Marketplace Suites Blog

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December 9, 2021

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Marketplace Suites

Best Caribbean Luxury Hotels & Resorts for Families or Adults

When you think of the Caribbean, one word probably comes to mind: Luxury. And as the perfect place for a honeymoon or an escape from winter, this is where you go for high-end resorts and top-level service with your family in tow. But what if you're traveling without kids? What if it's just two adults who want to get away for some alone time? We've compiled a list of our favorite hotels on each island that are perfect for either type of traveler, along with some other helpful tips, so read on!

When is the Cheapest Time to go to the Caribbean? 

If you are on a budget, then it’s helpful to know that the cheapest time to travel to the Caribbean is during the low season from June through November. If you don’t mind a few rain showers here and there during May and June, they are the two cheapest months to travel to the Caribbean —you can also score some great deals during that time.

Which Caribbean Island is the Most Family-Friendly? 

The US Virgin Islands are by far the most family-friendly Caribbean destination. With all the family-friendly amenities and kids numbering 27,026 strong on the islands of St. Thomas, St Croix and St. John, it's easy to see why this place has earned its reputation as a haven for families with children.

Best Caribbean Luxury Hotel & Resorts for Families with Children 

Choosing a Caribbean vacation that meets the needs of small children, preteens, while also meeting the needs of adults might seem like a daunting task. We’ve made the decision easier for you though, by making the following recommendations that take into account cost, convenience, amenities and entertainment options to rank the top family-friendly hotels & resorts in the Caribbean. 

Marketplace Suites—St. John, USVI

Marketplace Suites hotel is located in the heart of St. John in Cruz Bay, which is home to most of the 28-square-mile island's restaurants, bars, stores and snorkeling & diving centers. This ultra-luxurious boutique hotel has everything you need for a family vacation, including a 2-bedroom suite that comes with a king bed and 2 twin beds, so you don't have to stress about finding enough space for everyone. 

The suites also come with a fully equipped kitchen and living room area, which is perfect if you want to eat breakfast in the comfort of your own suite before heading out on an adventure around St. John all day long. 

The kids will love the easy access to nearby parks and beaches on St. John's West End, such as Trunk Bay Beach, Cinnamon Bay Beach Park and Hawksnest. Adults and children alike will enjoy St. John's leisure activities such as boating, Eco-Tourism, water sports and wildlife viewing. 

The hotel also is a stone's throw away from the bustling action of the Marketplace and eclectic dining where you can enjoy local dishes in a tropical atmosphere.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar—Nassau, The Bahamas

The U.S. News & World Report travel section rates the Bahamas #2 behind the USVI as the best place to have your family vacation in the Caribbean. The locale makes the cut as a wholesome favorite because of its gorgeous beaches, majestic reefs and opportunities for surfing lessons and horseback riding. Plus, this collection of 700 islands boasts a wide variety of budget and family-friendly luxury hotels & resorts.

One of the most family-friendly resorts of note is in Nassau, the Bahamas—The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. This beachfront resort provides tennis facilities, high-end shopping opportunities, water sports like kayaking and snorkeling, and a unique wildlife sanctuary. 

The resort has 230 luxury suites with one, two, and three bedrooms. You can choose views of the turquoise waters of iconic Cable Beach or the fountain that features nightly programs of laser light shows and music. 

Family-friendly amenities Baha Mar offers include a kid’s club and access to luxe water 15-acre beachfront waterpark that is directly adjacent to the resort. The locale provides babysitting, where parents can get away and indulge in the fun and glamor of the Baha Mar casino — the biggest casino in the Bahamas. 

Bluefields Bay Villas—Jamaica

Bluefields Bay Villas is located on the southeast coast of Jamaica, so you'll be able to experience all of what this gorgeous island has to offer with your loved ones by your side. 

If you are looking for a place to stay that tailors itineraries and custom experiences to your family’s preferences vs. a cookie-cutter approach, then the Bluefields Bay Villas in Jamaica is the vacation setting for you. 

Additionally, the resort offers six villas, complete with staff; some villas have an oceanfront location, while others are located among tropical palms and lush foliage with private swimming pools. 

The Bluefields Bay villas start with two couple-sized bedrooms and go up to six bedrooms for larger groups staying together. The suites are beautifully furnished with Jamaican art and hand-carved furnishings, giving the resort an authentic island feel. 

The kids will be able to spend hours in one of Bluefields Bay's pools or on the white sand beach just steps away from your suite. If parents want to take a break for a romantic, gourmet dinner on or off-site, the villas also offer private nannies to watch the children. 

Best Caribbean Luxury Hotel & Resorts for Adults

The adults-only resort trend has taken off in recent years with several resorts and hotels offering all-inclusive family packages that give parents peace of mind while they enjoy their romantic getaway without any interruptions from kids. 

So if romance is in the cards for your next vacation, hotels and resorts in St. Lucia, the Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic are your best bets for a luxurious Caribbean destination. 

St. Lucia: Jade Mountain Club

St. Lucia is experiencing a tourism boom, and frankly, it’s a wonder that it’s taken so long for the world to catch on to what this gorgeous island paradise has to offer. There, you will find scenic hiking, picturesque views, courtesy of volcanic peaks, and fantastic snorkeling opportunities. 

Housed on 600 acres and located above the Piton Mountains, is adults-only resort Jade Mountain Club— a romantic sanctuary for adults looking to tune out to the world outside. 

Turtle Beach sits at one end of this private estate, offering views of St. Lucia’s lush mountain ranges as well as its pristine coastline with azure waves crashing on the beach below. The resort has been designed to surround guests with the most breathtaking views of nature and its wildlife.

Couples staying at Jade Mountain don’t have to lift a finger, either, especially if they book the all-inclusive package. Once you’re there, you’ll have gourmet meals, free yoga classes and top-notch service all around.

Turks and Caicos: COMO Parrot Cay

Travelers flock to the archipelagos and coral islands of the Turks and Caicos for relaxing beach stays, but the beautiful area also has plenty to offer couples who enjoy wellness vacations. 

COMO Parrot Cay, a private island resort, takes opulence and wellness vacations to a whole new level with on-site amenities like its world-renowned Shambhala Spa and healthy spa menus at restaurants that feature produce that is cultivated in the gardens there.  

The resort’s range of suites, villas and rooms boast maximized natural light, creating sun-filled accommodations that face the sea or the island’s gorgeous landscape. 

Many of Como Parrot Cay’s villas and houses feature their own private pools and direct beach access, along with 24/7 access to butlers. 

Dominican Republic: Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino

The Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic offers up tons of romantic things to do, making it a top draw for lovers. If you and your significant other travel there, you’ll find pristine, natural wonders such as Bavaro Beach, 3 Eyes National Park, the lovely, cascading waterfalls at 27 Charcos— and entertainment options like Coco Bongo Night show and Club in Punta Cana, where you can dance the night away. 

This brings us to the town of Punta Canta, Dominican Republic where our next Caribbean accommodation of note is located—The Royalton Resort & Casino in Punta Cana.

The Royalton is on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. It was voted Conde Nast’s 2019 and 2020 Reader’s Choice Awards for best Caribbean resorts, and there really is something for everyone to enjoy there. 

Adults staying there can unwind in intimate rooms with luxury accommodations that include a pool that you can literally step right off into from your room terrace. There are several restaurants within five miles of your stay, including the popular beachside restaurant, Jellyfish, which serves local cuisine and ocean to table fare. 

Why Not Stay in St. John?

To help you decide further, why not make it easy and stay in lovely St. John! There are dozens of reasons to stay here, including the fact that it’s one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, and you can easily get here by ferry. 

The island has a great range of accommodations for every taste and budget, including many luxurious family-friendly resorts. And although St. John is very family-oriented, the pristine beaches and relaxing tropical vibe make it a great choice for couples. After all, there's some reason the locals nicknamed it "Love Island," right?

Also, if you are coming from the U.S. mainland, the USVI can be very attractive over other Caribbean destinations since the currency is in U.S. dollars, and you don't need a passport to get here. 

Whether you decide to travel to St. John for a family vacation, a honeymoon or just a business trip, we at Marketplace Suites have you covered! We offer fully furnished short-term and long-term 1-2 bedroom suites that can accommodate up to (six?) people, so you only have the room that's needed for you and your dear ones. To book your stay, please visit our website or contact us directly at 1-800-727-6610.