The Good Family Hotel Guide 20. The Four Seasons Resort, Nevis, West Indies

Mood

Built in low-rise West Indian plantation house-style, this is a large but unintimidating hotel that reflects the island's easy-going character. Lots of American and Canadian families.

Beach

Four-mile Pinney Beach is the best on the island. The staff bring out mineral water and cold towels to you as you sweat.

Accommodation

Huge bedrooms, balconies of marble, bathrooms you could almost fit the island in. Two queen-size beds in each room.

Activities

Three to nine-year-olds meet in a Children's Activity Centre for supervised fun. There's also a Junior Snorkelling programme for eight to 12-year- olds, fun fitness for three to nines, and Tiny Tots tennis lessons for threes to sixes. Adults have an array of watersports, health club, international tennis centre and the Robert Trent Jones II championship golf course (look out for the goats and monkeys).

Refuelling

Several restaurants serve West Indian specialities, health menus and grills and there's a poolside Cabana for casual snacks. Children's meals are available.

Round and about

This 36-square mile dot has more interest and history than many Caribbean islands, so do some swotting up on Admiral Nelson (who married here), and Alexander Hamilton (who appears on US banknotes).

Sample prices

Adults pay from pounds 1,495 per week and from pounds 1,825 for 10 days. Under 12s from pounds 357 (seven or 10 days), under twos pounds 50. These prices are from Seasons in Style (0151-342 0505) and include return scheduled flights, transfers and room-only accommodation.

The Four Seasons Resort Nevis is at PO Box 565, Pinny's Beach, Charlestown, Nevis, West Indies (tel: 00 869 469 1111, fax: 00 869 469 1040)