Published May 5, 2004 12:00AM
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All-inclusive resort vacations with kids Question: We have an 18-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter and would like an active Easter break vacation in the sun (Caribbean or Bermuda) but not Club Med. What would you recommend that would also include other teens and preteens? Barry Hainer Charleston, SC hainerbl@musc.edu Adventure Adviser: As much as they’d like you to believe otherwise, Club Med still gives you a lot of options for family-friendly Caribbean resorts–all of which come complete with a grocery list of outdoor sports and plenty of other kids. On Jamaica’s north shore, Franklin D. Resort caters specifically to families, with their one- to three-bedroom suites and kids-under-16-are-free policy. Much like Club Med, all sailing, diving, biking, meals, drinks, and entertainment are included in the price. But before you panic, rest assured that this isn’t a whistle-blowing, camp-like resort. It’s pleasantly low-key, which means that you and the kids can do what you want, when you want. Rates start at $3,025 per couple, per week. The only drawback? At 18, your eldest child is considered an adult by their standards. For details and reservations, call 800-654-1337. If just the sound of “all-inclusive” makes you squeamish, consider the Buccaneer Hotel on 340 acres of St. Croix waterfront, with two swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course, eight tennis courts, a 2-mile jogging trail, and three beaches. Nearby Dive St. Croix will arrange for scuba instruction and snorkeling off Buck Island, about a mile off the northeast coast. I tagged along with my best friend’s family on a trip to St. Croix during high school and I vividly remember making the drive from our staid (by my standards) golf resort to the Buccaneer and being overwhelmed by the swarms of kids and families running around. Doubles start at $170 per night, including breakfast. Call 800-255-3881. |