Newbie- looking for kid friendly "resort"

[adiehl13]

I hate to even use the word "resort" in case someone misconstrues this as type A/high maintenance. What we'd like is to be able to rent a variety of accomodations for a family trip of 8 adults and 3 munchkins. (villa/cottage with cooking for my parents; cottage for families with kids or 2-rm suite), and have there be a pool where we might run into some other 2 and 4 yr olds. We've done a lot in the caribbean and are looking for something new. We love more layed back islands (like bonaire- but too far).

Anyone have any suggestions? For first timers sounds like somewhere near Hopetown would be good? otherwise, Guanaseaside looked interesting for us as well.

any thoughts?

[Cathy Arizona]

You might want to check on Hope Town Harbour Lodge or Turtle Hill Villas on Elbow Cay.

[adiehl13]

Thanks for the suggestion- I will look into it. We are also looking at Guana seaside village? Any information on this property.

[ncdd]

Guana Seaside is very nice with motel type accomodations or homes. They are extremely kid oriented with a nice pool and beach on the Sea Abaco which means calm and clear water, or the 100 hundred yard walk to the ocean side for beach with waves . The adult part of the equation is, good food, great drinks at the beach bar, nice dock for rental boats and REALLY NICE people to deal with!!!!

[adiehl13]

great. just to clarify, what did you mean by "motel type accomodations?" Is this just a room? I have a fear of being caged up with my 13 mos old in "just a room." I think I'm going to need some more space- like an attached living room/porch etc. maybe though we can get this in the "homes?"

[ncdd]

http://www.guanaseaside.com/index.cfm

[DrRalph]

They have at least one "suite" that has two separate bedrooms. Also, take a look at Seaspray Resort on Elbow Cay.

[abacopotcake]

On Green Turtle Cay, the Green Turtle Yacht Club (242 365 4271) and The Bluff House (242 365 4200) offer rooms and villas. They have beaches, pools, restaurants and are just a short ride by boat or golf cart to Historic New Plymouth. Or if its a house you're interested in, contact Julie Farrington at Island Property Management .... She has 30 - 40 homes for rent... 242 365 4047..or IPM@batelnet.bs.
One note, the telephone company is currently working on repairs and upgrades since the hurricanes...so be patient when trying to telephone!!

[adiehl13]

Okay. Thanks for all the tips. It looks like we've narrowed it down to Elbow Cay or Guana for our first time. We've had a few emails today suggesting the Harbor Lodge as well on Elbow Cay. So I'm off to check out that website. I'd love to rent a house but I'm being told that it would be nice for the kids to hook up with a kid or two at a hotel pool on occasion. Too many cooks.............

[Islandgrl]

We have personally stayed at Turtle Hill many times and also the Lodge on Elbow. www.turtlehill.com Both are very good spots for kids. Don't forget if you choose Turtle Hill you could always go over to the Lodge and spend the day hanging out just for something different with the kids. I know the villas at Turtle Hill have BBQ grills and great kitchen facilities but don't remember seeing them at the Lodge. Both have great beach/pool bars with food available. Have a Great Time! :)

[adiehl13]

Turtlehill is on the atlantic side, right? Is this calm enough for snorkeling or do you just go around the island?

[Abacouple]

Don't discount Treasure Cay. Maybe Bahama Beach Club.

[elcahun]

My first thought would be Elbow and the Lodge. On a first trip sometimes its better to be closer to a lot of things. There is everything you are looking for, and Marsh Harbour is just a ferry away. You can walk to a store or rent a cart for an adventure. Dive operators and rental boats are also there.

Wherever you end up, have a pool. I know from experience that with kids, you want that for peace of mind. You are steps to the ocean and snorkeling, yet you can relax and let the kids spash around for hours in the pool and still be a minute from your cottage.

[dbowman]

With 8 adults and munchkins, a home may be a better choice. There is a 6 bedroom oceanfront home with pool just north of Turtle Hill. Sorry, I don't know the name, but try Kerry Sullivan at Damianos Realty, 242-366-0040. She's great and knows everything and everybody. Get a couple of carts and tour the entire island; Tahiti Beach is a great picnic spot for the entire family. Stop at Seaspray for lunch and a dip in the pool. Hopetown Harbor Lodge is also wonderful for snorkeling or swimming in the pool. Lunch and dinner are awesome. Have Gary make the adults rum drinks at cocktail hour and really get adjusted!! Call Kevin at Island Carts, 242-399-0448.

Don't forget breakfast at Capn Jacks and take the munchkins to the Lighthouse.

[bellavista]

Oceanfront cottages at Dolphin Beach Resort--Guana Cay. Kitchens, great beach out front door for kids to run free. Dive Guana has good kids operation re water trips, snorkeling etc and also boats to rent for the day.

[Islandgrl]

If you plan to rent a boat or golf cart make sure you set that up ahead of time as they are limited. There are some great snorkle spots you can get to very easily by boat... Mermaid Reef is great for younger kids - bring crackers for the fish! Turtle Hill Villas are on Atlantic side and there is a beautiful beach, a cart is included but you would want to go over to the Lodge or Public beach on Elbow for snorkeling. If kids are still napping age and you plan to walk most places and want everything at arms reach then I think the Lodge may be better. Just some thoughts!

[Gail Quante]

Why don't you have the best of both worlds? Stay at Turtle Hill and eat out!!Go to the various pools, have lunch and let your children play with the other children. Turtle Hill has two, three bedroom "villas" that share a pool. Also, four, two bedroom "cottages" that share a pool along with an ocean front grill. We were there last summer, the property was awash with little kids!! Even though we did not have small children, (just three big baby boys in our group........over 40) we enjoyed the children. Elbow has a fair share of children in the summer. You chidren will no tbe lonely!! Have a great trip. We have stayed all over Elbow, but and you cannot go wrong no matter where you go! There is not a bad cay to pick from......................