Planning a spring-break trip or an extra-special summer vacation? Think Caribbean and Bahamas. I know, I know. Bone-chilling winter seems the obvious time to travel to tropical islands. That's what I thought, too, until I started working for a Caribbean travel magazine and found out that most of the trips I'd be taking to the area would be between mid-April and mid-December, when the throngs of tourists disappear and prices at island resorts dip as much as 40 percent.

In 12 years of research, I've found that, despite the lower rates, the top family destinations in the Caribbean don't skimp when it comes to service and activities. The Buccaneer, a legendary oceanfront resort located on the beautiful island of St. Croix, offers a luxury stay suited for the entire family.

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

The laid-back Buccaneer resort has been catering to families ever since Rachel and Douglas Armstrong opened an 11-room inn on the former sugar estate in 1948. Today their granddaughter, manager Elizabeth Armstrong, leads guests on nature walks through the manicured grounds of the resort, where a plantation-era sugar mill evokes bygone days.

A children's program available to guests at no extra charge, treats swashbucklers (ages four to 12) to beach activities and pool games. Weekly ball games and crab races on the beach are open to the whole family.

Two-room family cottages are $330 a night from April through December--about 30 percent off winter prices. Rates include full breakfast, as well as the use of water floats, snorkel gear and sand toys. Children ages 12 and under stay free with their parents. Call The Buccaneer at 800-255-3881.



Sharon Jaffe Dan, a former senior editor at CARIBBEAN TRAVEL & LIFE, writes from her home outside Washington, D.C.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.