Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa

The Caribbean's Hottest Family Attraction

by Mark Benhard

Quite possibly the world's prettiest beach greets families as they venture to Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa, located in the secluded Caribbean paradise of Providenciales Island, just 575 miles southeast of Florida. One of the Caribbean's best kept secrets, Beaches Resort stands apart from the competition nestled on a 12-mile expanse of pristine white sand known by locals as Grace Bay. Pastel pink and white bungalows complement vivid green palm trees and rainbow-like manicured gardens. Named one of the top 10 best diving destinations in the world, the Turks & Caicos waters are literally the most transparent you'll ever find, aglow with every beautiful shade of turquoise and exotic fish imaginable.

"Amidst all this lies a world-class resort hosting an amazing array of amenities for families of all walks of life," says Vernette Missick-Skippings, a Beaches spokesperson. She adds that year-in-and-year-out, Beaches and its four sister resorts are voted "World's Best Family All-Inclusive Destinations!"

With average temperatures ranging from a perfect 80 to 90 degrees year-round, this 462-room resort with elevated casual island elegance features chateau-style architecture that overlooks breathtaking views of the ocean. One- and two-bedroom suites are also available. Prices are reasonable, with all-inclusive daily room rates ranging from $300-500 a person, depending on the season. Beaches Resort has six freshwater pools, each refreshingly different with swim-up bars and cascading waterfalls. There are also four outdoor spa baths, one with a grand whirlpool, which hydro-massages up to 20 guests. For the truly inspired who can motivate to leave the pool or beach area, you can work out at their state-of-the-art fitness center or play tennis on one of four groomed tennis courts, and then take the weight of the world off your shoulders once again as you surrender to the pampering pleasure of their absolutely divine European spa.

Beaches Turks & Caicos boasts limitless gourmet dining inspired by celebrated cuisines from around the world. Ranging from an exquisite French Village that brings the charm of Old World Paris, to Continental Haute, nine specialty restaurants cater to your culinary cravings in a variety of enticing settings. You can dine casually or formally, indoors or outdoors, and at all hours of the day and night.

A Kids' Paradise In many respects, Beaches Resort is the ideal destination for kids, who are empowered to roam the entire resort in the comfort of total security. And there's a special place just for kids of all ages. Nicknamed "Pirates Island," this area has a teen disco, its own 50s-style diner, two large water slides, a toddler wading poll and of course its very own "kids-only" swim-up soda bar serving virgin pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris. Kids also gather in an expansive game room with all the latest video consoles, as well as at several indoor outdoor game areas that offer basketball, billiards, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, shuffle board, lawn chess, beach volleyball and much more. For toddlers and smaller kids requiring even closer supervision, a licensed (and fun!) childcare facility is also available.

While the kids are playing, parents can make the rounds almost 24-7 at any of the 12 lively bars serving unlimited premium brand cocktails, or enjoy daily nighttime live music and show time entertainment at Beaches' famous open-air amphitheater. It's hard to think of a better vacation destination for families. Everything is included, and there's something for everyone in one of the world's most beautiful settings.