Johanne and I just returned from a three-day trip to luxurious Beaches Turks & Caicos. In a word: WOW! I cannot use that word often enough to describe this resort. Best of all, it’s a family resort, so whether you’re travelling with young kids or with your significant other, there is something for everyone. I’ve been to almost all of the islands in the Caribbean, and this is BY FAR my favourite.
You arrive in an open-air terminal, so the minute you get off the plane your feel the Caribbean heat. And in the middle of April, that’s a nice feeling. Beaches provides you with a private transfer to the hotel, which allows you to see the island and hear interesting stories from the driver. Drivers are a great way to find out about local culture, politics,etc… so strike up a conversation with them, you’ll learn a lot.
Upon arrival at the hotel we were greeted with cold face clothes and cocktails. I don’t remember what the cocktail was, but after a long flight it was wonderful. I then checked into my concierge suite with its fully-stocked bar, king sized four-poster bed, living area and walk-out terrace with a stunning view of the beach. Johanne and I quickly changed and headed for the beach. Over the next three days we did snorkeling, as well as lounging, reading, drinking, talking and sleeping, all on the beach. The beach spans for miles, which Johanne attempted to 
walk in its entirety, only to be defeated by its length. The water was the most turquese blue I have ever seen in the Caribbean. Unlike some other beaches, there were no beach-side salesmen, beggers, etc… it was a clean, safe and unspoiled beach with plenty of chairs and umbrellas.
The food was as endless as the beach. 16 in all! Johanne and I sampled the fare at: Mario’s (Italian food), Sapodillas (white-glove service), Giuseppies (breakfast), The Brick Oven Pizzeria (pizza…obviously), Bobby Dee’s (50’s style diner) and several others. There was more selection than I’ve seen at any other property. I didn’t have my three-year-old with me, but if she had come with me I know she would have enjoyed the food.
The resort makes it easy for parents to travel with kids. Although I didn’t sample it, there was a full water park with a wave simulator, water slides and lazy river. There was even a swim-up pool bar for kids serving ‘kiddie cocktails.’ I wandered past the X-Box game room, where a staff member told me that the resort is used to test upcoming games. I loved the beach and bars, but part of me wished I was 12 for the week. Throughout the park were Sesame Street characters, and every night the characters put on a parade and allowed children to join in.
On the last day, Johanne had the ‘idea’ to go snorkeling. What an ‘idea’ it turned out to be… Snorkeling was included at the resort, and all of the equipment, boat, etc… were provided by the resort. After reaching the reef, I jumped in the water with all my gear and…panicked. I had done snorkeling before, but the waves on this particular day seemed huge. I tried to take a peak under the water, but could not calm down. After about ten minutes of trying this thing called snorkeling, I decided the boat was the best place for me. The few sights that I did see were amazing, and the other snorkelers from the resort all agreed. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from snorkeling though. It’s a great way to see parts of the ocean you would otherwise never witness.
When we weren’t beaching, we were hot tubbing with cocktails. Unlike some resorts, most of the liquor was premium brands. So you weren’t drinking no-name rum, it was premium rum. I recommend the ‘dirty bananas,’ a delicious mix of fresh banana, kaluha and rum. Johanne stuck to bombay gin and tonic… not very tropical of her. For those who had dance fever, the resort’s upscale lounge / nightclub, called the Liquid Nightclub, was the place to be. Lively bartenders served up drinks and conversaton, and the DJ played a great mix of music.
The resort had a mix of travellers: girlfriends escaping their boyfriends, couples on romantic getaways, family’s big and small and retirees.
Overall, our three-days were too short!! Everything about this property makes me want to go back. From the beach to the dirty bananas, I loved it all.
