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With all the above, manageable mid-haul flights and short transfers the Caribbean ticks all the boxes for a dream family holiday, and not just for little’uns – older kids and teens will love the islands’ funky vibes, and the chance to perfect their snorkelling or learn to sail and dive. With swaying palm trees, Bougainvillea-decked villas and a different rum (or fruit) cocktail for every day of the year, these sun-drenched islands offer up exotica in bucket-and-spade loads. Just as importantly the accessibility of essential ‘must haves’ from mac’n’cheese to chilled out BBQs on the beach makes this family-spirited region a firm favourite.
The good news is that a family holiday here doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. The Caribbean’s biggest holiday market – the US – regards the region as their winter getaway, leaving the rest of the year to us sunshine-starved Brits. Come late spring, prices start to tumble leaving bargains to be snapped up, from all-inclusive resort holidays to independent villa living. With some insider info from the Caribbean experts at Turquoise Holidays, you can even snaffle a bargain during Christmas, Easter and Half Term holidays. Here’s a quick look at some of our favourite family islands and resorts. click here
A perennial family favourite, Antigua is the undisputed Caribbean Queen when it comes to relaxing holidays on the beach – there are 365 to choose from! With Carlisle Bay’s suites you’ll live like royalty too, and the resort’s Cool Kids Club will keep tots through to teens entertained. Family-owned Blue Waters welcomes youngsters with open arms and has a complimentary kids club, and a range of meal plans – so important when feeding hungry mouths! click here
Colonial living, chic dining and stylish entertainment have made this revered island a fashionable outpost for glamorous yummy mummies and their mini-babes over the decades – and it still rocks. Make the most of island life at The Colony Club, just two minutes to Holetown. Its interconnecting pool rooms are a dream for families and with no fewer than four swimming pools and free watersports at The Aqua Club, water babes and older children alike will be occupied all day long. click here
Lush rainforest and dramatic mountain peaks give this glorious island a more tropical feel. Look no further than The Landings on the north coast, where children over three will throw themselves into the kids club with sand castle building competitions, beach soccer, Caribbean dance lessons and scavenger hunts. Mum & dad can enjoy The Soleil Spa followed by a romantic rum punch on the beach before embarking on a family adventure. click here
The birthplace of Bob Marley, Jamaica is simply too cool for school and Round Hill is about as hip as it gets with a guest list of A list celebs past and present that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood – the perfect place for style-conscious youngsters to strut their stuff. The villas have two to six bedrooms and many have private pools. This private hideaway really is the ultimate base from which to explore the island of legends.
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Spice up your next Caribbean holiday with an eco-adventure. While Grenada is a tad harder to get to, the extra hop from Antigua to Tortola is worth it for the jungle, wildlife and watersports that abound here. Choose Mt Cinnamon with its trendy, colourful state-of-the-art villas yet all the charm of a local beach resort, or all-suite Spice Island Beach Resort – both are heaven-sent for the independently-minded and extended families. click here
This is the one for the teenage years when you’ve moved on from fly ‘n’ flop. The home of ‘Treasure Island’, the BVIs are weather-perfect from Christmas to Easter so when you’ve grown out of Christmas charades and muddy Easter egg hunts head for the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda where the entire family can learn to sail then cast off for a week of island-hopping, Swallows-and-Amazons-style. click here
Turquoise Holidays is one of the UK’s leading luxury family specialist.
For details of these and many more Caribbean holidays, call Turquoise Holidays on 01494 678400 or visit www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk
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