The Spread:
Imagine this: a lush little-inhabited getaway where you can lie under a tree, savor the breezes, and find yourself again, while your kids are nearby having a great time. A vacation with good food, a pampering spa, postcard-pretty turquoise waters, no crowds, and a kids' program seems almost impossible, but it isn't. Just a 40-minute flight from Nassau, the Four Seasons Resort at Emerald Bay on Great Exuma, population 3,400, is a 140-room, low-key, up-market property fronting a half-mile of sugar soft sands. Lounge by the pool, where beach attendants spray your face with a cool mist and bring you complimentary strawberry ices to cool off. The spa garden provides an enchanting hideaway for adults who prefer to have some quiet time.

Why Families Love It:
This resort works best for families with preschoolers and grade-schoolers who love the shore. At the complimentary Kids For All Seasons program, children ages five to 12 swim, create sand art, fly kites, go on lizard hunts, play soccer, and finger paint from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Little ones can romp in a splash pool while their parents look on from comfortable chaise lounges. In addition, at select times, the resort hosts special movie nights, pajama parties, and other kids-only evening programs.

The Teen Centre has a large screen television, DVD movies, video games, and computers with Internet access. Despite this haven, at times other than holiday weeks or in summer, teens may grumble about the lack of a night scene, unless you can tire them out so much from snorkeling, diving, and playing golf that they don't mind. Of course, you can always bribe older teens with spa treatments—and don't forget to indulge yourself. The wraps, scrubs, massages, and rituals employ salt, tropical flowers, aloe, seaweed, lemongrass, ginger, mango, ground avocados, and other natural island elements. Younger kids can go for hair braiding and pedicures (for a nominal fee) at the Kids For All Seasons Center.

Eddie's, a café not far from the resort, often has live bands playing Rake 'n' Scrape, indigenous Bahamian music created with a washboard, saw, drum, and guitar.

Special Events & Activities:
Be sure to go sea kayaking and snorkeling, both available at the resort. A number of other activities suit those looking for active or relaxing vacations—from bonefishing to scuba diving, deep sea fishing, a boat tour with native cuisine and guides who will tell you about the history and culture of the area, a catamaran tour with a stop for swimming and snorkeling, sightseeing tours, glass bottom boat tours, and more. You won't be bored (unless you prefer that, of course).
www.fourseasons.com/greatexuma