Which Caribbean resort in July/August is best with a 4 year old and family vacation

[Anonymous]

Can anyone recommend an upscale Caribbean hotel/resort that would be good with kids or even Bermuda. We would want to do fun stuff with DC so definitely need location that would be toddler/preschool age kid friendly, but still have stuff for adults. A few hours here and there in a kids club would also be nice during the day. However, wanted to know how safety and security conscious these clubs are and which ones have people felt the most comfortable with regarding this concern. Also which resorts have good nanny or babysitting services in the evening? Thanks

[Anonymous]

Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman. I have not used it (kids not old enough) but, their kids program is supposed to be great and when I've seen the kids in the program at the resort they look happy and like they are having fun and it always looks like the instructors are doing a good job.

Resort is just a few years old and in good condition. Has restaurants, shopping, evening kids activities (in addition to the kids program), tennis, golf, two pools (the non-main pool is never crowded), pool and beach food and beverage service...etc...

From what I understand Grand Cayman is one of the safest, if not the safest islands in the Caribbean. Also, July/August is not the peak season for this resort so that's a good time to go if you want to avoid crowded amenities and get lower prices.

You can get there via Miami on American Airlines, and via Charlotte on US Air--Cayman Air also runs direct flights from Dullas (but not, as of yet, during the summer).

[cmkeough]

We went to Atlantis in Nov 2009 with DD (who was just shy of 2 at the time). Stayed at the Reef and it was fantastic. DD enjoyed the water and there are so many water attractions it was overwhelming. Not to mention going to the aquarium, that was lots of fun for her. They do have kids programs but she was too young for that, but we will definitely go back when she's older.

DH and I went there before without DD and stayed at the Cove and had a great time. There are plenty of things to do within the property and it's completely safe and they offer shuttle services around Paradise Island. I was actually amazed at how many kids (ages 9 and up) that were riding the shuttle without parent supervision in the evening. I personally wouldn't allow it, but from what I understand it's very safe there. We didn't venture off of Paradise Island our most recent trip since we couldn't take advantage of any kids programs, but honestly you don't need to leave the Island/property.

FWIW - I did hear that some people stay on Paradise Island at some of the other properties (not owned by Atlantis) and can get a day pass to use the facilities at Atlantis. A much cheaper alternative. Although Atlantis does have deals where you can buy 3 nights and stay a 4th free, and we also had two rebates of $300 (totalling $600) from our stay in November (but I think that was because we had 2 rooms). You just need to see if they are offering any discounts or tourism deals to help boost travel to the country.

Also, went to Grand Cayman in May of 2009 (without DD) and wasn't all that impressed with the Island. The Ritz was indeed nice, but the town wasn't much to write home about IMO. Their turtle farm was really sad, very overpopulated with turtles. Neat to see the turtles at different stages (babies, etc...) but the adult areas were grossly out of control with turtles.

If we hadn't just been to Atlantis for Thanksgiving, we'd be heading there in August ourselves. That's how SUPER kid friendly they are there.

Happy travelling!
CK

[Anonymous]

You know that is hurricane season, right? The deals are great, but be ready to cancel the trip if bad weather comes calling.

[Anonymous]

I am considering a trip right now for July for a 4 and 1 year old to Iberostar Paraiso Maya in Riviera Maya or Iberostar Rose Hall Suites in Jamaica. I did a ton of research and I think these are the best although I am nervous about the weather and possible mosquitos. And I can't decide between Mexico or Jamaica. Please post if anyone has advice on this. What did you decide to do?

[Anonymous]

OP: Are you on a budget? Bermuda's not inexpensive.

PP: Mexico is a dicey these days. I'd go with Jamaica.

Hurricanes: Yes! I know people whose trips have been ruined by the weather. The season intensifies as we get closer to mid- and late-August but there risk is there in July, too. Call insuremytrip.com for weather-related coverage.