Where in the Caribbeans For Travel?

[Anonymous]

We taking our first true family vacation since DS was borned last November. We're sure a handful DCUMers have traveled to the Caribbeans and can provide us with some suggestions. Wondering if you can give me some recommendations on which island(s) to consider for a family vacation with a 14-month-old. What is there to do on the island with a toddler who is still learning how to walk? How convenient would it be on that island to purchase diapers, food? How medically equipped is the place, and is it safe? TIA.

[Anonymous]

We went to the La Romana area of Dominican Republic when son was 16 months...he fell sick and the medical facilities were horrifying. Would never return due to that.

We went to Playacar area of Mexico following year, was awesome. Sandos Playacar Resort has great white sand that doesn't burn little feet, gentle surf (most days), and so family friendly. Ice cream machines on the beach! The have a kids club too but the kids need to be 3. It was one resort we decided that we'd have to go back to. Good luck and have fun. Depends on where you go...mostly I'd say to bring diapers as the prices are much higher at resorts. Food--our son just ate at the resort no problems although he didn't like the milk there. We used to be anti All Inclusive during our jaunts to the Caribben pre kids. Now its the only way we roll--buffet is your friend. No wait no muss although the quality is not top notch. Lastly pack a few sandtoys they gouge you at the resort shops. But in playacar there is a walmart a $5 cab ride if you wanted to go.

[Anonymous]

I highly recommend Grand Cayman. This isn't a third-world country like most of the islands in the Caribbean. In fact, it is quite wealthy and has all the creature comforts of home. They have a full-service grocery store like you'd find here on Seven Mile Beach (the area where most of the resorts are). And their medical facilities are fully equipped (as reported by a colleague who was injured while on vacation). We've been there three times and it's our favorite island by far b/c of its beauty and its safety (no real poverty there like most of the other islands -- including the USVI). Wise of you to consider medical facilities. While on vacation on St. John we saw parents struggle when their 5 year old cut his foot badly on the beach and was told that they would need to take a ferry to St. Thomas in order to get medical care -- and then they described the various options. On Grand Cayman, I suggest you look into the Westin. If money is no option, then the newer Ritz Carlton would be a more indulgent option. If you are on a budget, then I suggest the Courtyard Marriott -- very clean and nice. It caters primarily to business travellers. We stayed there with our toddler a couple years ago for a spur of the moment trip and were impressed. The staff learned our son's name and went out of their way to be helpful (told us about neighborhood playgrounds, made him PBJ sandwiches and gave him milk at the bar The hotel is just across the street from the beach where they have a beach bar, chairs, umbrellas, etc. so you don't have an obstructed view of the ocean. The hotel doesn't have balconies, which was a plus since we were travelling with our active toddler. The Westin is quite nice and oceanfront. The Ritz is fabulous and has perhaps the best beach on the island. Stay away from the Marriott resort -- the last two trips it still hadn't recovered from hurricane damage and had absolutely no beach and a musty smell. The island is very safe so you can easily rent a car and travel around. There are tons of great family-friendly restaurants and everyone is really cool -- lots of british expats as wait staff.

[Anonymous]

Anyone else have suggestions/ideas? I'm not the original poster, but we're also looking for a Caribbean vacation spot.

[Anonymous]

No specific recs of places to stay, but Barbados also has high quality medical care and is safe. Its on our list of islands to see, but there are no direct flights so we'll probably wait until DS is older.

[Anonymous]

I am a former DC Urban Mom who lives in St. Lucia, and have traveled a lot through the Caribbean for work. Generally, I would suggest bringing your own baby food and diapers wherever you go in the Caribbean (except Puerto Rico). It will be a lot cheaper and you will get exactly what you want. In terms of medical care, St. Lucia has a good, small, private hospital, but if something really serious ever happened, I personally would get my daughter medivaced to Martinique (right next door), Barbados, Trinidad, or Puerto Rico. But for your basic stuff, you would be fine here. My daughter's pediatrician is excellent, as are all of the other drs we have used.

What to do in the islands with a 14 month old... I would choose a place with a pool and a beach and then spend a lot of time at both (btw, bring your own suntan lotion, it is a lot cheaper). You might also take a small boat ride. Often there is live music at the resorts, which your child might like. Some resort are known for being especially great for kids - playground, kiddie pools, staff gushes over your baby, etc. Here in St. Lucia, Windjammer Resort would be a good bet. Small hotels can be nice too. Ginger Lily in Rodney Bay St. Lucia can be good with a family, because some of the rooms have kitchenettes, there is a small pool right there, and it is right across the street from the beach - easy to go back and forth for naps, etc.

I hope this is helpful.

[Anonymous]

Look into Turks and Caicos too. We have brought our toddler there twice now. All the accomodations are 'condo" style and all modern conveniences are available to you on the island.