Planning a beach vacation with small children...open to suggestions!
 

My husband and I are planning a summer vacation to the beach. I have a 1 yr. old and 5 yr. old that we want to come with us. We hope to spend 7-10 days and are thinking either the Caribbean or Central America. We would love to be at a resort type of place and don't have to ever leave. We just want a beautiful beach, pools, possibly a "kids club" for a few hours alone here and there, and a comfortable, nice room. Anyone out there have a place in mind? I am a beach lover and have not been able to go in a long time, I am thrilled I can go this summer and I think about it everyday!!!

Hi, I have not yet been to the Caribbean but will be there in late Jan. I am not sure about the "kids club" thing. Have you tried looking into a Club Med resort? Don't know if there is one there or not. I think with small children I might choose the Caribbean over Central America. Just a feeling I have. Let me know what you decide. I have been to Central America.

Try any of the Beaches Resorts. Great kids program.

Hi Peterbom-<BR>We have a 12 month old and a three year old and have extensively researched appropriate Caribbean resorts that cater to young children. You will find that the nicer the resort it, the older your child must be to be accepted into their Kids Club. That said, we've made a short list of places we would like to visit that meet our requirements: Beaches T and C (although many think it's overpriced and overrun with children), Club Med Punta Cana (but, youngest child must be age two or older), Crowne Paradise Club in Cancun (child must be 18 months for Kids Club), and the Gala something or other 30 minutes South of Cancun (accept children in Kids Club over age two). As you can see, you would have to wait a year or so to visit many of these places until your youngest is a bit older. The only other options that come to mind are the all-inclusives in Jamaica (FDR Pebbles, Pebbles, Beaches Negril, etc.) These properties all have child care for kids as young as age one. Another thought is, have you considered bringing along your own babysitter? I know it would be expensive to have two adjoining rooms, but it would certainly give you some privacy (the five yr old could room with the sitter) and you could have the peace of mind to leave your kids with a known and trusted sitter. Good luck with whatever you decide. I, too, think about beach vacations with my little ones every day.

I've been spending hours researching this very same thing (we have a 1yo and a 4yo). A post of mine in early December gave me a ton of great resorts to consider. Problem for us is getting there. Most of the wonderful places (i.e. Anguilla) would take a full day of travel. Not possible for us right now. I'm currently checking Grand Caymen and Jamaica because we can get a direct flight. I'll be watching this post for more ideas. Good Luck!

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I would suggest La Cabana in Aruba--suites have full kitchens and plenty of restaurants on site. There's usually lots of kids at the property and several large pools. <BR>There's an island show during the week and other activities offered. Really good bargains are available.<BR>Also, Grand Cayman has a lot of condos for rent with full kitchens. You might try Google or Lycos and type out &quot;Grand Cayman-accommodations&quot; etc. Also search for prior messages regarding condo rentals by clicking on Grand Cayman above.