Need a Vacation Idea

I'm trying to line up a family vacation for early May and having trouble zeroing in on a destination. Hoping someone can suggest an option that can meet all of the following criteria.

1. Beach resort destination - island or otherwise...we're ok flying somewhere
2. Family friendly - we've got a 3 1/2-year old and a 1-year old...prefer a resort with kids activities
3. Nice facility - doesn't need to be the Ritz, but we don't get to take much vacation, so we like to make it count
4. Not Disney - we're punting on Mickey and friends until both kids are old enough to enjoy

My first thought was Atlantis, but they want $600+/night for a decent sized room. Ideas welcome.

Happy Holidays!

 

Sheraton Sands Key in Clearwater, Florida (fly into Tampa).

We went last year and loved it. Our 4 year old had a blast as there was lots in the area to do. Numerous "ranked" beaches, a pirate ship cruise with entertainment (adults can drink too), and Busch Gardens nearby.

We may go back again this year as we enjoyed it so much! Weather was great too and we went in May!

 

the westin in st. john. the island itself is gorgeous (i'm a little biased - we got married there). the westin has great activities for the kids (iguana feedin anyone?), and a gorgeous pool. while the beach isn't fantastic there, you can rent a jeep and see the many beautiful beaches on the island. it's safe, and there are great restaurants too.

now, here's the tip - take a look at eBay. people have timeshares that they try to sell because they can't use them. you can often end up with a villa for $1500 for the week. if you didn't have kids i would say look into renting a villa, but the westin has so many great options for kids so it sounds like that might be the better bet for you.

 

Not cheap in May tho to actually stay at the Westin.

WE LOVE ST. JOHN!!!
- 2/3 of the island is a National Park
- Underwater snorkling trail
- Can darn near get your own beach!
- Cruz Bay is the main "city". Great restaurants and some nice shopping
- Woody's - Seafood Saloon! (cleaned up version for the uninitiate! )
- Not crowded!

We bought into Starwood Vacations in a large part due to this place.

 

C'mon... we're talking family-friendly here... clean it up, T8.

 

Woody's is a very popular local establishment.

http://www.woodysseafood.com/

 

http://www.fdrholidays.com/ They have two resorts in Jamaica & are all inclusive - INCLUDING a vacation nanny that you can use the time you're there. If you don't use them for the kids, they clean up & re-stock your room. I've heard good things about them even though we haven't been able to try yet. I think the "Pebbles" resort is more casual & the FDR resort is probably more upscale? If you go..let me know how it is

 

Disney's Hilton Head or Vero Beach resorts are nice; great for families and are not "theme" parks . . .

 

Captiva Island in Florida - South Seas Plantation. As a three year resident of Florida at one time, my wife and I discovered this gem. In later years, this was our family destination several times. The Bubble Room and shelling (really amazing shells) are the big draws. Beautiful beaches - not very crowded. May will be the beginning of off season so it will be less crowded and maybe a little less expensive.

Little Cayman has three resorts (and no other buildings) that are more beach camps and rustic. No vehicles on the island - bike everywhere. That was a fun vacation as well. The most northern exposure where the Southern Cross is visible (cue the Crosby Stills and Nash music).

Have fun!!

 

Great Wolf Lodge. Talk about kids activities. You got it!! Will have to really watch your kids being it's an indoor water park, but they have a ton of things for kids and they'll really enjoy it. Last time we went, I had a 1 1/2, 3 1/2 and 5 year old. That was this time last year and they are ALL still asking when we can go back.

 

Been to the Westin on St John. VERY NICE! Also, we love cruising on the RCCL line. More classic, but lots of activites to do for the kids and grown up and not so..er' unclassy or vegassy as Carnival...please peeps, Do not get mad or vicious at me for that...um, plug...

 

We actually liked Massanutten better than Great Wolf Lodge, and it is a closer drive! Easier walking to the water slides and no traffic, like there is to Williamsburg.

Massanutten also has skiing, tubing, fishing, canoeing, etc. too.

 

Just a reminder--the family is looking for a BEACH destination

 

We've had a good experience (and other friends recommended) with Apple Vacations. Go to applevacations.com and see what they have on sale for your timeframe. Depending on how long you want to stay there are some very good deals. We enjoyed a week at Riu Tequila near Cancun and the quoted price included airfare, ground transportation from the airport, room and all food and drink for the four of us. Riu Tequila is a kids stay play and eat free resort. We liked it so much we went to the same place a second time. The second time the travel agent we found on the Apple Vacations site steered us to Funjet instead, with no noticeable difference in the quality of service (maybe they pay commissions faster or something). I still prefer Applevacations.com to search on, because it's much easier to find good deals.

 

Thanks for all the recommendations. We actually went off the board and booked a 2BR Villa at the Marriott St. Kitts. We've been to nearby Nevis and absolutely loved it, so we're excited to return. The resort received many positive reviews on tripadvisor.com and was rated well for families...they have a Marriott Kids Club that our oldest will enjoy. It's about half the price of Atlantis, but we still get a nice 1200 sq. foot villa at a 4-star resort. It's also got a casino where I can waste all the money we'll save. We'll report back in May with a review.

 

my mother was born on St Kitts, she said it's the most beautiful place on earth! biased...lol enjoy!