Turks & Caicos is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and exceptional water sports. Cruise passengers stopping in Grand Turk typically fall in love with this beautiful Turks & Caicos island. The good news for cruise vacationers who discover Turks & Caicos while sailing is that it’s easy to return. So now that you’ve found your paradise, make plans to go back and stay awhile.

The Turks & Caicos chain of islands generally stretches from east to west, just southeast of the Bahamas. Land-based vacations are easiest to arrange on the island of Providenciales, as almost all of the international flights arrive there. Providenciales is located on one side of the Turks & Caicos island chain and Grand Turk is on the other, just about 75 miles apart. There are many direct flights from the U.S. and Canada to Providenciales, making getting there a breeze.

The beaches on Providenciales, also known as ‘Provo,’ are picture perfect. World famous Grace Bay Beach is a twelve mile long strand of soft white sand, curving along the island like a silky ribbon. Grace Bay Beach has a gradual entry and the waters are generally very calm, making it an excellent choice for families vacationing with kids.

Cruising on Land

Providenciales is home to a widest range of vacation properties in Turks & Caicos, from villas and condominium hotels to all-inclusive resorts. All-inclusive resorts are the option that most closely replicates the cruise experience. It’s like cruising on land – but even better. Compared with cruising, even more dining options, drinks and amenities are generally included as part of the all-inclusive resort vacation experience.

For those seeking upscale all-inclusive accommodations with plenty of room to spread out, the most popular place to stay is Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. This top rated property accounts for a full 50% of the air passengers into Providenciales and the resort has an exceptionally high repeat guest rate as well.

Beaches Turks & Caicos is an excellent vacation choice for families with kids of all ages. There’s something for everyone here. That’s one of the many reasons why Beaches Turks & Caicos has been named “The Caribbean’s Leading Family All-Inclusive” for the third consecutive year at the World Travel Awards.

Vacationers can select from a wide variety of accommodations options at Beaches Turks & Caicos, making it a great choice for families and multigenerational groups. The 75-acre property is comprised of four distinctive areas: the colorful seaside Caribbean Village, the posh style of the French Village, the grandeur of the Italian Village, and the new laid-back Key West Village. Large families and multigenerational groups will find plenty of room to spread out in Key West Village's villa accommodations, with some units offering three or four bedrooms. Some suites offer a beachfront view, while others are located poolside or around the resort’s lushly landscaped garden areas.

Beaches Resorts are known for their superb staff. Beaches Turks & Caicos carries its strong guest service orientation straight through to its accommodations, providing Suite Concierge Service and personal butler service in selected suites and villas. All personal butlers are trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers, delivering special vacation attention and providing the ultimate in personal service for discerning families and guests.

Unlimited Dine Around Options

Cruise passengers are generally accustomed to eating at a small group of included venues onboard their ship, paying additional surcharges when they wish to dine at selected specialty restaurants. At Beaches Turks & Caicos, guests can choose from 19 different specialty dining options - all of which are included as part of their vacation. Only one of these restaurants, Kimonos, requires reservations due to limited seating availability at its popular Japanese Teppanyaki tables.

Cuisine choices at Beaches Turks & Caicos are varied. Guests can choose from French, Italian, Japanese, Tex Mex, Mediterranean, Seafood, Continental and more. There’s even a 50’s style diner called Bobby D’s at the resort. Some restaurant settings offer al fresco dining, like Neptune’s and Schooner’s. Others, such as Giuseppe’s, tempt guests with extensive sumptuous buffets. For the ultimate in casual, dine with your toes in the sand at Barefoot by the Sea. There are 14 all-inclusive bars on property, serving up guests’ favorite tropical libations with a smile.

Activities and Fun for Everyone

Beaches Turks & Caicos is the ultimate Caribbean playground for families. The resort features ten pools, including the massive Italian Village pool and an adults-only infinity pool. Beaches Resorts has an exclusive partnership with Sesame Street, adding to the delight of vacationing kids and their parents. Younger children will love seeing and interacting with all their favorite Sesame Street characters at the resort and playing at Camp Sesame. There are two Camp Sesame locations at the Beaches Turks & Caicos, with child care and programs for children from 0-11 months, 12-24 months, and 3-4 years of age.

Older kids will find their bliss at the resort’s Pirate’s Island. This area is home to huge waterslides, a lazy river, and so much more. Pirate’s Island has kids & teen programs for children ages 5-7, 8-10 years of age, 11-14, and teens ages 15-17 years of age. The resort’s Shadow Lounge is a cool games area where tweens and teens can chill out together and play games free of charge in the X-BOX Play Lounge. Beaches also has a partnership with New York City-based Scratch DJ Academy, providing the resort the opportunity to offer ‘DJ 101.’

Vacationers will definitely want to get out on Provo's turquoise seas while staying at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Head out on a Kitty Kat Cruise aboard Beaches’ 65-foot catamaran to go snorkeling, visit deserted beaches to hunt for sand dollars, and have fun slipping into the water on the catamaran's built-in slide. Parents and couples may want to venture out on a sunset cruise to toast each other with rum punch and watch the sun slowly slip away into the sea.

Beaches guests have plenty of watersports options including Stand Up Paddleboarding, sailing Hobie Cats, windsurfing, snorkeling, and lots more. The reefs around Provo are extensive and the water is so clear, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving. Unlimited all-inclusive scuba diving is available at Beaches for certified divers. There are also scuba courses offered for children and non-certified guests for a small fee.

Sports lovers will have plenty to do at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Guests can play tennis, croquet, basketball, volleyball, soccer and more. In addition, there’s an excellent 18-hole championship golf course located on Provo as well. To get a little pampering or soothe those sore muscles, head to the resort’s Red Lane Spa. And for those who need some retail therapy on vacation - the resort shopping at Beaches will meet your needs perfectly.

A variety of exciting experiences are available through the resort’s Island Routes tour desk. Families and those who can’t get enough of all things conch can stop by the Caicos Conch Farm to learn more about those sea creatures. Those who’d like to give back and help the local community can do so on a Beaches Reading Road Trip. There’s always something to do day and night, either at the property or around the island. After staying at Beaches, you’ll want to return to Turks & Caicos again and again.

If You Go:

For more information about Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, visit www.beaches.com.