Turks and Caicos
 

We have decided to visit TCI near the end of August. Me, wife, 3 boys (age 15,20& 22). Wish list would be a beach with some waves and the hotel close to shopping and restaurants and maybe a casino(not even sure if there are any on the island). Also motor water sports important. If I have to I could go up to about $800 - $900 a night for the hotel(5 in the suite). Hopefully, it would include breakfast. I'm hearing good things about a lot of places down there. Is Beaches as good as everyone says or is it too crowded? As far as food goes, since none of us really drink much, I don't think AI would be what we want unless they have one that doesn't include alcohol. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

We gave some suggestions on you previous post.

FYI, the beaches usually don't have waves, especially in August. Usually flat and calm like a mirror.

Beaches Resort can be crowded.

The previous mentioned resorts (other post) are well within or less than your budget-- some good specials for August too.

Oh, there is a tiny casino, and hardly no shopping.

Thanks. Somerset looks good and gives the 5th night free. Are some better than others as far as available motor sports? Plus, we won't have a car so which resort would have the most as far as activities and everything in walking distance? Thanks again.

You'll want a car anyway, cheaper than 1 taxi ride for 4. Rental $39 daily
Somerset is lovely and awesome

No resort offers motor sports, but excursion companies will pick you up except for Fun N Sun. All the high end resorts (and most mid-range) offer kayaks, sails, etc)

Rental car will get you to reefs to snorkel supermarket explore ( do not miss chalk Sound, Sapadilla Bay and Taylor Bay, Da Conch Shack)

There are some excellent restaurants around Somerset, but there are others requiring transport.

No motorized water sports on Grace Bay beach, but check out Fun and Sun Seasports. http://www.turksandcaicos.tc/sunandfun/

We did the 2 hour guided jet ski tour and it was awesome. One of the highlights of our trip. The water was crystal clear and the sand looked like snow. Just beautiful.

I stayed at Beaches years ago when my son was younger and I would NEVER stay there again. It is totally overpriced and the stretch of beach in front of the resort is tiny.

I stayed at West Bay club in February and loved it there.

Good luck in your planning.

Thanks everyone for some good tips I can research with. Anymore advice is welcomed, even if its a different location.....eg. Barbados, St Maarten or other destinations. I'm pretty open for any island in the Caribbean. Would still like to find some mild waves at the beach and motor sports.

If its the five of you it might be better to look into villas. We stayed at South Fleetwood right on Grace Bay and had a good time staying there.

I highly suggest taking a snorkling trip where they pick you up right off the beach. You could rent jet skis right off Sapodilla Bay, which is another great little cove to the south with nice, calm waters.

Here's our trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...esome-trip.cfm

Wife and I loved TCI, you and family will have fun!

Cheers.

For watersports look at Aruba. There is a station set up on Palm Beach.

http://www.arubawatersportcenter.com/

Somerset all the way, LOVE IT!!

Not sure if you would be interested in a condo, but we stayed at The Regent Grand in 2009. http://www.vrbo.com/213129 The owners are great and the place is gorgeous. We walked to several resturants. But we also rented a car so we could get around where and when we wanted. Had Caicos Dream Tours pick us up off our beach for a snorkel trip.

Here is my Trip Report if it helps. http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...from-provo.cfm

We loved Provo and would love to go back. I think there is a casino that will transport you from condo as well.