I was invited to attend Beaches Social Media on the Sand which is an invitation-only social media conference hosted by Beaches All-Inclusive Family Resort.
I rounded up my family which included my hubby, daughters, and my mom who was 74 years old at the time and we took the vacation of a lifetime at the Best All-Inclusive Resort in Turks and Caicos for families with teens.
I was a little hesitant about taking an all-inclusive family vacation because in my mind kids will be jumping all over my head, screaming, throwing temper tantrums and I do not consider that a vacation.
As a parent with 2 teen girls that are both over 15 it is completely different traveling with them now vs. traveling with them when they were 7 and 8 years old.
When they were younger everything was exciting and just spending the night at a hotel was an epic experience but at 15 and 16 nothing is fun, nothing is right, they are bored or you can’t get them to look up from their electronics.
I’ve put together some of my best tips and tricks for vacationing with teens while staying at Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos.
Traveling with teens can be extremely tricky and these tips will help ensure your family will not only spend quality time together but will make so many fun memories that they will be planning the next family vacation before this vacation is even over.
From itinerary planning to packing, here is my review of the best all-inclusive resort in Turks and Caicos.
Best All-Inclusive Resort in Turks and Caicos 2022
From the minute we arrived at Beaches Turks & Caicos, all of my preconceived notions that all-inclusive resorts were awful and the horror stories I heard about vacationing at a family-friendly resort were gone!
No wristband policy! No kids splashing water everywhere! No parents ignoring their bad kids!
If you want to relax on the beach but your teens want to hang out at the pool or arcade, maybe this is the year for you to consider one Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts.
There are Beaches All-inclusive Resorts in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. All three of the resorts are on pristine, white-sand beaches.
All three resorts also include a water park and a whole array of incredibly exciting activities for kids of every age including teens.
Truly, Beaches Luxury Included® resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos promise unforgettable family fun beneath the Caribbean sun.
Guide to Turks and Caicos Family Resort with Teens
The Turks and Caicos, especially the island of Providenciales, has an expensive reputation—and for good reason. Much of the food in the Turks and Caicos is directly imported from the U.S. and specifically Florida.
Many brands and items are American products but everything is extremely overpriced so if you are thinking about renting a beach house and cooking your own food! DON’T!
We rented an Airbnb for one night to check other parts of the Island and lunch alone cost us an arm and a leg! It wasn’t a fancy restaurant and we only had burgers and fries.
My husband and daughters had burgers which were $37.00 each! I had an order of hot wings which were $47.00 and my mom ordered fish n chips which were $42.00 and that does not include fries, desserts, sodas, and the cocktails my hubby and I consumed.
We spent well over $500 on food for one night which is crazy!
All-Inclusive Family Resorts Review
All resorts are not created equal. Sandals Resorts are designed for couples looking for a romantic getaway while Beaches Turks and Caicos are definitely designed with families in mind.
Turks and Caicos Beaches Resort is a great spot for families with kiddos who are in search of a multi-generational getaway.
Beaches Turks & Caicos touts itself as ‘luxury included’ with no tipping, no bill-signing, and my favorite no wristbands because those wristbands are so annoying!
Beaches Resort is the best family resort in Turks and Caicos because of the quality of service from the cocktails for the adults, to the premium alcohol, delicious food, and the high standard of hospitality.
I was amazed at how the staff knew my family name and went out of their way to make us feel special, especially at such a large resort. You normally only see that type of service at boutique hotels or lifestyle hotels.
How Many Villages are at Beaches Turks and Caicos
The most difficult decision you will have to make in planning your family vacation to Beaches Resort is deciding which room to book. You can choose from a one-bedroom suite to a four-bedroom suite depending on your needs.
The 758-room resort is a destination in itself, with several different villages and each village is designed to reflect the style of its region.
Once you decide how many bedrooms you need then you need to decide which level of luxury your family will need to make your vacation seamless.
There are three levels of service:
Rates are based on the size of your room, the view, and the level of service.
If you are looking to save money, choose one of the smaller rooms since even in the luxury level rooms you will have access to the same all-inclusive amenities of the resort.
Upgrade to concierge-level and your room will be stocked with an open bar, beverages and it will be refreshed daily.
The Butler service takes luxury to the next level! You will be assigned your own personal butler who will work to grant any requests you have from the moment you check you in your room till the time you depart.
Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to have your own personal Genie? Ice cream at 2 am? Need help with excursions? Need a bath drawn? Your every need will be met!
Boom, Just like that.
The French Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos
We stayed in the French Village which is the least expensive of the rooms and has a European vibe, sidewalks with bistros, cafes, and beautiful gardens, inspired by those in Versailles.
One massive pool with zero entry, a swim-up bar, and a hot tub are the main focal point of the village.
The room options are better suited to large families with one-, two- and three-bedroom suites accommodating up to 14 people available.
French Village Restaurants:
- Chateau
- Café de Paris
- Bobby Dee’s
- Giuseppe’s
- Kimono’s and Soy
- Food trucks – Mac & Cheese (Mac Daddy’s) and Curls & Swirls (ice cream and shakes)
Experience the Ultimate Family Vacation in! Learn More about Beaches Turks and Caicos.
Book Now and Get 1 Night Free plus save up to 65% and a $335 instant air credit. PLUS so much MORE.
Caribbean Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos
The Caribbean Village is centrally located and is where you will find the kids club. The Caribbean Deluxe Double or King is the popular room category in the Caribbean Village.
This is a great choice for families that are on a budget. Those rooms have everything you need and are right in the middle of the entire resort for all of your needs.
Caribbean Village Restaurants:
- Reflections
- Sopadilla’s
- Bella Napoli
Experience the Ultimate Family Vacation in! Learn More about Beaches Turks and Caicos.
Book Now and Get 1 Night Free plus save up to 65% and a $335 instant air credit. PLUS so much MORE.
Key West Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos
Situated on Grace Bay, the stunning Key West beachfront villas boast six pools, a fire-feature lounge area, and stylish furnishings.
From sprawling 3 and 4 bedroom beachfront villas and family suites, to spacious luxury rooms and suites with spectacular views, there’s the perfect size accommodation for every family.
The Key West Village is quieter than both the French and Caribbean Villages so you are in need of peace and quiet after a day of exploring and baking in the Turks sun this is the village for you. All of the rooms in Key West offer butler or concierge-level rooms.
Key West Village Restaurants:
- Bayside
- Neptune’s
- Sky restaurant – Adults only
Experience the Ultimate Family Vacation in! Learn More about Beaches Turks and Caicos.
Book Now and Get 1 Night Free plus save up to 65% and a $335 instant air credit. PLUS so much MORE.
Italian Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos
Showcasing a direct, magnificent, panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea, the Italian village offers suites that feature king-size mahogany, four-poster bed, adorned with a plush duvet, twin daybed with trundle and lounge sleeping chair,
Plus there is a bar area with its own refrigerator and microwave. Kids enjoy mahogany bunk beds with a trundle, a 27″ flat-screen TV, a multi-function game table, a built-in nautical mahogany storage wall unit, its own closet, and a vanity unit with basin and mirror.
The Italian village also offers a huge pool that has a swim-up bar and an all-around relaxed feel.
Italian Village Restaurants:
- Mario’s
- Barefoot’s by the Sea
- Bombay
- Dino’s pizza
Experience the Ultimate Family Vacation in! Learn More about Beaches Turks and Caicos.
Book Now and Get 1 Night Free plus save up to 65% and a $335 instant air credit. PLUS so much MORE.
Seaside Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos
These suites are centrally located and are close to the beach, Iguana’s and Cascades Pools, and many of the resort’s restaurants.
They include one bedroom furnished with a four-poster mahogany king bed and a second bedroom with double beds.
The master bathroom hosts an Adrian tub with a separate rain head walk-in shower. The second bathroom has a bathtub with a shower combination.
The living area has a double pull-out sofa, a flat-screen TV, a kitchenette with a microwave, and a walkout patio.
A fully stocked in-room bar with premium liquors, Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks varietal wines and local beer is available upon request.
Each suite includes Butler Elite service, which handles every detail of your vacation with unobtrusive grace. Private VIP in-room check-in & 24-hour room service are included to complete your vacation.
The Italian Villages are the closest villages to the beach
Seaside Village Restaurants:
- Arizona’s
- Schooners
- The Jerk Shack – My Personal Favorite!
Experience the Ultimate Family Vacation in! Learn More about Beaches Turks and Caicos.
Book Now and Get 1 Night Free plus save up to 65% and a $335 instant air credit. PLUS so much MORE.
Things to do at Beaches Turks and Caicos
Teens are notorious for being bored and disengaged as I stated earlier but Beaches Resorts has worked hard to make sure there’s something for every kid, no matter what their preferences are.
Older kids will really be able to take advantage of and enjoy all the activities and amenities offered. Your child should be entertained the entire vacation and hopefully, discover some new things they love.
Parents Can Relax at Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos:
- Drop the kids off at Kids Camp
- Go to the Spa
- Grab a cocktail
- Go on a date
Pool and Water Fun
There are 10 swimming pools -three with swim-up bars – and four whirlpool hot tubs, including one stand-alone, adults-only hot tub with ocean views.
- Caribbean Village pool
- Cascade’s, Iguana’s
- Camp Sesame
- Pirate’s Island Waterpark (kiddos under 4)
- Riviera Pool
- French Village Pool
- Key West Village Pools (Adult Only Pool)
- Italian Village Pool
The Pirate’s Island Waterpark, a 45,000-square-foot aquatic playground with water slides, two kiddie pools, a 650-foot lazy river, and Body Glove Waves surf simulator for simulated surf experiences, are absolutely amazing.
The little ones under 4 can play in a beached pirate ship with water cannons, cranks, and sprays, along with a zero-entry pool.
On the beach, families can canoe, kayak, snorkel, windsurf, dive, sail, and hydro-bike at no extra charge because you guess it Beaches Resort is all-inclusive which means water activities are free as well.
Liquid Teen Nightclub
My daughters enjoyed endless pizza, ice cream, sodas, and they were completely stoked to have their own “nightclub” where they met other kids their age and sang karaoke.
Other activities included supervised water sports, pool games, tennis clinics, dancing, and talent shows.
Scratch DJ Academy
My girls took vinyl spinning lessons at Scratch DJ Academy, and they also learned how to mix and scratch songs. Each session lasts approximately one hour 60.
Where to eat at Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos
There are 21 restaurants at Beaches Turks & Caicos so even the pickiest eater in your family will have an array of culinary choices from barefoot eating beachside, to gourmet-themed choices, to adult-only romantic dining.
Try to eat at all 21 restaurants!
My mom turned 74 and at the BBQ Beach Party which is held every Friday night, she decided to let her hair down and dance to the live music, ate BBQ, and select dishes from all over the Caribbean.
It’s all-inclusive so why not right? We didn’t get to try all 21 but below are a few highlights of the restaurants we were able to try:
1. Arizona’s
Enjoy meals with Southwestern flair serving traditional favorites like Ceviche, Tortilla Soup, and Enchiladas, long with Mahi Mahi Gratin with Tequila, Grilled Ribeye Steak, and BBQ Baby Back Ribs.
Not to be left out, the kids also have plenty of delicious options including BBQ Buffalo Wings, Chicken Tacos, and Quesadillas.
If dining outside is your pleasure, a patio table is a great bet. The dress code for this restaurant is casual.
Lunch: 12 to 4 p.m.; Dinner: 6 to 9:30 p.m.
2. Barefoot by the Sea
Barefoot is one of the few restaurants where you can actually show up…barefoot, digging your toes into the sand while enjoying yummy seafood.
The food here is just as enticing as the blue Caribbean waters offering distinctive seafood dishes such as Lobster Bisque with Sourdough Croutons, Herb-Crusted Mahi Mahi, and Coconut-Fried Tiger Shrimp are just a few of the tantalizing options that grace Barefoot’s palatable menu.
Breakfast: 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Lunch: 12:30 to 2:30 p.mx.; Dinner: 6 to 9:30 p.m.
3. Bella Napoli Pizzeria
Nothing says comfort food better than a warm slice of brick-oven pizza made fresh with mozzarella, homemade tomato sauce, and tasty toppings.
Bella Napoli hits the spot any time of day or night with oven-baked bread and choice toppings including, Gorgonzola, pear, Brie, prosciutto, sausage, artichokes, seafood, and even ripe banana and dark chocolate toppings for the savory dessert pizza.-fired ovens make wonderful pizzas.
My personal favorite is the conk pizza and I should be ashamed to tell you I ate 3 whole pizzas at one time but this is a no diet and no judgment zone!
The dress code for this restaurant is casual, and it’s open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. Bobby Dee’s
Located within the Jolly Roger ship on Pirate’s Island. Bobby Dee’s was my mom’s favorite restaurant even though the restaurant is for the kiddos. The décor of this enchanting place is made to look like a pirate ship but also has the bubbly décor of a 1950s American diner with brightly colored tables and chairs, and checkered flooring. The onion rings are amazing!
It’s open from 11 a.m. to 6 a.m. (yes, 6 a.m. — the restaurant aims to provide kid-friendly food around the clock).
Bar (non-alcoholic): 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
5. Kimonos
Knives banging on the stove, shrimp flying through the air, and lots off-tune singing will surely make the kids smile inside this Teppanyaki-style eatery but it was a little much for my mom.
Take the noise into consideration when dining here with your elderly parents.
Kimonos Restaurant is so popular that it’s the only onsite restaurant that requires reservations; book as soon as you get to the resort! The dress code for this dinner-only restaurant is resort casual.
6. Le Petit Chateau
Le Petit Chateau is encircled by tropical foliage and understated beauty. A popular meeting place to enjoy the Parisian-inspired cuisine, elegant décor, and excellent wines from around the world.
Le Petit Chateau is a favorite stop after an eventful day frolicking along the white sand beach and splashing in the refreshing Caribbean Sea.
Modeled after the fascinating manor houses of the 19th century where nobles gathered and dined, this must-visit, the adult-only restaurant delivers in every aspect.
(It states adult only but my girls are 15 and they were allowed to dine there).
Unlimited Sodas For the Teens and Unlimited Cocktails for Me!
I can’t imagine having to pay for a soda after soda or buying cocktails from the swim-up bar for me and the hubs. The savings you have from the free sodas and cocktails alone is enough to stay at Beaches Resorts All-inclusive Resort in Turks and Caicos.
kids/parents + unlimited sodas/cocktails = happy family. Both Madison and Camille loved being able to just grab a soda at their convenience because the sun in Turks and Caicos is nothing to play with and you need to stay hydrated.
There are bars everywhere you look and we never had to wait for service. Plus the drinks are refilled twice a day in your room too!.
What’s Not Included At Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos
While the resort is all-inclusive, there are a few things that come at an additional price:
- Special character interactions
- Expeditions
- Craft Shed
- Hair Braiding
There’s so much included you certainly won’t feel deprived if you skip all those extras, but parents may feel compelled to say yes to their children if they see the ads for these things and want in.
How to get to Turks and Caicos Islands
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from having a family vacation with the kiddos or allow this weather to give you the winter blues.
Take a quick trip to Beaches All-Inclusive Family Resort In Turks and Caicos everyone in the family will have a little something for them.
This time of the year it’s even easier to travel to Turks and Caicos with additional flights coming from a wide range of gateways.
All U.S. citizens visiting the Caribbean must be in possession of a valid US passport so if you don’t have a passport click here for instructions on how to apply for a US Passport.
American Airlines has two daily flights from Miami and one a day from Dallas on Saturdays.
Delta offers Thursday, Friday, and Saturday service from Atlanta, as well as Saturday only flights from Boston
Air Canada has direct flights from Toronto every day, except Tuesday and Thursday; and from Montreal on Sundays.
JetBlue has daily flights from New York and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Saturday service from Boston.
United Airlines offers service from Newark, NY every day except Tuesdays.
Westjet has service from Toronto on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and a flight from Montreal on Fridays.
British Airways provides service to London via Antigua on Sundays and Thursdays
The Turks and Caicos Islands currently have 2 full-service international airports on Providenciales and Grand Turk, and all other inhabited islands have domestic airports, some with limited international entry facilities.
Airport Transfers To Beaches Resort
One of the best things about staying at all-inclusive is just that it’s all-inclusive. Airport transfers are included in a stay at Beaches Turks & Caicos.
The airport (Providenciales) is about a 10 to 15-minute drive to the resort.
When making your flight reservations, I suggest departing as early as possible which means you will arrive in Turks and Caicos around 2 pm.
There are two departing flights;
- 9 am flight means a 6:30 am shuttle to the airport from Beaches Resorts
- 2 pm and you will need a shuttle transfer to the airport at 12:30.
This will give you plenty of time to get the kiddos and family breakfast and allow the family to enjoy the resort one last time before leaving paradise.
Tips For Vacationing With Teens
1. Involve Your Teens In Planning The Family Vacation
Most kids will say whatever when it comes to planning a family vacation but I decided to include my daughters in every aspect of the trip planning.
It was my daughter Madison’s 15th birthday and my mom’s 74th birthday so I wanted everyone to be involved in the planning process.
Just like adults, most teens want to be heard and valued and if you involve your teens early in the planning stages they will be invested and engaged during the entire trip because they have spent time researching the destination.
2. Teach Teens Accountability
When packing for a trip I suggest using our special vacation packing lists so they won’t forget their toothbrush, their underwear, iPad, swimming suits, or water shoes.
If teens want to feel valued and be treated as young adults then they must also show they are accountable.
The world will not end if you have to buy a new toothbrush or bathing suit but I call that the stupid tax and the funds you spend replacing items they should have packed should come out of their allowance.
We know teens don’t care about your money but they sure care about theirs.
Most people, in general, tend to overpack and I always suggest taking out 50% of whatever you have packed because chances are you will not wear half what you packed and there will not be room in your luggage for souvenirs.
Remind your teens they are responsible for their own luggage which means they will be carrying it through the airport, lugging it to the car, and pulling it into the hotel.
Make sure your kids understand that bags need to be under a specific weight because most airlines charge hefty fees for luggage that is over the weight limit and they are responsible for those fees.
We have a luggage scale at our home and everyone has to put their luggage on the scale prior to leaving for the airport so we will not incur additional fees.
3. Plan to Do Nothing
When traveling to a new place whether it’s with your spouse or your teen it is tempting to have a checklist of all of the activities, sights, and excursions you want to see and do but remember teens need downtime.
Most teenagers are cranky and need their space. You may want to spend time together, but your child will be happier with some time alone during the family vacation—or at least don’t have them on a minute-by-minute schedule.
If you are going to have them on an all-day excursion make sure to follow that up with a day for them to just chill. Sometimes the girls stayed in the hotel and relaxed or lounged at the pool while I was at my meetings with the conference.
4. Unplug From Technology
Family vacations are a great time to recharge and connect with your kids, but connecting can be tough if they’re plugged into their electronic devices day and night.
We’ve all become enmeshed in media and technology in our real lives but vacations can be a time to unplug or at least limit the time you spend connected to your phones and tablets.
Discuss ahead of time that when the family is together eating or on excursions everybody should be engaged. Realize your teens are never going to completely put their electronics down so that’s a fight not even worth your energy.
5. Instagram Ready Photos
If your children are anything like my daughters they take 50 selfies every five minutes, but taking selfies is completely different from getting them to pose for family photos.
Set aside maybe two or three times you will ask them to pose for photos if you don’t want to hear grunts and the rolling of eyes. Make sure you get the photos you want in great locations the first time because the likelihood they will pose again will be slim to none.
6. Compromise with Food
While watching my daughters eat hot wings and pizza day after day in Turks and Caicos was annoying but they are teens are we have to realize they don’t have the same taste buds as adults and they want what is familiar to them. Not worth the fight so let it go.
Additional Things To Know About Turks and Caicos
LANGUAGE
Turks and Caicos has at least 60 different nationalities represented in their population, but the official language is English.
The most common secondary languages spoken on the island are Spanish, French and Italian, but it is highly unusual to meet a local that does not speak English.
CURRENCY
Even though the island of Turks and Caicos is a British Territory their official currency is the United States Dollar. I would still suggest using your credit cards while traveling to collect points for future travel.
Just make sure your credit card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees. A credit card simply offers you more protection.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
- Turks & Caicos Tourism planning website – Link
- Turks & Caicos Tourism Board – Link
- Trip Advisor (Travel Guide & Reviews) Link
Overall Beaches Turks and Caicos is a great place for all of the family especially kids, and all ages are catered for.
The family-friendliness and the beautiful location were the main reasons for choosing beaches, but there are so many other reasons which you don’t see until you are there.
Ready to plan your trip, grab my FREE Vacation Planner to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!
If you would like to create your own family memories, I have a special link for my readers that will give you the best possible deal that Beaches Turks & Caicos is currently running.
If you click my link, you will be taken to the booking site where you can price out your own dream vacation. Beaches Turks and Caicos are offering my followers a 65% off deal.
Again…this place was absolutely AMAZING.
Additional Articles For Weekend Getaways
5 Best Luxury Resorts in Belize
5 Best Places For Fall Vacation
Do you prefer vacationing with teens or just your spouse? I would love to hear your thoughts so leave me a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Are you also on Pinterest?
Why not save this post to your Pinterest board for later? I am also on Pinterest so feel free to follow Passports and Grub boards and get the latest pin directly.
