have read every thread and visited every family vacation website, but still your opinions are valued as I have used your advice before, so I would greatly appreciate your help.

Last question, the Ritz on Grand Cayman looks lovely, but is it the right place for kids. Hard to get a feel from TripAdvisor.

Thanks to all...

Dont give up...you should go to Tortola british virgin islands.

Stay at Long Bay resort.

Thanks so much - marblehead guy - for your vote of confidence. I checked out the website for Long Bay, it looks beautiful, I'll check into it more.

We liked Aruba with our kids. Lots of watersport action on Palm Beach. The Hyatt, Marriott and Radisson are very nice hotels. We stayed at the marriott and enjoyed our stay very much!

Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun Mexico 5 star Safe good food great weather easy to get to from most states people are unbelievablably friendly and helpful!!!

We've been to Atlantis, St. John - Westin (would have been my recomendation but you've been there) and Puerto Rico with our sons who are now 10 and 14. This April we are headed to the Marriott on St.Kitts which would have a lot of activities for your sons. The island is supposed to be safe and driving isn't as difficult as it might be on Tortola (which was trickier than St.John). The water isn't as blue as the Virgin Islands and snorkeling is not as good but the island itself is beautiful and less developed than many other. Lots of beach bars and reasonably priced local restaurants. My husband and son plan to go on a volcano hike. We'll also take a day trip to Nevis.

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/SKBRB

http://www.myislands.myeyez.net/

Another option is the Four Seasons on Nevis which is supposed to be great.

For future trips, I'm looking at the Buccaneer on St.Croix. I think if you look at their deals, you can get a second room at 50% off for the boys.

I hope this helps!

I have a 9 year old boy and Bitter End Yacht Club is my list for a mother/son trip when he's a teenager -- it looks great with all the various Learn to Sail programs etc.

You'll get more luxury for your money in Mexico than anywhere else. I'd suggest you look at the upscale all-inclusives in the Riviera Maya and even in Cancun; that way, you're not re-visiting Cozumel.

If I were going to Grand Cayman, I'd probably gravitate toward the Marriott or the Westin rather than the Ritz-Carlton; it's a big hotel that draws a lot of conventions and meetings, so it's probably not going to be as kid-friendly as some other places.

Almost any all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic would also be suitable for you, and many have fairly elaborate pool areas.

The Marriott on St. Kitts might be a good choice, but the beach there isn't so great.

Any Beaches resort on Jamaica would also be a good choice. These are all very family-friendly, and there's a lot to see and do on the island outside the resorts if you care to do that.

Thanks to all of you who responded. I really appreciate your input. I think I'm leaning toward the Riviera Maya, at this point I have a couple of places on hold, so I have a little more time to think, but these are all great ideas, so thanks again.