Antigua as a family, have you been?

[QueenOfIce]

If so where did you stay and did you enjoy it?

Was the sea calm and blue or a little murky? (I promise it relevant!)

Did you enjoy the quality and choice of food, did you go all inclusive or dine out? Im finding that resorts charge kids for AI which includes alcohol so a big rip of imo. Don't know if I can negotiate with hotel directly.

Did you do some fun day trips?

TIA!

We went to Antigua in August 2012 with our 3 dcs...stayed at Grand Pineapple resort , which I think is now adults only unfortunately...it was a brilliant resort and the beach was incredible ( good for snorkelling)..water very warm and clear and calm!
However I think The Verandah, which is very nearby is family friendly
We flew with Virgin in Premium economy ( worth it for extra leg room as we're all tall!)
We went on a helicopter trip and flew over Montserrat and saw the smoking volcanic vents...very exciting
Also chartered a yacht for the day for Ds 13th bd - The Jabberwocky - they have a Facebook page....highly recommend ( food/ drinks provided as well as birthday cake) we went swimming/ snorkelling with turtles( all equipment provided)
Went to Shirley heights for bbq and steel bands
Had a fabulous holiday, one of our most memorable...dcs all loved it too ( there was a great group of teenagers at the hotel... but I'm sure The Verandah and St James club are just as good- we did consider these at the time)

Antigua is beautiful. I recommend hiring a car.

Ps the sea is gorgeous and clear

Ooo, we stayed at the Grand Pineapple Beach hotel about 11 years ago, as dh proposed to me at Shirley Heights.
There weren’t many families there, but I’m sure there’s other hotels where there are families.
I loved Antigua. If you want calm seas, look for the Caribbean Sea side, rather than Atlantic side of the island, the water is calmer on the Caribbean side.

Have you thought about Barbados?

Looking at Barbados now too because my dislike for anything wicker and liking my modern comforts have blown the budget.

Went to Barbados a few years ago can't recall if I liked it though!

Go to the BVIs and get a yacht charter. No wicker and no rip off.

Beautiful. Stayed at Blue Waters. Incredible holiday. Sea not remotely murky. Was a bit rough on boat and diving trips though.
Went AI and only ate outside of the resort a handful of times (which is very unusual for us - we like trying new places) as the choice was so good.

Sounds amazing Bubbles but we only have a week and dsd isn't one for relaxing she is adamant she wants things to do during the day.

kitten That's great to hear, we're going to the Blue Waters in late July. We're staying at the Cove Suites.

I don't want this to come across distasteful but we booked our holiday soon after the hurricane disaster in Barbuda and got a great deal. Prices now are several ££££ more.

We stayed at Carlisle Bay - it was before we had children, but there were plenty of families there then. It was gorgeous, with good kids facilities I think. The one thing that stops me going back now (with 2 children) are the sand flies on the beach - we got bitten to death every evening.......

You can do a week charter. You are busy because the sails are typically 2 hours and then you swim, snorkel, go exploring, play with the boat toys such as kayaks and what’s more, you are in heaven and you don’t share it with others! Our DC loved it!

Loved Barbados stayed near Payne’s bay went with two DC in January

Don’t do AI it’s killing the islands and resorts.

We've booked a cruise..I'm not sure I'm going to gel with the whole 'cruise culture' having worked on ships in my youf  anyway hopefully there will be plenty for dsd to do which is the main thing, I can always find a place to hide in between bingo, napkin folding and name that tune 

@BubblesBuddy I am so interested in your suggestion though for another time, who did you go with? Sounds like heaven. Thank you for the suggestion.