The Caribbean is best known as a couple’s destination , a romantic escape in an incredibly beautiful part of the world. And for many visitors, part of the point of going there is to avoid children. Quite a few hotels around the region do not permit children at certain times of the year in order not to upset their guests.

It doesn’t have to be like this of course. Increasingly over the last few years, it has become common for whole families to travel together, at Christmas time and in the holidays, particularly in the Caribbean ‘low’ season in the summer.

Many big hotels have responded by building children’s facilities, with special programmes to keep them busy while you concentrate on vital pursuits such as sunbathing. There are even hotels that are specifically designed for children, with ongoing programmes of sports and activities. The islands that offer the best facilities tend to be the ones with direct air access, including Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia. They also have some of the best beach facilities for children.

Of course another good way to travel with children is to stay in a villa. These have increased enormously as increasing numbers of visitors have built holiday homes. You don’t need to worry about them upsetting the other guests. They can run to their hearts’ noisy content in the garden. Also the self-catering aspect and the very personal contact with the staff works particularly well with a family.

Select by island below to see child-friendly properties