If you’re looking for a family holiday that offers amazing hotels; sun-kissed, white-sand beaches; calm, crystal clear waters; plenty of family-friendly activities and a swashbuckling sense of history then Antigua could be just the ticket.
It’s a well known and oft repeated fact that Antigua has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, but don’t be mistaken for thinking that this is a case of quantity over quality. They might be numerous, but they’re also sugar-sand, washing-ad white affairs straight out of your desert island dreams.
There is however, so much more to Antigua than just the beaches. Take an eco tour exploring the pristine reefs just offshore, accompanied by former Olympian Eli Fuller. Discover quaint local villages by Segway, get a unique view of the island’s lush rain forests by zip wire or delve into the island’s piratical past with a visit to Nelson’s Dockyard.
When it comes to choosing where to stay you’ll also be spoiled for choice as Antigua is home to some of the finest luxury hotels in the Caribbean, offering impeccable service, incomparable luxury and style aplenty. What might surprise you though is how many of them are also great for kids.
Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort has its Rose Buds programme for children aged 3-11, which offers a huge variety of complimentary water sports and activities such as Little Chefs, Wildlife and Ocean Adventures, Discover Science, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dance and Sing, and Day at the Beach. Carlisle Bay has its Cool Kids Club, which is suitable for ages 6 months to 6 years, and has entertainments such as lizard hunting, treasure hunts and arts and crafts, whilst Crew Blue (7-12 yrs) and Crush (13-18 yrs) offer a brilliant array of activities for older children.
Curtain Bluff has just launched it’s new CEEBEE kids club, featuring a shaded base camp located on the child-friendly beach. It’s completely free and offers everything from chocolate making to crab races, mocktail lessons at the bar to designing wind chimes. For older kids there’s lots of different water sports, tennis and a superbly equipped games room.
Blue Waters has also just launched a kids club based around an exciting ‘secret garden’ for ages 4-11 yrs, which offers everything from arts & crafts, football, tennis and cricket to jewellry design, ice cream trips and team challenges. A crèche is also available for younger guests.
But there’s more to a family holiday than just the kids club and these resorts offer some truly exciting options. Jumby Bay gives children the opportunity to become involved in the marine conservation work at the hotel through their Hawksbill Turtle programme. Under the supervision of expert researchers, kids can watch a turtle nesting on the beach and participate in the release of the hatchlings into the sea. They also have the opportunity to adopt a turtle and follow it’s progress via the hotel’s Facebook page.
For a change of pace how about the Rose Buds Junior Spa Menu also at Jumby? The open-air spa, located steps from the beach, welcomes guests ages 4-16 with treatments including Beach Bliss Mani and Pedi, Mini Massage, Mini Facial, and Chillax aromatherapy.
On a more practical note Curtain Bluff serves early dinners to their youngest guests outside on the terrace at 6.00pm. Babysitters can then look after children back in the room, freeing up parents for leisurely dinners and dancing.
With convenient direct flights from the UK, short hotel transfers, and wonderfully welcoming locals, Antigua really is the perfect place for a stress-free escape that will be perfect for parents and children alike.
For more information about taking your family to Antigua, call our friendly team on 01431 9700
