Spring Trip with 7 & 5 y/o
 

Hello to this helpful group!

A few years ago, this group was tremendous in helping us figure out a vacation destination. For our week-long low-key family vacation, we ended up in Anguilla at a lovely small hotel (Anacoanda Hotel). It was perfect! We were on the beach, the water mostly calm, the hotel was small and we could walk to other hotel restaurants along a beautiful stretch of beach. At the time, our kids were younger. Our needs weren’t much then, we’re looking for a bit more now…

We are looking once again at the Caribbean, and are trying to zero in on an island. I know BVI and USVI were hit really hard this year and I’m not certain they’ll be ready for us in March. That said, would love to hear your thoughts. We are flying from NYC so can get most places pretty easily and are not worried about switching planes or adding a boat ride into the mix.

We are looking for an island that will allow us and kids (ages 7 & 5) to enjoy beach/water activities (walk-in snorkeling would be amazing!), kayaking, boating, maybe seeing some tortoises? Day fishing, or hiking excursions would be an added bonus. We would like to stay away from large resorts and hotels with lots of bells and whistles, in general we won’t take advantage of what they have to offer. For example, we don’t need a kids club or all-inclusive food plans, but we do need a hotel - not a rental home. I envision spending most of our time at the hotel, and taking one or two excursions to local happenings/attractions...etc.

We’re adventurous, and would to really get a sense of an island’s culture. Though we are primarily looking at the Caribbean, we would consider the Yucatan or Belize as possibilities.

I’m hoping some of you will have great suggestions for islands, and maybe even small boutique, family friendly hotels. Budget-wise, we are aiming for $200/night.

Thanks all and hope you can help us again.

Best,
J

The Akumal area of Mexico offers all you say you want. Gorgeous beach, snorkeling off the beach, sea turtles, culture, etc.

Agree with schemer. You might also look at Playa del Carmen.

One thing, you $200/night budget for a room that will accommodate 4 people (even though 2 are children) is on the low side for most islands in March as that's still "High Season" in the Caribbean. Mexico tends to be much more budget friendly so concentrate your search there.

Other "budget friendly" destinations include Belize and Roatan so those are options to consider.

Check out Cape Santa Maria on Long Island Bahamas - small and family friendly. Simple rooms on a stunning beach. One of the best beaches I have ever stepped on...and we have been to many islands including Anguilla. Simple hotel. It has condos that are newer and priced higher as well. I would recommend renting a car for a couple of days to explore other beaches and island sights. Fishing/snorkeling tours can be arranged by the hotel I believe. The island is low key so I suggest to look up the reviews on tripadvisor to make sure it suits your needs. we love LI but its not everyone's cup of tea.

Yes, Akumal is definitely on our list to consider. Continuing to look at Bahamas and Barbados too.

Thank you!

Playa del Carmel is quite touristy imo. And we did find a charming boutique hotel that actually kicked us out when we arrived because they didn't accept kids.
I saw afterwards that a lot of ´boutiqu ´were kids free.
And I didn't feel kids that welcome overall in Pkaya.

Wewent several times to Saint Martin.
Cheap. Not that touristy (French side) good food. Snorkelling kayak etc.
Friendly people. Seemed to me a lot speak English
But yes hurricane brought some devastation. We are set to go on Feb 2018 so I didn't check right now.

Your budget is extremely low, you can’t even do most of East coast beaches on that. Really your budget leaves out Bahamas and Barbados.

You’re really left with Mexico, or anywhere Central America. Punta Cana is in budget but all are all inclusive, and everyone stays at Resort

So Akumal or Isla Mujeries sounds like closet to wants and budget

Originally I was going to suggest Turks and Caicos, as similar to Anguilla but better snorkeling (and a little more family friendly) but the closet in budget is Grace Bay Townhomes, which is $350 nightly. You can walk a little, but would need a car mostly to go snorkel (only 5 minutes away)

Virgin Islands even if ready, have everything you want but 2-3 times your nightly budget. They’re cleaning up quickly, some areas might be ready late spring, but you need to increase budget

Ok, so let's say we increase our budget to $400/night - in order to look at Barbados or Bahamas. What are the options then? I've heard turks and caicos, while beautiful, is not the place if you want to feel like you are leaving the country, could be Florida really...

Thanks!

For the out islands in the Bahamas your budget per night is sufficient. The cape should be $350 a night.

Turks and Caicos is nothing like Florida, though it won't offer the same different culture vibe as some of the other islands. If that's important to you, you should rule out Grand Cayman and Aruba, too, both of which are pretty commercialized. However, keep in mind that the islands mentioned above are some of the most family friendly in the Caribbean, since they offer American style amenities, decent medical care, and are relatively easy to get to from most U.S. destinations.

$350 for 4 in March? All the places in our islands I’ve stayed that would be a stretch

$200 in March is not realistic anywhere in Caribbean for 4