With so many Caribbean islands to choose from, planning a Caribbean holiday that meets the needs of every family member can seem challenging, especially if you prefer to indulge in some luxuries. To help make the most of your precious family vacation, we’ve rounded up a list of the top 5 Caribbean destinations for luxury family escapes. These destinations have something for everyone, whether you’re traveling with toddlers or adult kids.
- Jamaica
As the fourth largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica offers everything that every family could ever want. It’s a land of reggae and stunning beaches with lots of water sports to delight kids and adults. In addition, the island exudes an easy-going atmosphere with numerous luxury family villas that come with amenities like standby nannies and kids’ clubs.
Jamaica is a tropical island home to lush rainforests and mountainous terrain, making it a haven for families who love to explore nature. For the more adventurous family members, why don’t you try zip-lining through Jamaica’s lush jungles? There are several areas on the island to enjoy zip-lining, but the most popular is Mystic Mountain. Kids who love wildlife should try swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove in Moon Palace Resort. The resort also offers interactive programs for kids of all ages, where they learn more about marine life and conservation.
Your family trip to Jamaica won’t be complete without visiting the beaches. Negril is one of Jamaica’s best beaches for families. It has crystal-clear waters with gentle waves, making it an excellent choice for families with little kids. The beach also comes with sun loungers where adults can relax as they watch over their little swimmers, although lifeguards are also on duty.
- Grenada
For families seeking an authentic Caribbean vacation experience, head to Grenada, a lovely island home to spectacular beaches, mystic rainforests, magical waterfalls, and lush botanical gardens. Grenada is an English-speaking nation home to some of the friendliest locals. Families with kids will feel at home when going out and about on the island.
Families who love nature and adventure will find a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy in Grenada. The Grand Etang National Park, home to the beautiful Grand Etang Lake, is the perfect spot for families who love hiking. For the more adventurous families, experience the Grenada High Wire Canopy Obstacle Course in the middle of the rainforest.
There are various beaches suitable for every family member in Grenada. Most visitors would head to the famous Grand Anse Beach, often populated by locals and tourists. The beach also offers opportunities for fun water activities. Those who prefer somewhere quieter and want to venture away from the tourist crowds should head to La Sagesse and Levera. Adults fond of diving will find plenty of diving opportunities in Grenada, including the shipwreck site in the Caribbean.
- Barbados
Every year, thousands of families would escape to Barbados to enjoy its stunning beaches and take advantage of the warm, sunny weather. The island is also home to hotels and resorts that cater to families. There are also several amazing rental villas in Barbados that are more suitable for families looking for a more luxurious experience.
Like any Caribbean Island, the biggest draw of Barbados is its abundance of stunning beaches. There are over eighty beaches to choose from on the island. The most popular beaches are those in Sandy Lane, famous for its powdery white sands and numerous water sports. For families with kids who are into surfing, head east to Bathsheba, where you’ll find the Soup Bowl, a popular spot to ride the giant Atlantic waves.
While the kids are having fun, parents will have plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the island’s lovely atmosphere. There are numerous luxurious spas with massages and beauty treatments. Spend your evening strolling around the island’s vibrant markets and try the mouth-watering local foods. An exciting excursion that everyone will enjoy is the Atlantis Submarines Adventure, where you explore underwater to discover colourful marine life while onboard a submarine.
- St Lucia
Given its majestic mountains, several miles of unspoiled rainforest, stunning palm-fringed beaches, and sophisticated resorts, St Lucia offers the perfect setting for unforgettable family escapes in the Caribbean. Aside from the laidback relaxing vibe that you would expect from a Caribbean Island, St Lucia abounds with fun activities, making it an ideal choice for families with adventurous kids.
St Lucia boasts spectacular natural beauty. The most exciting way to take in the views is to go zip-lining. This activity will take you through the lush rainforest canopy across coffee plantations while riding a zip line. Another adventurous way to soak up the island’s rich natural habitat is hiking through the Tet Paul Nature Trail, a fairly easy route that takes around 18 minutes to complete.
A vacation to St Lucia is synonymous with luxury, making it the perfect destination for luxury family escapes in the Caribbean. There are luxury resorts that come with a personal assistant service offering you refreshing drinks and snacks the moment you arrive. Your personal assistant can also arrange island excursions on your behalf.
- Antigua
Lying along the Eastern Caribbean Sea, Antigua offers gorgeous beaches, excellent tropical weather, and numerous fun activities for kids of all ages. Whatever your preferences are, you’ll find plenty of fun activities to enjoy in Antigua as a family.
Take the family to Cade Reef on a snorkelling cruise. It’s a self-drive activity, requiring you to handle an inflatable reef rider, making for an exciting experience. You can also book a yachting cruise to explore the north coast of Antigua, where you can enjoy nature walking, visiting a turtle conservancy, and other fun activities.
The North Sound Marine Park is another lovely spot to enjoy outdoor adventures, such as eco-touring, kayaking, and climbing in and around Antigua’s majestic Red Mangrove Forest. Kids who love wildlife should visit Antigua’s Donkey Sanctuary in St John’s. It houses over 150 donkeys, and kids can get close to these cute animals!
