I recently had the pleasure of traveling to Beaches Turks and Caicos to attend the annual Social Media on the Sand conference hosted by Beaches Resorts.
It’s a four day, invite-only social media and digital content creation conference designed to sharpen your social media skills and your senses through inspiring sessions and curated networking opportunities led by industry experts and, if you’re not apart of that world you probably don’t care.
As an attendee we get the opportunity to hear from major brand founders, like Rebecca Minkoff and Jamie Kern Lima, founder of It Cosmetics, share their stories and how social media has had an impact on their success. We also get to attend sessions with super successful influencers who share how they make their blog business shine, as well as hear from team members from social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube as they give us tips and trick to help grow our reach on their platforms.
It’s all super technical and industry specific while also being insanely fantastic thanks to the fact that we get to break it up with lavish pool parties and beautiful beaches.
Here’s a video from last year’s event if you want to see what it’s like…
Whether you’re hoping to become a Beaches Mom next year by attending Social Media on the Sand, or you’re just planning to visit Beaches Turks and Caicos for a little relaxing fun in the sun, these 20 things NEED to be on your list of things to do at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
20 Things You Must Do When You Visit Beaches Turks and Caicos
Lay on the beach for hours.
With one of the most beautiful beaches in the world just steps from your hotel room, there’s no reason not to spend as much time as possible soaking it all up. It’s crystal clear, the sand is soft and white, and you will want to cool off from the humid temps by taking a dip. Even if you’re not trying to hit the waves, there are plenty of umbrellas and little shade huts to relax in and enjoy the view, plus they will even bring you tasty, cool drinks if you want them to at no extra charge.
Drink rum punch.
And whatever other tasty beverages your heart desires. Beaches Turks and Caicos is an all-inclusive resort and for them that means alcohol is free and the bartenders know just how to make it tasty.
Pro Tip: If you like frozen fruity drinks, ask for a Miami Vice. It will give you all the smiles!
Dance the night away at Liquid.
During the day, Liquid is the spot for resort teens to dance and hang with friends. At night it transitions to a 21+ club for adults to get their groove on. The DJ spins a great mix of dance music that makes it hard for anyone in attendance to remain a wallflower.
Sing karaoke at Schooner’s.
Or, if embarrassing yourself with your horrid singing voices isn’t your jam, just stand around and watch other people do it. It’s just as fun.
Go to a beach party.
Each week, Beaches Turks and Caicos throws a massive beach party for guests. With tons of food, music, dancing, games, and exciting entertainment. They are a must attend for all guests, young and old.
Swim in all of the pools.
Beaches Turks and Caicos has seven pools on property. Personally, I loved The French Village Pool. It was closest to where we were staying and it seemed much less crowded than the Italian Village Pool and the Iguana Pool located near Arizona’s restaurant.
And enjoy beverages from the swim up bar.
Because they are AH-MA-ZING. It’s so convenient to not have to get out of the pool and into the heat to get a drink. And, there’s something so cool and relaxing about just sitting on a bar stool, submerged in a swimming pool, while on an island in the Caribbean.
Order a “Why Not” from Bishop.
Head to the bar inside of Arizona’s restaurant and ask the bartenders for a “Why Not”. Don’t be surprised if they tell you only Bishop, one of the resident barmen, can make you one because it’s his signature drink. It has four different types of alcohol in it, so this one is reserved for the grownups.
Hit a water slide.
Pirates Island Water Park is over 45,000 sq. ft. of serious fun. They have five main water slides with a bunch of tiny ones for the littlest sliders. The park also has a splashpad, water cannons, a surf simulator I would break my back on, and a kids-only swim up bar where youngsters and enjoy fare they love, like pizza, ice cream, and smoothies.
Drift along the lazy river.
Also inside Pirates Island Water Park, you can find a relaxing lazy river that takes you around the park. Grab a tube, kickback, relax, and let the water move you.
Dance with Elmo.
And all of his firends! Every Friday evening is Sesame Parade night at Beaches Turks and Caicos and the whole Sesame Street gang, along with a junkanoo band, dancers, and a mermaid princess or two hits the streets of the resort for a huge parade. You can stand and watch but don’t think twice about dancing with the characters. If you’re feeling the music, they’re happy to bust a move with you.
Go snorkeling.
Personally I’m not awesome at this thanks to my poor eyesight without glasses, but I heard from others that it was well worth the money.
Note: snorkeling is not one of the included activities at Beaches Turks and Caicos so expect to pay a fee when you go check out your equipment.
Relax at the spa.
Red Lane Spa, the on-site spa at Beaches Turks and Caicos, offers a variety of spa services. From rejuvenating facials to romantic couples massages, there are plenty of ways to relax, unwind, and partake in some much needed selfcare while at the resort.
Note: Spa services are not part of the inclusives at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
Go to the fish fry.
Thursday is Fish Fry night on the island, but visiting will require you to leave the confines of the Beaches Resort. If you’re comfortable with that, you can ask the front desk people to order you a taxi. Be advised, the Fish Fry location is only a couple of miles from the resort but your taxi driver may charge you $20 or more for the ride. Be sure you ask him before he takes off so you can ensure you have enough cash.
Pro Tip: Most of the vendors take credit cards at the Fish Fry. If you don’t want to travel with a ton of cash, consider taking a prepaid Visa card along for this excursion so you can sample some of the delicious local faire. Also, order the French fries. They. Were. Amazing.
Eat all the food.
There are 21- different restaurants on the Beaches Turks and Caicos property. From gourmet plates to burgers and fries, it is as much a culinary adventure as it is an island paradise.
Unless you’re staying at the resort for a couple of weeks, there’s no way you can fit them all in, so if you have to narrow it down here are my recommendations:
- For people who want a fun experience while they eat: Kimonos. It’s a fun hibachi restaurant youre entire family is sure to enjoy.
- For those who want a more gourmet, adult experience with beautiful ocean views: Sky Restaurant. Not the best fit if you have littles in tow.
- For late night grub to refuel after a night of partying: Bobby Dee’s. Obsessed with their onion rings and they make a mean grilled cheese sandwich too.
- For breakfast: Bayside Restaurant. They have an awesome buffet (good for dinner too).
- If you enjoy sushi: Soy. They offer some seriously delicious sushi options.
- For poolside pizza: Bella Napoli Pizzeria. You can order a brick fired personal pizza and head to the pool for an afternoon snack and swim.
Catch the sunrise.
If you’re up early enough you won’t be sorry.
Or marvel at the sunset.
Sunsets on the island are pretty spectacular too. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the sky as the sun starts its descent. You will not be disappointed.
Spend as little time as possible in your room.
As comfortable and well appointed as the rooms on-site are, believe me when I say you will only want to be inside of yours when it’s time for bed. And, expect “bedtime” to be much later on the island than it is at home. With so many fun nighttime activities available you can expect to be out soaking up the fun well after the sun goes down.
Make new friends.
You may meet people by the pool, on the dance floor, and around the resort who you will connect with. It makes enjoying the rest of your trip a lot more fun, and you may even make a few friends for life!
Plan to go back.
I’ve visited Beaches Turks and Caicos twice already and I am always happy to have the opportunity to return. It is my favorite Beaches property so far (I’ve also been to Beaches Negril) and can’t wait to return to the island for another amazing adventure.
Need more tips to prepare for your trip? Check out my resort vacation packing list so you don’t leave anything at home, and learn about the island and resort here: Know Before You Go: Beaches Turks and Caicos