Bahamas or Barbados - family friendly luxury

[Mumplestiltskin]

I'm looking to go to the Bahamas or Barbados for a big birthday and I have a 5 and 7 year old who are both fairly rambunctious and energetic (so don't want to ruin someone's honeymoon but also want 5 star luxury). Does not have to be all inclusive and ideally would be somewhere with child friendly pools, great service, lovely beach and where you could walk offsite for dinner.

Am I asking too much?

Thanks!

Ocean 2 in Barbados is lovely. I believe it’s all newly refurbished too.

I only have experience of Barbados which I love, mainly because it’s one of the Caribbean islands that you can travel around and walk offsite. Fair few high class hotels take a look at Sandy Lane.

Rosewood Baha Mar in the Bahamas has a 10 min transfer from the airport. It’s got direct access to the beach and a waterpark, plus a kids club.

I haven’t been to the Bahamas as we go to Barbados every year. There are several five star hotels on the west coast. We stay at either Beach View Hotel or Port Saint Charles (Marina based resort). It’s fab there - georgeous beaches and lots of high end restaurants as well as many others with a more relaxed vibe. For the best experience don’t go all inclusive as the restaurants are really great. As well as hotels there are many golf, marina or plantation style properties, many of which have their own nice restaurants or the option to have a private chef.

Bahamas is busier, bigger hotels and more American. Barbados is more authentic with a choice of smaller or larger resorts.