Imagine pristine turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and endless sunshine—all enjoyed from the comfort of a resort designed specifically for family fun and group getaways. Our recent trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos was nothing short of spectacular, delivering an unparalleled all-inclusive experience that surpassed all our expectations. Renowned as one of the most family-friendly resorts we’ve ever visited, it also boasts an undeniably breathtaking beachfront, perfectly situated along the iconic Grace Bay.
This marked our second annual group adventure with our dear friends Brittni, Lexy, and Kelly. Having previously explored Scottsdale, Arizona, as a large family contingent, we can confidently say that an all-inclusive resort like Beaches is an absolute game-changer for big groups. This was our inaugural Beaches experience, and it has forever changed our perspective on family travel. The sheer luxury of choosing from over 20 diverse restaurants, where staff inherently understand the lively energy of children and splitting checks becomes a forgotten chore, truly makes for a stress-free vacation. Jared and I have previously enjoyed Sandals properties, such as those in Grenada and Exuma, which are tailored for couples. We were incredibly eager to discover the family-oriented magic of Beaches, and it certainly delivered.
Flying Into Turks & Caicos
One of the many benefits of choosing Turks & Caicos for your family vacation is the convenient accessibility. For those traveling from the East Coast, numerous airports offer short, direct flights into Providenciales International Airport (PLS) daily, making the journey much smoother for families with young children. Coming from Houston, our typical Caribbean route often involves a stop in Florida. We found Providenciales to be an exceptionally easy connection, just an hour’s plane ride from Fort Lauderdale.
Southwest Airlines, now flying to Turks & Caicos frequently, allowed us to capitalize on an excellent 3-for-1 ticket deal, thanks to Jared’s companion pass and the fact that our daughter, Gwen, still flew free as she was under two years old. While this was a fantastic saving, we’ve learned our lesson! Her 15-month-old energy proved quite a challenge to contain on our laps for the duration of the flight, so we’ll definitely be reserving her own seat for future trips. Upon arrival, the resort’s convenience continues; it’s merely a 20-minute drive from the airport. Beaches offers private shuttles, ready and waiting, to whisk you directly to your tropical haven. A personal tip: while we’re still lamenting Gwen outgrowing her beloved Doona car seat + stroller combo, you can pre-request a car seat from the resort, saving you the hassle of bringing your own.
Where to Stay in Turks & Caicos | A Family Friendly All-Inclusive Resort
Beaches Turks & Caicos is an impressively expansive property, so be prepared to get your steps in as you explore its wonders! The resort is thoughtfully divided into four distinct villages, each offering its own unique architectural style and ambiance: the elegant French Riviera, the charming Key West, the vibrant Italian, and the classic Caribbean Villages. Every village is designed with guest comfort in mind, featuring its own array of swimming pools, restaurants, and amenities sprinkled throughout, ensuring that no matter where you choose to stay, you’ll have convenience and luxury at your fingertips. Honestly, you can’t make a bad choice here.
During our stay, we opted for the Key West Village, which is the most recent and modern addition to the resort’s impressive portfolio. This village truly stands out for its sophisticated design and offers some absolutely breathtaking villa options. My personal dream, forever on my bucket list, is to experience their private pool, oceanfront villa—a pinnacle of luxury and privacy. The Key West Village provides a serene, upscale atmosphere while still being just a short stroll or golf cart ride away from all the action. Its spacious accommodations and contemporary design make it an ideal choice for families seeking both comfort and style during their Turks & Caicos vacation.
Things to Do In Turks & Caicos
One of the greatest joys of a Beaches Turks & Caicos vacation is the incredible flexibility it offers. You can easily tailor your days to be as action-packed or as blissfully relaxed as you desire. While our family certainly indulged in ample lounging time in our comfortable room and by the pools, the resort and the island provide an astonishing array of activities catering to all ages and interests. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or simply enjoying some adult time, there’s always something exciting to discover.
Activities for Kids & Families
- Pirates Island Waterpark: This is an absolute paradise for children and a highlight of the resort. It features a fantastic lazy river, perfect for gently floating with babies and toddlers, while overlooking expansive splash pads and thrilling waterslides designed for older kids seeking an adrenaline rush.
- Sesame Street Parade: In the evenings, the resort comes alive with the magical Sesame Street Parade, a delightful experience where beloved characters dance and interact with children, creating unforgettable memories.
- Craft Station: Located near the Caribbean Village, this station offers a creative escape. Kids can paint pottery and engage in various crafts, an ideal activity for a leisurely afternoon or during a brief rain shower.
- Teen & Tweens Club and Xbox Lounge: Older kids will find their own haven with dedicated clubs and an Xbox lounge, providing age-appropriate entertainment and opportunities to make new friends.
- Kids Day Camp: For younger children who aren’t quite ready for independent exploration but crave adventure with peers, the Kids Day Camp offers supervised fun, games, and activities throughout the day.
- Character Meet and Greets: Our little ones absolutely loved the chance to meet their favorite Sesame Street characters up close for photos and hugs.
- Resort Train: A charming resort train makes regular stops at several lobbies throughout the day, offering a fun and convenient way to explore the property, especially for tired little legs.
- Diverse Pools: While the resort boasts a multitude of pools, each with its unique charm, we particularly adored the French Riviera pool with its convenient beach entry, making it easy for even the smallest swimmers to enjoy.
- Live Entertainment: Be sure to check the resort schedule upon arrival for a full lineup of live entertainment, including shows and performances tailored for children and families.
Activities for Adults
- Island Routes Excursions: Beyond the resort’s extensive land activities, Island Routes offers a plethora of higher-level excursions that take you off-property to explore the wider beauty of Turks & Caicos. The dads in our group raved about their ATV trip, which allowed them to discover other stunning beaches and hidden gems.
- Red Lane Spa & Soaking Pools: Moms (and dads!) in need of pampering will adore the luxurious treatments at the Red Lane Spa. Even if you don’t book a service, the tranquil soaking pools are open 24/7, providing a peaceful escape for relaxation.
- Bars and Lounges: The resort features several stylish bars and lounges, but the Sky rooftop bar is an absolute must-visit. While it transforms into an 18+ venue at night, it’s wonderfully kid-friendly for breakfast, offering spectacular views to accompany your morning brunch.
- Water Sports: Beaches Turks & Caicos provides complimentary scuba classes for certified divers, along with a wide range of non-motorized water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling, accessible from various points along the pristine beach.
Tips For Staying at Beaches Turks & Caicos
To ensure your Beaches Turks & Caicos vacation is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, here are some invaluable tips gathered from our own experience at this incredible family-friendly all-inclusive resort:
- Resort Transportation: Given the sprawling nature of the resort, getting from one village to another might seem like a long walk, especially with little ones. Simply head to any lobby and request a golf cart pickup, and a friendly driver will swiftly transport you to your desired destination within the resort grounds.
- Daily Activity Charts: Keep a close eye on the printed activity charts, which are updated weekly and available at guest services. These provide a comprehensive schedule of fun events, including specific times for Sesame Street character meet and greets, engaging Bingo games, lively karaoke nights for adults, and much more.
- Convenient Coffee Stations: While Cafe de Paris offers exquisite coffee, you don’t always have to trek across the resort for your morning caffeine fix. Each village lobby typically has its own convenient coffee station, perfect for a quick espresso or latte.
- Baby & Toddler Amenities: Beaches truly understands the needs of families. You can rent strollers, request a crib in your room, and access a wide array of other baby and toddler-friendly amenities, significantly lightening your packing load.
- In-Room Laundry: Many rooms and suites come equipped with their own washer and dryer. This amenity is a lifesaver for families, allowing you to keep messes to a minimum and pack fewer clothes, leaving more space in your luggage for souvenirs.
- Kids’ Water Shoes: Investing in water shoes for the kids is a fantastic idea. They provide protection on various surfaces, from pool decks to sandy beaches, and ensure comfortable play. We found these to be perfect for Gwen!
- Comprehensive Childcare Options: Beaches goes above and beyond with its childcare services. Options include supervised care for children under three, a vibrant day camp for older kids, and even private nannies for a more personalized experience. The incredible news is that most of these options are included in your all-inclusive stay, with only the private nanny service incurring an additional fee. This dedication to childcare truly solidifies its status as a premier family-friendly all-inclusive resort.
- Cash for Incidentals: While the resort proudly states “gratuities included,” it’s always a good idea to bring some cash in small bills. This comes in handy for tipping airport transfer drivers, guides on off-resort excursions, or other small incidentals that might arise.
- On-Site & Nearby Shopping: Forgot something essential? The resort store stocks diapers, swim gear, sunblock, and more. For baby formula or other specialty items, a large grocery store is conveniently located about eight minutes down the road, easily accessible by taxi.
- Delicious Food Trucks: Don’t miss out on the fantastic new soft-serve ice cream and mac and cheese food trucks near the Pirates Island Waterpark – they’re perfect for a quick, casual treat.
- Celebrations Candy Shop: The Celebrations candy shop is not just for sweets; it also carries many other little necessities behind the counter. We were incredibly grateful to find Pedialyte there several times when remnants of the flu hit our group.
- Practical Totes: As parents, we’re accustomed to lugging around large bags filled with pool gear. However, packing a smaller tote or purse for quick outings, adult dinners, or navigating the resort with just a few essentials is a smart move. I brought this one, and it quickly became Gwen’s favorite accessory to carry around!
A heartfelt thank you to Beaches Resorts for graciously hosting our expanding crew; it truly exceeded every expectation we had for a family vacation. For those interested in a different perspective and more photos, especially regarding the kids’ day camp and other resort extras that Gwen didn’t get a chance to try, you can find recaps from our friends here: Brittni, Lexy, and Kelly. If you have any recommendations for other must-visit group vacation destinations, please share them – we’re always on the lookout for our next adventure!