Suggestions on Marriott properties in Caribbean?
 

Hello~

Summer is over, which means its time to start planning our winter escape (most likely end of January)..
Will be traveling with wife, almost 2 year old, and 8month old..

I have points with Marriott / Hilton / SPG and looking for a destination that will:
* Be on a great beach
* Be all inclusive / have a meal plan available /or at least be realistic on meal prices / options
* Have something for the kids: lazy river, multiple pools, maybe a water slide I can take them on
* Have everything we need on property, or be close enough to shops / town where we can walk - this would be great if non all inclusive for other meal options / change of scenery too
*

We went to Hilton Rose Hall (Jamaica) last year and were pleasantly surprised..
Have also been to: Negril, Aruba and multiple Gulf coast Mexico destinations..
Ideally looking for something new..

Thus far, some considerations have been:.
- Grand Cayman, Ritz - however I know, even though I can transfer points for Marriott gift cards, food costs will be through the roof

- St. Thomas 5 days at Frenchman's reef,.
then 5 days on St John at Westin - concerned about locations of both properties, kiddie things to do, and food costs.

- St. Kitts - have heard fair reports about the Marriott here

Any additional suggestions, pointers, or thoughts on the above would be Greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!

Search is your friend. There are multiple threads on Caribbean properties and the properties you're thinking about.

Hmmm...
 

I vote for another trip to Aruba. One of my favorite caribbean destinations for the family - specifically the Marriott Surf Club, although this year I'll be staying at the Hyatt. Good luck.

Just got back from the Aruba Surf Club... been there several time and had a great time again.
Its unlikely that you'd be able to use points in peak season at a vacationclub property like this however due to high occupancy.

You won't see the all inclusive points packages anymore, which means you'd have to pay for them which is pretty pricey. Frenchman's reef has a couple pools and a large beach that is a short walk down the cliff to the lower resort morningstar area. Nothing off property is walking distance, so you'd need a taxi or car.

Westin on St. John is quieter and less things to do around there. Its more for a relaxing secluded type getaway.

St. Kitts has a very affordable room rate and AI add on. 125 per person.

I would NEVER recommend doing a AI in Aruba. Too much good food.

If you want AI you should look at Mexico.

Save the points, and instead of the Ritz, stay at the Marriott in Grand Cayman.

The service at the hotel is pretty fantastic. Nice beach. Great beach food.

Thanks for the tips all! Certainly not stuck on an all inclusive, but since most of our time will surely be spent on property (babies) - i just don't want a million doallar food bill.
Absolutely open to other suggestions if anyone has any.

Thanks again!