1/6 Ital Rest Cottages, Jamaica
Overview: Each of the cottages at Ital Rest has two breezy bedrooms with private bathrooms, and terraces overlooking the Santa Cruz mountains and the sea. A kitchen means you can cook at home, and there’s a lovely Rastafari-style café serving wholesome vegetarian food. Hosts Frankie and Jeanne have created an atmosphere that lets modern stresses melt away (note that bedrooms are candlelit, with no electricity). Stay here and you’ll be getting a truly laid-back Caribbean experience in one of the loveliest parts of Jamaica.
Price: Cottages from $66 per night (April to November); from $86 per night (December to March).
2/6 Sea-U Guesthouse, Barbados
Overview: Managed by Uschi, a travel writer, who created it in a traditional Barbadian style, the Sea-U Guesthouse is set in a spot well-known for its excellent surfing. There’s a selection of studios and suites, which are all well-equipped and tastefully presented. Many feature antiques and locally crafted furnishings and artwork – and all offer incredible views of tropical gardens and the ocean. Breakfast, served in the lovely gazebo restaurant where you can also dine in the evening, is complimentary. But there are also kitchens in the rooms. It’s the perfect base for a classic Caribbean holiday.
Price: Studios from $120 per night in summer; from $160 per night in winter.
3/6 True Blue Bay Resory & Villas, Grenada
Overview: A converted inn, this well-thought-out resort is ideal for families. There’s plenty to keep children active, including a pool and playgrounds with swings, slides, toys and complimentary kayaks and sail boats. Pick up the free shuttle to Grand Anse beach, where there are lovely waterfront restaurants. Or come back to eat at True Blue’s Dodgy Dock, where you’ll be given free drinks. There’s even a babysitting service. Under-12s stay free and breakfast is included – both of which help bring costs down and make this one of the most affordable places to stay on Grenada.
Price: Rooms from $145.
4/6 Blue Horizons Garden Resort, Grenada
Overview: They understand family holidays at Blue Horizons Garden Resort. Under-16s stay free when sharing with parents and adjoining kids’ suites can be booked for up to 50 per cent off. Under-12s also eat free from the children’s menu. It’s a great value considering its gorgeous location amid tropical gardens close to Grand Anse beach. There’s plenty to do, including a children’s playground and a freshwater swimming pool.
Price: Apartments from $130 per night (mid-April to mid-December); from $177 per night (mid-December to mid-April).
5/6 Guavaberry Spring Bay, British Virgin Islands
Overview: Each house at this relaxed resort on Virgin Gorda has old-world charm and a deck from which you can take in views over the neighboring islands. And, as all come with kitchens, you can prepare meals here rather than eating out every day. A lovely beach, just a few minutes’ walk away, offers clear, warm and safe water that’s ideal for little swimmers and some great snorkeling opportunities. The resort has plenty of diving equipment available to rent. All in all, it’s a great base for enjoying this peaceful island.
Price: Houses from $125 per night (mid-April to mid-December); from $2100 per night (mid-December to mid-April).
6/6 Paradise Villas, Little Cayman
Overview: There are 12 villas at Paradise, just 50 ft from the sea. All come with a kitchenette, but if you do want to eat out, Paradise Villas has its own restaurant, the Hungry Iguana – or the Iggy – named in honor of the iguanas that outnumber residents on Little Cayman. It serves local fish and seafood. All the villas have porches, which are ideal for playing, reading or just watching the sunset. Rent bikes and ride around the island or try snorkeling at Bloody Bay, which offers some of the best underwater vistas in the Caribbean.
Price: Villas from $158 per night (mid-April to mid-December); from $165 per night (mid-December to mid-April).