Beaches Turks & Caicos: A Firsthand Resort Review

Getting There

Traveling to Turks and Caicos is pretty smooth.  There are direct flights into Providenciales International Airport (PLS) from many major cities. I went in off season and had a layover, but the flights were generally short and easy as was the customs process.   If you are planning to head there in peak season,  invest in the Fast Track Pass—especially if you’re traveling with kids. The lines for customs can get long in peak season, and the pass can be a lifesaver. If you want to stretch out, opt for the VIP Flyer’s Club, which gives you access to a VIP lounge with AC, snacks, and beverages—totally worth it if you're facing a long wait.

Arrival & Check-In

Beaches is located just 15 minutes from the airport and offers its own dedicated shuttle van to guests. Now in full transparency, when I arrived at the counter, I had an odd exchange with a resort representative who couldn't find my reservation. It took some back and forth but of course it was found.  Once I arrived, the hospitality kicked in. I was greeted with cool towels and a delicious and refreshing rum punch (a nice touch after the heat and the long day of travel!). The check-in process itself was quick, and my bags were handled efficiently.

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The resort is massive, but don’t let that intimidate you. It’s divided into four distinct villages—Italian, French, Caribbean, and Key West—which gives it a more intimate feel, depending on where you’re staying. They had golf carts to take you wherever you wanted to go, but truly I never needed one.  The variety in architecture and themes keeps things interesting while allowing families to spread out. I’ll be honest – the sheer size of the property overwhelmed me the first day and a half.   It’s HUGE. And of course you want to do EVERYTHING -  it’s ALL-INCLUSIVE after all!  If you’re staying at one of the villages at either end (Key West and Caribbean/Seaside), it’s a bit of a hike to the center where all of the main attractions are located.

Sidenote: There is an amazing Sesame Street trackless train that runs regularly between the villages. There are also options for golf carts, but truly, they were never needed.

Despite the size, the resort never felt crowded, which can be a huge plus if you’re traveling during peak vacation season. It really is like the Disneyland of the Caribbean, with endless things to do for every member of the family.

Accommodations within this resort range from entry-level rooms in the French Village to concierge suites and lavishly appointed, butler-serviced villas appeal to every budget.

My stay in the Italian Oceanview Concierge Family Suite with Kids Room (T2) was a highlight. This suite was designed with families in mind—perfect for a family of up to five. The kids' room was decked out with mahogany bunk beds, a trundle, a flat-screen TV, and even a multi-function game table, making it feel like their own little space. The bathroom was luxurious, featuring dual vanities, a rainhead shower, and a whirlpool tub. The adults' space felt just as plush with a four-poster mahogany bed, and the balcony offered stunning ocean views plus a fridge that Beaches staff will stock and re-stock for you with complimentary water, soda, juice beer and wine. All you need to do is ask!

I did tour several other rooms as well.  

⦁ French Village Luxury Walkout Room (FWK): A more budget-friendly option with a king bed, twin daybed, full bath, and patio, offering beautiful garden, pool, and courtyard views.  If you request this ground floor room, you get a bonus PATIO and direct access to the pool and the French Village is in a VERY central location near both its own beautiful pool and the Pirate Waterpark.

⦁ Caribbean Accessible Room (PDA): Ideal for travelers with mobility needs, this ground-floor room features lowered double beds, a single sleep chair, a spacious accessible bathroom with a handheld rain shower, and a lovely garden/pool view.

⦁ Seaside Honeymoon One Bedroom Concierge Villa Suite (LV1): Newly renovated, steps from the beach, featuring modern décor, a king-size bed, trundle bed, and a luxurious bathroom with a freestanding tub. Accommodates up to 5 guests

⦁ Key West Two Story, Two Bedroom Concierge Suite (2BG): A spacious two-bedroom suite with living and dining areas, a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and a charming balcony I wished I could sip my coffee on every morning. This one’s great for larger families and feels like a true home.

⦁ Seaside Two Bedroom Luxury Butler Villa Suite (P2): The ultimate luxury option with butler service, a stocked bar, and private check-in.   The space is massive, with a king bed, double beds in the second bedroom, a pullout sofa, kitchenette, and a patio. Ideal for families looking for extra space and privacy.  They did a particularly beautiful job with the master bathroom in this Suite.

Let’s talk about the kids for a second because Beaches Turks & Caicos really has thought of everything. The Italian Village pool was by far the most active, with daily poolside games and music.  

Pirates Island Waterpark was a dream come true for little ones, with massive waterslides, a lazy river, and a surf simulator. I saw kids spending hours here, completely in their element.

But it’s not just the waterpark; Much like Mickey and Minnie in Disneyworld, the Sesame Street characters are everywhere, hosting dance parties and talent shows and even hosting a Character Breakfast or having a character tuck the kids in (booked separately)!

There’s also the XBOX Lounge, a teen nightclub (that turns into an actual club after 11), and multiple sports courts for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, tennis and mini-golf. Honestly, I saw kids living their best lives!

But here’s a tip: The ground gets HOT, so bring water shoes or get a spot close to the pools!

For families with children who need additional support, you’ll be happy to know Beaches goes above and beyond - the Kids Camp is staffed with autism-trained professionals. They’ve developed tailored activities and events, and have certified staff to support all children. Sesame Street also brings its focus on empathy and inclusivity with the introduction of Julia, a 4-year-old character with autism, helping all kids build friendships and celebrate their unique qualities.  

The Kids Camp is open 9am-9pm most days, so you have a lot of options for COMPLIMENTARY CHILDCARE.  You can also book a private nanny or a sitter for an additional charge- FYI.

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generally excellent, with a few standout spots. I can’t say enough about Barefoot by the Sea, where I tried conch salad (a light, refreshing local dish). If you love sushi, Soy delivers a fantastic dinner, and for breakfast, Neptune’s avocado toast and strong coffee made for a perfect start to the day.

For something a little more upscale, Le Petit Chateau serves up indulgent lobster tails, and their Grand Marnier Crème Brûlée is to die for. If you’re a fan of teppanyaki, Kimonos (the only restaurant requiring a reservation) offers a LOUD and lively experience.  Be prepared—it’s not the place for quiet..or even ANY conversation!  I loved the food and truly enjoyed my time, but woke up the next day with a raspy voice!  

A standout spot for sweet treats is Bobby Dee's. It’s like a retro diner, offering the creamiest ice cream and whipped cream I have ever tasted. The hot fudge sundaes? Absolutely worth every calorie! And they are dangerously open almost 24/7! My personal favorite was their classic sundae, but the kids (and kids at heart) will love it all.

One thing that stood out to me was how Beaches catered to guests with food allergies. They have a Culinary Concierge who can help plan meals in advance, and the servers were diligent about asking if there were any dietary restrictions before taking orders. It’s these kinds of details that really set the resort apart.

The entertainment at the resort was impressive, as well. Each night, there's something for the whole family.  During my time there, there were Dive In family-friendly movies played poolside, fire-dancing performances that highlight the local culture, one night there was Bingo, another was Family Feud, and another, they had a Sesame Street Parade and a street party with local vendors selling crafts and souvenirs.

The beach at Turks and Caicos is probably the most beautiful I’ve ever seen—think soft white sand and clear, calm turquoise water. Voted the World’s #1 Best Beach by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards, Grace Bay is 12 miles of sweeping white-sand beach on the north shore of the island of Providenciales.  Going through my pictures, I could not tell the difference between the pool water and the sea!  It sometimes looked fluorescent, like it was lit up from underneath.  I’m usually more of a “pool guy”, but after spending a few minutes on Beaches’ private stretch of sand, I changed my tune and hunkered down by the water. It was pure bliss.  The water sports included with your stay are incredible: paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, waterskiing and even glass bottom boats—you name it. If you want to try something more adventurous, like scuba diving, they offer that too, with professional instructors guiding the way. Best part? It’s all included. FREE Water and Land Sports

If you’re opting for Butler service, they reserve the best poolside or beach loungers with towel animals! While I didn’t have Butler service, it was easy enough to find a spot, though there’s no beachside service unless you’re in a Butler category.

One of the most memorable experiences was the Sunset Catamaran Cruise we were able to take with Caicos Dream Tours right from the dock in the Caribbean Village. It was more of a double-decker boat with an open bar and appetizers.  We even spotted a dolphin during the sunset, which was magical! The drinks flowed, the views were spectacular and it was a fun but rocky ride at the top—don’t forget your seasickness meds!

Make a positive impact while on vacation!
Have you heard of voluntourism or impact travel? It’s all about giving back while enjoying your getaway. At Beaches Turks and Caicos, guests are encouraged to get involved through the Sandals Foundation, the charitable arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. During our FAM trip, we brought school supplies to donate, helping support their initiatives in education, community, and environmental sustainability. The Sandals Foundation works to improve lives and protect the beautiful Caribbean surroundings, and it’s a great way to make your trip even more meaningful!

Red Lane Spa
I didn’t have time for a full spa treatment, but I did grab some of the vegan nail polish they sell. Worth every penny, and I also need to rave about the spa products in the room—the lotion and conditioner were excellent, especially for dealing with my frizzy hair in the tropical humidity.

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Leaving Turks & Caicos was bittersweet.  On your last day, Beaches makes the departure process pretty smooth with a departure lounge and shuttles, though be prepared—they separate groups by room number, not travel group, so you might find yourself on a different shuttle than your companions. If you do not want this, stay together in the line and mention it to the agent loading the van.  The Providenciales Airport is small, and all the gates are in one room (wild coming from my home airport – O’Hare!), which makes navigating easy. They did have a wide upper balcony outdoor lounge on the second floor, which I WISH more destinations in beautiful climates had!  I didn’t want to leave the tropical weather, but the departure process was smooth.

Sidenote: If you have a long layover in Miami like I did, consider a splurge on a lounge pass. The American Airlines Admiral’s Lounge was well worth the price—clean bathrooms, food, and a shower after a long travel day? Yes, please…

What Could Be Better

No resort is without its flaws, and one area where Beaches could improve is the app used for restaurant reservations and activity schedules. It was glitchy and inconsistent with opening hours, so I found it easier to check directly with staff at the venues.  That may have been an issue that they have since corrected.

The service was generally excellent, though I did notice that some (certainly not all) of the staff members could be a bit reserved. This is a common sentiment among visitors, but once you engage them, they warm up considerably. It’s just something to be aware of if you’re expecting over-the-top enthusiasm from every employee.

Beaches Turks & Caicos does a great job of providing most of what you need, but there are a few extras I’d recommend bringing. If you plan to spend your days by the pool or beach, towel clips are a must to keep your spot secured. A black ink pen for filling out the customs forms on the plane.  A Yeti cup will keep your drinks nice and cold. Since the sun can be intense, it’s smart to pack sunscreen, sun shirts and sun shoes  (for the hot grounds) for the whole family—trust me, you’ll be glad you did!