If you prefer sandy beaches to snow-covered hills, consider a trip to the Caribbean as a family gift this year. Elite Island Resorts is offering a great deal for families this holiday season, but only if you act quickly.

Book now and you will qualify for a new family-friendly offer at two all-inclusive Elite Island Resorts on Antigua. And because these are all-inclusive resorts, there are three meals a day, all beverages and liquor, activities, nightly entertainment, as well as all land and water sports plus hotel taxes and service charges included in the rates.

With the "Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free" offer, that's what happens at the Verandah Resort & Spa and the St. James Club & Villas if your holiday vacation is booked by December 1, 2008. Your vacation must occur between December 21, 2008 and January 6, 2009.

Within these parameters, two children under 12 can enjoy the family-friendly activities planned to make this season a memorable one, at no cost. Santa Claus will make a special trip to Antigua by catamaran to distribute presents to the children staying at the resorts, while parents kick back and enjoy the luxury afforded by the award-winning, eco-friendly destinations.

At The Verandah Resort and Spa (866/237-1785) families can explore the 30-beachfront-acre property. It is bordered by Devil's Bridge National Park and every one of the 200 guestrooms features its own private (hence the name) verandah!

All non-motorized activities, such as sailing and snorkeling, are included in the room rate and since the price is all-inclusive, all meals and drinks are covered as well. Parents can enjoy fancy and elegant dining, while the kids can chow down on pizza and burgers with the always-available Kid's Menu. Verandah also has a complimentary Kidz Club that is open daily from 9am to 10pm. Open to all potty-trained children ages 4 to 11-years-old, the Kidz Club offers supervised indoor and outdoor activities including games, arts-n-crafts and play time in the Kid's Splash Pool Playground.

A little more expensive is the St. James's Club & Villas (866/237-2071). Located on a private, 100-acre peninsula, the 132-room resort is surrounded by Mamora Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. These beautiful recreation areas for great watersports and there is even a Dive Center on site!

St. James's special family swimming pool is a great place to spend the day. At night, parents can have a romantic meal at Piccolo Mondo, the on-premise restaurant which features unique Italian cuisine with a Caribbean twist. And since, like The Verandah Resort, the Kids Club is complimentary, mom and dad will not need to worry about their little ones. Instead, the kids will participate in treasure hunts, crab races and limbo dancing, all while eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and capping the day off with a movie night.

With this offer, families of up to two adults and two children can book a room at the Verandah Resort & Spa Hillside Suites for a nightly rate of $635,or a Waterview Suite for $645/N. The Club Rooms at St. James Club & Villas cost $685/N when parents share their room with two children under 12. All food, beverages and activities are included.

To read more about Antigua, make sure to check out Family Travel Forum's Antigua Road Map for tips about touring this beautiful Caribbean Island.

You'll have to book flights early this year, as capacity to the Caribbean has been cut back by many airlines. For resort reservations, contact your travel agent or call 800/345-0356 or visit www.eliteislands.com. Book your trip by December 1 to spend this holiday season opening presents under a palm tree in Antigua.

by Jillian Ryan and Theresa Condon

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