We were invited to attend Beaches Moms Social Media On The Sand at Beaches Turks and Caicos. We paid a deeply discounted rate and airfare to attend. All opinions are 100% our own.
Our trip to Beaches Turks and Caicos for the Social Media on the Sand Conference was nothing short of incredible. While Heather and I went without our families, we were sure to investigate all of the family amenities offered just in case we are invited back next year and the stars align to bring our own families. It truly is a vacation destination for any age!
I mentioned in my last post that we were there for a conference and while that kept us pretty busy, we did have some down time to explore the (huge) resort and enjoy the amenities. We didn’t leave the property at all during our stay because there is literally no reason to! Below is a compilation of everything you need to know to visit Beaches Turks and Caicos including an overview, helpful tips, and highlights from our trip. I hope it is helpful when you’re deciding whether or not to visit this amazing resort!
A note before I begin, this is long. Use these links below to skip around the post if you only want specific information. Here we go!
- Beaches Travel Video
- Getting to Turks and Caicos
- Overview of Resort
- Where To Stay
- Where To Eat
- What To Do – Adults
- What To Do – Kids
- What To Pack
- Tips and Tricks
Beaches Turks and Caicos Travel Video
Traveling to Turks and Caicos
To get to Turks and Caicos, you fly in to the Providenciales (PLS) airport. While there are quite a few direct flights if you live on the east coast, coming from the west coast is a bit more complicated. And if you’re Heather and me, you make it as complicated as possible. For some reason we decided the longest layovers in history would be better than spending a few extra bucks. It took us just over 24 hours to get there from Sacramento (SMF) via Los Angeles (LAX) via Miami (MIA). It was a journey. That we’re better for (I guess). The plus side was that we got to escape the airport to explore on our 7 hour layover at LAX. I say that’s a win.
We were surprised to learn that Turks and Caicos is on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) so it was only three hours ahead of what we are used to.
The Providenciales airport is small and getting through customs is quick and easy. Shuttles to the resort are included and are super easy to find as you exit the airport. While the shuttle ride is included with your stay, the drivers are contracted so make sure you bring a couple dollars to tip them as they are not Beaches employees (who are not allowed to accept tips, more on that below).
Beaches Resort – Overview
The Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos is situated along the most beautiful 12 mile stretch of beach in the world. The water is turquoise, the sand is soft, and the resort boasts 21 restaurants, 15 bars (including swim up bars), and 15 pools!
The resort is divided in to 4 villages–The French Village (where we stayed), The Caribbean Village, The Italian Village, and the Key West Village. They each had their own feel and vibe, with architecture and landscaping to match the theme. Each village offered something different and it was fun to explore each one!
When they say all-inclusive, they literally mean all. Food, alcohol, entertainment, childcare, sports, games, the works. All included. It really is a game changer, especially if you’re traveling with multiple families or in a group. There is something for everyone and no one has to worry about who owes who money. I put my wallet in the safe when we arrived and didn’t need it again until we left for the airport.
Where to stay
As I mentioned above, there are four villages to choose from at Beaches–Italian, French, Caribbean, and Key West. Every village has a unique “personality” if you will, and they each offer something different.
Heather and I stayed in the French Village where we shared a room since we were there under one business entity. The room was super spacious, had a TV that we literally never turned on, a safe, refrigerator, and beautiful view of the enormous French Village pool. The room also had two vanities which was key when we both had to get ready each day.
The Key West Village is the newest and has some of the fancier, oceanside butler villas. One location of the Red Lane Spa is also located here. The Italian Village is front and center along the beach and this is where one of the biggest pools (with the famous swim up bar) is located. Next along the beach is the largest village, The Caribbean.
In my opinion, there isn’t a bad place to stay. Everything is super accessible and you don’t spend that much time in your room with everything going on anyway!
Where To Eat
There are 21 restaurants and 2 food truck options on the property so there are food choices for everyone. Most restaurants are casual and kid-friendly, though there are a few adults-only options. We hit a breakfast buffet every morning and it was pretty much my heaven. You may not know this about me, but I love a breakfast buffet. Here are a few more highlights:
- Kimono’s: A hibachi restaurant that requires reservations, the only restaurant that does. The entertainment is fun and the food is delish.
- Mr. Mac: The mac and cheese food truck located near the waterpark. The crab mac was so, so good.
- Barefoot by the Sea: A restaurant on the the sand which would be perfect for kids––they had adorable kid picnic tables and we saw kids playing in the sand while they waited for their food.
- Sky Restaurant: Adults only at night and an absolutely breathtaking view of the sunset.
- Dino’s: Pizza place that was a perfect lunch on the go. We put in our order, went to the gift shop, then picked it up to eat in our room.
- Bayside: A buffet restaurant right on the beach. They also make omelets to order.
A note about food––island time is a real thing. There were a few times when we had to squeeze in a meal between conference events or we waited too long to eat and became hangry which was a big mistake. They take a little longer to do things on the island which I don’t think is a bad thing!! We just noticed because we were on a schedule, if we were on a legit vacation, I don’t think we would have cared as much.
What to do: Adults
Beaches isn’t lying when they say all-inclusive. When we weren’t swimming in one of the pools or the turquoise ocean, we took advantage of the activities! Paddle boarding on the ocean is a whole other experience that I highly recommend. They also have kayaks, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and hydrobikes.
Pirates Island Waterpark is also a must-see. Features include gigantic water slides, a lazy river, toddler-friendly areas, waterfalls, and a surf simulator!
In addition to water activities there are many things to do on land including a fitness center, tennis, beach volleyball, basketball, croquet, lawn chess, and so much more.
Entertainment is also big! There is karaoke at night, shows on the main stage, and so many bars. The swim up bars were our favorite!
What to do: Kids
I can’t speak specifically to any experience with the Kids Camp but everything I heard from friends who had kids there, it was a wonderful experience and their kids never wanted to leave!
Plus, Beaches is partnered with Sesame Street! Heather and I caught the Sesame Street Beach Parade that they do every Friday and it was so fun. In addition, there is a kid’s show every single night. I can’t even tell you how many times I said, “oh, the boys would LOVE this!” I can’t wait to take them.
What to pack
This is no secret but it is freaking hot in Turks and Caicos. Hot and humid. My best advice is to stay in a bathing suit and cover up the entire time. Since we were at a conference, that wasn’t really an option, so we stuck to lightweight, flowy clothing as much as possible. Check out what we word below.
What Heather Wore
What Brittany Wore
Tips and Tricks
- You can request a golf cart at any of the village lobbies to take you anywhere on the property. Heather and I took full advantage of this anytime we were lost.
- Carry a map. We often got lost and just as soon as we got the lay of the land, we left.
- Do not even try to tip the employees. They aren’t allowed to accept them and can actually put them in a really awkward position if you insist.
- Take food to go! At the buffets they have to go containers and you’ll never regret having extra snacks in your room especially since there is no room service.
- We found it super interesting and awesome that Beaches Resorts are the only Autism certified resorts in the Caribbean. We were able to learn a lot about the certification through IBCCES and were super impressed. Kiddos are definitely in good hands at Beaches!
There you have it, the longest travel guide ever! Ha! I hope this is helpful if you are planning a trip to Beaches Turks and Caicos. If you have any questions, feel free to leave it in the comments below or connect with us on Instagram! We had a wonderful time on our trip and will definitely be back!
You guys! This looks AMAZING!!! So glad you had this awesome experience.