Upscale for visitors but still mellow, these sister islands are in the western Caribbean, in the scattering of small islands that curve downward, past Puerto Rico.

St. Kitts is a small luxuriant island, only 5 miles wide but with variety. Hikes in the rainforest, tours of a dormant volcano crater, fortress and plantation house tours, scuba and snorkeling are some of the activities on St. Kitts.

The St. Kitts Marriott is a large resort with 636 guest rooms, 114 suites, kids club, freeform pools. Outings include a trip to the rain forest,10-minute taxi ride to Turtle Beach for snorkeling; tour around the perimenter of the island including a restored fortress; and a short ferry ride to Nevis.

Nevis -- just 7 miles long and 5 miles wide-- is known for its beautiful mountain and lush greenery.

The Four Seasons Nevis has won many accolades (such as Condë Nast Traveler's 2005 Gold List of Top Caribbean Resorts), and is family-friendly, with complimentary All Seasons kid's club for ages 3 to 9, Entertainment Centre for teens, has board games, computer games, foosball, Ocean Pool for families is right by the sea, playground for small kids, and more.

• Find out more about the Four Seasons Nevis, for families
• photos of Four Seasons Nevis
• St. Kitts Marriott, for families
• photos of St. Kitts Marriott