Suggestions for timeshare rental villas in Caribbean or Floriday (non-Orlando)

[peacefrogdog]

Posting this here to get the perspectives and opinions of DVC members who may have traded for other resorts.

We are a family of 5, looking to explore other vacation options. My kids are now between 7-9, but looking for potential options for the next 2-5 years. We typically travel over March break, and occasionally the week before Xmas. Would appreciate anyone's suggestions for resorts that have DVC-calibre villas in the Caribbean, or other places in Florida other than Orlando (along Gulf coast, Destin, Sanibel, Amelia Island etc.)

The types of vacations we enjoy are what we've done before at Hilton head - we have a kitchen to be able to have breakfast and lunch, but enjoy exploring wherever we are for good places to eat. We almost always rent a car. Having a nice pool and beach area is key. Our kids are getting older so we don't have to have a ton of organized 'kids activities', but would like to avoid party-type of resorts where there may be lots of drinking around the pools or beach. With the 5 of us, would need at least a 1-BR villas and likely a 2-BR.

We would likely look to rent from an owner via redweek.com or TUG.

From doing a quick search, these at first glance are ones I'm going to look more into:
Westin St. John Virgin Grand Villas - St. John
Marriott Frenchman's Cove - St. Thomas
Marriott Aruba Ocean Club - Aruba
Playa Linda - Aruba
Royal Sands - Cancun

Has anyone who typically travels with families been to any of these? If so, any advice or opinions? Any other suggestions for other vacation options?

Thanks in advance,

 

[Deb & Bill]

We like Marco Island, FL (just north of the Everglades on the Gulf Coast). We have stayed at Marco Beach Ocean Resort twice and Club Regency once. We also like Charter Club at Marco Beach.