Hotel: Grand Lucayan, a Radisson Resort

Sharing seven beautiful beachfront acres with the Sheraton, the Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort oozes cool elegance from the moment you step into its lobby. Tall palm trees hover above overstuffed chairs that lead to a veranda with a spectacular view over the Atlantic. Rooms are equally classy, with clean lines, muted colors, and the Westin's signature Heavenly beds that often draw guests back for mid-afternoon naps. Though the Westin and Sheraton are companion resorts that share facilities, the Westin's section is geared towards vacationers looking for a low key experience (while families with children tend to stay at the Sheraton). The facilities include five restaurants, a quiet infinity pool and a lap pool, a full service spa, a state of the art fitness center offering complimentary Pilates, spinning, and yoga classes, two golf courses and four lighted tennis courts, and a casino complete slot machines, roulette, craps, blackjack, and Caribbean poker tables. For

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Sharing seven beautiful beachfront acres with the Sheraton, the Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort oozes cool elegance from the moment you step into its lobby. Tall palm trees hover above overstuffed chairs that lead to a veranda with a spectacular view over the Atlantic. Rooms are equally classy, with clean lines, muted colors, and the Westin's signature Heavenly beds that often draw guests back for mid-afternoon naps. Though the Westin and Sheraton are companion resorts that share facilities, the Westin's section is geared towards vacationers looking for a low key experience (while families with children tend to stay at the Sheraton). The facilities include five restaurants, a quiet infinity pool and a lap pool, a full service spa, a state of the art fitness center offering complimentary Pilates, spinning, and yoga classes, two golf courses and four lighted tennis courts, and a casino complete slot machines, roulette, craps, blackjack, and Caribbean poker tables. For guests who want to spend their time beachside, the Westin has a top notch watersports center offering just about any water activity available--from snorkeling, windsurfing, and sailing to waterskiing, kneeboarding, parasailing, and banana-boating (there's even a huge trampoline anchored offshore). All in all, the Westin promises guests as much activity or relaxation as they need. And if you feel like you want more? Well, there's always the Sheraton next door.

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The Spread:
On the Grand Bahama Island's beachfront, which served as a backdrop for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie sequels, the Westin and the Sheraton offer a combined 1,212 rooms on 377 acres of oceanfront property. Having two resorts on one site means you get to enjoy the same facilities—pools, powdery beaches, two golf courses, tennis courts, more than a dozen restaurants, the kids' program, and the adult–oriented Senses Spa and the Isle of Capri Casino—whether you choose the plusher Westin accommodations or bed down in the comfortable and cost–efficient rooms at the Sheraton. While on the island, take time to learn about and interact with dolphins at UNEXSO Grand Bahama and to swim and picnic at beautiful Gold Rock Beach at Lucayan National Park.

Why Families Love It:
There's no shortage of play space at this enormous property. Along

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The Spread:
On the Grand Bahama Island's beachfront, which served as a backdrop for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie sequels, the Westin and the Sheraton offer a combined 1,212 rooms on 377 acres of oceanfront property. Having two resorts on one site means you get to enjoy the same facilities—pools, powdery beaches, two golf courses, tennis courts, more than a dozen restaurants, the kids' program, and the adult–oriented Senses Spa and the Isle of Capri Casino—whether you choose the plusher Westin accommodations or bed down in the comfortable and cost–efficient rooms at the Sheraton. While on the island, take time to learn about and interact with dolphins at UNEXSO Grand Bahama and to swim and picnic at beautiful Gold Rock Beach at Lucayan National Park.

Why Families Love It:
There's no shortage of play space at this enormous property. Along with ocean swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing, you and your kids have a choice of four seaside pools in which to splash—Sugar Mill is the one with the waterfalls and slide. Camp, for ages three to 12, opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (full– and half–day programs). There is no charge for camp during the day. Along with beach Olympics, pool swimming, and tennis tournaments, the camp incorporates bits of Bahamian culture into fun activities. Kids craft Junkanoo masks, learn straw weaving, listen to stories about the Lucayan Indians, and discover rake 'n' scrape local music.

During peak times—Christmas, March, April, and May—the resort usually offers evening programs from Thursday to Sunday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and in summer on Fridays and Saturdays only. Thursday nights' Moonlight Fun celebrates pirates with a treasure hunt and walk–the–plank activities. With Fridays' Junkanoo Jam, Kids make hats, beat drums and sashay in a parade. On Saturdays, there's a Pajama Party with movies, Karaoke, and a talent show. Evening camp costs $20 without dinner and $35 with a meal.

Infants to tots under three years old are cared for at Grandma Lucaya's nursery, open 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; however, little ones may only stay there for up to two hours per day ($10 per hour).

Special Events & Activities:
Sign up for activities such as pool volleyball, nature walks, kayak races, and coconut bowling games.

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