Hello-
I am trying to plan a trip in early November '08 for my entire family which includes 8 adults and 7 children (ages 2-10). We are looking for an easy to get to (direct from Boston) -upscale or nicer kid friendly resort. We are open to any part of FL. We were originally looking in the Carribean but had to change plans due to scheduling.

We're looking for:
Separate villa/condos/suite for each family.

Possibly a kitchen/ette if there aren't many restaurants on site. We don't want to go out for meals with kids every time so on site breakfast and lunch would be great.

Kiddie pool - and possibly a kids program but not necessary.

Also, convenient to a market or a shop if need to use kitchens.

Something relaxed but has a beautiful, nice atmosphere where the adults and children will feel comfortable.
I hope I'm not too specific... but we don't know where to begin to look!

Thanks you so much!

Although reviews can be very mixed, we really like the Boca Resort and Club in Boca raton FL. It has an area called "the Bungalows" that are apartments, reminiscent of Melrose place. each has a full really nice kitchen. the bungalow rooms are gorgeous- think W hotel modern and nice. The resort also has a kids' program-- we haven't used it yet as my DD is a toddler, but it seems great. the bungalows have their own pool separate from the resort.

A few catches-- the main hotel and the bungalows are not on the beach,but you can take a shuttle or a boat launch to the beach club part of the resort that is on the beach. Lounge chairs and umbrellas provided. Second catch- the main resort is a short (7 min?) walk from the rest of the resort. Also, if you have a child who needs a bed, you have to book a 2 bedroom suite-- no more than 2 allowed in the one bedroom suites. Another catch- some people feel a little nickel and dimed at this resort, but if you go in knowing what to expect, it's fine. We've stayed there 4 times and intend to keep coming back.

Oh, and you can walk to mizner park for shopping and there's a CVS nearby, etc. It's right in Boca raton.

and I meant to say that the main resort is a 7 min walk from the bungalows. sorry!

If you are looking for something upscale, than Boca Raton (eastside) is your best option. Regarding family friendly, Deerfield Beach (just south of Boca) has some great Bungalow rentals off of A1A.

check out Watercolor, a resort and inn near the Florida panhandle. It's a bit harder to get to than southern FL. but has really fabulous amenities and a superb beach that is much less crowded than others in more well-visited areas. They have a website- not sure what it is-just google Watercolor, FL.

You want South Seas Resort on Captiva.

Thank you so much for the responses. I'm going to look into them.
I have a quick question about South Seas. If you stay on the South end of the island/resort where the cottages are do you have to drive to the main area (north end?)where the restaurants are? We will have little kids with us and won't want to load them into the car just each time we need to eat or do something. Just curious... I'm just going off of the resort map they have on their site.
Thank you!

Re South Seas Resort there are restaurants at both ends and a shuttle bus.