I’m so in love. The 50 shades of blue (you thought I was going to say grey, didn’t you?) of the water, the white sand and above all the service. Where? Beaches Turks and Caicos. Having been to the resort a few times for the Social Media on the Sand conference, I know the resort extremely well. But even so, I learn more every time. Here are some secret travel tips that will help you get even more out of your stay at Beaches.

General Beaches Turks and Caicos Tips

• Leave the bills at home. Tips and airport transfers are all included – this saves a ton of stress and money, and everyone is treated exactly the same – with a high level of service.
• You’ll notice only paper straws, and the resort is committed to eliminating single-use plastics. Even the immaculate gardens are watered with greywater.

Where to Swim at Beaches Turks and Caicos

• The ocean is a no-brainer. Warm water on the #1-ranked beach in the world, and there are fun floating pads to hang out in.
• There are several adult-only pools in Key West Village, but the main one by the beach is for everyone, quiet, upscale and super close to the beach.
• The Iguana Pool has a fun volleyball net and you meet a ton of people this way.

Sports that are Offered at Beaches Resorts

• Free adult tennis clinics are offered all weekdays at 8am, and twice a week for kids at 9am. Alex is Filipino and, like most of the staff, has been with Beaches for an eternity. They provide ice water, racquets and towels.
• They’ve now added Pickleball and will teach you the game.
• If anyone is nervous to take their PADI diving certification, Snuba is a great alternative! You are attached to the air through a hose, and can get a taste for scuba.
• It’s easy to stay fit – abs class, yoga, power walking, stretch, Tabata Bootcamp, Zumba and Aquafitness are all offered daily throughout the day.

Secret Red Lane Spa Tips

• Did you know that the Red Lane Spa has specially trained staff who can modify any treatment to support individuals undergoing cancer treatment?
• If you book a kids’ massage they get tiny robes. The Ginger Lily treatments for kids, tweens and teens are amazing and the products smell divine.
• You can use the steam room and sauna, then sit and relax by the fountain even if you haven’t had a treatment.

Navigating the Fabulous Food at Beaches Resorts

• Key West Village sports made-to-order sushi at Bayside Restaurant which is a perfect protein snack after diving! It’s also the only sushi you can get to go.
• Speaking of sushi, head to Soy for an appetizer before your other restaurant reservation.
• Dying for late-night pizza? Bobby Dee’s has plenty to take back to the room and is open all night.
• The Teppanyaki cooking style at Kimonos is a must-experience. The chefs sing, include the kids and even fling food into your mouth! It’s the only restaurant requiring a reservation so book when you arrive.
• Sky Restaurant is adult-only, no reservations needed.
• Venture to the Jerk Shack for amazing BBQ – they serve rum punch there so if you want something else, grab it on the way.
• All luggage gets transported for you to the Departure Lounge when you leave. (sniff). Grab a box of pastries from Cafe de Paris for the shuttle.
• The casual soft tacos at La Carreta, outside Arizonas are some of the best on the planet.

What to Drink at Beaches Resorts

• At Neptunes Restaurant, order a glass of freshly squeezed OJ and sparkling wine and then make your mimosa.
• You can ask for a blended mojito. Try it!
• There are 6 excellent Robert Mondavi wines, as well as premium liquor throughout, and you can also purchase more expensive bottles at the restaurants.
• Even though they aren’t on the Kids’ visual menu now, you can still get a ‘Superman’, a three-toned virgin dring in red, white and blue.

What Kids can Do at Beaches Resorts

• The kids club – Camp Sesame – is free and opens at 8:30. Baking with Cookie Monster, Sesame Street character visits, songs in the pool with childcare specialists and mini lounge chairs delight the little ones. You can book babysitters for the evening for an additional fee.
• You won’t want to miss the Sesame Street parade, and private tuck-ins with favourite characters are epic.
• The Red Lane Spa has two locations poolside (Pirate Island and Italian Pool) where kids can get hair braids or henna tattoos.
• Choo-choo, the resident resort train will take kids and their parents on rides. The schedule is at the front desk at each village, and I’ve included it here too.

Special Needs and Autism at Beaches Resorts

• Beaches and Sandals resorts are the first resort in the world to be an Advanced Autism Centre. This designation is granted by the  International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Whether your child needs a private check-in, sensory toy or other accommodation, every single staff member is trained. Even water sports are accessible to people on the spectrum. No family should skip a holiday due to their kids’ being on the spectrum.
• Beach wheelchairs are available. All resort room doors and bathroom doors can accommodate a wheelchair.

Charity through the Sandals Foundation

• The Sandals Foundation is focusing on preserving the beautiful environment and Carribean sea. Unfortunately, the schools don’t have access to many books about sea life and the environment. You can bring these to the resorts where they will be passed along to the kids. Reusable shopping bags are also a great thing to bring.
• Doing a reading road trip on Thursday supports the Sandals Foundation, and your family gets to give back to the community. You book these through Island Routes.

Creating Lasting Memories at Beaches Turks and Caicos

• The photo sessions are to die for, and don’t be afraid to ask for unconventional shots. There are only so many family jumping or holding hands shots that you need. Try ones beside the wharf at sunset or on the giant hydrobikes. Shades of blue and white look great against the ocean backdrop.
• There are a ton of ‘iconic’ photo spots, like at the ‘I wish I could Stay Here Forever’ sign (By the Jerk Shack). You won’t want to leave without finding them! (Just check the geotag Instagram if you aren’t what they all are..)

Entertainment Tips at Beaches

• Though you may assume it’s for the whole week when you get a schedule at check-in, there’s a new schedule published daily, and they are also posted on boards around the resort. This will reveal where the live music, kids’ shows and soccer games are.
• The Cricketers Pub is a riot – especially during Karaoke. You will find pool and billiards tables there. Other games like Fussball and ping pong are located in the Jungle Room.

Activities for Teens and Tweens at Beaches Turks and Caicos

• Club Liquid is open for these age groups (without alcohol) in the early evening. The XBox Lounge and Jungle Room are other hot hangouts.
• The giant chess boards throughout the resort are a great way to challenge parents.

Adult Fun at Beaches

• Club Liquid is open in the daytime and has some huge round chaises on the sun deck overlooking Pirate Island for some quiet adult time.
• Beaches and Sandals have added lots of firepits, and the Key West Village one is stunning at sunset.

Disclosure: I am a Beaches Mom, and have a chance to apply for a discounted rate at Beaches Resorts for to attend the Social Media on the Sand conference each October.

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