where’s the best beach for a family birthday getaway?

I’m turning 40 this November, and instead of the usual turkey and stuffing, we’re thinking of packing up the kids (7 and 11) and heading somewhere warm for Thanksgiving week. We’d be leaving from Connecticut (or maybe NYC if flights are better), and honestly, I’m torn between the Caribbean and the Florida Keys. I want those postcard-perfect beaches and a pool the kids can splash in, but I also need a suite or two bedrooms—because let’s be real, I love my kids, but I don’t want to spend my birthday listening to them argue over who gets the TV remote at midnight. I’ve spent hours scrolling through photos of Puerto Rico, Grand Cayman, Aruba, and a dozen other places, but it’s impossible to tell what’s actually worth it. Some places look amazing online, but I’m worried we’ll show up and the beach will be crowded or the hotel room will be the size of a closet. I’ve never been to any of these spots, and I don’t want to spend a small fortune just to end up disappointed. Has anyone actually stayed at a family-friendly place with real privacy for the adults? Did the beaches live up to the hype, or did you end up dodging seaweed and fighting for a pool chair? I’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t) for your family. #familytravel #beachvacation #birthdaytrip #Travel