Looking for a weeklong family vacation and taking my 1 1/2 & 6 year old. Looking into Cap Juluca (Anguilla)or Malliouhana, Caneel Bay in St. John, or something along those lines. Reviews dont sound that great on other sites for Cap Juluca for the $$$$. Doesnt sound too child oriented either. Dont want Atlantis, and been to Aruba, Caymans, in the past. Any suggestions for an incredible vacation. Thanks.

As you have already looked into Caneel Bay on St. John, what about the Westin on St. John? The Westin's beach is not too special but with such young kids, the Westin's facilities are more kid-oriented. St. John's otherwise gorgeous beaches are easily accessed by rental car or taxi. If you are really beach oriented then Caneel boasts 7. It is more sprawled out and I don't think they are as family-oriented but I've heard they've made some improvements in that area. The rooms are also more rustic in nature which can be a bit disappointing to folks paying the $600+/night tab. I'd go with the Westin's marble baths, big comfy beds, cable TV, largest swimming pool in the Caribbean, Kid's Klub activity program, and fancy spa services. Let us know what you decide on, dependent on the place, posters here will have additional tips.

I would not go to cap juluca there really are no child activities. I have also been to caneel bay and they did not have a pool I do think they have a kids camp. the Mali has a great kids pool but no camp so it really depends on what activities your 6 year old would like. If you can bring a nanny and enjoy! Oh please post a trip report as I have a 18 month old daughter and would like to take her away soon so I would love advise

Thank you both for your info. We have taken the kids twice to The Sands in Turks and Caicos and it was fantastic for kids. Kids pool, good reasonably priced food and perfect water. Was looking to try something else. Have stayed at the Westin in St. John's prior to children. Very nice resort. Cant believe Caneel Bay doesnt have a pool- I assumed that they would-wow! Thanks again for the info.

Caneel had a pool the last time we were there, but I never saw anyone use it. Quite an awful pool, but with the beaches its not needed. Good luck in your search. Owa

Hyatt Hacienda Del Mar in Puerto Rico -- great condo resort with all amenities, water slide, river pool, been there twice with my kids. I have also been to T & C and seen The Sands and if you liked The Sands you will love Hyatt HDM!

The Westin on St. John is very family friendly. If you want a quieter place, you may want to look at the Buccaneer on St. Croix. The beach is not too long or crowded and has small bluffs at each end, so the kiddos cannot wander too far. It is a little bit of a haul down to the beach. We stayed there a few years ago when our kids were roughly 5, 4 and 2 and did just fine. I believe there's a pool, but we hung out at the beach, which was calm. There are places in town and elsewhere to go for meals or adventure if one wants to leave the hotel.

Another vote for The Buccaneer. Their kids camp is FREE and pretty good. The beach and surf are perfect for young children (don't need to worry that they'll be swept out to sea!) and the Grotto pool is not huge but my kids have loved it just fine for seven trips.

Get a Family Cottage if you want more privacy (two rooms, one bath). Ask for Room 168 or 170 for the best views.

St. Croix's beaches are probably not as beautiful as T & C but the Buccaneer makes it worth the trip. And the restaurants on the island are very good (although not cheap).

My 5-year old loved the Buccaneer; as ccrosner said the pool is small, but perfect for kids; your 6-year old will love kids camp; and we had a babysitter (one of the women from the Front Desk) that was great and we went to town for dinner. Very kid-friendly place with plenty of restaurants where you children will be fine.

Mary in D.C.

if looking into anguilla, id recommend cuisinart..we went there last thanksgiving and had a great time. many families there that time of year and they have a kids club over xmas holiday, i think.we also went to the four seasons nevis, which also has a kids club and children activities

Look at Half Moon in Jamaica. Old style Caribbean resort that has stayed up with the times.

They provide a nanny for your little ones so you get a holiday too. The golf is good and the beach is nice. A nice mix of all inclusive and high end old style caribbean resort.

I've not been to the other resorts that are mentioned, but i agree that Westin St John is a great resort for families, and very children- oriented. There are lots of acitivities, play areas, big pool where they will meet lots of other kids, iguana feedings and a kids' club (if you want it) for them. I'm returning next summer for a week, this time wth my young grandchildren who i know will love it!

Cap Juluca caters to couples. There were 2 kids total in a filled resort of 200+ guests. Just returned from Cap Juluca earlier this week. Two kids on the beach with mom. Good thing they were quiet. They came from Ku and received A LOT of stares as people walked the beach. The attendants even put them away from everyone else. The mom was very attentive which I appreciated. The hotel does not provide toys. Some kids came later this week but maybe 2 or 3 more - tops.

Malli has a big ship with kids programs. You are better off there.

When our kids were small, we spent a number of vacations at the Almond Beach Village in Barbados. Our kids are older now but still look back on those vacations as some of their best - and kids club goes until 10pm which allowed my husband & I a quiet dinner on our own at the end of the day.