**I try to update this post with the most recent sales, too. For the latest Beaches sale price, check out their Stay More, Save More sale. From December 10th, 2024 - December 23rd, 2024, guests can enjoy up to $1,000 off their stay at Sandals Resorts or $400 off at Beaches Resorts. Guests can also receive one free night at select resorts when they book now. Access this sale here.
Disclosure: I attended a conference called Social Media on the Sand, which enabled me to stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort at a discounted rate. All opinions are my own and I was not paid by Beaches to write this review. My review is based solely on the Turks and Caicos location, since I haven't visited the other Beaches Resorts...yet. 😉 I am such a HUGE supporter of Beaches that I actually joined their affiliate program, so this post contains affiliate links. But trust me, I wouldn't steer you wrong on this one.
This post is designed for easy reading and you can scroll to find the info you are looking for. Feel free to Pin this post as a resource for later! For planning reference, our trip was at the beginning of October.
What is it the Concept of Beaches Resorts?
Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (which is the parent company of Beaches Resorts), explained that he wants families to have a "frictionless" vacation when they visit Beaches. Meaning, when you arrive at Beaches Turks and Caicos, everything is pretty much taken care of for you. They've thought of everything to keep you from worrying about your trip- right down to accredited childcare and autism certification. Even food allergies take a priority here. There's no tipping, either. You can check out the other resorts in the Beaches family here (they include Sandals, Grand Pineapple, Fowl Cay Resort and the Jamaican Villas). Beaches is the "family" version of the Sandals resorts (Sandals is for couples/adults only).
What's So Great About a Vacation at Beaches Turks and Caicos?
Before I visited Beaches Turks and Caicos, I heard people describe it using these words and phrases:
What About Safety and Cleanliness at Beaches Turks and Caicos? What if I Have to Cancel?
I visited Beaches Turks and Caicos pre-pandemic, and truth be told, the entire resort was spotless even then. So I can imagine the lengths they are going through to keep their resort safe for staff and guests now. Don't laugh, but sometimes public pools gross me out (have you ever had a HAIR cling to you in a public pool or a BAND-AID float by? omg) and I was THRILLED that the pools (and I visited many) at Beaches Turk and Caicos were so CLEAN. Phew!
Jersey Momma Tips for Visiting Beaches Turks and Caicos
So here are my tips for you if you plan to visit Beaches Turks and Caicos. I do highly recommend it. We had an awesome time, and no one is paying me to tell you that. I don't have too many complaints overall, but anything that I thought you should be aware of is listed in this section.
-Check in is 3:00pm. We arrived around 11:30am and were not able to get into our room till the actual check-in time, so be sure to pack a bag that you can carry with you at the resort (there are actually restrooms and changing areas at the resort). Make sure it includes flip flops, sunscreen, a bathing suit, sunglasses, shorts, and t-shirt. This is imperative if you want to enjoy the resort before check-in! My husband only had his jeans and sneakers and he was quite miserable after a few hours (it was HOT on the island!!). I packed a day bag for myself and the kiddo. I didn't realize I had to pack his bag, too!
-There is a significant amount of walking at the resort- it's big! You can call to have a golf cart pick you up if you need assistance, but for the most part, you'll be walking. So bring sandals or flip flops that are comfortable on your feet. There is a cute little train that wanders the resort (but it's really for kids).
-Even though I was attending a conference, I still spent the majority of my visit to Beaches Turks and Caicos in my bathing suit or cover up. The weather is so warm and the opportunity to jump in a pool or run to the ocean is always there, so just remember that when planning your wardrobe.
-There is free WiFi at the resort, but while we visited, WiFi was spotty or non-existent. This is probably wonderful if you're looking to disconnect, but for me at a social media conference, it was a little frustrating! Just don't expect to have the greatest WiFi service on the island. It IS an island, after all.
-All of the food we tried was delicious, but the New Jersey in me had to learn patience! People had told me about "island time," meaning no one is really in a rush here. I felt like meals took longer to be served than I was used to (with the exception of the food trucks and diner). But in all fairness, we were also visiting off-season, so it's possible the staff was not as full as it usually is.
-There are some cute shops at the resort (and you need to use credit cards or cash here, this is not included in your overall stay) but items were a bit pricey. T-shirts were in the $30-$35 range. There is a fun candy shop and even a Build a Bear.
-Everyone tells me we should have taken advantage of the free photography service. You can actually book a free photographer to take photos of your family, and only pay for what you purchase. So definitely look into this if you visit.
-Bring good sunscreen (at least 50 SPF or higher) and a hat. The weather is amazing and the sun is strong. In our 5 days of stay, we went through an entire can and a half of sunscreen between three people.
-Our visit was 5 days, but I think you need at least a week here to get the most out of it. 5 was awesome and definitely plausible for us, but if you can swing the cost, stay longer.
-If you have a portable charger, bring it! I don't know if this is true for all rooms, but our room in the French Village did not have a way for us to charge devices (other than a standard outlet). There was only one accessible standard outlet in the main part of the room (the others were all in the bathroom). So my portable charger came in handy.
-To get the most out of your money, try everything. Try all the restaurants, go to the shows, snorkel, kayak, go to the water park, and try the different pools. There is so much to do, so definitely take advantage of that.
-I did not get a chance to experience the spa at Beaches Turks and Caicos, but I did sample some of their amazing products and met some of the spa staff. They were wonderful! If you have the means, I urge you to check them out.
-Beaches Turks and Caicos was clean and well kept while we were there. I always appreciate when a resort is attentive to the conditions of the pool, walkways and surrounding areas. They also use paper straws, and they're working towards getting rid of plastic water bottles. There is no recycling on the island and all recycling needs to be shipped out.
-The beach along the resort is public, but we didn't feel unsafe or uncomfortable at all (and I worried about this when I first heard it was public). There was a security guard at every beach entrance, as well as Beaches staff on the beach in various locations. The beach itself was not crowded while we were there in October. We never had issues trying to find chairs or places to sit, anywhere in the resort or on the beach.
-Beach towels are provided pretty much everywhere, so don't worry about having to pack them.
-Have more questions? Feel free to email me or send me a message on social media. I always try to be as honest as I can. The only request I have is that if you choose to visit, please use one of my links in this post to book your trip. It means everything to me. Thank you!
Disclosure: I attended a conference called Social Media on the Sand, which enabled me to stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort at a discounted rate. All opinions are my own and I was not paid by Beaches to write this review. My review is based solely on the Turks and Caicos location, since I haven't visited the other Beaches Resorts...yet. 😉 I am such a HUGE supporter of Beaches that I actually joined their affiliate program, so this post contains affiliate links. But trust me, I wouldn't steer you wrong on this one.
This post is designed for easy reading and you can scroll to find the info you are looking for. Feel free to Pin this post as a resource for later! For planning reference, our trip was at the beginning of October.
What is it the Concept of Beaches Resorts?
Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (which is the parent company of Beaches Resorts), explained that he wants families to have a "frictionless" vacation when they visit Beaches. Meaning, when you arrive at Beaches Turks and Caicos, everything is pretty much taken care of for you. They've thought of everything to keep you from worrying about your trip- right down to accredited childcare and autism certification. Even food allergies take a priority here. There's no tipping, either. You can check out the other resorts in the Beaches family here (they include Sandals, Grand Pineapple, Fowl Cay Resort and the Jamaican Villas). Beaches is the "family" version of the Sandals resorts (Sandals is for couples/adults only).
What's So Great About a Vacation at Beaches Turks and Caicos?
Before I visited Beaches Turks and Caicos, I heard people describe it using these words and phrases:
-it's my home away from home
-Beaches is my happy place
-it's my second home
-we can't wait to go back
I didn't think much of these statements- everyone loves a vacation, right? And you always want to go back, so, what could be so special about this place to put it above the others? Well, when I finally visited it myself, I understood. It's a total vacation- for everyone in your family. Sometimes we take our families on vacation and it doesn't feel very restful. We are stressed to keep on schedule, to make the most of park tickets, or to keep reservations. It wasn't like that at all here. We only needed reservations at one of the 21 restaurants. You could literally walk up to a restaurant in your flip flops and bathing suit (it all depends on where you want to eat - dress code varied between restaurants). There were so many options for everything- from food to pools to water activities. It somehow wound up feeling like several vacations rolled up in one, all in one location, if that makes any sense.
What Does a Stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos Include?
Beaches Resorts are all inclusive. If you've never been to an all-inclusive resort, you might not understand what that means. Essentially, practically everything is included with the cost of your stay- food (all meals, snacks, etc), drinks (including premium alcoholic beverages- yes, premium, this is not a cruise ship!), most water activities, pools, waterpark, beach- seriously, I can't think of too much that the cost of this stay didn't include. Take a look at this list from the Beaches website for a more accurate description of what a stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos includes:
Unlimited gourmet dining at 21 restaurants
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and anytime snacks
Unlimited premium liquors
15 bars, including swim-up bars
Stocked bars in every room
Unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines
All tips, taxes and gratuities
Roundtrip airport transfers
Kids Camp with certified nannies
Pirates Island Waterpark
Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street®
PADI-Certified scuba diving (and all equipment)
Snorkeling (and all equipment)
Hobie Cats, paddle boards, kayaks
Professional instruction for water sports
Beach volleyball, basketball, pool tables
Liquid at Beaches nightly teen club
Xbox Play Lounge
Day and night tennis
Fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment
Day and night entertainment including live shows
Free WiFi (in room and all common areas)
The Caribbean's first Certified Autism Centers
10 freshwater pools, 4 whirlpools & 1 scuba diving pool
This list is not an exaggeration. I kept looking for a catch, waiting for the little asterisk of- oh, wait that's not really included. But, nope, this is it!!
Here is the short list of what's not included:
Spa Treatments (and gratuities for spa personnel)
Gratuities for butler service
Gratuities for airport shuttle drivers
Optional Tours
Golf Caddies (mandatory for golfers)
Medical Assistance*
Gift Shop Items
Phone Calls
Scuba Certification or Refresher Courses
* the resident nurse's services are complimentary but there is a charge for medication and doctor's consultations should those be necessary.
So just remember all of this if you're trying to budget your trip. If you look at the general cost of staying at Beaches and you think, we can't afford this! remember that it includes pretty much everything. Other than airfare, you won't be responsible for too many extra charges once you book your trip. You can't say that about many vacations.
Which Village Should I Stay in at Beaches Turks and Caicos?
There are five 'villages' to stay in at Beaches Turks and Caicos. We stayed at the French Village, which is the furthest from the beach but very close to the waterpark and spa. It was a beautiful room and we were happy with it, but I would love to try out one of the villages closer to the beach if we visit again. The French Village was very peaceful (and quiet) with a gorgeous, GIANT pool. I also loved their restaurants, especially the French cafe that served pastries (they would even box them up for you to go), chocolate fondue, croissants, and hot crepes with toppings in the morning! 😍
The villages include:
-French Village
-Italian Village
-Key West Village
-Caribbean Village
-Seaside Village (part of Caribbean)
Each village has their own pools/restaurants/and overall vibe. You can walk through and visit all of these villages and restaurants (meaning, you don't have to be staying in that village to take advantage of what they have to offer). That's kind of the beauty of it, being able to go from area to area. My son and husband were intent to check out every single pool they could (there are 10 at Beaches Turks and Caicos). Four of them have swim up bars, which is truly fabulous. Even the kids can order fruity concoctions there (non-alcoholic, of course).
There are different categories of rooms, including luxury, concierge, Club Sandals, butler service (omg!) and suites. Below are blurbs directly from the Beaches Turks and Caicos website to describe each room level:
Together Nest Suites are defined by exclusive amenities and unique designs, these luxurious suites and villas create the ultimate escape for lovebirds. These well–appointed suites feature lavish bathrooms and amenities such as plush terry robes, hand–embroidered Egyptian cotton duvets, HD smart TVs, and the attentive service of a personal butler.
Butler–Class Accommodations offer all that you would expect in a well–staffed grand home with every amenity imaginable. Over–the–top luxurious baths, an en–suite bar stocked with top–shelf liquors and wines, and the most indulgent bedding that inspires your best night’s sleep ever. Everything feels better, tastes better, and creates the most of memories when luxury is priority one.
Concierge Level - Our exclusive Suite Concierge Service is a Beaches Signature amenity included for all Concierge level rooms and suites. The inclusions are the same as our Luxury rooms, plus mahogany four-poster beds, sitting areas, full bath, in-room bar (fully stocked) and his & her robes.
Luxury Personified – that’s what you can expect when you indulge in a Sandals Luxury All Inclusive vacation. Even our basic rooms offer luxurious furnishings, highest quality linens and fine in–room amenities. At Sandals you’re always immersed in utmost privilege and distinction in your own private sanctuary.
How is the Food at Beaches Turks and Caicos? What If I Have Allergies?
So much food! So many choices! One of the best parts about visiting Beaches Turks and Caicos was deciding where to eat and jumping from place to place to try everything. There are 21 restaurants to choose from, varying in style, dress code and ambiance. They even had food trucks near the waterpark, with delicious frozen yogurt, shakes and macaroni and cheese! My favorite was the Jerk Shack, where you could bring your delicious food right to the beach with you in some tin foil if you wanted to, and Barefoot by the Sea with their yummy fish sandwich and conch fritters. My husband's favorite was Kimono's Hibachi (the only restaurant on site that requires a reservation), and the kiddo's favorite was Bobby Dee's (I loved their cheeseburgers).
And on a side note, it was incredibly awesome to walk out of a restaurant when we were finished and not have to wait for a bill or pay a tip. Even after ordering a drink, they just hand it to you and you say: "thank you so much! See ya!" Speaking of which, the drinks were to die for. So many choices of fruity beverages. So wonderful to chill by the pool in the morning and order a mimosa or a mai tai! Oh, wait, is that not a breakfast drink? It's Beaches, so anything goes.
For those with food allergies according to the Beaches website: Once your booking has been completed, send an email to specialservices@uvi.sandals.com with your booking number in the subject line. A representative will assist you, provide you with alternative menus and liaise with the resort on your behalf. Arrangements can be made for you to speak with the Head Chef upon arrival. I can also tell you that no matter where we ate, every single wait staff member started our dining experience by asking if anyone had food allergies. They were particularly careful at Kimono's Hibachi, and a friend of mine told me they even made arrangements for her daughter to enjoy some allergy-free desserts from one of the cafes.
Is Beaches Turks and Caicos Good For Children of All Ages? What About Special Needs?
When we first looked through what Beaches Turks and Caicos had to offer, I thought we were going to skip the water park. Who needs a water park when you've got pools and ocean, right? I can't tell you how wrong I was about that! The water park was a short walk from the French Village (where we stayed) and it really had something for kids of all ages. My son loved the slides and the lazy river (that was actually a family favorite of ours!). The splash pads were fun, and there was even a surf simulator! There is an open-air game room, an entire XBox Lounge, a Tween/Teen Club and opportunities for kids to just be kids (and even make new friends). The pools had shallow areas and the beach is so calm and beautiful, with so much to do! There really is something for every age.
Beaches is part of the first resort company in the world to complete the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) training and Autism Certification. They offer families of children with autism and other special needs specialized service, activities, and custom dining options so that families can enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Also to note here is that Beaches has a partnership with Sesame Street, so the characters are highly visible at the resort. They put on shows, greet families, have special events, and so much more. You can book special character meals (this is an extra fee, though) and Sesame Street VIP Packages (also an added fee). Their Kids Camp is top notch (and THAT'S included with your stay), featuring specially designed programs for all ages, with certified nannies, too. Beaches is Autism Certified (and not just the Kids Camp staff, but all of Beaches Turks and Caicos staff), so they know how to work with kids who have special needs. We did not take advantage of the Kids Camp while we visited, but some of the other moms at our conference said their kids loved it and couldn't wait to be a part of it. You can also choose to pay extra for one-on-one care or special care if that is something you are interested in for your child.
Is There Entertainment at Beaches Turks and Caicos?
Beaches Turks and Caicos is a fun, party-like atmosphere. There was always music playing somewhere, and in the evening, there was always something going on! You'll receive a little entertainment bulletin in your room so you can decide what plans you want to make for the day/evening. There are also bulletin boards throughout the resort so you can see what's planned. The Sesame Street Parade and Beach Party was a blast! It was so fun to see our favorite Sesame Street characters decked out in Caribbean wear, dancing to fun Caribbean songs. These are just some of the entertainment options you'll find at the resort:
Live Shows
Beach Parties
Themed Nights
Piano Bars
Swim-up Bars
Cocktail Parties
Nightclubs
Street Parades
Bonfires
Live Bands
Special Events
Guest & Talent Shows
Is Beaches Turks and Caicos Hard to Get To?
I have to be honest, this was a pretty easy trip from New Jersey. I can't speak for other parts of the country, but kudos to JetBlue for an awesome variety of flight choices from JFK. The flights were not as appetizing out of Newark (longer layover, higher prices, less choices overall, at least as of the publication date of this entry), since JFK is the JetBlue hub. My advice is to book your tickets as early as you can, or at least start looking at flights so you can get a ballpark estimate of cost. Adam Stewart said that Beaches continues to work very closely with JetBlue and the other airlines because they want to keep things 'frictionless' for their guests, and make sure they have the most flights available.
Flying into Turks and Caicos is stunningly beautiful and something you'll never forget. The airport was small and you literally get out of the plane and walk across the tarmac to the terminal! Going through customs was relatively painless. I wasn't crazy about waiting on line, but that's life, isn't it? The shuttle for Beaches resort arrived quickly and took us to the resort with no issues.
What is the Beach Like at Beaches Turks and Caicos?
I have never seen a more beautiful beach or ocean than the one at Grace Bay, Beaches Turks and Caicos. The water was SO blue and clear, it was almost like my eyes couldn't believe what I was seeing. The waves were gentle enough for little kids to play in it, and the 12 miles of sandy beach were soft and clean. It was truly a paradise. It was rated #1 World's Best Beach by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award and is often called "the last of the true exotics." I could totally see why!
Bottom Line - Is Beaches Turks and Caicos Worth It?
There is no sugar coating it: It's not cheap to visit Beaches Turks and Caicos, BUT you definitely get what you pay for. Once you book your trip and include your air fare, that's pretty much it. You don't have to budget in any more spending, really, since almost everything is included. If you're looking for a vacation where you just sit by the pool all day and walk back and forth to your room, then maybe this isn't the right trip for you (although, you could do this, and actually, you could sit by a different pool every day of your trip!). But if you want an immersive vacation with tons of options for all members of your family, then this is it! I really loved that it was all-inclusive and that there was so much to do. You could spend your entire vacation just exploring the resort! Plus, it was absolutely, stunningly beautiful.
What's the Best Way to Book a Trip to Beaches Turks and Caicos?
You can make a reservation to Beaches Turks and Caicos (or any Beaches Resort) by visiting their website or calling 1-888-BEACHES.
-Beaches is my happy place
-it's my second home
-we can't wait to go back
I didn't think much of these statements- everyone loves a vacation, right? And you always want to go back, so, what could be so special about this place to put it above the others? Well, when I finally visited it myself, I understood. It's a total vacation- for everyone in your family. Sometimes we take our families on vacation and it doesn't feel very restful. We are stressed to keep on schedule, to make the most of park tickets, or to keep reservations. It wasn't like that at all here. We only needed reservations at one of the 21 restaurants. You could literally walk up to a restaurant in your flip flops and bathing suit (it all depends on where you want to eat - dress code varied between restaurants). There were so many options for everything- from food to pools to water activities. It somehow wound up feeling like several vacations rolled up in one, all in one location, if that makes any sense.
What Does a Stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos Include?
Beaches Resorts are all inclusive. If you've never been to an all-inclusive resort, you might not understand what that means. Essentially, practically everything is included with the cost of your stay- food (all meals, snacks, etc), drinks (including premium alcoholic beverages- yes, premium, this is not a cruise ship!), most water activities, pools, waterpark, beach- seriously, I can't think of too much that the cost of this stay didn't include. Take a look at this list from the Beaches website for a more accurate description of what a stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos includes:
Unlimited gourmet dining at 21 restaurants
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and anytime snacks
Unlimited premium liquors
15 bars, including swim-up bars
Stocked bars in every room
Unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines
All tips, taxes and gratuities
Roundtrip airport transfers
Kids Camp with certified nannies
Pirates Island Waterpark
Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street®
PADI-Certified scuba diving (and all equipment)
Snorkeling (and all equipment)
Hobie Cats, paddle boards, kayaks
Professional instruction for water sports
Beach volleyball, basketball, pool tables
Liquid at Beaches nightly teen club
Xbox Play Lounge
Day and night tennis
Fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment
Day and night entertainment including live shows
Free WiFi (in room and all common areas)
The Caribbean's first Certified Autism Centers
10 freshwater pools, 4 whirlpools & 1 scuba diving pool
This list is not an exaggeration. I kept looking for a catch, waiting for the little asterisk of- oh, wait that's not really included. But, nope, this is it!!
Here is the short list of what's not included:
Spa Treatments (and gratuities for spa personnel)
Gratuities for butler service
Gratuities for airport shuttle drivers
Optional Tours
Golf Caddies (mandatory for golfers)
Medical Assistance*
Gift Shop Items
Phone Calls
Scuba Certification or Refresher Courses
* the resident nurse's services are complimentary but there is a charge for medication and doctor's consultations should those be necessary.
So just remember all of this if you're trying to budget your trip. If you look at the general cost of staying at Beaches and you think, we can't afford this! remember that it includes pretty much everything. Other than airfare, you won't be responsible for too many extra charges once you book your trip. You can't say that about many vacations.
Which Village Should I Stay in at Beaches Turks and Caicos?
There are five 'villages' to stay in at Beaches Turks and Caicos. We stayed at the French Village, which is the furthest from the beach but very close to the waterpark and spa. It was a beautiful room and we were happy with it, but I would love to try out one of the villages closer to the beach if we visit again. The French Village was very peaceful (and quiet) with a gorgeous, GIANT pool. I also loved their restaurants, especially the French cafe that served pastries (they would even box them up for you to go), chocolate fondue, croissants, and hot crepes with toppings in the morning! 😍
The villages include:
-French Village
-Italian Village
-Key West Village
-Caribbean Village
-Seaside Village (part of Caribbean)
Each village has their own pools/restaurants/and overall vibe. You can walk through and visit all of these villages and restaurants (meaning, you don't have to be staying in that village to take advantage of what they have to offer). That's kind of the beauty of it, being able to go from area to area. My son and husband were intent to check out every single pool they could (there are 10 at Beaches Turks and Caicos). Four of them have swim up bars, which is truly fabulous. Even the kids can order fruity concoctions there (non-alcoholic, of course).
There are different categories of rooms, including luxury, concierge, Club Sandals, butler service (omg!) and suites. Below are blurbs directly from the Beaches Turks and Caicos website to describe each room level:
Together Nest Suites are defined by exclusive amenities and unique designs, these luxurious suites and villas create the ultimate escape for lovebirds. These well–appointed suites feature lavish bathrooms and amenities such as plush terry robes, hand–embroidered Egyptian cotton duvets, HD smart TVs, and the attentive service of a personal butler.
Butler–Class Accommodations offer all that you would expect in a well–staffed grand home with every amenity imaginable. Over–the–top luxurious baths, an en–suite bar stocked with top–shelf liquors and wines, and the most indulgent bedding that inspires your best night’s sleep ever. Everything feels better, tastes better, and creates the most of memories when luxury is priority one.
Concierge Level - Our exclusive Suite Concierge Service is a Beaches Signature amenity included for all Concierge level rooms and suites. The inclusions are the same as our Luxury rooms, plus mahogany four-poster beds, sitting areas, full bath, in-room bar (fully stocked) and his & her robes.
Luxury Personified – that’s what you can expect when you indulge in a Sandals Luxury All Inclusive vacation. Even our basic rooms offer luxurious furnishings, highest quality linens and fine in–room amenities. At Sandals you’re always immersed in utmost privilege and distinction in your own private sanctuary.
How is the Food at Beaches Turks and Caicos? What If I Have Allergies?
So much food! So many choices! One of the best parts about visiting Beaches Turks and Caicos was deciding where to eat and jumping from place to place to try everything. There are 21 restaurants to choose from, varying in style, dress code and ambiance. They even had food trucks near the waterpark, with delicious frozen yogurt, shakes and macaroni and cheese! My favorite was the Jerk Shack, where you could bring your delicious food right to the beach with you in some tin foil if you wanted to, and Barefoot by the Sea with their yummy fish sandwich and conch fritters. My husband's favorite was Kimono's Hibachi (the only restaurant on site that requires a reservation), and the kiddo's favorite was Bobby Dee's (I loved their cheeseburgers).
And on a side note, it was incredibly awesome to walk out of a restaurant when we were finished and not have to wait for a bill or pay a tip. Even after ordering a drink, they just hand it to you and you say: "thank you so much! See ya!" Speaking of which, the drinks were to die for. So many choices of fruity beverages. So wonderful to chill by the pool in the morning and order a mimosa or a mai tai! Oh, wait, is that not a breakfast drink? It's Beaches, so anything goes.
For those with food allergies according to the Beaches website: Once your booking has been completed, send an email to specialservices@uvi.sandals.com with your booking number in the subject line. A representative will assist you, provide you with alternative menus and liaise with the resort on your behalf. Arrangements can be made for you to speak with the Head Chef upon arrival. I can also tell you that no matter where we ate, every single wait staff member started our dining experience by asking if anyone had food allergies. They were particularly careful at Kimono's Hibachi, and a friend of mine told me they even made arrangements for her daughter to enjoy some allergy-free desserts from one of the cafes.
Is Beaches Turks and Caicos Good For Children of All Ages? What About Special Needs?
When we first looked through what Beaches Turks and Caicos had to offer, I thought we were going to skip the water park. Who needs a water park when you've got pools and ocean, right? I can't tell you how wrong I was about that! The water park was a short walk from the French Village (where we stayed) and it really had something for kids of all ages. My son loved the slides and the lazy river (that was actually a family favorite of ours!). The splash pads were fun, and there was even a surf simulator! There is an open-air game room, an entire XBox Lounge, a Tween/Teen Club and opportunities for kids to just be kids (and even make new friends). The pools had shallow areas and the beach is so calm and beautiful, with so much to do! There really is something for every age.
Beaches is part of the first resort company in the world to complete the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) training and Autism Certification. They offer families of children with autism and other special needs specialized service, activities, and custom dining options so that families can enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Also to note here is that Beaches has a partnership with Sesame Street, so the characters are highly visible at the resort. They put on shows, greet families, have special events, and so much more. You can book special character meals (this is an extra fee, though) and Sesame Street VIP Packages (also an added fee). Their Kids Camp is top notch (and THAT'S included with your stay), featuring specially designed programs for all ages, with certified nannies, too. Beaches is Autism Certified (and not just the Kids Camp staff, but all of Beaches Turks and Caicos staff), so they know how to work with kids who have special needs. We did not take advantage of the Kids Camp while we visited, but some of the other moms at our conference said their kids loved it and couldn't wait to be a part of it. You can also choose to pay extra for one-on-one care or special care if that is something you are interested in for your child.
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| photos by Zotto Travel |
Is There Entertainment at Beaches Turks and Caicos?
Beaches Turks and Caicos is a fun, party-like atmosphere. There was always music playing somewhere, and in the evening, there was always something going on! You'll receive a little entertainment bulletin in your room so you can decide what plans you want to make for the day/evening. There are also bulletin boards throughout the resort so you can see what's planned. The Sesame Street Parade and Beach Party was a blast! It was so fun to see our favorite Sesame Street characters decked out in Caribbean wear, dancing to fun Caribbean songs. These are just some of the entertainment options you'll find at the resort:
Live Shows
Beach Parties
Themed Nights
Piano Bars
Swim-up Bars
Cocktail Parties
Nightclubs
Street Parades
Bonfires
Live Bands
Special Events
Guest & Talent Shows
Is Beaches Turks and Caicos Hard to Get To?
I have to be honest, this was a pretty easy trip from New Jersey. I can't speak for other parts of the country, but kudos to JetBlue for an awesome variety of flight choices from JFK. The flights were not as appetizing out of Newark (longer layover, higher prices, less choices overall, at least as of the publication date of this entry), since JFK is the JetBlue hub. My advice is to book your tickets as early as you can, or at least start looking at flights so you can get a ballpark estimate of cost. Adam Stewart said that Beaches continues to work very closely with JetBlue and the other airlines because they want to keep things 'frictionless' for their guests, and make sure they have the most flights available.
Flying into Turks and Caicos is stunningly beautiful and something you'll never forget. The airport was small and you literally get out of the plane and walk across the tarmac to the terminal! Going through customs was relatively painless. I wasn't crazy about waiting on line, but that's life, isn't it? The shuttle for Beaches resort arrived quickly and took us to the resort with no issues.
What is the Beach Like at Beaches Turks and Caicos?
I have never seen a more beautiful beach or ocean than the one at Grace Bay, Beaches Turks and Caicos. The water was SO blue and clear, it was almost like my eyes couldn't believe what I was seeing. The waves were gentle enough for little kids to play in it, and the 12 miles of sandy beach were soft and clean. It was truly a paradise. It was rated #1 World's Best Beach by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award and is often called "the last of the true exotics." I could totally see why!
Bottom Line - Is Beaches Turks and Caicos Worth It?
There is no sugar coating it: It's not cheap to visit Beaches Turks and Caicos, BUT you definitely get what you pay for. Once you book your trip and include your air fare, that's pretty much it. You don't have to budget in any more spending, really, since almost everything is included. If you're looking for a vacation where you just sit by the pool all day and walk back and forth to your room, then maybe this isn't the right trip for you (although, you could do this, and actually, you could sit by a different pool every day of your trip!). But if you want an immersive vacation with tons of options for all members of your family, then this is it! I really loved that it was all-inclusive and that there was so much to do. You could spend your entire vacation just exploring the resort! Plus, it was absolutely, stunningly beautiful.
What's the Best Way to Book a Trip to Beaches Turks and Caicos?
You can make a reservation to Beaches Turks and Caicos (or any Beaches Resort) by visiting their website or calling 1-888-BEACHES.
**I try to update this post with the most recent sales, too. For the latest Beaches sale price, check out their Stay More, Save More sale. From December 10th, 2024 - December 23rd, 2024, guests can enjoy up to $1,000 off their stay at Sandals Resorts or $400 off at Beaches Resorts. Guests can also receive one free night at select resorts when they book now. Access this sale here.
What About Safety and Cleanliness at Beaches Turks and Caicos? What if I Have to Cancel?
I visited Beaches Turks and Caicos pre-pandemic, and truth be told, the entire resort was spotless even then. So I can imagine the lengths they are going through to keep their resort safe for staff and guests now. Don't laugh, but sometimes public pools gross me out (have you ever had a HAIR cling to you in a public pool or a BAND-AID float by? omg) and I was THRILLED that the pools (and I visited many) at Beaches Turk and Caicos were so CLEAN. Phew!
Beaches does offer an insurance plan that you can purchase per person, which might put your mind at ease if you were concerned about unforeseen events getting in the way of your booked trip. You can find more info about that on the FAQ section of the Beaches website.
Jersey Momma Tips for Visiting Beaches Turks and Caicos
So here are my tips for you if you plan to visit Beaches Turks and Caicos. I do highly recommend it. We had an awesome time, and no one is paying me to tell you that. I don't have too many complaints overall, but anything that I thought you should be aware of is listed in this section.
-Check in is 3:00pm. We arrived around 11:30am and were not able to get into our room till the actual check-in time, so be sure to pack a bag that you can carry with you at the resort (there are actually restrooms and changing areas at the resort). Make sure it includes flip flops, sunscreen, a bathing suit, sunglasses, shorts, and t-shirt. This is imperative if you want to enjoy the resort before check-in! My husband only had his jeans and sneakers and he was quite miserable after a few hours (it was HOT on the island!!). I packed a day bag for myself and the kiddo. I didn't realize I had to pack his bag, too!
-There is a significant amount of walking at the resort- it's big! You can call to have a golf cart pick you up if you need assistance, but for the most part, you'll be walking. So bring sandals or flip flops that are comfortable on your feet. There is a cute little train that wanders the resort (but it's really for kids).
-Even though I was attending a conference, I still spent the majority of my visit to Beaches Turks and Caicos in my bathing suit or cover up. The weather is so warm and the opportunity to jump in a pool or run to the ocean is always there, so just remember that when planning your wardrobe.
-There is free WiFi at the resort, but while we visited, WiFi was spotty or non-existent. This is probably wonderful if you're looking to disconnect, but for me at a social media conference, it was a little frustrating! Just don't expect to have the greatest WiFi service on the island. It IS an island, after all.
-All of the food we tried was delicious, but the New Jersey in me had to learn patience! People had told me about "island time," meaning no one is really in a rush here. I felt like meals took longer to be served than I was used to (with the exception of the food trucks and diner). But in all fairness, we were also visiting off-season, so it's possible the staff was not as full as it usually is.
-There are some cute shops at the resort (and you need to use credit cards or cash here, this is not included in your overall stay) but items were a bit pricey. T-shirts were in the $30-$35 range. There is a fun candy shop and even a Build a Bear.
-Everyone tells me we should have taken advantage of the free photography service. You can actually book a free photographer to take photos of your family, and only pay for what you purchase. So definitely look into this if you visit.
-Bring good sunscreen (at least 50 SPF or higher) and a hat. The weather is amazing and the sun is strong. In our 5 days of stay, we went through an entire can and a half of sunscreen between three people.
-Our visit was 5 days, but I think you need at least a week here to get the most out of it. 5 was awesome and definitely plausible for us, but if you can swing the cost, stay longer.
-If you have a portable charger, bring it! I don't know if this is true for all rooms, but our room in the French Village did not have a way for us to charge devices (other than a standard outlet). There was only one accessible standard outlet in the main part of the room (the others were all in the bathroom). So my portable charger came in handy.
-To get the most out of your money, try everything. Try all the restaurants, go to the shows, snorkel, kayak, go to the water park, and try the different pools. There is so much to do, so definitely take advantage of that.
-I did not get a chance to experience the spa at Beaches Turks and Caicos, but I did sample some of their amazing products and met some of the spa staff. They were wonderful! If you have the means, I urge you to check them out.
-Beaches Turks and Caicos was clean and well kept while we were there. I always appreciate when a resort is attentive to the conditions of the pool, walkways and surrounding areas. They also use paper straws, and they're working towards getting rid of plastic water bottles. There is no recycling on the island and all recycling needs to be shipped out.
-The beach along the resort is public, but we didn't feel unsafe or uncomfortable at all (and I worried about this when I first heard it was public). There was a security guard at every beach entrance, as well as Beaches staff on the beach in various locations. The beach itself was not crowded while we were there in October. We never had issues trying to find chairs or places to sit, anywhere in the resort or on the beach.
-Beach towels are provided pretty much everywhere, so don't worry about having to pack them.
-Have more questions? Feel free to email me or send me a message on social media. I always try to be as honest as I can. The only request I have is that if you choose to visit, please use one of my links in this post to book your trip. It means everything to me. Thank you!
Ready to give it a shot? You can reach the Beaches Resorts booking page by clicking here. Good luck! Can you fit me in your suitcase?
How is the drinking water?
ReplyDeleteI don't recall much about the drinking water- truth be told, I am not one for drinking tap water no matter where I am (even at home!). I don't recall anything memorable about it, bad or good.
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