Beaches tips?
 

I am going to Beaches T&C at the end of February 2004. I will be going with my husband and his company. We don't have children. I've read most all of the threads on this topic, but I need a little something different. Since it is a free trip, and we are definitely going, the advice I need is not whether to go or where to stay. I'd like any tips that you may have on which activities would be fun. We both love snorkeling and might try diving. There are several excursions you can take that aren't included, and I'd love any information on those from people who've been. If anyone has specific advice on things to do or see, please post. I'd appreciate it!

I like to do day day sails with Allen Ray on the Sandollar. I contact him thru Dive Provo. He is a very nice guy and takes small groups. He'll take you to Little Water Key and the sandollar bar but always throws in something unscheduled and interesting.

There is absolutely no reason to go to Beaches if you dont have kids

Well susie said the trip was free. I'd go in a heartbeat.

True--I'm not going to turn down a free vacation! :)

Thanks, CF, for your suggestion. If anyone else has anything to add, I'd appreciate it.

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Well, since it's free, take some of the money you would've spent on the property and rent a car. You can visit some of the real restaurants, which there are many, visit Malcolm's Road Beach, Sapodilla Bay, the Conch Farm (I think it is the only working conch farm in the world), and snorkel at any number of secluded beaches.

Hi Susie,
Have you seen the rants and raves section here on fodors? What a lot of mixed reviews. You should see it. We are supposed to go here but I am getting my husband to read these reviews to see if he still wants to. However, if this is a free trip for you and you like the beach--take some books to read. Hope your trip is one of the good review ratings.

Thanks for posting, Mimipam.

I have looked at the rants & raves. I really feel though, that a lot of the complaints are about things that won't bother me. Yes, this is a family resort, but the group we are going with consists of 70 other adult couples--with no children. We won't be alone. It seems to me a lot of complaints on the R&R concern other guests instead of the resort itself. Also, we go on lots of these type of trips. It's nice to have one where we don't have to spend a lot of money! Other people we know with this company have had great reviews of the place when they went. I've learned that any location you choose will have some bad reviews. We are mainly interested in relaxing mixed with some watersports in the mornings. I'll let you know how it goes, but it will not be until February. When are you going?

Hi susie
We plan to go mid Feb if we don't back out. . Anyway, if you are there with such a group you will enjoy being with them, too, I know. Hope you have a relaxing and good time. Sometimes, it is good to go somewhere and just not do too much. (something I have a hard time doing)

I am the same way! I tell my husband that half the fun of a trip is planning it. I love fitting as much of the best action into one trip, researching, then seeing how your work pays off. He thinks I'm crazy. I promised more relaxation for this trip! I hope you have a good trip wherever you decide to go. Good luck!

My husband and I went to Beaches several years ago childless. It was the first week in Jan. Although it is a family oriented facility, we had plenty of R & R, and it was needed after the busy Holiday season. We went there cause we got a great deal, 2 for 1 sale with unlimited diving. (Not as good as your deal I might add.) On those terms without a doubt you will have a nice time. There is one adults only specialty restaurant you need to make reservations for. Do so when you first arrive. The fact that you will be with other adults will make it even more enjoyable. You will have your own group. Relax and have fun. Sorry I cannot offer any info on excursions. If there were any we were unaware, we just wanted to relax.

Thanks for the post, Diann! I appreciate it. The only reason I asked about excursions is I read about some on their web site. I'm glad you had a good time. I think we will, too.

HAVE BEEN TO THIS RESORT MANY TIMES. THE BEACH IN TURKS IS BEAUTIFUL PICK THE FAR END, CLOSE TO THE SNORKEL PARK AND IT WILL BE LESS CROWDED. THERE ARE TWO ADULT ONLY RESTAURANTS, ONE SAPODILLAS REQUIRES RESERVATIONS, THE OTHER, A FRENCH BISTRO DOES NOT. WE HAVE GONE OFF PROPERTY FOR DINNER SEVERAL TIMES, GRACE BAY CLUB, AND CORAL REEF CLUB. THERE IS GREAT SNORKELING RIGHT OFF THE PROPERTY, AND IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN TO SCUBA DIVE. THERE IS DECENT GOLF ON THE ISLAND AS WELL. WE HAVE CHARTERED A PRIVATE FISHING BOAT AND HAD THE HOTEL COOK THE CATCH FOR DINNER(LOTS OF FUN).

IF YOU SNORKEL, YOU MIGHT WANT TO BRING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT AS SOMETIMES THEY RUN OUT AT WATER SPORTS LATER ON IN THE DAY, AND THE SNORKEL PARK IS ON THE OTHER END OF THE RESORT FROM THE WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES

Susie,

Our family went to Beaches Negril over Thanksgiving a few years ago. I'd also read mixed reviews and was panicking before we left. Not to worry. It was great--our best family vacation ever. Even over Thanksgiving, the resort didn't seem crowded. It's all in what you make of it most of the time. Your trip sounds wonderful--have fun!!