Expert: Wendy Larsen - 8/23/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have traveled throughout the Caribbean and often times rent a villa for a week.

I'm interested in hearing your opinion on "the best" A I in the Caribbean that would accept an infant as a guest.

We truly don't like big / 1000 things to do places.  Just a beautiful (maybe small) resort on a beautiful beach, with great food and great rooms....AND A SAFE ISLAND.

Is there such a place?

ANSWER: Hi Rob,

There are many AI's that will accept infants, however if you are looking for a property that offers "babysitting service" there is usually a charge.

The 1st place that comes to mind for families with infants is Club Med Punta Cana. The beach is beautiful & the service is very good. The rooms & food are just okay.

Our Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island is a small, charming place, the "all-Inclusive" feature is somewhat limited as most AI's go, meaning there is not food readily available other than set times. The beach is wonderful though! Rooms are nothing to get excited about.

Grand Cayman offers several nice properties, you can choose all-inclusive option. Westin Casuarina typically gets positive reviews from my clients. I recently had a client stay & she used their Nanny service for her 14 month old.

Since you mentioned you typically rent villas, I am going to suggest the Out Islands of the Bahamas ( seems I recommend these islands often these days! :)

At this time I am unaware of any "all-inclusive" properties though... but these islands are quiet, relaxed & beautiful. Some of the villa rentals come with your own golf cart to get around.. some even come with your own boat! The villas typically have a full kitchen in them to prepare your own food ( yes, I know you wanted AI... BUT you may be able to find a local housekeeper/cook ;)
I believe you will come close to finding exactly what you are looking for here.

I hope this has helped a bit!

Wendy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: can you make some specific recommendations for the out islands.  we have never been.  we usually opt for somewhat upscale accomodations...but nothing nuts.

Answer
Aha! I thought these islands might interest you!

There are many islands & many properties... I will list a couple that I have had direct feedback from clients on;

#1 Grand Isle Villas on Great Exuma Island- sits ABOVE the beach, golfcarts come with rental unit, I believe they are almost complete on all phases of construction. Clients report everything from service to amenities were very good & much better pricing than neighboring Four Seasons. Food & drinks pricey ( you will find this to be true at most all resorts throughout )

Other Exuma properties that can be considered - Club Peace & Plenty & the Four Seasons

#2 Ramora Bay Club - Harbour Island, Eleuthera - It was actually over 2 years ago that I had clients ( large group ) stay here. They loved everything about the island & the property. It is small, quaint & on the older side.
I am unsure of dining & activities.

I could go on & on about places to stay. 1 thing I am trying to keep in mind for you is the fact of traveling with an infant. You will only find direct flights from Miami to a couple of the Out Islands, from there they "island hop" OR you can get to each island using ferry/private boats.
Also, prices vary greatly throughout the islands, so again this is something to keep in mind, as you said " nothing crazy" in terms of pricey rentals.

Please feel free to contact me directly wendy@tropiczonetravel.com so we can get into more details. I will be happy to help as much as I can.

In the meantime, please visit this website www.myoutislands.com. It will give you a greater understanding & feel for the islands :)

I hope this has helped some!

Wendy