Jamaica in a Family Way

by Margaret Zellers

For Jamaica, it's all in the family. The country is returning to a niche it promoted more than 20 years ago, when it began a "Nannie" program to provide special services for vacationing families. These days nannies can be hired, usually through the hotel services department, on an "as needed" basis. In addition many resorts specialize in family vacations by offering nursery attendants, day camp counselors, and teen age sports and other tournaments.

Beaches Negril Resort
Sandals' Beaches Negril Resort has activities with "fun pals" for teenagers, the Kids Kamp for preteens, and a well-equipped nursery. Ideally placed near the village end of the long stretch of white sand beach that is Negril's waterside "promenade," less than 10 minutes' drive from Negril's airport, and a two-hour drive from Montego Bay's international airport.

Half Moon Golf & Tennis Resort
Half Moon Golf & Tennis Resort, one of Jamaica's Elegant Resorts, can be ideal for families, no matter what the age of children. Offering separate villas near the heart of the resort (the building with the welcome desk, terrace restaurant, and beachfront concessions); a community of multi-room, two story villas-with-pool in another enclave at the eastern end of the sprawling property, beyond Half Moon's shopping center and hospital; and a choice of junior suites and other rooms in the two-story buildings that stretch along the shorefront from the resort's hub, the variety of accommodations can answer any well-heeled family's needs.

Boscobel Resort
SuperClubs's Boscobel Resort , a two-hour drive from MoBay's airport heading east of Ocho Rios, opened with a family focus that includes a zoo, a special area of the resort fitted especially for children, daily programs geared to specific age groups, and many other family-oriented activities. Activities include parasailing, boat rides, and horseback riding.

Point Village
Children 13 years and under are free at Jamaica's Point Village catering to families looking for affordable accommodations in the Caribbean. At the resort, age-appropriate activities are organized by special entertainment coordinators.

The events include beach games, face painting, reggae dance classes, glass bottom boat rides and video games. Opening hours for the program are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Parents can enjoy activities on their own with private baby-sitting which costs about $5 per hour.

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