Top 10 Getaway for Tiny Travelers - Our Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island

Our Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island, which won a Top 10 Getaways award in 2001 for its support of parents with infants and toddlers, has recently reduced its facilities for families due to financial problems. Here's a look at Our Lucaya today.

Grand Bahama Island
866/870-7148, 800/333-3333

This spectacular beachfront resort opened in December, 2000 as the centerpiece of the exciting renaissance of Grand Bahama Island.  Named for the indigenous Lucayan Indians, known for their generous spirit, it is most impressive, and attention to detail is evident in all aspects of the deluxe Caribbean experience it offers.  Since winning the 2001 Top 10 Getaway Award, Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort has become part of the Radisson Hotels & Resorts family and continues to provide options for traveling families, as well as for those seeking a relaxing and romantic getaway. 

Located only 55 minutes by air from Miami, the Radisson at Our Lucaya resort highlights the clear turquoise sea, white sand beach, extensive golf and tennis facilities, imaginative swimming pools, sensuous spa, varied dining options, a Vegas-style casino, and friendly service with a flow of color.  Rows of vibrant windsocks in shades of pink, blue and turquoise line the walkways of this 372-acre oceanfront "village". 

The 478-room Reef Village, formerly the Sheraton Grand, is closing in March 2011 but the Radisson will continue to offer many services. In the past, infants (newborn to 3-years) have been cared for in the licensed "Grandma Lucaya's" nursery.  In addition to outdoor time, the tiniest travelers play and nap in a large, colorfully decorated area.  They are lovingly supervised by Bahamian staff who are CPR certified and attend a maximum of four babies each.  Once available all day, there is now a two hour limit on infant care in the nursery, enough time to have a treatment at Senses Spa or work-out in the fitness center.  Please call ahead to check on this facility.

Camp Lucaya is a free-standing 3,000-square-foot facility where children (3- to 12-years-old) have been welcomed daily from 9am-5pm and on Thursday to Sunday from 6-10pm.  To help kids have an exciting vacation of their own, Our Lucaya emphasizes a cultural experience through shell and mask painting, sand sculpture-making and straw-weaving, often taught by local artisans. A play area and small pool is adjacent to the center and is the hub of outdoor activity.  Beach Olympics, pool games and sand sculpture round out the day, which includes lunch, snacks and beverages, and kids can listen to a complimentary bedtime story on the telephone.  The fee for Camp Lucaya, when it's operating, is $50/Day or $35 1/2/D with lunch.