Perfect Antigua

Since I had my two little people now aged four and six holidays have never been what they used to be. The furthest we've ventured is the South of France, but in recent years our getaways are more of a busman's holiday and I still find myself clearing up clutter and cooking bangers and beans on a stove. But having just returned from our first all-inclusive long-haul trip I am now a total convert. We used the February half term holiday to head for some much needed winter sun and booked a break to St James's Club, Antigua. I was slightly nervous about taking the kids on a long-haul flight but needn't have been worried. Virgin Atlantic have little activity bags they give you as you board the plane filled with books, stickers, watches and sweets which got the trip off to a great start. Along with a constant supply of juice, Disney Channel and ice cream at the movies, the seven and a half hour flight was a breeze. And St James's Club proved the perfect place for a family break. The resort was full, but you'd never guess. On several days we headed down to the kids pool with our inflatable dolphin to find we were the only people there. There was a great choice of places to eat - even for Max, our fussy four year old - there was a tasty menu with sausages, chicken, fish and chips. But for those of us who aren't so fussy we also loved the Docksider diner with its amazing buffet and the Rainbow Garden with the most amazing breakfast under the sun. Going back to cheerios at home will not be the same after freshly made waffles, omlettes made with local eggs, banana pancakes and fresh pineapple. But the joy for us as parents was feeling completely safe, allowing our children to step straight from our balcony onto the sand. Being able to read our books in peace whilst the children splashed around. A week was perfect, never time to get bored. In our seven days we took out kayaks, peddle boats, played tag on the beach, tennis, mini golf, watched the sun set at the Shirley Heights barbeque. And we even found time to visit the spa for a massage. The staff were friendly and the service cheerily relaxed. All in all a perfect family break.