Caribbean

The Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of the few places on earth that feels like a resort whether or not you’re actually staying in one. There are absolutely perfect beaches, amazing food, plenty of historical sights to see, and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet in your life. Of course, the Caribbean isn’t just one place. There are lots of islands here, most of which have their own distinct culture and vibe. A lot of travelers decide to stay on one island to experience everything it has to offer, whether that’s the party atmosphere of Jamaica, Puerto Rico’s unfussy sensibility, or a chance to bliss out in the Bahamas. But don’t be afraid to island hop. It is possible to take in a lot of them in a single vacation if you’re adventurous and determined.

Some of My Favorite Caribbean Destinations

From the swimming pigs tour we took in the Bahamas to the amazing jerk chicken in Jamaica to the awe-inspiring historical sites in Puerto Rico, our family has loved the time we’ve spent in the Caribbean. But frankly, for the full, Insta-worthy Caribbean experience, you have to go horseback riding on Grand Cayman. During our Grand Cayman family vacation, we had the opportunity to ride swimming horses and it was just as amazing as it sounds.

And here’s a fun fact: there is more variety among the beaches than you might expect. You’ll definitely find soft white sands and brilliant blue waters on a lot of Caribbean beaches, but the volcanic islands like St. Kitts and Nevis tend to have course, richly colored sand. All the beaches are beautiful, but depending on where your travels take you, you may be surprised by what you see.

Visiting the Caribbean with Kids

The Caribbean islands are the perfect mix of exotic and familiar — especially for families who love lazing on the beach or water sports. The islands are all extremely kid-friendly. There are all-inclusive resorts that go above and beyond to make sure kids have as much fun as their grownups. The typical Caribbean beach with its powdery sand and super calm warm waters is a child’s paradise. And just about every restaurant will have a kid’s menu ready when you walk through the door.

Choosing which island to visit is definitely the hardest part of visiting the Caribbean with kids. One way to narrow down your options is to think about your kids’ preferences and personalities. Are they happy to swim and build sandcastles all day long? Or will they drive you crazy if they don’t have a structured activity each day? Aruba, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman are good spots to check out if you think your family will be better off staying somewhere with a kids’ club and all-ages excursions.

Luxury Hotels in the Caribbean

Bright sunshine, blue skies, warm water, and year-round gorgeous weather? What’s not to love? Even better, you can experience it all from the comfort of one of the many all-inclusive luxury hotels along the beach. In my honest, first-hand reviews of luxury hotels in the Caribbean, you’ll find insider information about some of my favorite hotels and resorts. Don’t plan a Caribbean vacation without checking them out. And if you’re ready to book, consider booking through me. Because I’m an Independent Affiliate of Cadence® Travel, I have access to exclusive VIP amenities (which you can’t access on your own) that I am happy to share with you.

Browse Caribbean hotels on Virtuoso.com.