Beaches Turks & Caicos

The convenience, location, and services offered are all worthy of considering Beaches, however, there were a few disappointing aspects that will lead us to do something different if we return to T&C. Grace Bay 100% deserves the #1 beach rating. It was absolutely stunning and the best ocean swimming experience I’ve ever had! We stayed at the Italian Village which boasts the largest pool, but it was ~90° water and was not refreshing at all. Awesome pool design, convenient bar and food nearby but felt like getting into a warm bath when you got in vs. a refreshing escape from the sun. The room was spacious and what we needed but the water pressure was lacking in shower and sinks. Unsure if that was just our room or a trend across the resort, but brushing teeth to a trickle from sink wasn’t great. We had read mixed reviews on the food, but overall we had pretty good experiences with our meals. Breakfasts were convenient buffets and consistent. Mario’s was closest to our room so we did that a couple times, and Reflections once (same buffet but they also had omelette bar). Neptunes had a menu for breakfast and was pretty good also. Our best dinner experiences were at Mario’s, La Petite Chateau, and Kimonos (hibachi). Bayside had awesome dinner view, but just so so food (buffet). We went to a few of the evening theater events and they were entertaining and a something for everyone. The staff was great, very friendly, and always willing to help if we needed anything. They cleaned rooms every day and actually cleaned (mopped floors, etc.) and restocked fridge. The bartenders were all great and never felt like we were waiting for drinks very long. Considering they were also serving all the kids virgin drinks over and over along with the adult drinks, they deserved medals for their speed and friendliness. It was a fun and relaxing week and it met expectations, understanding nothing will be perfect. It was a good way to be introduced to the island but we’ll probably do a house next trip. – via

Several friends have asked about our vacation since we’ve returned and I’ve consistently said: “Our trip was… fine. It was a fine time.” I will break it down into the various experiences we had, some good, some bad.

Arrival – We got in late and we appreciated that the staff member that checked us in was brief. She knew we were exhausted and gave us an expedited introduction to the resort and showed us to our room.

Key West Area – very quiet and clean. Not as bustling as the Italian Village.

1 Bedroom Key West Concierge Suite – The room was clean and the refrigerator was stocked with Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Soda and Tonic water as well as regular bottled water. We had requested white wine and sparkling wine be stocked as well, and while it arrived on our second day, it was never replenished. The bedroom was certainly showing some age in the sense that the furnishings are a tad on the old side and the vents rattled when the AC came on. Luckily we brought ear plugs. Our kids enjoyed the trundle beds. The washer and dryer were a nice bonus and we did use it quite a bit. The bathroom vanity was smaller than it appeared to be in the pictures. We were a bit confused at some of the verbiage on the website when we booked the trip because it said something about butler service being available but this was not an option for us. The sheets and pillowcases did not seem to be changed throughout the week and smelled bad towards the end.

Bartenders – they were hit or miss. My first interaction with a bartender in the Bayside restaurant was tense. I asked for an Aperol spritz and the response was “No aperol”. I asked, “Are you out or do you not carry it?” and she said, “No aperol. Not in the system.” I replied, “Will you get it sometime this week?” and she replied, “No aperol.” So I avoided her as much as possible. There were others who were delightful and tried to be as helpful as possible. Additionally, my daughter waited for 45 minutes at the water park kids’ drink bar and was never acknowledged. I took her to an adult bar for a virgin daiquiri.

Restaurants – the food was better than we expected. We never left hungry or unsatisfied. But be sure to get to the Sky Restaurant early or expect to be eating after 9pm or risk being locked out all together. It’s a nice place with a great view. Definitely our favorite spot during our time there.

The chair and towel situation – I had read about the beach/pool chair situation before we got there and man oh man… we were not prepared for this. It’s true that the chairs are basically all claimed between 6:30 and 7:30am on the beach and at the pool. Every day. They do come available around lunch when some people switch spots. What blew our minds was this resort RUNS OUT OF TOWELS TOO. There were multiple times where we wanted to switch areas and there was not a towel to be found. Also, the spots where they offer towels are very limited. They are not very close to the beach, only pools.

Staffing – it always felt understaffed. Always.

Pirate Island Waterpark and kids clubs – lots of fun. The kids loved every minute of it.

The location is unbeatable. If anything made our week worth the trip, it was the pristine beach and views that this resort offered. From the sunrise to sunset, it was an absolutely gorgeous place to be. The resort was also kept very clean throughout our time there.

It was a fine time. Aside from the issues we experienced, there were other minor annoyances such as no ATM on site, an odd lack of pens in the room and gift shop, we had a fine time. – via

We just got back for 5 nights there and before leaving we booked another trip for 6 nights in a year. We loved the resort! We probably could have found something a little more upscale but with kids I don’t think you could get better. The Ritz does not look like a fun place for kids. I think they do a good job by filling the place up but still feels like you have space.

We did have a 2 BD Suite with Butler service and it was great! We mainly used it for reservations at restaurants and cabanas at the pool. We eat early because of our child at around 5 PM and rarely did we see anyone waiting. Some of the restaurants were better than others. We are foodies and thought the food was pretty good. There was only one thing I didn’t care for and couldn’t eat. With any buffet, it is what it is. It’s no Golden Coral but it’s not 5 star dinning either. Our room did face the ocean and we could not hear any of the loud music in our room. Though, I would have not been happy if our room faced some of the places that had loud events.

So why did I give it 4 stars for service? As others have noted, some of the staff just shouldn’t be in hospitality. As they appeared grumpy and just not friendly. But I wouldn’t say rude either.

My biggest “issue” was the arrival. We were supposed to be picked up in a vehicle and we were. But when we got to the hotel we were lead to the “concierge” area which immediately gave me odd vibes. I really questioned our decision to stay there. The furniture was dated and it just looked odd.

Beaches is tremendously expensive. But it is nice not having to worry about paying for food while there. We did pay for the upgraded internet. And it worked well in the rooms. Out on the patio though was hit or miss. We brought out own Google Chromecast with Google TV, so we could watch our own TV and recorded shows.

As far as people complaining about the airport. *eyeroll* – yes it’s old, small and dated. Not Beaches fault.

We had 3 showers in our suite and didn’t experience any water pressure issues or toilets not flushing as some have experienced.

The weather was amazing! And you could NOT beat the water. It was perfect in every way. It was clearer than any other body of water I have ever seen.

Advice to Beaches – don’t put grumpy folks in customer facing positions. – via

Wow what a great and relaxing family vacation the pools were refreshing and beautiful the beach was clean and not cluttered with too many chairs. The restaurants were fantastic with great food and atmosphere, staff were amazing and always helpful. The room was spacious and comfortable especially the stocked mini fridge and great views from the walk out patio. Plenty of fun for the entire family. – via

Johnny from the scuba diving department is phenomenal!!! Our daughter wanted to try out scuba diving for the first time, and his patience, determination and care made her absolutely fall in love with the scuba diving experience! He is truly an amazing teacher!! Definitely consider taking a trip over to the diving section of the resort and ask for Johnny, you will not be let down! – via

Photo by Andrew J Adamson of Kadek Rika Dwipa Adamson – via

Here for spring break, love this place. Decent food, staff are friendly and very helpful. Beach is amazing!!

Edit 3/19/24 – we came here during my sons spring break, it’s not crowded at all! Plenty of room, chairs, no waiting at restaurants. – via

We had an amazing week : lots of good time around water sports where we want to thank each member of your staff. Johnny in diving, Prophet at kayak and catamaran and also Mikael, Nelson, Damus, Jimmy, Nelson.

Saraha at animation was super friendly with our kids and encouraged them to participate and engage in some games.

I would like to thank Aldra in housekeeping : very professional also. Staff in restaurants and buffet are super helpful and courteous. Many smiles around us. – via

It was all inclusive – via

This place is just really amazing. it’s perfect for families you feel safe with your kids of all ages and I feel like I had more fun than the kids. Is it pricey yes it is but it’s worth it so to stay at a place like this you need to have a 2 to 3 year plan to save up but it’s all worth it – via

This was my 10th or 12th trip to T&C but first at Beaches. I had been to other (not all-inclusive ) resorts at Grace Bay so was looking forward to it.
The best part/service for us was at the mini camp for our 1 year old where everyone, especially Lovely, was just fantastic and took care of our young son while my wife and our older kid hung out at the resort. Everyone at the camp was just amazing!

Two VERY negative experiences:
1) I went to the beach around 6am to secure a couple chairs with shade. There were some chairs that already had been reserved so I picked the ones that didn’t have any name or papered reservation. Around 9 am a butler came and accused me of stealing his spots for guests who paid extra to secure spots. I was with my 4 year old daughter and he said repeatedly ‘is this what you are teaching your daughter, to lie and steal’.

2) While a 2 way shuttle from the airport is included, hotel wanted to send us to the airport 3.5 hrs before the flight. When I explained that with a small airport and 2 little kids I don’t need to be there this early, I was asked to make my own plans. Which I did and paid $50 for the cab to be at the airport 1.5hrs before the flight.

Aside from the aforementioned service at the mini camp, service at the resort was basically nonexistent and it felt we were just a number among hundreds of guests staying. Room assigned to us was literally last updated in the 90s – toilet felt like a bunker, shower had no light, tiles were peeling off, furniture was old, you could easily hear if someone next door sneezed. We were supposed to have a partial view of the ocean but instead had a view of the construction site.

Food was sub-par at best, a couple places had 1 or 2 decent dishes but consistency wasnt there. Drinks were usually very good although needed a bit of a kick but with all-inclusive that wasn’t an issue. In-house wine selection was extremely limited and sucked.

This would be a good place for those with kids, I would not recommend it for people without kids, or those looking to feel special by the service. – via

(Translated by Google) Some people are not up to the attention of the hotel category. Very good housekeeping

(Original)
Alguna personas no estan a la altura de atencion de la categoria del hotel. Muy buenos los de housekeeping – via

The beach is excellent. The different sizes of water slides and lazy river were fun for the whole family. The dining options were somewhat overwhelming as there are just so many to choose from. The butler service was great. Why didn’t I give this review 5 stars? It is because Turks and Caicos does not recycle. EVERYTHING GETS THROWN IN THE GARBAGE! This is why I cannot bring myself to go back until T&C starts caring more about the environment. – via

Beaches Turks & Caicos is a true paradise on earth! The turquoise water and white sand beaches are beyond breathtaking. Grace Bay Beach is a must-visit, and the secluded beaches throughout the archipelago are a hidden gem. I cannot recommend this place enough for anyone looking for a tropical escape. From the moment I arrived, I was in awe of the beauty that surrounded me. This is a truly special place that I will never forget. If you’re searching for a dream vacation, look no further than Beaches Turks & Caicos! – via

I would rate this place 5 stars had our butler service been what I’ve experienced at other resorts (none of which are Beaches) and the sit down / order restaurants not taking forever to serve us food. There were some very rude people that work at this resort as well (seem extremely unhappy with life). The service overall was mediocre to say the least. When you have butler service at any resort you are paying top dollar, and it didn’t ever feel like the service was above and beyond other than the extra hangers they brought us on the first day, occasional restock of the bar and ice (that shouldn’t ever have to be requested) and the coconut one of them got my nephew because he lost his that my family paid $15 for from some dude walking on the beach. Don’t do butler service, it’s not worth the money you pay unless you need someone to walk you to a restaurant and seat you. The butler service at this resort sends you a request form days in advance of your stay—they fulfilled 1/4 of the requests.Two of those that were not fulfilled on a daily basis were dietary requests for snacks which is so important when it involves people’s health and well-being. Towards the end of our stay we joked about the service and the butler(s) not picking up the phone or even calling back at times. It was laughable! The views are beautiful and the beach towards Italian and Key West Village are great! Beach towards the French and Caribbean village is non-existent except for a tiny slab of sand and chairs that are on a slant and uncomfortable, but great swimming and snorkeling. Pools were great! They also canceled all their Beaches excursions my family was going on at the last minute due to random reasons. I’d schedule excursions with companies outside of Beaches if you’re comfortable doing that. 5 for the views, scenery and just being on vacation and 1.5 for service = 3 – via

I would recommend this resort to any family! We went there in a group of eight(5 adults, 1 elemtrary aged boy, one elementary aged girl, and one tween girl) and there was something for everyone to do! The water park was a big hit because the girls loved the big slides, the adults could hang out in the lazy river or enjoy some of the slides to, and the boy (who was the youngest) played in the park and on the smaller slides. The staff was amazing ! When we walked somewhere you could tell the staff was doing their best and really cared about what happened. One night when it was the younger girls birthday they saw she had a birthday sash on and the brought her a whole platter of desserts and sang happy birthday to her! The food was delicious and made it so we could enjoy the meals. The beach was the best part for sure. Most of the trip there was a red flag so we couldn’t go that far in, but the water was crystal clear! Last thing were the pools. The pools were so relaxing and the swim up bar was great. We visited it so much we had to limit how many times we went there a day! Everyone could find something to do. There were tons of activities to do especially at night that we had a very fun packed vacation. – via

We came here for our honeymoon and have zero regrets.

From the moment you arrive you’re greeted with warmth and a genuine desire to make your holiday a special one.

The grounds, rooms and view are all breathtaking. Food is out of this world and you never eat the same thing twice, thanks to a thoughtful and well selected rotating menu.

Above all, the staff make this a really special experience. We were always greeted by name and thoughtful unique gestures throughout our stay.

We can’t wait to come back! – via