Antigua - paradise for the whole family

Antigua holidays

If jaw-dropping beaches, tropical climates, delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere is your idea of a perfect holiday then Antigua is the island destination for you. Not only is it a perfect paradise for parents, it has just enough adventure and enchantment to keep your children entertained too.

The moment you disembark from your eight-hour flight you’ll be welcomed by friendly locals playing in a steel band and offering ice-cold fruit punch. You can’t help but adopt the relaxed island mentality as soon as you arrive. The Antiguan people are a friendly crowd, so you can assume the same kind of treatment throughout your stay, just don’t expect to set your watch by them as timing-keeping isn’t a priority.

Antigua weather is very pleasant. You can enjoy a warm climate throughout the year with temperatures averaging around the top end 20’s to 30’s. The constant breeze from the ocean keeps you cool and comfortable. Rainy or hurricane season is between June and November and during this time the atmosphere tends to be slightly muggier and damper.

 

Antigua activities

Known as one of the quieter Caribbean islands Antigua and Barbuda is famed for its  365 sandy beaches, set amongst shady palm trees and within calm, protected Caribbean waters. Many of them make the perfect environment for toddlers and young children to paddle and splash safely.

The island offers a range of activities for families of all ages.  A great way to get to know the 108 square mile country and it’s surrounding coastline is with top excursion operator Tropical Island Adventures. They can take you on an exciting 4x4 safari to explore local villages, thriving rainforests and breathtaking views . Or take a sail on their head-turning mystic catamaran for a glorious afternoon gliding through Caribbean waters and snorkelling amongst the tropical marinelife. The trip includes BBQ, calypso music and dancing, and the famous free bar.

If you like a little more action head for the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour. An unforgettable high wire course of 26-zip line rides above the trees climaxing with a daredevil 60-foot controlled parachute jump.

For water and wildlife lovers you can’t beat a tour kayaking with "Paddles" Kayak and Snorkel Eco Adventure. Families with children from the age of 7 can enjoy kayaking amongst the natural mangroves spotting turtles and stingrays and then recharging your batteries on a beautiful beach on an uninhabited island which is home to Antigua's own 'friendly' snakes!

Other great activities worth mentioning are Stingray City, a calm, crystal clear reef where you can swim alongside, feed and stroke Rays in their natural environment. And new to the island is the Antigua Subcat which takes visitors on an underwater journey in a real submarine to get up close to the Island's beautiful marine life whilst staying bone dry – if you're lucky you could spot a ray, turtle or even a shark!

 

 

Places to stay

Antigua offers an abundance of accommodation, ranging from modest guesthouses and cottages to luxurious hotels that make you feel you are in paradise.  Kids club facilities in most are second to none, so parents can take some much-deserved time to themselves, safe in the knowledge their children are not only well supervised but also having fun. We've picked our favourite 3,4 & 5 star hotels which are great for families. 

 

The Jolly Beach Resort and Spa

Jolly Beach Resort and Spa is Antigua’s largest hotel, situated on a lively one-mile long beach,and a firm favourite amongst UK families. The all-inclusive board is great value for money, and with 5 restaurants, you’ll never get bored.

This ‘Jolly’ hotel is geared to the max for young families. Children under 3 stay free and you can book 2 bedroom suites for the whole family. The Jolly Kidz club caters for ages 3 to 12 and is divided betweem two floors. The younger kids can enjoy downstairs,complete with dressing-up rooms for girls, and 'boys only' toys. And the older kids love the cooler vibe of the top floor which is decked out with everything a teen could ask for, including video games, football, and DVD players. The packed activity programme is structured for each age group and ranges from pizza and movie night (they make their own in the club kitchen) to beach volleyball and kayak lessons. 

St. James's Club Resort and Villas

Located in a sheltered 100 acre penisula and nestled between both an ocean and lagoon beach, the St. James's Club Resort and Villas offers a fantastic mid-point accommodation option with spacious rooms, suites or villas. Spread out over the lush tropical acres, the resort offers a relaxed club feel. The two beaches, four pools, a tennis centre and 'SPA tranquillity' means there is something for the whole family.

The friendly kidz club with its large fenced play area, welcomes children between 4 and 11 to enjoy an array of activities including sandcastle competitions, various craft making, sports days and even Caribbean cooking and music classes.  Children are also invited to dine at the kidz club should parents like to enjoy a romantic meal in one of the 4 unique resort restaurants.

The Verandah Resort and Spa

Owned by the same company as St. James's, The Verandah Resort & Spa is one of the newest all-suite eco friendly resorts on the island.  This modern family-friendly retreat has pulled out all the stops when it comes to group holidays, ocean-facing suites with adjoining doors,  a spacious gym, luxurious spa and plenty of activities for all ages - just some of the reasons to pay this resort a visit. 

Family dining is a high priority at the Verandah.Their three restaurants offer a range of experiences appropriate for every generation. Kids will be delighted to find that their favorite meals are always available. They will especially enjoy the novelty of afternoon tea which is served daily.

The hotel’s impressive kid’s club has been designed by the UK's very own Linda Barker, complete with spongy floors, painted aquarium style walls and pirate ship climbing area. 

Carlisle Bay

From the moment you walk into the colonial inspired reception, bathed in cool greys you are welcomed with nothing but luxury at Carlisle Bay

Eighty-two contemporary apartment style suites certainly hold the 'wow factor' and guests with young families are offered two-bedroom ground-floor apartments, which step directly out onto the jaw-dropping white beach.

The three sophisticated restaurants are on another level to most on the island and real thought has been put into children’s dining by offering a ‘High Tea’ service especially for little ones, which is served in the trendy Club House long before the more experienced diners have even finished at the pool. The balance between luxury and hospitality sits perfectly, families and couples are situated within their own areas and children are kept occupied with fantastic facilities on the beach, in the children’s pool, in the ‘screening room’ or on one of the ‘mini’ tennis courts!

The ‘Cool Kids club’ is just that, the air conditioned facility is aimed at the 4-11 age group, and has a  shaded terrace, jungle gym, sandpit, paddling pool and four mini tennis courts! Older kids are catered for with the new ‘Crew Blue’ programme, which is aimed at 7-11 year olds and includes fully supervised, daytime activities. Finishing touches such as fresh fruit delivered daily to your room and mini bathrobes just for children certainly raise the standards. This hotel was given the Tatler ‘Best Hotel in the World' award and you can see why! Check online for offers throughout the year, for somewhere special it's more affordable than you might think.

 

 

Information and booking

Babyexpert.com travelled with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority tel: 0207 031 8160.

TOUR OPERATOR:  Virgin Holidays tel 0844 557 3859, offers seven nights in Antigua including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Antigua.  Accommodation at the 4V St James’s Club on an all-inclusive basis with transfers starts from £1,120.

Prices are per person based on two adults travelling and sharing a standard room. Price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on departure on 09 Sep 2009. Virgin Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected.

Start your holiday before you’ve even taken off in the V ROOM at Gatwick Airport: adults £17, Kids £10

 

 

 

 

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