10 Tropical Pool Landscaping Ideas: Dive & Lounge in Your Private Paradise
Tropical Outdoor Living Room & Patio Ideas: A Guide to Creating an Exotic Oasis at Home
As mentioned in our earlier post about awesome Caribbean getaways for families (Part 1), wintertime can be very hit or miss for some parents. Lots of people love the snow, the winter sports, and other activities. But some do reach a limit and need a change of scenery, especially when children are involved. A wonderful tropical getaway can do just that, change the scenery (literally) and allow for families to have an absolutely amazing time!
Earlier we discussed how we discovered 10 amazing resorts scattered across these incredible islands. We found that we had to take all of our research and break things down into 2 posts because we simply have so much information to share with you! So while we told you about the first 5 resorts in our earlier post, here we tell you about the other 5 family-friendly Caribbean resorts. Off we go!
Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels, Barbados
Barbados is located in the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It lies farther to the east than any of the other Caribbean islands. When comparing the geography of the island to its neighbors, it is largely flat while neighboring islands have lush mountain peaks and rainforests. Visitors traveling to Barbados arrive at Grantley Adams International Airport which is the island’s only international airport. It is located about 10 miles east of Bridgetown, the capital and largest city on the island.
Photo Credit: Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels
Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels is a Marriott-owned property and is located on the southern shore of Barbados. It is 7 miles west of the airport and about 6 miles southeast of Bridgetown. This resort has 161 suites and is perfect for families with children of all ages. Many suites are connected to each other which makes them great for larger groups. There are also one-bedroom suites which have separate living areas, each with a pullout sofa bed. All suites either have balconies or terraces and will have either garden or ocean views. All suites have a mini fridge which can be re-stocked upon request.
When it comes to dining, this resort features 3 different restaurants which offer varying settings and dress codes. The main restaurant offers buffet-style dining for breakfast and dinner and offers a wide range of flavors from Caribbean classics to international fare including seafood, Asian fusion, and even barbecue. The dress code is resort casual with a relaxed atmosphere. Finer dining is available at the resort’s Italian restaurant which is more upscale and romantic. The dress code is elegant casual and guests should check with the resort prior to arriving to ensure they bring proper dining attire. Very casual dining is available at the beach where seafood and local specialties are available. The resort also features a separate deli and an ice cream parlor.
2 bars are also available, one by the pool which overlooks the beach and offers light snacks and a variety of tropical drinks, and another at the main restaurant which has a more sophisticated ambiance.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
There are many activities available and several of them are included in the inclusive rate. Guests can enjoy the resort’s fitness center and exercise classes including yoga. There are beach volleyball, tennis, and non-motorized water sports including kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and sailing. Complimentary sailing lessons are provided by the “aqua school”. Motorized water sports, deep-sea fishing excursions, and catamaran sailing are all available for an additional cost.
There are also 2 swimming pools and a separate splash pool for kids. A full service spa is also available with a wide variety of massages and treatments. Spa services are charged separately as they are not a part of the inclusive rate.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
Turtle Beach has a supervised Kids Club for children aged 3 through 12. Here, kids can have fun playing on the outdoor jungle gym, learning how to cook local dishes, participating in various arts and crafts, making jewelry, playing video games, and taking educational nature walks. All activities are age appropriate. Preteens and teens can play pool and air hockey as well as take part in boogie boarding at the beach. Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.
How to Get Here
After arriving at Grantley Adams International Airport, you can easily take a taxi to the hotel. The drive is approximately 20 to 25 minutes. This resort does not offer complimentary airport transfers.
Contact Information
Phone: 844-683-8959
Website: Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels
Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino, Curaçao
The island of Curaçao is another lesser-known Caribbean travel destination. It is located in the southern Caribbean Sea and is a part of the Leeward Antilles just off the northern coast of Venezuela. It is also known as one of the “ABC Islands” because it lies just east of its much more well known neighbor Aruba and just to the west of Bonaire.
Photo Credit: Sunscape Curaçao
The Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino is an all-inclusive resort which belongs to the Hyatt Hotel chain. It has 341 rooms and suites, some of which are adjoining, which is a great option for many families. All have views of either the ocean or of the lush tropical landscaping. Some rooms which offer additional amenities including premium locations, access to an adults-only pool and access to an exclusive lounge are available by joining the Sun Club. We recommend contacting the resort when making reservations to get the most current details regarding the Sun Club.
The resort features 6 restaurants which are in a variety of settings including dining by the sea, in open-air patios, and under a wonderful, thatched roof. All restaurants are included and reservations are not required. Guests can enjoy snacks at the resort’s coffee shop and a casual buffet restaurant or more upscale dining experiences with wonderful Italian, Caribbean, Pan-Asian, and sophisticated seafood dishes. This resort truly has dining options for everyone.
Photo Credit: Sunscape Curaçao
There are also 7 bars and lounges, one of which has in-pool seating and a swim-up bar. Some are casual and on the beach with a great selections of beers and frozen cocktails while others are more upscale and dressier with pre-dinner cocktails and live music with nightcaps. The Sun Club has its own private bar with top-shelf spirits and cocktails making it the perfect, quiet, getaway spot.
Photo Credit: Sunscape Curaçao
Activities include the use of the full-service fitness center, beach volleyball, archery and tennis. Watersports include kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Curacao is a world-class diving location known for its colorful and vibrant marine life and coral reefs. There is also the nearby city of Willemstad, the island’s capital, which is a wonderful place to explore and visit shops.
The resort has 4 swimming pools for guests to choose from. This includes the private adults-only pool for members of the Sun Club. The main pool is the most active and is where the swim-up bar is located. The other pools are much quieter and are perfect spots for peace and relaxation.
The resort’s kids’ club is available and is supervised by Red Cross-certified staff. Here, children ages 3 through 12 can enjoy everything from arts and crafts and sandcastle building to treasure hunts, and rock climbing. They even have a mini theatre for movie nights. Teens have their own section of the club where they can have fun with the batting cages, archery, and euro-bungee among others.
Full spa services are also available with treatments that include a variety of massages, facials and scrubs. The spa has saunas, steam rooms, and a full-service beauty salon onsite. These services are available at an additional cost.
How to Get Here
After arriving at Curaçao International Airport, you can take a taxi to the resort as complimentary airport transfers are not provided. Renting a car prior to arrival is also another option because the island as a whole is a wonderful place to explore. The airport is about 10 miles from the resort, the drive takes about 20 minutes.
Contact Information
Phone: 599.736.7888
Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
The Spice Island Beach Resort is located on the southwestern tip of the island of Grenada which is in the southern Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. It is located north of Venezuela and the island of Trinidad. The resort is located about 4 miles from the island’s main airport, Maurice Bishop International Airport.
This is a casually elegant resort located on beautiful Grand Anse Beach. It is all-inclusive, family-owned and is a wonderful example of Caribbean hospitality and charm. British-style tea is offered daily and children of all ages are welcome.
This resort features 64 beautifully designed suites which are bright and airy. They range in sizes from 620 to 1,800 square feet. Some open directly to the beach and have their own hammock while others offer complete privacy with their own patios, gardens, and private plunge pools. It is important to note that all beaches in Grenada are open to the public. So the beach at this resort is not closed and reserved exclusively for resort guests.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
There are 2 wonderful restaurants at the Spice Island Resort. Culinary flavors ranging from Caribbean to international are available. The resort’s main restaurant is one of the most upscale restaurants in all of Grenada. It is famous for its “Caribbean-meets-Creole” flavors with all ingredients being sourced locally. Reggae and calypso bands play nightly. There is an elegant casual dress code with beachwear not being allowed. Guests should call the resort prior to arrival to ensure they bring proper dinner attire.
The other dining option is a more casual bar and restaurant which has a more laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. It is a great open-air place for lunch and lighter fare including sandwiches and salads.
The 2 onsite bars are similar in style to the 2 restaurants with one being dressier and more elegant while the other is more laid back. The more sophisticated setting indoors is perfect for pre-dinner cocktails or a nightcap. The second more casual location is out on the terrace by the beach. Both offer a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
The resort’s main pool is set within lush tropical landscaping and is an absolutely beautiful place to lounge and relax. As mentioned above, many of the suites have private plunge pools as well which allow for peaceful and intimate swimming.
There are all sorts of activities available at this resort including non-motorized watersports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and Hobie Cat sailing. Other activities include biking, use of the full service fitness center, tennis, yoga and wellness classes. There are also cultural excursions including guided tours with hikes to lush rainforests and waterfalls along with trips to a local spice plantation. Other excursions include river tubing which is great for children 12 and older. Guests should call the resort prior to arrival to ask which excursions will be available and how much they cost.
There is a supervised kids' club which has a fully trained staff and offers a good range of activities for children ages 3 through 12. While the number of available activities at this resort is not quite as large as some other family-friendly resorts, there are many things available here to keep the kids occupied. There are nature walks, arts and crafts, a variety of games, and storytelling. Evening babysitting services are also available for parents who simply want to enjoy a romantic dinner out on their own.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
Full spa services are available with a range of massages and treatments that will relax and rejuvenate the body and mind. The spa is in a tropical garden setting and is the perfect escape with its own reflection pool and outdoor showers. Spa services are available for an additional cost.
How to Get Here
After arriving in Grenada at Maurice Bishop International Airport, inexpensive taxi rides are available for the 5 minute trip. Guests should ask the tax driver how much they will charge before hiring the driver. The resort does not offer complimentary airport transfers.
Contact Information
Phone – Toll Free: 800 501 8603
Local: 473 444 4258
Email: reservations@spicebeachresort.com
Website: Spice Island Beach Resort
Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino is located in Punta Cana on the east coast of the Dominican Republic in the Greater Antilles. It is a large resort but it is a wonderful choice for a family getaway because it features all of the modern amenities needed to allow for lots of entertainment and much-needed relaxation.
This resort is home to 1,042 well-appointed rooms and suites. All of them have either terraces or private balconies. Some are swim-up with direct access to the pool. Most have amazing tropical garden, pool, or sea views and a wide range of types and sizes are available. There are junior suites which are large standard rooms. There are master suites which have separate living areas, larger terraces and better views. Then there is the adults-only section with its own set of rooms and suites which is in the quieter area of the resort.
Photo Credit: Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort
The Lopesan is a true delight for those who love a wide range of dining options. Everything from an international buffet, Tex-Mex comfort food, and Asian (Thai, Japanese and Chinese) specialties are available as are fresh seafood, fine French delicacies, and even Swiss Alpine classics such as raclette and fondue. The resort has a total of 8 restaurants and nothing is missed. There are Latin American favorites as well as all of the Italian classics from wood-fired pizzas to homemade pastas.
Dining atmospheres range from casual beachside to more elegant. Most restaurants here are on the casual side but a few restaurants which feature fine French dishes and higher-end seafood require more formal attire. Guests should contact the resort prior to arriving to ensure that they have the necessary dining attire. We also recommend that guests make reservations at the finer restaurants during peak times to ensure timely seating.
Photo Credit: Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort
This resort also features 9 different bars, each having its own unique feel and atmosphere. Each bar offers a wide range of beers, wines, cocktails, spirits, and of course non-alcoholic beverages. There are the indoor lobby bar and the outdoor plaza bar which are great places to relax any time of the day. There is a swim-up pool bar, a bar on the beach, and a sports bar and theater bar. There is even a more formal piano bar, a casino bar, and finally a disco bar where the DJ plays upbeat tunes in a nightclub environment. So whether you are relaxing poolside or enjoying a dressier night out, you are sure to find the beverage of your choice in the environment that suites you.
When it comes to having fun or simply relaxing by the water, guests will not have difficulty finding their preferred pool choice because this resort has 7 pools to choose from. Some are quiet and perfect for swimming laps while others are more lively. There is a shallow pool just for children, another which is for adults-only, and then there is semi-private pool which offers swim-up access to some of the ground floor suites. There is even a lazy river that winds its way through the property.
Photo Credit: Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort
The Lopesan offers a wide range of activities such as watersports which include snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are also tennis, beach volleyball, and archery. The resort features a full service fitness center with yoga classes and aqua aerobics. During the evening, there are live music, professional theatre shows on an open-air stage, themed parties, and cultural performances. The onsite casino offers all of the usual games for those who are feeling lucky.
There is a fully supervised kids’ club for children of ages 4 to 12. Activities include a mini water park with splash zones and slides, indoor and outdoor games, and arts and crafts. Teens aged 12 to 16 have their own club and leisure area with age appropriate games and activities. A bowling alley and an arcade are available for an additional cost. The resort also offers excursions offsite where guests can enjoy horseback riding, sailing, windsurfing and diving.
The resort has a full service spa onsite. It is the perfect place for guests who want to be refreshed and rejuvenated. A variety of treatments including coffee scrubs and body wraps along with hot stone and other massages are available for an additional cost.
How to Get Here
After arriving in Punta Cana, the resort’s shuttle service is available at an extra cost for the 25 minute ride to the hotel. The airport is located about 10 miles away. Guests must reserve the shuttle up to 24 hours in advance so they should call the resort to book it the day before arriving.
Contact Information
Phone – Toll Free USA & Canada: +1 833 422 3334
Carlisle Bay Antigua, Saint Mary Parish, Antigua
The Carlisle Bay Resort is a luxurious yet laid-back tropical escape which looks out over white sand, turquoise water, and has an amazing backdrop of lush, green rainforests. This wonderful resort is located on the southern coast of the island of Antigua which is in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. The resorts sits on the horseshoe-shaped Carlisle Bay. It is about 13 miles south of VC Bird International Airport which is located on the north shore of the island.
Carlisle Bay is a real tropical paradise for anyone looking for that special beach getaway. It is a tranquil retreat, a place filled with adventure, and has several all-inclusive packages. This resort features 87 suites which are beautifully designed and decorated. A range of sizes are available making this the perfect place for couples who prefer a large single space or for families who prefer 2 or 3 bedrooms with a separate living room. All suites have amazing views of either tropical gardens or the Caribbean Sea and have either large terraces or balconies.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
The resort offers a wide range of culinary experiences as 4 different restaurants are located throughout the property, one of which is for adults only. Dishes include grilled meats, fresh seafood, Asian specialties from Thailand, Indonesia and Japan, and even Italian with all of the classics from pasta to wood-fired pizzas. From casual, open-air beachside dining to fine dining which features a variety of Caribbean and international flavors, guests can enjoy creative and wonderful menus. All of the restaurants use locally grown produce and locally sourced ingredients. Reservations for dinner are required for most restaurants, guests need to check with each in advance. Dress codes vary from casual to smart casual so we recommend that guests contact the resort prior to arrival to ensure they bring proper dining attire.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
There are also 4 bars available. Guests can enjoy fresh juices, beers, and tropical cocktails by the pool under a thatched roof as well as in a more sophisticated atmosphere indoors with an extensive wine list and premium spirits for pre-dinner cocktails.
The resort has one large main pool which offers many separate lounge spaces. It is beautifully landscaped and is the perfect place to cool off and relax with a poolside cocktail.
The resort’s full service spa is a tranquil sanctuary. It offers a wide range of massages and treatments for individuals and for couples. It has its own plunge pools, a sauna, and a fully service beauty salon.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
Many different activities are available including tennis at any of the resort’s 9 courts. Complimentary tennis lessons are available. The resort also has a full service fitness center with an open-air yoga pavilion. Several watersports are available including snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing. Hobie Cats are also available along with windsurfing and complimentary windsurfing lessons. There is an on-site PADI-certified dive school and diving is available to experience the island’s local vibrant and colorful marine life.
The resort also offers several different excursions. Guests can go on rainforest hikes and guided nature walks as Antigua is known for its natural beauty and truly unique flora and fauna. Guests can also go horseback riding, enjoy sting ray encounters, take part in zip lining adventures, and even take helicopter tours of the island. Day cruises on the resort’s yacht are also available. Guests should call the resort prior to arrival to get the most current cost and scheduling information for all excursions.
There is a very active kids’ club available as well to keep the kids entertained with activities being grouped by age:
- Children aged 2 to 3 can have fun on the playground and in the splash pool. They also get to watch turtles and lizards as well as have a teddy bear picnic.
- Children aged 4 to 7 can enjoy supervised fun including beach games, nature walks, arts and crafts, and cooking classes.
- Children aged 8 through 12 have their own activities which include more adventurous things such as sailing, kayaking, scavenger hunts, tie-dye classes and cooking classes. They also have their own movie times.
- Teens have their own age group which has access to tennis lessons and a number of supervised watersports.
How to Get Here
After arriving in Antigua, guests can either take a taxi or a pre-arranged private or shared airport shuttle from the airport to Carlisle Bay. The resort does not offer complimentary airport transfers so guests should call the resort prior to arrival to get the most current information about transportation to and from the resort.
Contact Information
Phone: +1 268 484 0000
Email: reservations@carlisle-bay.com
Website: Carlisle Bay Antigua
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! With this post and our previous one about family-friendly all-inclusives in the Caribbean, you now have 10 wonderful options to consider if getting away this winter with the family is something you want to do. We love the Caribbean because of its close proximity to the US and Canada and because most of the islands are only ahead of the Eastern time zone by one hour. This makes traveling with younger children a whole lot easier as opposed to traveling across the Pacific or the Atlantic and turning their days and nights upside down. That is very challenging when you want everyone to get a good night’s sleep after arriving but bedtime is now when they are just waking up back home!
Here is a quick photo of which islands lie within specific time zones. You will see that places like the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Jamaica are in the same time zone as New York and Miami while most of the other islands are an hour ahead. It is important to note that some islands observe daylight savings and some do not so we recommend that you check the local time of your island destination as you plan your trip.
Photo Credit: whichtimezone.com
Another great thing about the Caribbean is that even though these islands share several similarities when it comes to culture, food, and music, each one has their differences too. Each one is their own country with their own history, local cultures, and unique things to do. So do a bit of research about each one to see what you prefer because they are not all the same. Some are more popular as tourist destinations while others are more low key and are not as well known.
Also, check things like current crime rates and even local political conditions. These things can have a big impact when leaving resort properties to go out and explore local towns and cities. Some locations have higher crime rates than others and just because each of these islands is its own tropical paradise, that doesn't mean your safety is guaranteed.
When planning your trip, really take some time to consider what it is you want to achieve. Consider the number of activities that are optimal for your family. Do you want a packed schedule or do you simply want to make things up as you go along? Do you want to be around a lot of other people or would you prefer to keep crowds to an absolute minimum? That’s a big factor to think about when considering a resort that has over 1,000 rooms or one which only has 87.
As you can see, there is a lot to think about when planning a trip like this. Proper planning should be done to ensure that you are not only getting the best deal for your budget but more importantly, that you and your family return home refreshed and relaxed. You will want this trip to be one that everyone can remember as being a problem-free and truly awesome tropical vacation! Have fun and safe travels!
