coleellee

Looking at taking the family next Feb to a caribbean island or Puerto Vallarta using Marriott points for about 10 days. Our kids are 6 and 11 and enjoy snorkeling, nice noncrowded beaches, fun swimming pools,etc. We prefer an island that is not to Americanized and easy to get around. We also like to eat at out at the local spots. Which island is best for the nicest Marriott on the beach? The Ritz is also included in this program so we could use points there too, however, they do require more. All suggestions/pics are greatly appreciated!!!

Knowing

I would suggest Curacao. The Marriott has a large beach and a nice swimming pool area. The island offers many good local restaurants and there is a mellow bar down by the water that you would feel comfortable taking the kids to on the nights that they bring a guitar player in. Your kids may consider themselves lucky to be able to do an animal encounter at the sea aquarium, watch the masters feed the sharks from the underwater observation tunnel or you may want to catch a look at the ostrich farm.

eileen

Well, due to your kids' ags, I would suggest the Aruba Marriott, it's three resorts in one and has everything they could want, including three pools and a water slide. My kids went at ages 7 & 12 and loved it. Aruba is very family friendly. However, it doesn't quite fit the bill because it is very Americanized and Aruba is one long strip of beach with hotel after hotel, so it is crowded. You might look into the St. Kitts Marriott, another mega resort that the kids would like and may fit your criteria. We loved the Curacao Marriott (went without the kids) but I don't think it's a great destination for them, the pool is basic, few if any activities, etc.

doug_stallings

I'll be completely honest with you. There are few Marriotts on the less Americanized islands; of these, St. Kitts or Curacao is probably your best choice, and they're both lovely islands for different reasons. Of the Marriotts I know, I'd leave out the one in San Juan.

Consider Grand Cayman (you could definitely save points by picking the Courtyard there). Though definitely Americanized, the Cayman Islands are a good family destination; however, I don't think Aruba is going to satisfy you.

Ritz-Carltons throughout the Caribbean have excellent service, but the best one is in Saint Thomas. The newest is in Grand Cayman. Definitely skip the one in Jamaica because it has an inferior beachf. The beaches in the Caribbean are much nicer than those in Puerto Vallarta's hotel area, but the Casa Magna itself is quite nice. I'm sure other people on this board can help you narrow down your choice further.

EmilyC

These properties are tough to book. In the last 6 years, I was able to get the Ritz in STT only 1 time (not a complaint!). Pick up the phone today and lock in a property or 2, then decide based upon what's available.
Besides the Ritz, we have also stayed at Curacao and enjoyed it.We also stayed at Morningstar many years ago and that was nice.
We've recently staed at the Harbor Beach in FLL because we couldn't get free air to Caribbean and we like it there as well

skbfan

St. Kitts has uncrowded beaches (Cockleshell, South Friars), snorkeling and kayaking excursions with Turtle Tours, rainforest and plantation tours with Greg's Safaris, Brimstone Hill Fortress (educational) www.brimstonehillfortress.org, sister island of Nevis, catamaran excursion with Blue Water Safaris www.bluewatersafaris.com, Wilbur the pig and Tarzana the monkey at Turtle Beach Bar & Grill www.turtlebeach1.com and so much more.

Breathtaking views, friendly locals, great local restaurants: www.mrxshiggidyshack.com

Visit www.discover-stkitts-nevis-beaches.com

tjcm

Hi.
Our family used Marriott points at the Marriott Morningstar on St.Thomas and loved it! While the island is "Americanized", there are many beautiful beaches to explore on St. Thomas, St. John...or by taking a boat out to other nearby islands. There is a small, uncrowded pool oceanside...and then a large pool up the hill at the main Marriott property. You'll need to rent a car as taxi prices are quite high (I speak from experience).
Try doing a search on this forum for more details.
We were just in St. Thomas for the day (last week) and at our kids urging we spent the day at the Morningstar...on the beach...eating lunch at Coco Joe's (their beachside restaurant).. and enjoying the gorgeous view.
Hope this helps.