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For active families who like a structured vacation, Club Colonna in Antigua is a perfect match.

A self-described "two-star hotel with four-star service," the Club Colonna, operated by Sunsail (0870/428-4146) in Antigua is not a luxurious and pampering retreat under the Caribbean sun.... but those looking for a summer camp-like experience with activities for all ages may enjoy a holiday at this young resort.

Why should folks come to a beach resort with less than a decade of operating experience? Originally a luxury hotel owned by Italian investors, the British-based Sunsail Sailing Vacations purchased and renovated this property in hopes of attracting vacationers from the United States. Sunsail, through the Colonna Club, offers an affordable way to experience the Caribbean and all it has to offer, including calm blue seas (not as blue as the British Virgin Islands, but blue enough) swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, tennis, sailing and windsurfing. Since November 1998 they've hosted over 1,500 children.

Superb Sailing

As the name suggests, sailing is Sunsail's forte and they cater to everyone from the beginner to the expert, child to adult, with patient, highly skilled trainers (all full of energy and zest for what they do) and boats ranging from Lasers (a speedy little boat for one) to Sport 16s (it accommodated our group of five nicely) to soaring Catamarans. One of Sunsail's special sailing packages invites guests who develop a real interest in the sport to partake in a three-day excursion strictly on the water, sailing from island to island. Kayaks, dinghys, motorboats and yachts are also available.

Now, I'm possibly the most uncoordinated person this side of the Rockies, yet I still managed to handle a Sport 16 after a short but thorough lesson. Also, I kayaked on the open seas. I attribute these experiences to the patience and skill of the 'four-star-service' sailing instructors.

Cherished Children

My biggest compliment goes to the childcare staff at the resort, for their care of my son, Devin. At the time he was only 18-months old, and had yet to make it through an entire evening with a babysitter. These young Nannies from the UK and around the island, are completely devoted to the children at the Mini Club, which accepts little ones from 4-24 months. Though there is an extra fee for those young visitors, infants, toddlers, and even pre teens and teens (up to 16) stay and dine free at the resort. A parent need not worry while he or she is out on the waters, or taking a day trip to Antigua's duty-free, downtown shopping district (not many bargains there, but a good way to experience the island's daily life). In fact, a recently added excursion program allows parents to explore the whole island while leaving their kids in safe hands. The Sunsail Nannies are experts with kids to age 16. A trained babysitter will come right to your room for the younger kiddies (UK£8 per hour, per family), while the older guys hang out in the supervised children's center watching movies.

An even less expensive evening childcare option is Sunsail's Listening Service, quite commonly used throughout Europe. Here's how it works: Put your baby to bed and head down to the bar for a relaxing drink. A Nanny will stop by your door every 15 minutes or so and give a quick peek to see how that Little Sleeper is doing. If he's awake and upset, the Nanny will give him a cuddle and bring the child to you. Not my idea of babysitting exactly (I'd never feel comfortable), but many parents, especially those with older children, did take advantage of this inexpensive alternative to a sit-in Nanny.