We profile three Caribbean resorts in prime locations for those looking to enjoy a luxurious family retreat both on and off property. From the Cayman Islands to St. Lucia to Grenada, we highlight the trendiest amenities at these family-friendly Caribbean hotels.
Starfish and Stingrays in Grand Cayman
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman in 2016 unveiled one of the top penthouses for families in all of the Caribbean. The largest penthouse in the Caribbean, featuring more than 19,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space, this room comes with unique family-friendly features such as its own elevator, an outdoor terrace, a private library and a movie theater.
The Ritz-Carlton Suite is also a good selection as it can comfortably accommodate six people in its 2,400 square feet of space. Views of the Caribbean, a personal terrace, bedrooms and a luxurious dining room further add to the comfort quotient of the suite.
For specific room enquries, we recommend reaching out to Alan O’Connell (Caymanguestrelationsdl@ritzcarlton.com), guest services manager.
This hotel is also home to one of the most popular kids’ programs in the Caribbean, Ambassadors of the Environment, which provides unique eco-tours, such as a mangrove kayak adventure or a nighttime snorkel expedition, led by trained naturalists.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman gives families a chance to swim with stingrays at Stingray City.
Tip: Tell guests about Starfish Cay at The Ritz, where poolside amenities and activities are provided throughout the day. From a zero-entry splash pool, shallow enough for families to splash, play and explore, children enter a cove with interactive water nozzles and sail down gentle water slides.
Families looking for private canopied accommodations on the beach can check out The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s three private cabana options that are not only shelter from the sun, but are also a sanctuary from the world beyond the beautiful Seven Mile Beach.
Seeking some off-property adventures? The resort is close to some of the island’s best family experiences, including the famous Stingray City in Grand Cayman’s North Sound, which can be visited on a power catamaran available through The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
To further customize a family retreat, we suggest connecting with Jasmine James (jasmine.james@ritzcarlton.com), travel industry sales manager.
The Landings Resort and Spa — St. Lucia
The Landings’ three-bedroom suites are great for multigenerational families heading for a retreat in St. Lucia.
These suites sleep up to six guests with a king-size bed in the master bedroom for mom and dad, a king-size bed in the second bedroom for grandma and grandpa, teens or other guests, and a set of twin beds in the third bedroom for children. The second and third bedrooms also have their own private bathroom.
The suite’s full kitchen comes with appliances, so families can enjoy evening meals together. There is also an in-room washer / dryer for families who might need to freshen up. Note: All of these suites come with 24/7 butler service and include waterfront views of St. Lucia’s volcanic landscape.
The Landings Resort and Spa’s Beachfront Villa Suites contain decorative tropical touches and are staffed with a personal butler.
For all other room requests, we recommend connecting with Cleo Eugene (concierge@landingsstlucia.com), concierge agent.
The Landings offers a complimentary Kids Club, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for children ages 4-12. Unique Kids Club offerings include picnics to Pigeon Island, fishing by the bay, treasure hunts around the property and kite flying.
For dining al fresco, families can enjoy a delicious meal at The Palms, which overlooks the marina and has an “East Meets West” menu that changes seasonally — think meats, fresh fish and seafood cooked on a lava stone grill. Hint: The top recommendations include Greek-style calamari, dusted with seasoned flour and golden fried, presented with caponata and tzatziki, and the herbed lamb chops, which are grilled and served with gremolata, rustic pan-seared polenta, roasted garlic and peppers.
Families looking for off-property entertainment should consider the Brig Unicorn Pirate Sail. During this family-friendly adventure, guests can go aboard the Unicorn, a replica of a 19th-century sailing vessel, for a family pirate outing. Kids get into the part by purchasing the requisite bandana, eye patch and sword. VIPs will then sail to Sulphur Springs for the volcano tour and visit a waterfall and gardens.
For kids who’ve never witnessed geothermal activity, the bubbling mud and steaming fumaroles at Mount Soufriere, the island’s volcano, are eye-opening. Guests start by watching the video at the Sulphur Springs museum. Then, they go to the overlook to view a part of the caldera, created when the volcanic cone collapsed nearly 40,000 years ago.
Kid’s Club experiences and adventures at the hotel include picnic trips to Pigeon Island, fishing by the bay and a host of outdoor games.
Encompassing much more than the ash you see, the more than seven-square-mile caldera includes the nearby town of Soufriere, as well as the visitor parking lots. This is why the term “drive-in volcano” is often used to describe Mount Soufriere.
If mud isn’t your thing, another great family outing can be found at the Treetop Canopy Adventure, where VIPs can launch themselves through the rainforest, zip line-style. This adventure consists of 11 zip lines. The longest stretches nearly 800 feet, and the highest hoists you more than 100 feet up into the tree canopy. Hint: Children from three years old can try the Kiddie Adventure, which is basically a mini-zip line.
Another great family outing option close to The Landings is the Sea Trek Adventure Helmet Diving Tour. This undersea walk for ages eight and above includes glimpses of a wide variety of sea creatures, most of which guests will be able to touch.
To further customize a getaway to St. Lucia and The Landings, we recommend hooking up with Cypriana George (cgeorge@landingsstlucia.com), sales manager.
On Grenada With the Clan
Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club in Grenada has a series of suites that work well for families in one-, two- or three-bedroom configurations.
The Montessori Kids Club has daily indoor and outdoor activities such as snorkeling, croquet, shuffleboard, horseshoes and giant garden chess games.
The best room options for larger families are the two- and three-bedroom Luxury Villas, as well as the Two Bedroom Garden Suite, which comes with its own private plunge pool. All the rooms at Mount Cinnamon have impressive views of the Caribbean Sea and overlook Grand Anse Beach. Note: The resort does not offer butler service.
Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club has 30 suites and villas located on the renowned Grand Anse Beach of Grenada, with one pool, two restaurants and bars and an exclusive Beach Club.
Savvy’s Restaurant has a dedicated kids menu and we hear the restaurant, which is open to locals, is the place to be on weekend nights, offering live entertainment, grilled local specialties and Savvy’s famous house-made ice cream.
For unique room enquires and dining requests, we suggest connecting with Shauna Bonadie (shauna@mountcinnamongrenada.com); she is the guest services manager.
Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club is located just 15 minutes from Maurice Bishop International Airport. Tip: Available for a fee, Mount Cinnamon can help families get through the airport process quicker as its available VIP airport services include private access to the St. George’s Suite upon arrival and departure; a concierge reception at the aircraft as the guests deplane; checked luggage transfer and retrieval; a welcome rum or fruit punch and refresh towel; private immigration and customs processing; and free drinks and snacks. Note: This service must be arranged through the resort’s Reservations Team at least 24 hours prior to arrival.
Families looking to get off the resort for some shopping and entertainment should arrange for a transfer to nearby St. George’s at the Esplanade Mall, offering a mix of locally crafted goods, duty free products and souvenirs.
Also, not to be missed at the foot of Young Street in St. George’s is Market Square, a popular open-air market that sells an array of local products and the best selection of the island’s famous spices.
The pool at Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club
Other family activities offered year-round in Grenada include scuba and snorkeling with Dive Grenada, the island’s most prominent dive and scuba outfitters, located on the hotel’s beach; local tours to spice and chocolate plantations; and excursions to Grenada’s natural eco offerings like its waterfalls and natural sulfur springs.
Hint: The Grenada Chocolate Fest, which takes place May 11-19, is an annual event that is growing popular amongst families looking for a sweet-tooth vacation in the Caribbean. The festival celebrates the island’s spices and organic cocoa.
To further customize a family vacation at Mount Cinnamon, reach out to Molly Osendorf (molly@mountcinnamongrenada.com), sales and marketing director.
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