The Spread:
Dominated by lush Mount Nevis rising from the island's center, Nevis blends rainforest with beach. And with no traffic lights and a population of about 10,000, the island is a laid-back, off-the-beaten-path Caribbean retreat whose largest hotel is the 196-room Four Seasons Resort. In 2005, this beautifully landscaped oceanfront property earned a five-diamond rating from AAA and the number one Caribbean resort crown from readers of Conde Nast Traveler. The oversized rooms are great for families, and the resort offers golf and tennis plus a pampering spa in a garden setting.
Why Families Love It:
With the new Kids For All Seasons program, the resort's special welcome for children begins at the airport, where kids ages three to nine receive a Nevis baseball cap after clearing customs. Once at the resort, these children sign in at a mini-registration desk, receiving a welcome pack with information on the complimentary Kids For All Seasons program.
In the room, ages three to nine get child-sized robes and slippers, a vanilla and chocolate "turtle" cupcake, as well as a plush turtle with the Web address of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation and a free turtle adoption kit. That's because the resort makes a donation to save the Caribbean's endangered sea turtles for each family checking in with a three to nine year old. Better yet, your family's real turtle is tagged with a satellite transmitter so you can track your critter on the Web once you get home, a great way to getand keepkids excited about endangered animals. For infants to three year olds, the resort places a crib or cot in the room as well as a selection of baby toiletries and a plush monkey. The surprise for both ages: your child's name is spelled out in bath sponges in the tub. Ages ten through 16 are welcomed with a T-shirt, bowl of popcorn, and a Ting (an island grapefruit drink). Movies on DVD are available for free from the concierge.
Kids For All Seasons offers complimentary activities for three to nine year olds year-round from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Children do crafts, collect shells, play shuffleboard, and in turtle season (June through August), go on beach walks looking for telltale flipper tracks in the sand. Tots under three and their parents are welcome to use the colorful, air-conditioned children's center from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Special Events & Activities:
The concierge can arrange mountain-bike tours, bush medicine hikes, and a family fishing trip.