Caribbean Family Travel News

Chukka Caribbean Celebrates Father's Day

2008-05-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

For fathers with a sense of adventure, here's a fun package in Jamaica: a Father's Day program offered by Chukka Caribbean Adventures.

First, Dad will zip through the trees on the Chukka Canopy Tour, a zip-line experience near Montego Bay.

Next, Chukka will put Dad on an ATV and send him for a rugged adventure ride through Jamaica’s hills.

Dad’s special gift from Chukka Caribbean Adventures is a commemorative Father’s Day t-shirt.

Price: The Chukka Canopy Tour is US$88, and is appropriate for kids 10 years and older. The ATV Safari is US$75 for ages 16 and older. The offer is valid for bookings made on the Chukka Caribbean Adventures website.

For More Information:
• visit www.chukkacaribbean.com

Photo courtesy Jamaica Tourist Board

Beaches Celebrates Father's Day

2008-05-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Family travel is great for all its together time...but a little time away from the kids can make everyone enjoy the family time even more. Recognizing that fact, Beaches Resorts (with locations in Jamaica and the Turks & Caicos) is offering the When We Were Two package for families celebrating Father’s Day with the family but looking for a chance to slip away for a few hours of romance.

The Package: The package includes:

a 50-minute couples’ massage at Red Lane Spa
Champagne served with chocolate-dipped fruit during a romantic sunset on the beach
a private, four-course candlelight dinner with personalized menu
Champagne
souvenir photo
complimentary Ultra Nanny babysitting services (up to three hours) for children 12 and under

Price: Rates start at US$2,188 per family of four (two adults, two children under 16) over Mother’s Day and US$2,496 per family over Father’s Day for a minimum three-night stay that also includes all meals, drinks, transfers between airport and hotel, entertainment, and more.

For More Information:
• visit www.beaches.com

St. Maarten Sonesta Resorts Offer Family Fun Package

2008-05-11T16:07:00.002-05:00

We know firsthand that families that travel with two guest rooms instead of one can have twice the fun. Especially great for families with older children, the second room option gives the kids a sense of freedom and everyone just a little elbow room.

But that can add up to an expensive vacation...unless a good package comes along. Here's one that just came our way: the new Family Fun Package at the Sonesta St. Maarten resort. When you book a second room, you'll receive it at half price!

The Package: Families book two rooms at either Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino (photo, left) or Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino and receive the second room at half price. Also, kids ages 12 and under eat, stay and play free (buffet dining only).

Dates: The Family Fun Package is valid for travel June 1- August 31, 2008. Book by May 31, 2008. Minimum five-night stay. This is not combinable with other offers.

Price: Rates at both resorts April 19 through December 19, 2008 begin at $165.00 per room, per night based on single or double occupancy. Rates are room only and are subject to 21% tax and surcharge. All-inclusive rates are also available.

For More Information:
• call 1-800-223-0757
• visit www.sonesta.com/stmaarten

Beaches Turks & Caicos Adding Surf Simulator

2008-05-09T06:20:00.000-05:00

When it opens in December, the new Pirate's Island Waterpark at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa will include a new surf simulator as well as a new lazy river, seven new slides, an aqua playground, pool, and play area with water cannons, cranks, and spray features.

The waterpark is part of the resort’s new Italian Village, with 162 family-style suites. The newly expanded waterpark will be ten times the size of the original Pirate’s Island area and the largest in the Caribbean.

The Surf SimulatorThe new surf simulator, “Surf’s Up Dude,” will be accessible by novices and experts. Adventure seekers will be able to hop a boogie or surf board and enjoy white-water rafting and surfing conditions. Created by SurfStream™, one of the top surfing companies in the U.S., the surf simulator is to have several people riding safely at once. Extreme sports competitions and invitationals will be scheduled here, too.

Photo courtesy Beaches Resorts

Wyndham Nassau Resort Offers Families Over 25% Savings

2008-05-05T11:35:00.001-05:00

Nassau is always a fun destination for families; the Bahamas are super easy to reach from the US and the water there is incredibly beautiful. We just received a new family package from the Wyndham Nassau Resort called the Family Fun Under the Sun Package.

The Package: The Family Fun Under the Sun Package includes:

A 5-day/4-night stay, with the 4th night free in a newly-renovated, island view guest room
One “Sweet Treats” Beach Bucket upon arrival filled with popcorn, jelly beans, and Goombay Punch Sodas
Room service delivery of milk and cookies on day of choice
Complimentary unlimited non-motorized water sports, including aqua cycles, float mats, kayaks, VU boards, sail boats, snorkel gear, and windsurfing boards

Price: The Family Fun Under the Sun Package starts at $345 per person for a four-night stay based on season and availability. Package price does not include taxes, gratuities or resort fees (applicable to guests 12 and over). Package available at Wyndham Nassau Resort only. Package based on double occupancy. Single supplement charge will apply for single occupancy.

Dates: This package is valid through 12/31/08.

For more information:
• call Wyndham Nassau Resort at 1-800-222-7466
• visit www.WyndhamNassauResort.com

Beaches Turks & Caicos Adding Family Suites

2008-04-29T15:49:00.005-05:00

In December, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa will unveil the new Italian Village, part of a $125 million expansion project. Of special interest to families: this village will add 162 two-bedroom “family” suites to the resort’s existing 453 rooms.

Family Suites: The new suites have a beautiful new décor with earth tones, elegant palm tree draperies, seashell throw pillows and some really impressive family features:

Separate Kids' Room Features Bunk Beds
XBOX 360® Game Console
Multi-Function Game Table
Nautical Mahogany Storage Wall Unit
Vanity Unit with Basin
Plasma TV

More Family Features: Along with the suites, the Italian Village will have several other features of interest to families: its own lobby, four new gourmet dining options, retail space and a brand new 45,000-square-foot waterpark, which will be ten times the size of the original waterpark! More family features include:

a pirate & mermaid-themed Kids Kamp facility that will cater specifically to kids and tweens (ages 6 – 12). This new themed-area will offer more video arcade games, an expanded Xbox360® Game Garage featuring Xbox 360° game consoles, space for Beaches Resorts’ Beach Science programs, a games area, and space to engage children’s imagination and artistic ability through Crayola® Art Camp activities.
bathrooms specially designed for its younger guests, also with a pirate ship theme, which include décor of wood paneling, portholes and lanterns.
new nightclub above the waterpark will serve as a teen lounge during the day with internet access and a new game room for teens and tweens with foosball and basketball, all in a retro black light environment.
Green Screen – a Beaches Resorts first – at the new photo shop so kids can have their photo taken in front of a variety of backdrops
Red Lane “Youth” Spa with treatments and services geared just for teens and tweens, including makeovers and hair braiding.

Price: To celebrate the grand opening of the Italian Village, Beaches Resorts is offering up to 55% off regular rates starting at $720.50 per adult, per night for stays of three nights or longer.

Photo courtesy Beaches Resorts

Families Get 50% Off Second Room at Little Dix Bay

2008-04-23T08:58:00.000-05:00

In the British Virgin Islands, Tortola's Rosewood Little Dix Bay is offering 50% off a second room for the summer season, a good savings for families. Also, kids ages 5 - 11 receive 50 percent off their meal plans when joining their parents' meal plan and kids 4 and under eat free.

Dates: The offer is valid May 1 - December 19, 2008.

Especially for Kids: The Children's Grove features 2,500 square feet of interior space devoted to creative play with distinct island features: a miniature Caribbean chattel house, dress-up parlor, arts & crafts center, "monkey lounge," shipwreck and outside play area. On arrival, children aged five - 12 are greeted with a welcome letter and basket of sand toys, games, books and puzzles from The Children's Grove counselors, inviting them to join the fun.

The program is led by experienced staff who take children on nature walks, shell collecting expeditions and treasure hunts. Many of the program's activities feature the island's history and culture, including mocko jumbie performances, stone painting, Caribbean folk art and literature and West Indian musical instrument crafts.

The full-day program is complimentary and includes two snacks, one of which is the afternoon's "Tea Time in the Children's Grove". Every evening, kids can drop in for theme nights with dinner, including a Pirate Party, Pizza Night and Pajama Party Night. There is a nominal charge for dinner.

The youngest travelers are welcomes with in-room cribs with gender-specific bedding, Lady Primrose baby amenities, a liter bottle of Gerber baby water and a baby tub placed in the bathroom. The hotel can also provide bed rails, baby monitors and bottle warmers and arrange nanny service on request.

For older kids, the resort offers a Teen Room featuring a pool table and a lending library stocked with CDs, DVDs, books and board games. There's also free Internet access from 9 am to 9:30 pm. On the beach, teens have access to complimentary snorkeling gear, Sunfish sailboats and kayaks. They can also hike on two on-property trails, and enjoy complimentary beginners‚ tennis clinics and use of the resort's tennis courts and fitness center.

A children's menu is available at each of the resort's restaurants.

For More Information:
• call 1-888-ROSEWOOD or the resort directly at 1.284.495.5555
• visit www.littledixbay.com

Beaches Announces Single Parent Fun Months

2008-04-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

Beaches Resorts, with locations in the Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, have announced sixth annual Single Parent Fun (SPF) months.

Dates: For travel between May 1 – May 31, 2008 and August 17 – October 31, 2008

The Promotion: The SPF program waives the single supplement fee (of up to $190 per night) for single parents at all four resort locations in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.

The program also features activities and events such as Single Parent Welcome Receptions, Social Cocktail Receptions, Kid’s Movie Nights and more.

Fall dates: The second set of travel dates fall on Beaches Resorts’ WonderFALL Celebration, a new annual season of events and activities designed expressly for parents with young children.

Taking place during the months of September and October at all four resort locations, highlights of the upcoming WonderFALL season include:

savings of up to 45 percent off regular rack rates
a special welcome gift pack
new exclusive Sesame Street Stage Shows
parenting seminars hosted by Sesame Workshop
the arrival of Abby Cadabby
nighttime dive-in movies
poolside dance parties
a live show with Gordon and Elmo (limited three-week run in September)
specially-themed arts and crafts activities

Photo courtesy Beaches Resorts

Hotel Marina El Cid Offers Family Adventure Package

2008-04-21T21:36:00.002-05:00

Through June 30, the 342-room, all-inclusive Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort, located about 20 minutes from the Cancun airport, is offering the Maya Discovery Family Adventure Package. The promotion offers discounts of up to 30% and includes three excursions.

The Adventures: The Maya Discovery Family Adventure includes three expeditions:

• Arrecife Day Trip: This trip takes guests on a sailing cruise to the white sandy shores of Playa Maroma, cited by the Travel Channel as one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Travelers spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling and kayaking through the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

• Snorkeling Trip: This excursion explores underwater life in the protected Puerto Morelos National Reef Park. Located 500 yards offshore from Hotel Marina El Cid, Puerto Morelos is the world's second largest barrier reef system. Your family will get up-close views of exotic sea life, including brightly colored tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, purple sea fans, coral and more.

• Chichen Itza Day Trip: Travelers visit these Maya ruins, recently named one of the wonders of the world. The famous temples and pyramids here are more than 1,500 years old. Chichen Itza's main attraction is the central pyramid, the massive El Castillo (the castle).

What It Includes: Each of the Maya Discovery Family Adventure excursions includes transportation and lunch. The Chichen Itza tour leaves from the lobby, while the snorkeling and sailing tours depart from the El Cid Marina, one block from the resort.

Price: The excursions package is a total of $150 USD per person, including taxes, in addition to the all-inclusive rate, down from $215 per person for these excursions booked separately.

The Maya Discovery Family Adventure Package is valid for guests who pre-book and pre-pay for a junior, one-, two- or three-bedroom suite. It also applies to Platinum Club guests.

For More Information:
• visit www.elcid.com
• call 1-800-525-1925 or 1-888-733-7308

Sheraton Grand Bahama Named as Top Beach Resort

2008-04-18T15:44:00.001-05:00

Comparing over 200 resorts, Parents Magazine has named Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort as the number one beach resort for families in its May issue.

The review looked at resorts throughout the US and Caribbean, comparing value, children's programs, family activities, menus, pools, as well as other amenities.

Why Kids Like It: Kids ages three through 12 head out on Bahamian nature adventures and learn local folklore and poetry at Camp Lucaya, Sheraton's acclaimed supervised day-long children's club. Kids and parents alike can take turns shooting down a spiral water slide into the Sugar Mill pool, one of three pools at Sheraton, which also boasts a wading pool for little travelers. There's also a 7.5-acre-long beach; lifeguards are on duty throughout the day beachside and poolside.

For More Information:
• visit www.sheraton.com/ourlucaya

Photo courtesy Sheraton Grand Bahama Our Lucaya

Mother's Day Package at Hyatt Regency Aruba

2008-04-16T14:03:00.003-05:00

Here's a package we just received that's a little bit different: they'll only be selling 100 of these packages in honor of the Mother's Day Centenary.

This package is offered by the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino, a resort we've enjoyed several times...just renovated, it has a great location right on Palm Beach.

The Package: The Mother’s Day Delight package includes:
• arrival on May 9 or 10 for a five-night stay
• daily breakfast for two
• a $100 resort credit and welcome amenity upon arrival

Price: The package starts at at $385 double occupancy, exclusive of tax.

They're also offering the Mother’s Day Deluxe, with all of the above plus a 100-minute treatment at Stillwater Spa, dinner for two at Palms Restaurant, and a nightly turndown amenity, starting at $460 double occupancy, exclusive of tax

For More Information:
• visit www.aruba.hyatt.com

Aruba's Divi Village Offering Kids Stay Free Promo

2008-04-15T14:55:00.003-05:00

As we swing into the summer season, here's a good family package that runs through the start of high season in late December: Aruba's all-suites Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort is offering a kids 17 and under stay and eat free promotion as well as free golf. The all-suites property offers accommodations that are nearly double the square footage of a standard hotel room, so parents have one corner and kids the other, which helps make for memorable, relaxing family vacations.

The Promotion: Through December 23, the all-suites Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort tees up “Free Kids, Free Golf” where kids stay and eat free, and adults get unlimited golf after 3 p.m. (cart included). This is on top of 10 percent off as well as access to the amenities of two nearby Divi all-inclusive properties.

Price: Rates start at $220 per adult per night including the 10 percent discount. There's a limit of two kids free with two paying adults. A minimum three-night stay required for the all-inclusive package. Reservations must be made by May 16, 2008, for the 10 percent discount to apply,

Why It's Fun for the Family: The Divi Village has plenty to keep the whole family busy and happy: three freshwater swimming pools (one with a swim-up bar), lit tennis courts, a beach-side rock climbing wall, water sports center clinics, a waterslide, an air-conditioned oceanfront fitness center, watch movies under the stars, 11 restaurants and more.

For More Information:
• visit www.diviresorts.com

SuperClubs Offers Family Promotions

2008-04-11T15:12:00.001-05:00

If you're watching your budget these days (what are we saying...who isn't?!), here's a good family package we just received: the family-run Caribbean resort chain SuperClubs Resorts is offering a "Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free" promotion starting May 1 at two of its resorts; children ages 2-13 stay completely free, a daily savings of $100 for a family of four. And for single parents, the usual single supplement is waived at three SuperClubs properties.

"Budget, destination and timing are the three biggest priorities for families today, and finding options that will please working parents, grandparents with time and money to spare, college-age kids, and tiny tots can be challenging," said Zein Nakash, SuperClubs‚ vice president of marketing, who is also a mother of two, a twin sister, full-time working executive, and daughter of John Issa, who introduced the first all-inclusive resorts for the American traveler more than 30 years ago. "All-inclusives are always a solid value for families, especially when they are true all-inclusives that fix costs before you even get on the plane, and offer a wide array of activities for all age groups and interests without charging extra for them. This summer especially, we've got the best vacation values for families."

Here's a look at summer SuperClubs offerings:

Starfish Trelawny (Jamaica): This resort offers teens a private island hideaway just a short swim away, windsurfing and flying trapeze lessons. At the Kids' Club, supervised, age-specific programs keep toddlers entertained, while adult pampering is available at the Blue Mahoe Spa. Nightly rates start at $74 per adult; $50 per child (age 2-13). No single supplement.

Breezes Curaçao. Fresh from $1.3 million in renovations and upgrades, this resort offers a 12,000-square-foot Kids' Club . Rates start at $129 per adult, per night. No single supplement.

Breezes Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. While kids lose track of time at the Mini-club, parents and grandparents can lose their stress knots at the revamped Lighthouse Spa, the largest in the Dominican Republic. Rates start at $60 per adult, per night. No single supplement.

Dates: SuperClubs‚ family promotions run from May 1 through December 22, 2008.

Restrictions: A two-night minimum booking is required; all rates are land only.

For more information:
• visit www.superclubs.com
• call 1-800-GO-SUPER (800-467-8737)

Caribbean Cruise Top Prize in YouTube Contest

2008-04-08T20:47:00.001-05:00

Want to take the family on a Caribbean cruise? Here's your chance. Enter to win a new contest sponsored by Bahama Breeze restaurants.

How to Enter: Participants will submit a video of no more than two minutes on the theme, "Why I need a Caribbean Escape." The most creative video with the highest viewer rating will win.

The Prize: The prize is an all expense paid luxury cruise to the Bahamas for up to six people. Runners up will also receive prizes, including Flip Video(TM) cameras and Bahama Breeze gift cards.

Dates: The contest ends May 12, 2008.

For more information:
• visit www.youtube.com/caribbeanescape
• visit www.bahamabreeze.com/contest

eCruises.com Offers Disney Cruise Onboard Credit

2008-04-08T17:32:00.001-05:00

Disney Cruise Line, the family-friendly Caribbean cruises, now come with an exclusive $100 onboard credit per stateroom for cruises booked through eCruises.com. The offer applies to seven-night Land & Sea Vacations, seven-night Caribbean cruises or three or four-night Bahamian sailings. You'll receive up to $100 onboard credit per stateroom when booked only through eCruises.com by April 30, 2008.

Credit can be used towards onboard ship activities including merchandise, photography, spa treatments, shore excursions and much more.

Details: The onboard credit of up to $100 is per stateroom and applicable for select new bookings made with eCruises.com by April 30, 2008. Black out dates apply. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and include port charges. Government taxes and fees are not included. This offer is subject to availability and may change at anytime.

For more information:
• visit www.ecruises.com

Beaches Resorts Offers First Night Free Promotion

2008-04-04T14:23:00.000-05:00

Here's a good deal we've received from Beaches Resorts: families can enjoy their “1st Night Free” promotion during select 2008 dates at all four resort locations in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.

The Details & Dates: Families who book a minimum seven-night vacation by April 30, 2008 for travel between April 26, 2008 and June 5, 2008 receive their first night free!

This offer can be combined with Beaches Resorts’ consumer savings promotions for 2008, Single Parent Fun Months, Sandals Select Points and Free Weddings.

Photo courtesy Beaches Resorts

Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Offers Free Fridays

2008-04-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

Here's an interesting twist on a hotel promotion: free Fridays! Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya is offering a three-night stay for the price of two nights and kids stay for just $5 a child!

The Details:

- Valid for any four-day, three-night stay from now until September 1, 2008
- Pay for just two nights at $89 per person, per night
- Kids 11 and under stay for just $5 more per child, per night
- Free breakfast, happy hour and unlimited golf on the "Friday" of your choice
- Based on double occupancy
- Purchase must be completed by April 16, 2008
- Air-inclusive packages also available

For booking:
• Book at http://www.travelocity.com/freefridays

Photo courtesy Sheraton Grand Bahama Our Lucaya

Beaches Turks & Caicos Adds Custom Catamaran

2008-04-01T14:09:00.004-05:00

If your family likes to get out on the water, check out Kitty Katt, the new catamaran at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa.

The only catamaran of its kind in the world, it was custom-designed for Beaches Resorts, especially with families in mind. Engineered to the highest safety standards, it includes:

• a fully stocked kitchen for preparing meals and snacks by professionally trained chefs
• a kids' soda and juice bar and kids buffet
• space to accommodate special appearances by Sesame Street characters
• an eight-foot tube slide off the stern, so guests can splash down into the sparkling Caribbean Sea
• a live video feed to plasma-TV monitors located right inside of one of the pontoons

The live-feed offers amazing up-close-and-personal underwater views of the deep blue sea and all its inhabitants.

Custom-designed catamarans will soon be delivered to select Beaches Resorts locations in Negril , Jamaica. You'll book your voyage on the Kitty Katt through the resort’s Tour Desk.

Photo courtesy Beaches Resorts

Ceiba Del Mar Welcoming Children This Summer

2008-03-28T15:15:00.002-05:00

Along the Riviera Maya, Ceiba Del Mar Beach & Spa Resort is usually a quiet getaway for adults...but this summer it will welcome children for the summer season. Located just 20 minutes from Cancun Airport on a stretch of secluded beach, this resort has plenty to offer the entire family. The resort encompasses 88 luxury rooms, including 37 suites and 7 penthouses, all with ocean views.

Why It's Fun for Families: The resort offers two outdoor pools for a family swim. Your family can hit the resort's tennis courts, rent kayaks and explore the stunning sapphire-blue sea, or rent bicycles for a scenic ride exploring the lush natural beauty of the jungle landscape. The Great Maya Reef is located nearby or just relax together on the uncrowded beach and build a sand castle in the powder white sand.

And if the adults require some pampering and relaxation as part of the family trip, Ceiba Del Mar's unique holistic and aromatherapy Spa offers a full range of treatments using a selection of more than 50 essential English oils.

For more information:
• visit www.ceibadelmar.com
• call 1-877-545-6221

Photo courtesy Ceiba Del Mar Beach & Spa Resort

Antigua's Jolly Beach Offers Family Package

2008-03-26T09:32:00.003-05:00

Antigua's 464-room Jolly Beach Resort & Spa has expanded its kids' club and is offering a special family package good for travel through the end of the year.

“We know that our Kidz Club is a big draw with our younger guests and we’ve upgraded our programme and facilities to make their vacation experience very special,” says P. Hilary Modeste, Director of Marketing Worldwide for the resort. “And for the upcoming summer season, to celebrate our new Jolly Teen Club program, we’re extending the child rate to kids up to the age of 16, and one child stays free per family as part of our Think Jolly Family Special.”

The Package: The Think Jolly Family Special offers:

• a 15% discount off regular adult rates for the Queen Superior room category
• one child stays free and a second child 3 to 16 years old pays the child rate of $54.00 per night when sharing with two adults. Kids under 3 stay free all the time.
• Book the Think Jolly Family Special and pay $175 per adult, per night all-inclusive based on double occupancy.

Dates: Bookings must be made April 1- June 15, 2008 for travel April 15 - December 20, 2008. Specify booking code JOLLYFAM.

This Think Jolly Family Special discount may not be combined with any other promotional offers, it is not valid on child rate or 3rd and 4th person rates and applies to new bookings only. The sale is subject to change without notice.

Kids' Club: The resort has added more fun and games to its popular Jolly Kidz Club and has created a new Jolly Teen Club perfect for the 13- to 16-year-old set. The new Jolly Kidz Club boasts a well-equipped playground with everything from Hula Hoop contests, Dodge Ball and Aqua Aerobics to Caribbean Story Time. Other options include table tennis, bingo and board games as well as nature walks in the resort’s exotic gardens and seashell hunts. The new Jolly Kidz Club features a mini arcade, a “dream room” for disco and movie nights.

Evening activities include dress up Pirate Nights with treasure hunts, Pizza and Movie Nights, a Hawaiian-style Luau, Disco Nights, Talent Show Nights, Costume Parties and more. Teen Adventures range from Moonlight Scavenger Hunts to Bonfire Nights on the beach. Teen guests can test their detective skills on Mystery Nights or participate in an Antiguan Treasure Adventure.

One of the most unique kids' events is the Kidz Soirée, offered on alternate Thursdays. The elegant, Ristorante Bocciolo is the venue for the event where the children are invited to dine on Northern Italian cuisine and the restaurant manager, wait staff and chef instruct the guests on proper etiquette – from understanding the menu to the correct utensils to use and why, and how to behave in a formal dining setting. Kids are expected to make a reservation and dress smartly for dinner and no parents are allowed.

Kids' Club Hours: Daytime activities take place outdoors and indoors for age groups 3-12 and teens from 13-16. Monday-Friday programs start at 9:30am going on to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm on to 5pm. Saturdays and Sundays programs start at 10:30am. Evening activities kick-off at 7pm and run through 9pm, with some teen nights going from 7:30pm through 10:00pm. For parents wishing to escape by themselves for a while, daytime and evening baby-sitting is available at a small additional cost.

Why It's Fun for the Family: The all-inclusive Jolly Beach Resort & Spa in Antigua is set among 40 acres of exotic tropical gardens overlooking a mile-long, white sand beach. The resort sports five bars, dining options from super casual to tropical chic, a cyber café, four tennis courts (all lit for night play), two swimming pools including Jolly Beach’s signature Fantasy Pool with a waterfall, jacuzzi, swim-up bar, watersports and much more.

All-inclusive rates include accommodations, all taxes, all meals, snacks and afternoon tea, house brand beverages, non-motorized watersports, activities, use of the gym and entertainment. All rooms are air-conditioned and face the ocean; each has a patio or balcony, direct-dial phone, cable TV, hair-dryer and rentable safe.

For More Information:
• call 866-905-6559 in the US and Canada
• visit www.jollybeachresort.com

Sint Maarten Offers Summer Savings Program

2008-03-25T15:11:00.005-05:00

Families looking to stretch their vacation budget a little will be interested in this program we received: the “SXM Bucks” Summer Savings Promotion. St. Maarten, called the “Culinary Capitol of the Caribbean,” is offering this promotion which includes a wide range of discounts and free offers.

Dates: May – December 15, 2008

The Package: There are two promotions, depending on length of stay:

5 Nights: You will receive the 5th night free and $50 in “SXM Bucks” when you stay for five-nights or longer.

7 Nights: You will receive the 5th and 7th night free and $100 in “SXM Bucks” when you stay for seven-nights or longer.

Participants: The “SXM Bucks” can be used at any of the participating restaurants, shops and tour operations:

Resorts

Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
La Vista
Mary's Boon
Oyster Bay Beach Resort
Princess Heights
Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort
Westin Dawn Beach

Note: When booking reservations be sure to mention the “SXM Bucks” promotion to receive the discount.

Restaurants

Antoine's
Lee's Roadside Grill
Los Gauchos
The Tide Restaurant
Peg Leg Pub
Pineapple Pete
Ric's Place
Saratoga

Shops

AMA Jewelers
Ballerina Jewelers
Bedazled Jewelers
Caribbean Gems
Diamonds International
Effy Collection
Lucky Too Gift Shop
Lucky Too Jewelers
Shipwreck Shops
St. Maarten Guavaberry
Tanzanite International

Car Rentals

Best Deal Car Rental
Hertz Car Rental
U-Save Car Rental
Value Car Rental

Activities

Aqua Mania Adventures
Exquisite Watersports
Philipsburg Theatres
Xaro Tours

For more information:
• visit www.vacationstmaarten.com

Palace Resorts Offers Kids Stay Free Promotion

2008-03-24T15:50:00.002-05:00

Here's a good package we just received: Palace Resorts' is offering a Summer Kids' promotion which allows kids ages 12 and under to eat, stay and play for free when sharing a room with an adult.

The Resorts: This offer includes the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, Cancun Palace, Beach Palace, Xpu-Ha Palace, Playacar Palace, Cozumel Palace and the new Isla Mujeres Palace under the all-inclusive program.

What It Includes: This program includes luxurious accommodations, all meals and snacks, 24-hour room service, beverages, taxes, gratuities, non-motorized water sports, and sensational entertainment.

Price: Rates are $156 - $199 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Limit two (2) children per room. Children 13 – 17 years of age pay the child rate.

Dates: Valid from June 1st through August 31st, 2008

For More Information:
• visit www.palaceresorts.com
• call (800) 635-1836

USVI Offers Summer Savings

2008-03-23T10:47:00.002-05:00

The US Virgin Islands makes an easy getaway for families (and an extra bonus: American families who haven't gotten around to getting passports won't need them for this destination). Now there's another good reason for a family vacation in St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix: the new Sizzling Summer Sampler Package.

The package encourages longer visits with a complimentary fifth night and a $50-$100 resort credit. You'll get a $50 gift card plus up to $200 in savings on a host of activities, tours and extras.

Dates: The Sizzling Summer Sampler is valid for bookings made between April 15 and October 31, 2008 for travel between May 1 and October 15, 2008 and is based on a five-night minimum stay.

Hotels: Participating hotels include: The Buccaneer Hotel, Carambola Beach Resort, Chenay Bay Resort, Club St. Croix, Colony Cove, Divi Carina Bay Resort, Hotel Caravelle, Palms at Pelican Cove and Sand Castle on the Beach in St. Croix. Also included are The Westin Resort on St. John, as well as the Best Western Emerald Beach, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Holiday Inn Windward Passage, Marriott Frenchman‚s Reef, Pavilions & Pools, Point Pleasant Resort, Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina Sapphire Village, Secret Harbour Beach Resort and Wyndham Sugar Bay Beach Resort & Spa on St. Thomas.

The Sizzling Summer Sampler applies to new bookings only.

Tour Operators: Reservations for this promotion can be made through a number of tour operators, including BookIt.com, Vacation Outlet, Vacation Express, Funjet Vacations, Spirit Vacations, United Vacations, Delta Vacations, Future Vacations, Continental Airlines Vacations, CheapCaribbean.com, Travelocity, TNT Vacations, LIBGO Travel, US Airways Vacations, Travel Impressions, Classic Vacations and Total Vacations.

For more information:
• visit www.usvitourism.vi

Complimentary Dogsled Tour for Kids

2008-03-20T15:59:00.003-05:00

The Jamaica Dogsled Encounter at Chukka Caribbean Adventures is home to the only dogsled team and dogsled tours in the Caribbean. Children aged between 6 and 12 years enjoy a complimentary Jamaica Dogsled Encounter, with one child free per paying adult. The tour includes a visit to Dunn’s River Falls, and to Island Village for shopping, plus complimentary lunch at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville.

Dates: This package can be booked now through June 30, 2008, for travel May 1 – August 31, 2008.

Price: Rates for the Jamaica Dogsled Encounter are US$85 for an adult, US$68 for a child, starting from Montego Bay; US$65 for an adult, US$48 for a child, starting from Ocho Rios.

For More Information:
• visit http://www.chukkacaribbean.com

Starfish Trelawny Offers Family Rates

2008-03-12T16:02:00.000-05:00

Jamaica's Starfish Trelawny has a full menu of activities to keep the busiest families happy: scuba diving and snorkeling, mini-golfing and ice-skating. The Kids Club offers age-specific programs and even after-hours babysitting for parents looking for a quiet romantic rendezvous.

Price: Rates start at US$99 per adult, per night; land only; US$50 per child (ages 2 – 12 years), per night, sharing the parents’ room; land only.

Dates: These prices are valid for travel from May 1 – December 22, 2008. A three-night minimum booking is required.

For More Information:
• visit www.starfish.com