Help! My husband and I are planning a family vacation with our four young children (ages 6, 5, 4, 1 1/2) We love being together so have consequently shyed away from any all inclusive family packages because we really aren't interested in sending our children off so we can "enjoy" ourselves. Can anyone recommend the best island for us? We visited Cancun two years ago and enjoyed it but really would love something quieter- sort of like Sanibel Island, Fla. (we love it there) It also seemed less family oriented than we wanted. My main concern is whether there are health concerns for our little ones, and which island would be the one where they would be least likely to get sick. Also, we really would love a beach thats not a long walk from where we stay since walking back and forth for bathroom trips, toys, and the like can be cumbersome. Also, our children dared not venture into the water in cancun because the waves were to big, which was a shame. (they really were big) Any suggestions on a destination that's safe, has an easily accessible beach, and has calm waters. And oh yes, most importantly, clear transparent water! (I'm an avid swimmer and beautiful water is a must) Also, saftey is a concern since with four children trailing we make easy targets.

<BR>We stay at Timothy Beach Resort in St. Kitts. It has everything your asking for. It is the only resort on the calm caribbean waters. Timothy Beach has studios to 2bdrm townhouses,pool overlooking the beach, restaurant and bar on the beach. The local people are very friendly and you will have no problem with safety. You don't say when you are going but you won't find the beach shoulder to shoulder. As far as your health concerns, we have been going to St. Kitts for 13 years and never saw a problem. Any specific question's, don't hesitate to mail me direct. www.timothybeachresort.com

<BR>would recommend Isla Mujeres. Norde Beach is just what you are looking for. Will e-mail you our 15 page travel brochure on island and surrounds if you request. Dan and Ginny

Have you thought about grand Cayman? It has everything you are asking for and more- the only downfall is it is expensive.

Thanks for your reply. Was thinking about Grand Cayman but was unsure about the crime and over tourism (too crowded?) What do you think?

The Westin on St. John, USVI might be a good compormise. Quieter island. Beautiful beaches/stunningly clear waters, and on the Caribbean, so no big waves. Westin used to be the Hyatt. (We were there when it was the Hyatt.) It has big pool and seemed reasonably kid friendly when we were there. Can drink water, eat food without much fear of any problems. Most of the island is a national park so its been protected. If you are adventurous you can rent a jeep and explore a bit also. To get to St. John requires flying to St. Thomas and then the Westin will take you from airport by taxi and boat to the resort on St. John. St. John is not tourist overrun and really seems pretty safe overall. It may be fairly $$$ though depending on when you go. <BR>I guess your little ones travel better than mine. Just a plane trip to Florida is taxing for us with the kids. <BR>Enjoy whatever you decide.

Cayman does not have any major crime problems, water is clear, many condos and hotels are right on the beach and easily accesible. I would have no concerns about taking a family with young children there. Local people are very kind and friendly. Some locations are rather crowded but others are quiet. I think PanCayman House - condos- might be what you're looking for. Ground floor is simply feet from the beach. It's a smaller property - maybe 20 units - and across the road from a grocery and shops though you are not really aware of that when on the property.

Just FYI, if you're referring to the type of all-inclusive family resorts that offer "vacation nannies" or other babysitting arrangements, you don't have to use those if you don't want to, and they don't charge extra for them. The benefit of family-oriented resorts is, of course, other kids and families being there and the facilities being amenable to children of all ages.

Hawai'i may be a better choice considering the age of your youngest children. <BR> <BR>St. John, USVI, the British Virgin Islands, and Grand Cayman are probably among the better choices in the Caribbean for you. <BR> <BR>It sounds like renting a condo. or villa would be best for you and there are many available on St. John and in the BVI. <BR> <BR>On Grand Cayman, you may want to consider the Turtle Nest Inn, ( http://turtlenestinn.com/ ) which I have only seen positive reviews of here or the following private villa: <BR> <BR>http://cyberrentals.com/CAR/PereCAYM.html

I think Aruba is great for families. Clean, safe and I found the prices very reasonable. We stayed at La Cabana it is a large resort with condo-style accommodations with plenty for families to do -- check out the website www.LaCabana.com.