The Tropical 10: Best Caribbean Resorts | T+L Family

3. Four Seasons Great Exuma at Emerald Bay 83.75
Bahamas

Direct Flights Per Week From North America: 448
Number of Rooms/Units with Kitchens: 195/12
Kids’ Club Rate: Free
Number of Pools: 2

Yes, it’s a Four Seasons—with all the marble bathrooms, precision-raked sand, and crack service (chilled Evian spritz, anyone?) that this implies. But the 195-room, new-in-2003 resort, on the largest of the mostly uninhabited islands in the Bahamas’ Exuma archipelago, has a decidedly informal air. Are you ready to loll?Beachfront rooms have walk-out terraces that put you directly on the ivory sand bordering the warm, jewel-clear shallows of Emerald Bay (similar quarters in Bay Houses 2 and 3, though farther from the shore, cost hundreds less and overlook the kids’ club and pool). And the residences—perfect for multi-generational groups—come with full kitchens and optional private chefs. Though there’s a complimentary kid’s program that keeps 5- to 12-year-olds busy with Bahamian crafts, hair-braiding, and kite-flying, plus a new teen center, the resort promotes togetherness: expect family volleyball matches, kayak relays, mother-daughter watercolor classes, and parent-child golf and tennis clinics. As tempting as it is to stay put, the whole clan may want to take a boat ride to Stocking Island, a layover spot for yachties that has walking trails and open-air restaurants, or wander into nearby George Town, where local artisans weave hats and hand bags at the daily Straw Market. If all that sounds like just a little too much work, try the Castaway Getaway—a boat will drop you off for the day on an uninhabited island with a picnic, snorkeling gear, beach umbrellas, and a full complement of lounge chairs. Doubles from $495.

4. Atlantis Paradise Island 81.03
Paradise Island, Bahamas

Direct Flights Per Week From North America: 448
Number of Rooms/Units with Kitchens: 2317/0
Kids’ Club Rate: $40/Half-Day
Number of Pools: 11

Come frolic in a land of hyperbole: three colossal hotel towers; 97 acres of waterscape with Mayan-inspired slides; an 11-acre swim-with-the-dolphins habitat; a 24-hour casino; a 30,000-square-foot spa (whew!) are just some of the ways Atlantis makes a success of excess. Key Facts The mid-priced, central Coral Towers houses the Kids Club; floors 8 and up in the Ocean Wing have the best views. Doubles from $370.