Any suggestions for places to stay where families with children don't stay (please, no "Sandals")? Parents, no offense - I love kids, but don't want to hear them next door all night or have them jumping all around us in the pool...Just got back from El Conquistador in PR, and decided on no more resorts that attract families with small children! Just want a laid back, peaceful place that offers long days on the beach and some nice meals (or near a town where we can eat). Not interested in the party/night life either. Just R&R. Any suggestions for any island would be great. Thanks!!!

Know exactly what you mean! We hope to find that in October at Ti Kaye (www.tikaye.com) at St. Lucia. Also had a really relaxing time at Hawk's Nest, Cat Island, Bahama's (www.hawks-nest.com). Went in November, no kids and even no other guests around!

Hi Laura. How about Royal Hideaway Resort in the Playa del Carmen area? It's all inclusive, but high-end and they have an age restriction: nobody under the age of 16 I think. It always gets rave reviews.

Laura,<BR><BR>I probably sound like a broken record (no one under 20 will understand what that is, since their whole frame of reference is CDs) but I would recommend renting a villa with staff.<BR>If that doesn't appeal, check out Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios. Every time I've been there, I've never seen more than 3 kids. From a great distance.

Thanks, all. Would you agree that high-end resorts/inns/hotels tend to keep kids away? El Conquistador talks a great game about luxury and dress codes, but nothing was enforced. We dressed for dinner and sat in one of the main areas of the resort for a drink before dinner only to realize that the seat cushions were wet from someone's swimsuit! We don't mind paying for a bit of a nicer experience. Thoughts?

Ooh, just thought of a great place . . . La Casa Que Canta in Ixtapa. No children under 16. And it's most definitely upscale as it is included in the Small Luxury Hotel group.<BR>

Laura, your best bet for avoiding children on your vacation is to go when you know they are in school. Keep in mind year round schools operate on similar schedules in the fall.

I personally would like to find a resort that has age restrictions of 18 or over. Those teenagers can be as rowdy and more disruptive than the toddlers. We have stayed places where they were throwing people into the pool and running and knocking us grumpy old farts over.<BR><BR>Another thing, just because school is in doesn't mean there won't be rug rats running all over. Mommy and daddy are getting big into taking the little darlings OUT of school for a vaca.

The Bucuti in Aruba.

When we were at the A-I Super Clubs Grand Lido Braco in Runaway Bay Jamaica and there was was an adult restriction of 16 and over. You could check to see if this is still in effect. A terrific resort with a huge swimming pool, long beach and modeled after a Jamaican village.

You said no Sandals, but have you looked at Couples in Jamaica? We had a wonderful time there and NO KIDS. I totally understand where you are coming from!

Biras Creek!!!

ooh, and Swept Away! Yes, its an AI in Jamaica, but NOT Sandals!!!

Meridian Club, Pine Cay, TCI

Thanks all! I can't wait to try some of these. Happy travels

It is interesting to see the posts about El Conquistador bc I have been there, and the kids were EVERYWHERE!! We couldn't even relax by the pool with all the screaming!!! Argh! ANyway, we prefer hotels with few children too, and we ALWAYS go for Ritz or Four Season hotels. The Ritz in St. Thomas and Maui are our favorite. Yes, there are a FEW children there, but the parents tend to put them in the Ritz Kids Club sothey too can have a little peace. You NEVER see them. They are off doing fun activities, etc. It is SO peaceful at the Ritz in St. Thomas. We have been there five times now!! The summer rates are CHEAP. We go there and hold up there the whole time.

LAURA,<BR> BEACHES VARADERO, IN CUBA.ADULTS ONLY,AND IT IS ENFORCED.EXCELLENT.NOT SO GOOD IF YOUR AMERICAN.

My vote is also for Bucuti in Aruba. Small, quiet, charming resort that caters to couples on a beautiful, large, uncrowded stretch of beach. For peaceful r & r, it doesn't get any better. http://www.bucuti.com/english/home/index.htm

Try the small hotels and cvillas scattered along cliffs in Negril. There are several options on the stretch of the cliffs, and due to the fact that there is generally a 20 to 30 foot drop to the water, many do not cater well to kids. <BR><BR>Hubby and I stayed at the Caves, which is part of the island outpost group. They have an age limit of 16 years old. It was a fantastic place, can't say enough good things about it.<BR><BR>www.islandoutpost.com<BR><BR>Also check out the Rockhouse. Really cool place.<BR><BR>Lastly, what about chartering your own crewed monohull? Could do the BVIs or Grenadines for about the same price as a week at a luxury hotel.<BR><BR>have fun!<BR>AmyK

You might like the Golden Lemon in St. Kitts--adult oriented and outstanding cuisine!