Family holidays in the Caribbean

Often associated with honeymoons, the Caribbean can also be an excellent destination for a family holiday.

Many of the hotels are surprisingly family-friendly, even the most upmarket like Sandy Lane (www.sandylane.com/treehouse) in Barbados, which has a cr?che and kids' clubs.

Barbados has the widest choice of family hotels but properties on the islands of St Lucia and Antigua also have a good reputation for the quality of their childcare.

Antigua's big draw for families, aside from its fabulous sandy beaches, is a rainforest canopy tour which opened just a few years ago. A relatively new all-inclusive family resort, The Verandah Resort & Spa (www.verandahresortandspa.com) on the northeast coast, has a children's restaurant, a kids' club and children's splash pool and play area.

Worth considering for a family holiday are the Almond (www.almondresorts.co.uk) all-inclusive resorts, of which there are two in Barbados and two in St Lucia. Its newest property, the Almond Casuarina in Barbados, has a free cr?che and clubs for children and teenagers.

Beaches (www.beachesresorts.co.uk), a sister brand to the couples-only Sandals resorts, has family-friendly properties on several islands. Its all-inclusive properties include free entertainment and activities for kids.

A Caribbean cruise also makes for a good family holiday. Disney Cruise Line runs seven-night cruises around the eastern or western islands plus three or four-night cruises around the Bahamas.

A Disney cruise can be tagged on to a holiday in the United States. Try Virgin Holidays (www.virginholidyas.co.uk) for packages.

Alternatively, Fred.Olsen runs family cruises around the Caribbean during the school holidays at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. Go to www.fredolsencruises.com.

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