Last fall I renewed my passport and took my mom with me on an all inclusive resort vacation to Beaches Turks and Caicos.
It was epic and we are super excited to be heading to another Beaches Resort this fall (we’re going to Jamaica, mon!)
The only thing I regret is not taking my Dudes with me so I am dragging Dude 3 along with me this time (the other two can’t get away)!
Beaches, the family arm of the Sandals resort franchise, is designed with families in mind. They are experts at allowing families of all ages, including multigenerational ones, to enjoy relaxing, high-end all inclusive resort vacations, easily and somewhat affordably.
If you’re thinking of heading to an island destination with your family some time soon and aren’t sure where to go, be sure to put Beaches Turks and Caicos on your list.
Here are some things to know before you go.
All Inclusive Resort Vacation: 20 Things to Know Before You Go About Beaches Turks and Caicos
It’s really an all inclusive resort. That means your meals, your drinks (like not the top shelf stuff, but wine and beer and everything for the kids), your entertainment, and even many of your excursions are included. When you book an all inclusive resort vacation with Beaches you know that you’re going to be full, hydrated, and having a good time without having to worry about budgeting more to do so. You can learn more about what all inclusive means on their site.
There are tons of meal options. All of the Beaches properties have a plethora of meal options to choose from. We dined at a different restaurant every single evening we were in Turks and Caicos –it was pretty great. You can see all of the dining options here: Beaches Turks and Caicos Restaurants.
The resort is large. They have over 700 rooms and suites situated into fur villages. Each village has a different theme and, while your room will be in one of them, you are welcome to explore, dine, and swim in any you choose. We stayed in the Caribbean village which was the closest to the lobby.
There is plenty of water front area. I don’t know about you, but I hate feeling crowded on the beach. My kids like to spread out with their toys and I hate feeling like their play is disturbing someone else. No need to worry at Beaches Turks and Caicos. They have plenty of water front beach space including plenty of chairs and cabanas. At no time did we struggle to get a “good” spot on the beach.
The pools are amazing. With gorgeous architecture, and swim up bars, and cabanas, and play areas for the kids. And, did I mention they have swim up bars?!
You can enjoy the downtown area of Provodenciales pretty easily. It’s nearby and easy to get a cab. You can ask your hotel concierge for help arranging transportation if you’re adventurous like us and want to see what city life is about. Note, I am using the word city pretty loosely since the entire population of the city is around 20,000 people, half of what you’ll see in Camden Yards at a sold out game.
They offer tons of excursions. Some of them are included, but there are also a ton that you can pay for to enhance your experience. I say take a trip over to Iguana Island. It was spectacular and some of the iguanas were the size of cats!
You may get seasick, but you probably won’t. I, on the other hand, have sworn off all travel by watercraft for the rest of eternity. My belly and my equilibrium are just not about that life.
Everyone treats you like a young, slender, beautiful princess. I am not kidding, the flattery must be part of their training!
The rooms are spacious. Even the basic two queens have enough space to spread out and unpack for a few days.
And you can have your own butler if you want. Like a for real butler who does, um, butlering for you. Note: the butler suites are fan-freaking-tastic and way out of my measly budget because they are not part of the all inclusive resort experience, but if that is your jam, you will not be disappointed.
The mosquitoes are hungry. Take bug spray. If you have to buy it on island it will cost you a kidney.
Your kids will love it. There is a water park (with full water slides), they have an Xbox lounge where they can hang out and play video games on rainy days, and so much more. There is a teen club for the older kids to enjoy a little night life and there are activities planned throughout the day for kids to engage in, with or without their parents. Totally check out the kids camp option –they offer daily excursions and activities for kids. They are supervised and cared for and it’s a great way for your kids to have fun with other kids on vacation while you go enjoy a grown up day. Even the youngest vacationers will be thrilled to see the Sesame Street Gang on island.
The airport is tiny. Like, SO TINY. Like, bring a sandwich because you’re really going to starve if your flight is delayed tiny.
And you have to have a passport. I am shocked at how many people ask, but there is no way for a family to travel for vacation to another country without one these days. Make sure you have them for all members of your family, and get them early. They can take more than 8 weeks to arrive unless you want to pay for super expedited shipping, and then it still takes a while.
It’s a wonderful option for large family vacations. Like family reunions and such. It’s spacious, it appeals to people of all ages, and there is plenty of space to get out and do what you want without having to be all up in each other’s grills the entire time.
The spa is ah-mazing. I was relaxed just walking by the door.
They manage food allergies very well. And all other special needs as well. Call ahead and talk to the staff, they are happy to help you plan a vacation that will be fun, relaxing, and safe for your entire family.
They are located on an award winning beach. Beaches, Turks and Caicos is situated along Grace Bay, voted the World’s #1 Best Beach by Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards. You technically can not find a better place to have a beach vacation!
The moment you leave you will want to go back. I had such an amazing experience at Beaches –the food, the accommodations, the service, the people, everything was exactly what you’d want out of a getaway. I am so super excited about having the opportunity to go back again this fall!
Disclosure: I was a guest at Beaches Turks and Caicos for the Beaches Moms Conference and received a discounted rate. I paid for my own trip and conference fees and all opinions are my own. Some images in this post courtesy of Beaches Turks and Caicos.
What an adventure!
I definitely need a vacation where I’m not taking care of and worried about everyone else.