St. Lucia

What It Is: A French Caribbean resort is located in Rodney Bay Village.

The Rooms: The rooms are outfitted in traditional French furniture in balsamic blues, greens, and yellows. Book one of the seven "swim-up" rooms for close contact with the gorgeous pool.

Amenities:The hotel has a bistro and bar, Ti Bananne, and a spa. Free Internet access is provided in the lobby, and there is a free shuttle to the beach.

Activities: Surf, sail, golf, hike, bike, or take a yoga cruise. Ride the zip line with a hotel guide, or visit the art galleries and shops in Rodney Bay Village. In the summer, kids can participate in the Montessori "Kreole Kids" program, which allows them to learn about local culture.

Rodney Bay, from $145.

                        

The Landings St. Lucia
What It Is:A luxury resort located on 19 beachfront acres on the coast of St. Lucia's bay.

The Rooms: Choose from 62 one- to three-bedroom villas on the harbor. All residences include a fully-equipped kitchen, a living room with LCD panel television, CD player, high-speed Internet, two oversize terraces or patios, (some with pools), and incredible views.

Amenities: Venture into the 7,000-square-foot RockResorts Spa for spa, fitness, and salon services, or relax by the pool or one of the two hot tubs. Dine in the Yacht Haven restaurant and bar on locally inspired flavors, or take advantage of the Landings Personal Pantry to stock your kitchen. (Choose your desired groceries a week before your arrival, and the hotel staff will put them in your room before you arrive.)

Activities: With the beach so close to the hotel, it's no surprise that The Landings offers a great variety of water sports. Take a sailing lesson, kayak, snorkel, scuba dive, charter a deep sea fishing boat, or schedule a private beach excursion. Landlubbers can enjoy a golf game at the nearby St. Lucia Golf Resort & Country Club, or shop and dine in Rodney Bay Village, a 10-minute drive from the resort. There's even a Family Fun Getaway package that includes $50 in activity credits per bedroom per day and breakfast every morning with your accommodations.

Pigeon Island Causeway, from $279 for the family special with a one-bedroom residence.