Hi Bichette.

August is an unpredictable month for weather,being that it's in the hurricane season(June-September),having said that you can still get enjoyable weather.
3 destinations come to mind Varadero(Cuba),Puerto Plata(Dominican Republic) or Puerto/Neuvo Vallarta(Mexico).
Puerto Plata i can recommend the Superclubs Breezes excellent facilities & friendly staff,check below for some reviews.
http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=8465
For Mexico i can recommend the Canto Del Sol in Puerto Vallarta excellent location and sitting 6 feet from the beach.

is there anywhere that my daughter can swim with dolphins

Varadero,Neuvo Vallarta & Puerto Plata.
Here's a couple of links.
http://www.vallarta-adventures.com/english/dolphin_center.html
http://www.oceanworld.net/html_site/oce_home.html

I do hope this gets you started.
Cheers Ken.

Do look at St James club in antigua. We're off there in a fortnight fo rthe 3rd time in August . Only the occasional shower which was always very welcome and never lasted a long time.
It has everything you're looking for and the kids club is fantastic. Ours haev always been too old to use it but the families rave about it as it operates all day and most of teh evening too. You'll get a lovely relaxing time as the children wil be happy too.
Do read the reviews etc .
Best rgards
Helen

Thanks so much for the advice, the dolphin sites look great, and I was actually looking at the St James in Antigua as an option. We have to go during the school holidays, but I'm a bit concerned that August is the hurricane season. Might consider Easter.
Thanks again for the info.

Dear Bishette
we have to go during school hols too. We'v ebeen twice now during August and our friends go at the end of august and none of us has experienced any problems with rain. As I said we have the odd shower which is usually very welcome. (NB Esater will be manically busy with americans and usually lost more expensive)
Rgds
Helen

Hi mrsfusspot, thanks for the info, I'd much prefer to go in August, and I feel more confident now you've told me your experiences.
The St James Club looks great, who did you book with? I have been looking at Virgin.
Thanks again!

Hi bishette
We actually go DIY i.e we've arranged flights and the villa direct . Virgin do offer st james club and we've also flown Virgin - they were eccellent. It' sreally beautiful and you won't be disappointed. We're off in 2 weeks time and we ALL can't wait even thoughn it's very quiet for my 2 teenagers - they love it there.
Best regards
Helen

I hust thought I'd post an updat eas we erturned from St James Club 3 weeks ago.We jsut had the best time ! The staff were even friendlier than we remember ,the beaches as fantastic as ever and the food was delicious despite the fact that you now have to pay extra to eat at Piccol Mondo's retaurant $35 per head which is a bit excessive for children. Adults will love it- lobster etc..
it did seem a little quieter than in previous years but there were some lovely people there and it's so friendly that you have to chat with everyone and it really is a club in that sense.
The same old gripe about nothing organised for teens to do in the evening as they try to remain in the main bar Jacaranda but get asked toleave after 9pnm because of teh casino , but we all seemed to bundle in and make our own fun.
Shirley Heights was great - do go , have a few erum puches anf get with the rhythm...
if you want to know more please ask.
We'r eeven thinking of going for 3 weeks next summer , show howmuch we all enjoyed it.
Rgds
Helen

Hi Mrsfusspot

If you'd like to post a review for the hotel you may do so HERE

Many Thanks!

Pippy

I've already doen one for previous years .
Rgds
Helen

Ok, Thanks

any help on the best place to go with two kids under 10. would like a family room that sleeps 4. i would also like a kids club and lots of things for them to do.
thanks tracey

Whereabouts do you want to go? Cuba is fabulous, we stayed at the Sol Rio de Luna and Mares resort and it had loads for the kids to do.
Ellie

looked at cuba, mexico and d.r. so much choice and alot do look nice so any advise is great.
thanks tracey

You can read reviews for the Sol Rio de Luna and Mares Resort HERE.

Pippy

Hi,

We are planning on a Caribbean trip for next year. We have two children one which will be four at the time of the trip and another who will be around 22 months at the time.

Can anybody recommend any family orientated resorts, so far from what we can see Cuba or the Dominican republic is looking favourite although we would welcome recommendations for any islands.

Also any recommendations on the best place to book would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

Pete

once again - I'd say St JAmes, Antigua ..yes we're going theer again this year !! - the mini clubs very popular and they wil have the children until 10pm at night if you like ...that's a real holiday break when you have little ones . Not sure what age they take them though ..you coudl e-mail the hotel
http://www.eliteislandresorts.com/site/rates.asp?resortID=11&islandID=1
it really is beaytiful and I've posted lots of photos in the albums on this website - look under antigua .
Rgds
Helen

You'll find the Antigua album HERE and reviews for St James Club HERE

Pippy

I have gots lots more photos so if anyone wants a particular view - we've stayed in a couple of villas , just let me know. If you go - you won't be disappointed.
NB it's a different deal when you go with Virgin to the beach club , I think that you can only eat & drink at Coco's restaurant and may have to pay subsidy to eat at all the others.
Regards
Helen

Hi mrsfusspot

I like the sound of Antigua for myself, hubby and 2 teenagers. We would probably be looking to go at the end of October. Have you any idea what the weather would be like then?

Ideally, we would fly from Manchester.
Can you give me any links to sites where I can book the St James Villas and also the flights.

Is it cheaper to DIY or would you book via a travel agent/tour operator? If so, which TO would you recomend?

Thank you