Honest Guru Review of Beaches Turks & Caicos

The Guru Travel Advisors just returned from an amazing educational trip to tour Beaches Turks & Caicos. We spent 4-nights touring the resort and experiencing the vibe, food, beverages, and activities. This massive property can sometimes confuse new Beaches Turks & Caicos travelers because of the 4 villages, the top question we get is, which one should I stay in. All four villages offer a very different experience and location. There is no, “one-size-fits-all” area on this property. Much of your choice will come down to budget and how your family travels.

What’s Included?

Inclusions is where Sandals and Beaches Resorts will win, every single time! Hands down, the inclusions are endless.

  • SEAL OF APPROVAL
    Beaches® Resorts is consistently
    recognized as the World’s Leading
    All-Inclusive Family Resort Brand at
    the World Travel Awards, as well as by
    premier consumer and trade
    travel publications and websites.
  • TEEN ACTIVITIES
    At Beaches, teens have dedicated
    spaces just for them—a Beach Shack,
    nightclub, and game room.
  • RESTAURANTS FOR ALL AGES
    With Gourmet Discovery Dining, the
    fi nest cuisine is included and unlimited
    at up to 21 restaurants per resort,
    around the clock.
  • LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
    FOR ALL
    Beaches boasts the most creatively
    designed suites in the Caribbean, from
    family-friendly suites and villas, to
    Love Nest Suites for two.
  • SESAME STREET®
    Friendly and loveable, a renowned
    cast of characters engages with
    The Caribbean Adventure with
    Sesame Street®—offering only the best
    to our littlest guests.
  • V.I.K. CAMP
    Kids are supervised by our accredited
    professional staff. There are no fees
    to pay, no sessions to follow…just
    all-inclusive, endless fun at our
    Very Important Kids Camp!
  • PIRATES ISLAND WATERPARKS
    Our waterparks are among the largest in
    the Caribbean with up to 11 gigantic slides
    at each resort, and the region’s only surf
    simulator—all included, all day, every day.
  • SCUBA* AND WATER SPORTS
    The entire family can enjoy every water
    sport, from snorkeling to waterskiing
    to our acclaimed dive program—voted
    one of the top fi ve dive operations in the
    Western Hemisphere by PADI—offering
    up to two dives every day.
  • UNLIMITED LAND SPORTS
    From tennis and beach volleyball to hightech fi tness centers and programs for all
    ages, there are no charges or restrictions,
    ever. Beaches even includes all green
    fees, unlimited play and a Junior Golf
    program in Jamaica*.
  • RESTAURANTS FOR ALL AGES
    With Gourmet Discovery Dining, the
    fi nest cuisine is included and unlimited
    at up to 21 restaurants per resort,
    around the clock.
  • ACCREDITED NANNIES
    Beaches are the only Caribbean resorts to
    include quality infant care and accredited
    nanny service—all day, every day and into
    the night, for all accommodations.
  • XBOX PLAY LOUNGES
    Everyone loves our Xbox Play Lounges
    with unlimited free play on the
    Xbox One and Xbox 360.
  • TEEN ACTIVITIES
    At Beaches, teens have dedicated
    spaces just for them—a Beach Shack,
    nightclub, and game room.
  • BEACH PARTIES
    Day into night festivities feature lavish
    family-fun beach bonfi res, Reggae
    music, fi re eaters, limbo dancers, and
    an incredible spread of food and drink
    unmatched anywhere in the Caribbean.
The Resort

Beaches Turks & Caicos is a multi-faceted fantasy world, where bungalows are nestled in tropical gardens resplendent
with graceful palms. Here, there are almost enough pools for each day of the week, and the last day is reserved for the
largest pool of all, the clear turquoise sea bordered by a 12-mile stretch of beach. Made up of five distinct areas, Beaches
Turks & Caicos offers the nested beachside Suites of the Seaside Village, the seaside garden paradise of the Caribbean
Village, the sophisticated style of the French Village, the monumental surroundings of the Italian Village, along with
the Key West Village which features 3 & 4 bedroom Villas.

Location

Attention beach babies, you will want to make sure to add Grace Bay to your list of places to visit. Located in exotic Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, ranked one of the top ten best scuba diving destinations in the world, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa is a Caribbean wonderland of adventure and luxury for families & kids of all ages.

Hot Perks!!

So many inclusions with Beaches Resorts but here’s a few worth noting for Beaches Turks and Caicos.

  • Twenty-three (23) specialty dining options, including Room Service for Butler-Serviced categories, with
    everything from Caribbean to Japanese, Italian to French, Seafood to Sushi. Experience Five Star Global
    Gourmet Dining at Beaches.
  •  7000-sq-ft retail village offering guests’ high-end jewelry, fashion, candies, souvenirs.
  •  Our very own Pirates Island themed aqua-playground hosting one of the Caribbean’s most comprehensive
    water parks featuring nine slides, lazy river, surf simulator, water cannons, cranks and spray features.
  • Kids of all ages can enjoy fun and games with Elmo and friends in our Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street®.
  •  15 minutes away you can visit the world’s only Conch Farm. Explore the fascinating process of farming the
    Queen Conch, “Strombus Gigas”, from fertilization to harvest.
  • Xbox Play Lounge with plasma screens.
Kids

There is something about all-inclusive resorts that not very many people know. Kids are not allowed in the kid’s club at almost all resorts until the age of 4. So what happens for families with kids under the aged of 4? You usually either pay for an outside service or in most cases you do not have an option.
Parents rejoice, all ages are welcome at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

  • Kids Camp with Infant 0-24 months
  • Separate Facilities Toddlers 3-4 years
  • Navigators 5-7 years
  • Adventurers 8-10 years
  • Tweens 11-14 years
  • Teens 15-17 years

As a former educator myself and having 3 children, I love the way the age groups are separated, way to go Beaches Resorts!!!

Included Water Activities
  • Watersports: Kayaks, Windsurfing, Snorkeling, Aqua Trikes, Hobie Cats, Paddleboards, Underwater
    Vision boat.
  • Scuba Diving with daily diving for certified divers. For those who wish to
    experience scuba diving for the first time, PADI Discover Scuba course is offered for a
    nominal fee. This course will be valid for one year and will only allow you to dive at all
    Sandals and Beaches Resorts.
  • Full PADI Scuba Dive Certification can be done at an additional fee. Children can
    learn scuba skills too with our Bubblemaker and Seal Team programme at an additional
    cost
Beaches is Autism Friendly

Beaches Is Home To The Caribbean’s First Autism-Friendly Kids Camps
Beaches has partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global leader in online training and certification programs. This is at all 3 of their properties.

Beaches is the first resort company in the world to complete the rigorous IBCCES training and Autism Certification! We are proud to offer families with children with autism and other special needs specialized service, engaging activities and custom dining options so that all families may enjoy a memorable, award-winning Beaches Luxury Included® experience.

Certified Staff – All The Time
Enjoy an amazing Luxury Included® family vacation knowing that your child is always in good hands.

Our child care staff continuously receives competency training in the following areas:

  • Sensory Awareness
  • Motor Skills
  • Autism Overview
  • Program Development
  • Social Skills
  • Communication
  • Environment
  • Emotional Awareness & Bullying

Certified Kids Camps

Our Kids Camps are Advanced Certified Autism Centers that ensure team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to cater to all children and offer age-specific programs for infants, toddlers, pre-teens and teens.

The Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street®

Beaches is proud to welcome Julia – a sweet and curious 4-year-old with autism. As part of Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children, Julia is excited to welcome all children and their families to paradise with engaging activities like Amazing Art with Julia and enjoyable character experiences with them in mind.

Extra Activities Worth Noting
  • Kitty Katt Cruises: Join us aboard our state of the art 65 foot catamaran for a cruise for the entirefamily. Snorkeling, Sunset, Character breakfast & Tweens & Teens cruises are available. Contact your Guru Travel Advisor to book.
  • Private Candlelight A private candlelight dinner for two under the stars. The private dinner experience Dinners: includes a personalized menu, private white glove waiter service, house wine and a long stem rose. A private Family Dinner also is available. Contact your Guru Travel Advisor for more details.
  • Sailing Fun Experience: In conjunction with the American Sailing Association (ASA), Beaches Resorts offer a new Sailing Fun Experience in which guests can participate in a sailing course consisting of four two-hour sessions designed to introduce both children (ages 8 & above) & adults to the sport
    of sailing. Guests can choose to learn on three different sailing vessels including the 8.53ft Laser Performance Bug
  • Sesame Street Breakfast/ Sesame Street Breakfast featuring all nine (9) characters, 8:00am on Mondays and Birthday: Thursdays. Private Birthday Parties, with a Character of your choice, are available; please contact your Guru Travel Advisor for details.
What you need to know…

Beaches Turks and Caicos is a high-end resort with a high-end price tag. However, you can be sure there is zero nickel and diming at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

So, what exactly is included? Airport transfers, all food, drinks, activities – including diving, which is rare – the kid’s club and entertainment is included. You will be able to dine at every single restaurant regardless of your room category.

When is the best time to get a deal? There are times where you can almost save half. Here’s a hot tip, if the kids are in school, pricing is better. Guru Travel Advisors can span dates to get you the best for your money. You need to book early as this resort sells out!!

What village should you stay in?

There are four villages within the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. Each village offers a unique stay. What you need to keep in mind is, where you pick to stay is all about what experience you want. The only extra inclusion is if you pick to stay in a butler room, you then have full access to your butler amenities as well as room service.

Key West Village

Pros-The Key West Village offers more apartment homes. In this area you will enjoy a very short walk to the beach and to your front desk. As the name mentions, the vibe of this area is much like Key West, laid back and tropical. Personally, this area is very quiet and offers some fantastic dining options.

Cons-This part of the resort was not originally owned and operated by Beaches. Beaches took over this part of the property and as a result is lost some of the Beaches “vibe”. When you stay here you will be dropped off at a different section of the resort, this can be a pro for some people. Other than the sit-down dining, there’s nowhere to grab a snack and go so you would need to walk kind of far to get something.

The Italian Village

Pros-The Italian Village is in the center of the resort and offers the largest and in my opinion, most active pool on property. The pool has a swim up bar and a toddler area which is super fun! We love the tables and umbrellas in the water by the swim up bar, there’s ample space to spread out. The family suites here are fantastic! You are in the middle of the resort, so you feel like you are close to everything.

Cons-This area of the resort is in the middle and the price reflects that. You are also exposed to the sounds of the most active area of the resort which can be a pro for some.

Caribbean Village 

Pros-The Caribbean Village is an original area of Beaches Turks and Caicos. This area has a lot to offer in terms of pools and activities. In addition, you are closest to the offshore snorkeling which is about a 5-minute walk down the beach. Food is easily accessible here between the pizzeria, yummy, they are woodfired and Arizona’s, you can do lunch at both.

Cons-The rooms here look like they have never been updated which can be disappointing. In addition, the pool can use a complete overhaul.

French Village

Pros-The French Village is set back and closest to the Pirate Island Water Park. In addition, they have an amazing swim up pool which I think is about as big as the Italian Village pool.  This area is attractive for families because it can offer the lowest price point which can mean it is also sold out quite frequently. The space that the French Village is in feels like a little city from the Cafe de Paris to the Beaches stage, and the food trucks, this area offers a huge value.

Cons-With where this part of the resort is situated you will not see the beach.

 

The Food

If you are a seafood lover this is your place! I had seafood including lobster the entire time I was at Beaches Turks and Caicos. Schooners Seafood Grill will offer the best fish. I also fell in love with Cricketer’s Pub, they have an amazing array of brews and pub food. We found ourselves there for lunch quite a bit. Of course, I must give a special shoutout to Cafe de Paris for keeping the caffeine flowing, holy cow, the pastries and coffee are both amazing.

Here’s a detailed list of dining options.
There are Twenty Four (24) Dining options available:

  • Arizona’s Restaurant (Southwestern Cuisine)
    This Southwestern Cantina features a waterfall cascading into one of the Caribbean’s largest swimming pools. This
    restaurant serves a southwestern buffet for lunch and a la carte for dinner, with indoor & outdoor seating. Dress Code:
    Resort casual attire and Reservations are required.
    Lunch: 12:00noon-4:00pm
    Dinner: 6:00pm-9:30pm
  • Barefoot by the Sea (Create your own Seafood)
    Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, served a la carte with outdoor seating.
    Dress Code: Resort casual attire and at night, Resort evening attire (Bare feet permitted) and
    Reservations are required.
    Breakfast: 7:30am-10:30am
    Lunch: 12:30pm-2:30pm
    Dinner: 5:30pm-9:30pm
  • Bayside (Buffet)
    Feast on delicious international specialties buffet style for breakfast, lunch and dinner in this charming, open-air
    restaurant overlooking the scintillating ocean in the distance beyond. Dress Code: Resort casual attire
    Breakfast: 6:30am-10:30am
    Lunch: 12:30pm-2:30pm
    Dinner: 5:30pm-9:30pm
  • Bella Napoli Pizzeria (Neapolitan Pizzeria)
    Woodstone oven pizzeria serving gourmet pizzas for the whole family to enjoy. Outdoor seating Dress
    Code: Resort casual attire
    Opening Hours: 11:00am-5:00pm
  • Bobby D’s (50’s Diner)
    A 1950’s style diner serving all the diner favorites including hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza, macaroni cheese, fries and
    sandwiches. Healthy options include wraps, pita sandwiches and a variety of salads and fresh fruits. Air conditioned.
    Dress Code: Resort casual attire
    Opening Hours: 11:00am-6:00am
  • Bombay Club (Indian Cuisine)
    Authentic Indian Chef “Baki” will create the authentic delights that will tantalize your taste buds; the menu captures
    vegetarians, vegans, and true authentic Indian cuisine, outdoor seating.
    Dress Code: Resort Casual and Reservations are required.
    Dinner: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
  • Café de Paris (French Pâtisserie)
    A quaint French Café serving a wide assortment of French pastries, crepes and sandwiches, gourmet coffees and teas.
    Indoor Air conditioned and outdoor seating.
    Dress Code: Resort casual attire
    Opening Hours: 6:00am-10:00pm
  • Curls & Swirls (An Ice Cream and Milk Shake Truck) Savour
    Ice Cream, Milk Shakes and Frozen Yoghurt.
    Dress Code: Resort casual attire
    Opening Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm
  • The Jerk Shack (Jamaican Jerk)
    Come down to Treasure Beach and enjoy the flavorful delights of true Jamaican Jerk Chicken & Pork, Beer & Rum!
    Lunch & Dinner: 11:00am-9:00pm
    Lunch & Dinner: 11:00am-5:00pm -Fridays
    Dress Code: Casual Beach
  • Dino’s Courtyard Bistro
    This Grill serves burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and ice cream throughout the day with outdoor seating. Dress
    Code: Resort casual attire
    Opening Hours: 11:00am-5:00pm
  • Dino’s Pizzeria (Neapolitan Pizzeria)
    This Pizzeria features a traditional Woodstone oven producing different varieties of hand-tossed pizzas in an outdoor
    setting.
    Dress Code: Resort casual attire
    Opening Hours: 11:00am-5:00pm
  • Giuseppe’s (Italian Buffet)
    Savor traditional Italian cuisine in a quaint Resort setting. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner served buffet style with made to order
    items; non-smoking. This restaurant offers air conditioned indoor and outdoor seating.
    Dress Code: Resort evening attire
    Breakfast: 7:00am-10:30am
    Lunch: 12:30pm-2:30pm
    Dinner: 5:30pm-9:30pm
  • Kimonos (Japanese Teppanyaki)
    This distinct restaurant features exotic teppanyaki-style dishes prepared at the table. This restaurant is air-conditioned.
    Dress Code: Resort evening attire and Reservations are required.
    Dinner: 5:00pm-9:00pm
  • Le Petit Château (Classic French)
    An authentic French Restaurant where you are served fine European cuisine and some traditional French specialties. This
    Restaurant is a la Carte and offers indoor air-conditioned and outdoor patio dining.
    This Restaurant is open for those 12 years and up only.
    Dress Code: Resort evening attire and Reservations are required.
    Dinner: 6:00pm-9:30pm
  • Mario’s (Buffet/Italian (Lombardia-Milan)
    A Tuscan-inspired open kitchen where guests choose from delicious offerings (served buffet-style for breakfast and lunch
    and a typical a la Carte Italian menu for dinner) in a brick walled, decorative ironwork and vaulted ceiling atmosphere. The
    restaurant also features a special Medieval-themed children’s section where kids can dine amongst their favorite pals from
    Sesame Street. Indoor air conditioned and outdoor seating.
    Dress Code: Resort casual attire and Reservations are required.
    Breakfast: 6:30am-10:30am
    Lunch: 12:30pm-2:30pm
    Dinner: 5:30pm-9:30pm
  • Mr. Mac (An Artisan Macaroni & Cheese Truck)
    Treat one’s palate to unique types of Macaroni & Cheese from classic cheddar to more innovative preparations.
    Dress Code: Resort Casual
    Opening Hours: 10:00m-6:00pm
  • Neptunes (Mediterranean Rim Cuisine)
    Neptune’s evokes images of Neptune casting his trident upon the waters to conjure the freshest fish and seafood from the
    abyss. An al fresco, seaside setting, low lights, skies brimming with stars and the gentle murmur of the waves mingle with
    the aromas and tastes of Seafood Tagine and Tuna Niçoise to convey the experience of dining at an elegant but casual
    seaside bistro on the Amalfi Coast. Simple, flavorful, seafood in an unparalleled seaside setting.
    Dress Code: Resort casual attire and Reservations are required.
    Breakfast: 7:30am-10:30am
    Lunch: 12:30pm-2:30pm
    Dinner: 5:30pm-9:30pm
  • Reflections (Buffet)
    This restaurant features International cuisine (served buffet style) air conditioned indoors or outdoors or in a tropical
    setting.
    Dress Code: Resort casual attire
    Breakfast: 6:30am-10:30am
    Lunch: 12:30pm-2:30pm
    Dinner: 5:30pm-9:30pm
  • Sapodilla’s Restaurant (Pan-Caribbean Cuisine)
    Pan-Caribbean cuisine served with classic, white-gloved elegance. This a la carte restaurant offers indoor air conditioned
    or outdoor dining.
    This is an Adults only restaurant and Reservations are required.
    Dress Code: Resort evening attire
    Dinner: 6:00pm-9:30pm
  • Schooners (Bahamian/Turks Seafood)
    Savor fresh gourmet seafood along with a sensational view of Grace Bay Beach. A la Carte Breakfast and Dinner, with
    indoor air conditioned and outdoor seating available.
    Dress Code: Resort Evening attire for dinner and Reservations are required.
    Breakfast: 7:30am-11:00am
    Dinner: 5:30pm-9:30pm
  • Sky (Contemporary Cuisine)
    Treat your senses at Sky with spectacular views from the second floor and relish our a la carte menus.
    Breakfast: 7:30am – 10:30am (for all ages)
    Dress Code: Resort Casual
    Dinner: 6:00pm – 9:30pm
    Dress Code: Resort Evening, Adults only. 16years and over and Reservations are required.
  • Soy (Sushi)
    Dinner-only, open air restaurant serving sushi and sashimi specialties.
    Dress Code: Resort casual attire and Reservations are required.
    Dinner: 5:30pm-9:30pm
  • The Cricketer’s Pub (British Pub Cuisine)
    Authentic pub fare, served in a lively setting, for lunch and dinner. Indoor air conditioned or outdoor seating.
    Dress Code: Resort casual attire
    Lunch & Dinner: 12:00midday-2:00am

Guru Travel is a Certified Sandals Specialist, this means that we have been there and we send people there. As a small business we would be honored to help you plan your Luxury Included vacation. Please email us at letstravel@thewdwguru.com or call 630-776-8371.

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