The Caribbean has all the ingredients you need for the perfect family holiday: the sun never stops shining, the locals never stop smiling and the beaches are always beautiful. To help you decide where to stay, we’ve handpicked three of our favorite Caribbean resorts for families:
1/3 Sugar Bay Barbados
Aquamarine waters, friendly locals and a gorgeous year-round climate have long attracted beach-loving families to Barbados’ sandy shores. Following a million-dollar makeover, the island’s newest all-inclusive hotel, Sugar Bay Barbados, opened last year and has quickly become a firm family favourite. As well as the usual crowd-pleasing facilities (large pool, teen hut, watersports, snorkelling and so on), the hotel’s Kids Club is its real standout feature. Uniquely, they’ll take care of babies from 4 months old: music to the ears of any relaxation-starved parent longing for a couple hours off to squeeze in a sneaky spa treat.
2/3 Carlisle Bay, Antigua
A good option for luxury Caribbean family holidays, Carlisle Bay has long led the way in providing what sun-seeking parents really want: a great beach, excellent childcare (free for over-twos), welcoming staff and a host of tyke-pleasing facilities – without compromising on either style or quality. Carlisle Bay is full of little touches that make all the difference, like free kids high tea by the pool at 5pm (leaving the restaurants clear for parents to enjoy a couple of child-free hours in the evening), and a complimentary laundry service for under-twos. It’s reminiscent of the kind of resort you might have chosen pre-children; the perfect choice for families with an aversion to the idea of ‘family resorts’.
3/3 Windjammer Landing, St Lucia
Windjammer Landing is a great all-rounder: parent-pleasing, teen-approved and tot-friendly, you’ll find something to keep all ages happy. The kids club (ages 4-7) is one of the best in St Lucia, arranging adventures including horse-riding along the beach, lizard-hunting and lime & spoon races, as well as quieter playtime activities: arts and crafts, tie-dying and face-painting. The Clubhouse is open late (until 10pm) – giving parents the chance to dine alone, whilst the kids are gently distracted with a movie, or allowed to doze with milk & cookies until pick-up. There’s a teen centre, kitted out with a pool table, table-tennis, table football, movies and games. For older teens (and energetic parents), there’s a fitness centre, wellness classes and a host of watersports: Hobie-cat sailing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, tube rides and kayaking are all included.