ttglive.com Children
Love ‘em or leave ‘em
For some parents, holidays are a time for a bit of family bonding. For others, they are more a chance to indulge in some long overdue R&R — without the kids. Sara Macefield looks at the Caribbean’s best family activities, and its even better kids-only options
LOVE ‘EM. Stingray safari
Combine an off-road adventure with watery thrills and spills by feeding tame stringrays on the Antigua Island Safari and Stingray City tour offered by Island Routes. The family fun starts with a 4x4 off-road trip that takes in some of the island’s best-known attractions, such as Betty’s Hope plantation, before intrepid trippers jump into a speed boat for an exhilarating ride to Stingray City. Here, children can get up close and personal with the Southern Rays, which come up to be fed. There is also plenty of chance to snorkel around the surrounding reef ,which is alive with starfish, lobsters, fish of all colours and turtles. The five hour tour is aimed at over- fours and costs from $85 for under-11s or $115 for others. ■
islandroutes.com
Splashing time
Water-babies of all ages can cool off in style at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa’s new Aqua Park. Located on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, guests can make a splash in a variety of water play areas — including “raining” palm trees — and on the 17 water slides. All children must be accompanied by adults, though the waterslides are for children only. Youngsters who are enrolled at the resort’s complimentary kids clubs (which take two to
Feeding stingrays in Antigua and exploring Mustique on horseback are just two ways of spending a fun time with the kids in the Caribbean
17-year-olds) will be taken to the Aqua Park under the supervision of Sandos staff. ■
sandos.com
Skulduggery at sea
Budding Jack Sparrows can take to the seas off Grenada on a new half-day pirate-themed cruise. Sailing on the 85ft schooner Liana’s Ransom – a replica of an 18th-century pirate ship — maties can walk the plank, sing a few sea shanties and even fire one of the ship’s four miniature cannons. Operated by Sea Fun Adventures and staffed by crew in full costume, Liana’s Ransom sails from the capital St George’s to one of the island’s reefs for snorkelling and diving. There’s a full open bar selling grog and grub aplenty. The outing costs £41 for adults and £24 for under-12s. Under-threes go free. ■
seafungrenada.com
Island adventures
On the island of Mustique in the Grenadines, families at the chic Cotton House hotel can opt for family-friendly accommodation with a range of organised and non-organised activities. Adrenaline junkies can visit the island’s rugged Atlantic beaches to play in the waves on body-boards (which are provided) or explore on mountain bikes. Riding fans can go on horseback instead, while over-eights can try the bubble makers programme, which gives them a taste of scuba diving in shallow waters. ■
glahotels.com
Wet and wild
Families with older children wanting to go back to school can choose from a variety of lessons at three of Elegant Hotels’ five Barbados properties.
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caribbean knowledge
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