Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in St. Lucia

This is a quiet, sophisticated and stylish luxury property with some wonderful features for families, including spacious accommodations with full kitchens and private balconies, an excellent kids’ club with lots of children’s programs, a tranquil beach, and a large pool. Adults have a lot of options to choose from, too: a beautiful spa with an indoor pool and exotic treatment rooms, a large, modern fitness center, and a tiki bar by the pool.

Off the beach in Marigot Bay, adjacent to upscale shops and a popular marina, this quaint boutique hotel tops the competition in many ways. It's a fine choice for families, with large one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites with modern kitchens and washer-dryers; a kids' program for children ages three to 12; and separate kiddy pool next to the Lagoon Pool.

The St. James's Club Morgan Bay is a family-friendly, 22-acre property in St Lucia. With four pools, five restaurants, six bars, an excellent kids' club, and an extensive water sports pavilion, this is one of the most amenity-rich resorts on the island. While some guests might appreciate the minimalist rooms, others might find them dull, and bathrooms are small. Beyond the generic furnishings, all 345 units feature private balconies with full or partial ocean views. Most appealing of all are the resort's all-inclusive rates, which are virtually unbeatable across the entire island.

Opened in December 2007 as St. Lucia's first private residential yacht community, The Landings is one of the island's most luxurious boutique resorts. Upon entry, it’s obvious that the developer spared no expense in the construction of the pavilion lobby, which boasts towering ceilings, polished marble floors, and a carefully curated decor that’s understated and elegant. Most of the owners of the development’s 72 residences choose to place them in the rental program. The spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas cater to families and traveling couples, offering a homey atmosphere that is quieter and more personal than nearby mega-resorts -- just don't expect a huge list of activities.

The upscale Mediterranean-style Windjammer is a good pick for families, as villas have up to four bedrooms and come with full kitchens and private decks. There is a kids club and a teen center on the property -- both offering excellent programs for all ages--, a well-equipped playground for the youngest guests, and two kid’s pools. Grown-ups have a wide array of free non-motorized watersports on-site, a well-maintained tennis court, four pools, a fitness center, and a spa available for when the kids are with the babysitter or having fun at the children’s club.

The 87-room Bay Gardens Hotel is one of the cheapest full-service hotel options in Rodney Bay -- and on the entire island of St. Lucia. The property, although somewhat dated, has a few solid family-friendly amenities, including two pools -- one with a kids’ area -- an on-site restaurant serving Caribbean fare, and a free shuttle to Reduit Beach. Guests also get free use of additional amenities at Bay Gardens Beach Resort, including a small spa and fitness center, a water sports pavilion, several restaurants and bars, and a lovely beachfront.

The flagship of three Rodney Bay hotels founded by a former St. Lucian schoolteacher turned hotelier, Bay Gardens Beach Resort is a mid-sized (72-room) modern beachfront resort with Caribbean flair and an energetic social scene. It's set close enough to the beach to hear the waves from beachfront rooms, even when the air-conditioning is running. Budget-oriented families will likely appreciate the one- and two-bedroom suites with mini kitchens and living areas. On some evenings, HiTide restaurant features steel drum music and entertainment such as fire-eating limbo dancers. All-inclusive rates are available, but optional.