Families love their all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, but other Caribbean resorts welcome families, too. Budget alert: many of these properties are high-end.
1. Atlantis Bahamas
This legendary mega-resort has acres of "waterscape" with thrill waterslides, waterfalls, lagoons; large kids pool, and kiddie waterplay zone; Atlantis-themed underwater viewing areas; Discovery kids camp; and lots more.
2. Westin St. John, US Virgin Islands
This popular property is on St. John in "America's Caribbean", the USVI (no passport required.) This resort has kids club and family activites. Two-thirds of St. John is a National Park; be sure to explore the island. Sign up for outings, or rent a jeep and explore on your own.
3. Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Jamaica
This resort near Montego Bay has 1000 feet of shore, plus golf, kids programs, all-inclusive plans, and -- top feature for families-- its own 110,00 sq.ft private water park, with waterslides and lazy river.
4. Round Hill, Montego Bay, Jamaica
This legendary playground of the rich and famous welcomes families and even has a Pineapple Kids Club for ages 3 to 12. Kids menu too. Expect to dress in the evenings. Read about Round Hill for families in a first-hand report at the NYTimes.5. Puerto Rico: El Conquistador Resort
Photo courtesy of El Conquistador Resort & Spa.
The luxury El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa ("El Con") has 500 acres, a water park with waterslides, lazy river, kids' pool; a private island playground, with beach, watersports, cafe; kids club. This resort isn't all inclusive; on the plus side, no passport is needed, for US citizens to travel to Puerto Rico.
6. Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands
A luxury family resort, with kids programs; and one of the few resorts in the British Virgin Islands.7. One & Only Ocean Club, Bahamas
One&Only Resorts are created for the luxury travel market; this one is on Paradise Island, and welcomes families. Kiddie pool; kids' programs; and access to The Atlantis mega-resort.8. Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
Many properties in the high-end Ritz-Carlton chain are family-friendly; and this one has a special Kids Program, "Ambassadors of the Environment", created by Jean-Michel Cousteau.9. Four Seasons Nevis
Luxury resort on the small Caribbean island of Nevis, with plenty for kids and teens; and this resort often wins the AAA Five-Diamond rating. (Less than a 100 of these ratings are given out.) Nevis is a short ferry ride from St. Kitts; can be reached by plane as well.
10. The St. Kitts Marriott Resort & (adjacent) Royal Beach Casino
Long sweep of beach; three freeform pools; kids club. Families can explore the small island of St. Kitts, with lush rainforest, waterfalls, (inactive) volcano.
