A kid-friendly resort can mean many things and the Caribbean offers a variety of options, from resorts with water parks and kids’ spa services to an off-the-beaten-path destination hosting supervised activities that give mom and dad a break.
Avalon Reef Club; Isla Mujeres, Mexico
About 20 minutes from Cancun by boat but a world away, the Avalon Reef Club is a hidden gem on its own islet. The resort is a collection of time-share properties surrounded by white-sand beaches and calm, azure waters. The main attraction of this low-key, secluded resort is the sandy beach with shallow, calm waters, making it great for little kids. It also features excellent snorkeling on a reef easily accessed from a dock.
The property has two pools, one just for children, as well as a play area accessed by a wooden bridge over the water. The resort is intimate, with about 130 rooms, but does have a spa, casino and several restaurants on site. An all-inclusive meal plan and 24-hour room service is available. Baby-sitting services can be arranged for a fee. Special rates start at $125 for a standard room. 1-888-497-4325, www.avalonreefclub.com.
Kid-friendly factor: The complimentary "Wild Thing Kids Club" offers arts and crafts, movies and time on the beach.
Beaches Boscobel; Ocho Rios, Jamaica
An all-inclusive resort on Jamaica’s north coast, Beaches Boscobel is part of the Beaches chain of Caribbean resorts. Kids have their pick of activities from a children’s golf clinic and Xbox 360 games to supervised activities with Sesame Street characters and wet fun in Pirates Island water park.
The resort has complimentary kids’ camps for infants and children up to age 17, with programs specially tailored to specific age groups. There is also an on-site nanny service available after camp hours.
Other amenities include a spa, a fitness center, billiards, five restaurants and six bars, including a swim-up bar in the pool area. Special rates start as low as $126 per person per night for a deluxe room. 1-888-232-2437, www.beaches.com/main/bo/bo-home.cfm
Kid-friendly factor: Pirates Island water park is a newly completed feature with a variety of slides suitable for all ages.
El Conquistador Resort; Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Set atop a cliff overlooking the resort-owned Palomino Island and crystal clear ocean waters, the El Conquistador Resort is a Waldorf-Astoria property that is high on luxury and still welcomes kids. Located on the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico, the resort is within driving distance to many local attractions, but many visitors never leave the resort. The property features seven pools and the newly completed Coqui Water Park. Little kids will love the toddler pool and small water slide, while the whole family can enjoy the lazy river, an 8,500-square-foot pool and a variety of slides.
Palomino Island, accessible by catamaran, has snorkeling off the beach, horseback riding, water sports and hammocks strung between the palm trees. Other treats for kids include a game room, a kids’ camp and parent-child golf events. Special rates start at $149 night for a standard room. 1-888-543-1282, www.elconresort.com.
Kid-friendly factor: The Golden Door Spa offers a "Princess" or "Prince Charming" package where kids 14 and older can indulge in a 50-minute facial and 20-minute massage, with the supervision of a parent.
Provided by Demand Studios
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