by Jho Donna Roacher, on Apr 4, 2022 2:47:23 PM
“Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion. – Leigh Hunt
Antigua’s family-friendly hotels offer the familiar comforts of home along with the thrill of an unfamiliar environment.
The top listed hotels on the Island suitable for Family’s are:
- Curtain Bluff Resort
- Blue Waters Resort and Spa
- Jumby Bay Island
- Residences at Nonsuch Bay
- Siboney Beach Club
- The Verandah Resort and Spa
- Carlisle Bay
- James’ Club & Villas
- Trade Winds Hotel
- Antigua Yacht Club and Marina
Nonsuch Bay, Antigua
When on vacation, children want to play, teens want to explore and adults want some rest and romance. These factors can make finding the right accommodation for a family trip a somewhat daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few things that you should consider before you head off on your next vacation to Antigua with the ones you hold dear.
1. Can the hotel accommodate your ENTIRE family (including pets)?
Hotels won’t offer the same living arrangements as those found in your family home. One room suites and villas with adjoining rooms are the accommodation types that you’ll see at most properties. It is up to you to decide which best suits the needs of your family. Bear in mind that the larger the interior, the higher the rate will be.
St. James Club, Antigua
Most family-friendly hotels in Antigua have a maximum number of children and adults that are allowed to stay in each suite at the advertised rate and pets are usually not allowed.
For instance, the Club Room at St. James Club is approx. 425 sq. ft., has 1 room and can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child. On the other hand, their 2 Bedroom Villa however, is approx. 1,600 sq. ft., has 2 bedrooms and can accommodate a maximum of 5 adults or 4 adults and 2 children (0-11 years of age) at the standard room rate. The cost of the Villa however more than doubles the cost of the Club Room.
Some resorts allow guests to pay an extra nightly fee if they wish to surpass the room’s stated maximum occupancy. Inquire with reservations if this is something that you would like to do.
2. View Resort Menus and Research other Dining Options
Food will be a major part of your vacation and it will impact your overall budget. Before you confirm a reservation, review the dining options that are available nearby. Hotel menus are usually available online and copies of other restaurant menus can be sent to you upon your request. Family-friendly hotels may even offer special menus or discounts for children. For instance, the Kid’s Club at St. James Club provides parents with a daily complimentary Kid’s Menu so that they can select their child’s lunches in advance. Additionally, if anyone in your group has special dietary needs, ask your hotel of choice if they will be able to make provisions for them.
Royalton Resort, Antigua
Hotels in Antigua are often in close proximity to multiple restaurants, food shacks, bars and grills. Siboney Beach Club is steps away from popular off-site restaurants and bars and is only a 7-minute drive from the capital city which has many more eateries. Verandah Resort and Spa has 3 on-site restaurants, 5 bars, a coffee shop, a snack bar, and a beach bar & grill. This means that children can readily munch on quick snacks during the day, adults can enjoy a romantic evening dinner and the family will also have multiple opportunities to dine together.
3. Does the hotel have activities for adults AND children?
Family vacations are about creating memories as a group while still having the option to enjoy individualized experiences. Theme park hotels may offer too much excitement for weary adults while subdued boutique resorts may not be engaging enough for youths. The key is to secure an accommodation that has the right balance of recreation and rest.
Beware of hotels that claim to be family-friendly but do not have services or activities dedicated to young travelers. In most cases, there is no shortage of hotel activities and entertainment for adults. This may include but are not limited to snorkeling, kayaking, yoga, fitness facilities and sporting courts. Young children however, want to play and make new friends. So, as you browse your options, look for hotels that have recreational areas and a dedicated program for kids and adults.
For example, St. James Club has several adult pools and a children’s pool. Curtain Bluff offers a variety of activities for mature travelers and has a Kid’s Camp with scheduled daytime activities. There is also a computer room for adults and another for children. At Jumby Bay, young guests can help to release a turtle hatchling and even adopt a turtle from their Hawksbill Turtle program!
4. Does it offer family-friendly services?
Family-friendly services are those added hotel offerings that make your time in an unfamiliar location less stressful.
Organizing a vacation itinerary can be complicated. To avoid the hassle, check in to a hotel with a competent concierge. They will identify the best sites to visit, arrange fun tours for the family and make reservations at notable restaurants. For example, the Tour Desk at the Verandah Resort is open seven days a week and will book excursions for guests.
At Blue Waters Resort, nanny services are available in the day and evenings. Dedicated staff can take children out into the resort for playtime, dine with them at mealtimes or provide in room babysitting services. This will give you the opportunity to rest and reconnect with your partner in a private setting after a day of taking care of the kids.
Opening a door to a well cleaned room after an active day outdoors is refreshing. This is why maid service shouldn’t be overlooked during your search for a family-friendly hotel. Most family-oriented Antigua resorts offer daily maid service with the more upscale ones also providing daily turndown service.
5. Is the Resort in a Kid-Friendly Location?
We’ve covered the “what” now let’s talk about the “where”. When choosing a family friendly resort consider the attractions that your children might want to visit and the sceneries that would grab their attention. To put it into perspective, if your teen gets excited about shopping but your toddler loves playing in the sand, they’d appreciate a beach resorts that isn’t far from the nearest shopping district.
You won’t find amusement parks or theme park hotels in Antigua, but an array of land and sea activities. Many of the island’s resorts are in close proximity to beaches, restaurants, entertainment centers and local vendors offering excursions or seaside activities. Lifeguards do not occupy the public beaches unless they are employed by a specific hotel. However, the beaches on the western side of the island are very calm and safe for swimming children.
Family resorts offer the best accommodations for groups who would like to stay in the same living space while they travel. Activities and entertainment for adults is easily accessible at most hotels so, if you are travelling to Antigua with a small child or children go to a kid-friendly resort that offers meal plans for children, childcare services and kids’ clubs. It is best to avoid hotels that primarily promote romance or accept children but do not have any child focused amenities. After all, a family vacation is more enjoyable when everyone’s desires are fulfilled.
