The hotel is just a 40-minute transfer from the airport and within minutes of arriving we were being shown to our suite. We had the most beautiful Beachfront Terrace Suite which was the perfect fit for us. A twin bedroom for our little boy, and then the master bedroom with larger seating area leading out to a terrace with steps directly onto the beach. It really was perfect especially when you have smaller children who may need naps through the day and can come and go into the suite as and when needed.
With white sand, swaying palm trees and shimmering turquoise waters, the beach at Carlisle Bay is just beautiful and the bay is very sheltered which again means for little ones who want to play in the gentle waves it's perfect and incredibly safe. The sunsets are also incredibly beautiful and it's so much fun splashing about in the waves while your little ones build sandcastles as the sun sinks into the sea.
Within 30 minutes of arriving, someone from the kids' club came to introduce themselves and talk us through all of the exciting activities that were available daily for my son. Having never used a children's club with our 3 1/2-year-old before, it was a really lovely touch and fully put our minds at ease!
The kids' club runs from 9-12.30 and 1.30 - 4 and is completely complimentary. We decided to let our little boy choose if he wanted to go, and after hearing about lizard hunting, he couldn't wait. The staff were so friendly and welcoming when he walked in - we took it as a good sign when he said he'd see us later and didn't even look back!
He loved every minute and made friends straight away as they enjoyed the great range of activities both inside and outside, exploring the beach area and having fun in the dedicated splash pool. We were there outside of school holidays so it wasn't as busy with families, but five of them went every morning and had a great time each day!
We managed to explore for a couple of hours while our son was at the kids' club each day, making the most of the range of watersports available, the fantastic spa treatments or other incredible facilities around the property. The staff were great and made us all feel very welcome and at home, encouraging us to try new things and participate in new experiences. You could even feed the fish in the ponds by reception which was a lovely little treat for the whole family!
I was also really impressed with the food at Carlisle Bay - there is a great choice of cuisine throughout the hotel's restaurants. We were spoilt for choice between Indigo on the Beach, EAST, Ottimo and The Jetty Grill; everything we ate was incredibly fresh, creative and above all delicious. The restaurant staff were wonderful with the children and the children's meals were prepared first and delivered really quickly, meaning they could be entertained and not waiting for their meal.
Carlisle Bay was by far the best family holiday we have ever experienced; we have memories to last a lifetime and I wouldn't hesitate to go back. The kids' club also meant we felt like we didn't have to miss out as we got to enjoy going out on the kayaks to spot sea turtles or take the water bikes out to explore nearby coves.
It really is the perfect family holiday!