nice family resort in St. Thomas or Cancun?

[Anonymous]

Never been either place, but heard there are direct flights and would like to give one a try.

Would be looking for a nice resort that isn't outrageously expensive. Good for small kids. And not beseiged by spring-breakers. Any recommendations?

[Anonymous]

This may not be what you're looking for but...

Maho Bay on St. John's is delightful. It's an "eco-resort" with accommodations ranging from tents, to cabins, to small houses w/ modern amenities. They have lodging on both the "busy side" and "quiet side" of the island. There are other hotels and resorts on the island, but Maho was the most affordable. St. John's is mostly national forest, so it doesn't have nightlife and tons of shopping. We took a day-trip to St. Thomas, and I was glad we hadn't stayed there (I LIVE in a city, I don't want to vacation in one!). On St. John there are a few great restaurants and shops, lots of fabulous hiking trails and miles of beaches. Getting there is a bit of a pain (fly to St. Thomas, taxi to the ferry, ferry to St John, rent a car when you get there). But, totally worth it if you want a relaxing, peaceful place. I haven't taken kids there (I was 8 weeks pregnant, no pina coladas for me ), but it seems very family friendly. My husband and I daydream about the days when our boys will be about 6 and 8, and we can't wait to take them!

[Anonymous]

The issue with St. Johns is that if something happens there is no medical care on the island and you need to hop onto the ferry to get any sort of treatment...just something to keep in mind when you are traveling with children.

There are many resorts in the Mayan Riviera area of Mexico that are great for families. The Fairmont Mayakoba comes to mind as does the Paradisus Resort (which is All Inclusive).

[Anonymous]

Cancun is very kid-friendly. I really like the JW Marriott. The Ritz has a good kids program and you can get good deals sometimes. They are both located in the hotel zone of Cancun that doesn't have as many springbreakers as other locations. Cancun is easy to navigate and there are a lot of restaurants, shopping and activities that are walking distance.

There are some kid friendly resorts on St. Thomas, but if you are going to stay longer than a couple days, it may get boring. it is expensive to take a cab on the island and it can get boring being in one location. St. John is nice. very quiet. some resorts have a no kid policy. I think Cancun would be the best bet.

[Anonymous]

I have done much research and I think the only places (carribean) you can fly nonstop from here are San Juan, Bahamas, Aruba, Jamaica (from BWI). And also Cancun for Mexico.
I think you have to change planes for St. thomas. If I'm wrong -- let me know!
We have done San Juan (Ritz carlton -- just ok -- not very good considering the cost), Cancun (ritz carlton -- much better and better kids program), Bahamas (Cove atlantis -- great and lots to do, but of course the atlantis is super cheesy) and are about to go to Bahamas again (the reef atlantis -- cheesy works well for preschoolers )
I have heard great thinks about the Fairmont Mayakoba on othe Mayan Riviera. Heard not such great thinks about the new Mandarin oriental there.

[Anonymous]

I am a diver, and a Cozumel, MX fan.
It is relatively inexpensive, and there are plenty of All inclusives, which are nice when traveling with kids. Usually we did breakfast and lunch on site, then go into town for dinner. There is a town square that has all kinds of activity on weekends--bands, food stands, a crazy guy on stilts, craft vendors, etc, etc. It is a lot of fun to go and let your kid run around a bit, and listen to the live music, people watch, etc.
Cozumel is pretty laid back atmosphere, just find out when the cruise ships will be in and stay away from town on those days--the sidewalks get pretty crowded. I use a company called Bay Adventures www.bayadventures.com they are out of FL they have good deals, imo. Some resorts I have been to, and would recommend (not super fancy, but good enough) Hotel Cozumel, Fiesta Americana.