The Spread:
Among the Caribbean's most upscale resorts, Raffles is located on Canouan Island, about 110 miles west of Barbados in the heart of the Grenadines. The hotel blends European luxury with Caribbean casual elegance. The resort's 156 rooms, suites, and villas are situated on 300 acres of a 1,200-acre private estate. Along with three beaches, the resort features one of the largest freshwater pools in the Caribbean at 12,900 square feet, where guests are treated to mineral water and chilled towels to keep them cool. Little ones splash in the children's pool. Four restaurants, four tennis courts, a fitness center, a luxury spa, a casino, and the Trump International Golf Club are on site.
Why Families Love It:
First there's the island itself. Canouan, just three square miles, is where "Pirates of the Caribbean" II and III were filmed. The protected bay offers calm waters and coral reefs offshore teem with colorful marine life. The spacious guest rooms—starting at 560 square feet—easily accommodate families.
Upon arrival, kids receive a welcome backpack containing goodies. The complimentary Sugar Palm Kids Club for ages four to 14 operates daily 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and three evenings each week from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (evenings change each week). Kids play beach games, take nature walks, create crafts, romp on a pirate ship playground, and go on treasure hunts (no word on whether Captain Jack Sparrow left anything behind). During the Christmas holidays, the resort opens a teen room and hosts teen biking outings and beach volleyball games.
Special Events & Activities:
Take a half-day sail and snorkel trip to Tobago Cays aboard the 40-foot catamaran sloop Splendid Adventurer, offered daily 9 a.m. or 1 p.m., $200 per person.