Vacation Review: Topic Follow-Up
Mar 3rd, 2014, 06:23 PM
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Vacation Review: Topic Follow-Up
Several months ago I came here for some advice and info on a vacation for my family. That thread is here: http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...n-vacation.cfm. Thank you all for the info and suggestions. I thought I would post back with a review of that vacation that I just got back from.
I chose Beaches Turks and Caicos. I chose it because it sounded like it was a very nice place and had a lot of things to do or that were included. Here is my review:
First off, I have to say that the vacation was overall a fantastic experience. Although I have only ever been to the Bahamas, T&C was beautiful. The beach and water were unlike anything I have ever seen. I thought that off-resort might be little better than what we drove by going to the airport, but I guess all islands are rough outside of the resort. Beaches was fantastic. We stayed in the French Village. Beaches treated us wonderfully and seemed to have everything take care of for us. The facilities were great, beaches were fantastic, the restaurants were great, and the service was top-notch. I really cannot say enough about Beaches. This vacation was the time of our lives. I have so many great things to say about the whole trip and very few things even close to negative to say. I will do a quick good/bad breakdown about my experience. Here Goes:
GOOD:
- Beaches: Food, Service, and Facilities Were GREAT
- T&C: Beaches were near perfect. Nothing more beautiful.
- Beaches: Worked like fine-tuned machine. Everything taken care of for us.
- Beaches: Full-coverage for families. Tons of stuff for kids and adults, together or separate.
- T&C: Weather was great. It was mid 80's all week and not a drop of rain. Breeze made it pleasant every day.
CONCERNS:
- T&C: The airport was a nightmare. I did not think it would be 3rd-world-like, but it was. On our return trip, we stood in a security line outside for 2.5 hours and then made it to the "gate" where we hand to stand for another 2 hours because of delays and no seating. Terrible airport experience coming home on Saturday. Fortunately, we made it home safe and with our luggage.
- Beaches: Wifi was almost unusable in our room and it cost about $50 for the week. For the price we paid, it should be included and 100% resort coverage.
- T&C/Beaches: The only thing that really bothered me all week was the "vendors" on the beach. On the Beaches beach/pier, there were many guys in small junky boats trying to sell things like parasailing and banana boat rides. It was loud and there were several approaching you every time you move. Also, the "vendors" were fighting against themselves at times, including cursing and almost fist-fighting. Now this was a smallish distraction to our vacation, but I would have rather not had it. We learned how to avoid it.
NOTES:
Although I did not stay there, the Caribbean Village did appear to be a little aged. It still had tons to do there and lots of GREAT places to eat, but just the outside appearance and the pool looked a lot more dated than the rest. I did not see inside any rooms, but I am not sure that I would stay there in an entry-level room. The only other thing I would note is the price. It was a little higher than some other places, but from what I have been told this Beaches is by leaps and bounds better than the others. The price was not cheap, but not horrific. Even now I think it is a very good value. I feel like we were in a beautiful place and treated like Kings. My family and I are already starting to think about our next vacation. Unless I am convinced otherwise, it will likely be at Beaches T&C!
I chose Beaches Turks and Caicos. I chose it because it sounded like it was a very nice place and had a lot of things to do or that were included. Here is my review:
First off, I have to say that the vacation was overall a fantastic experience. Although I have only ever been to the Bahamas, T&C was beautiful. The beach and water were unlike anything I have ever seen. I thought that off-resort might be little better than what we drove by going to the airport, but I guess all islands are rough outside of the resort. Beaches was fantastic. We stayed in the French Village. Beaches treated us wonderfully and seemed to have everything take care of for us. The facilities were great, beaches were fantastic, the restaurants were great, and the service was top-notch. I really cannot say enough about Beaches. This vacation was the time of our lives. I have so many great things to say about the whole trip and very few things even close to negative to say. I will do a quick good/bad breakdown about my experience. Here Goes:
GOOD:
- Beaches: Food, Service, and Facilities Were GREAT
- T&C: Beaches were near perfect. Nothing more beautiful.
- Beaches: Worked like fine-tuned machine. Everything taken care of for us.
- Beaches: Full-coverage for families. Tons of stuff for kids and adults, together or separate.
- T&C: Weather was great. It was mid 80's all week and not a drop of rain. Breeze made it pleasant every day.
CONCERNS:
- T&C: The airport was a nightmare. I did not think it would be 3rd-world-like, but it was. On our return trip, we stood in a security line outside for 2.5 hours and then made it to the "gate" where we hand to stand for another 2 hours because of delays and no seating. Terrible airport experience coming home on Saturday. Fortunately, we made it home safe and with our luggage.
- Beaches: Wifi was almost unusable in our room and it cost about $50 for the week. For the price we paid, it should be included and 100% resort coverage.
- T&C/Beaches: The only thing that really bothered me all week was the "vendors" on the beach. On the Beaches beach/pier, there were many guys in small junky boats trying to sell things like parasailing and banana boat rides. It was loud and there were several approaching you every time you move. Also, the "vendors" were fighting against themselves at times, including cursing and almost fist-fighting. Now this was a smallish distraction to our vacation, but I would have rather not had it. We learned how to avoid it.
NOTES:
Although I did not stay there, the Caribbean Village did appear to be a little aged. It still had tons to do there and lots of GREAT places to eat, but just the outside appearance and the pool looked a lot more dated than the rest. I did not see inside any rooms, but I am not sure that I would stay there in an entry-level room. The only other thing I would note is the price. It was a little higher than some other places, but from what I have been told this Beaches is by leaps and bounds better than the others. The price was not cheap, but not horrific. Even now I think it is a very good value. I feel like we were in a beautiful place and treated like Kings. My family and I are already starting to think about our next vacation. Unless I am convinced otherwise, it will likely be at Beaches T&C!
Mar 3rd, 2014, 10:38 PM
#2
Glad you enjoyed your trip. A few pieces of advice for future trips:
Avoid Saturday departures, or if stuck on Sat. 8:30 AM flight. There would be no issues and it's easy. Unfortunately while expanding airport, Saturdays are rough. Rest of week is fine
Funny how Beaches being AI is only one that charges WiFi, all other resorts are strong signal and free
No Vendors outside of Beaches, actually no pesky braiders, totally stress free.
Beaches is actually quite expensive for being AI. I understand the convienience, but really you can get gorgeous Ritz type rooms at other places for less. Restaurants are terrific on island.
So if you can break away, you avoid the things that make Beaches cater to "masses"
Avoid Saturday departures, or if stuck on Sat. 8:30 AM flight. There would be no issues and it's easy. Unfortunately while expanding airport, Saturdays are rough. Rest of week is fine
Funny how Beaches being AI is only one that charges WiFi, all other resorts are strong signal and free
No Vendors outside of Beaches, actually no pesky braiders, totally stress free.
Beaches is actually quite expensive for being AI. I understand the convienience, but really you can get gorgeous Ritz type rooms at other places for less. Restaurants are terrific on island.
So if you can break away, you avoid the things that make Beaches cater to "masses"
Mar 4th, 2014, 02:39 PM
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Thanks for the feedback. I have limited experience, but my Beaches T&C stay was great. I am definitely interested to hear about your suggested alternative that is better and cheaper, as you mentioned. Its hard for me to imagine something with as much to do, as good of food, and as good of service as what we just had. If that's the case, then please give me some info. We had so much fun, I am already starting to research vacation for next year.
Mar 4th, 2014, 03:36 PM
#4
The beauty of other places is that there's not much to do! They have kayaks, SUPs, hobbies, but really no parks, no intertwinement. You're really in a foreign country!
Food is amazing, some of the best restaurants in Caribbean, but not included in the rooms.
It's gorgeous condos with full kitchens, great flat screen tvs, pure gorgeous rooms. But you're on your own! While they have concierge, etc, it's not activities, AIs, etc. Make plans to go out and explore, there are gorgeous other beaches. Day trip to outer islands and Cays.
It's a different type of vacation!
Food is amazing, some of the best restaurants in Caribbean, but not included in the rooms.
It's gorgeous condos with full kitchens, great flat screen tvs, pure gorgeous rooms. But you're on your own! While they have concierge, etc, it's not activities, AIs, etc. Make plans to go out and explore, there are gorgeous other beaches. Day trip to outer islands and Cays.
It's a different type of vacation!
Mar 5th, 2014, 04:11 AM
#6
Everything but Beaches Resort! All of them! I personally love Seven Stars. Stunning rooms. Middle of the hub. Great service (fruit kabobs at the beach). Fun busy but people not on top of you. Gorgeous beach bar with tiki torches and couches. Huge heated pool (not quite what Beaches pools are, but big and gorgeous).
Great restaurants on island with gorgeous settings: Coco Bistro, Bay Bistro, Hemingways has live music many nights, Mango Reef has tables in the sand. Tiki Hut is fun! Da Conch Shack and Bugaloos are fun.
With car rental explore. Chalk Sound is an amazing sight, you'll never see neon turquoise like this anywhere. Sapadilla Bay and Taylor Bays are cool with shallow waters for hundreds of yards, at low tide they get sand bars.
Grace Bay changes quite a bit too, gets wider and isolated on 1 side, coral and snorkel on the other. For 12 miles! Pelican Beach is another gorgeous section, and you can find huge white conch shells.
Excursions to North and Middle Caicos: caves (with bats!) limestone cliffs with paths leading to hidden caves with beaches. Gorgeous Mudjin Harbour! Chance to see flamingos at Flamingo Pond.
Catamaran boat excursions, Island Vibes is cool: snorkel the reef, dive for conch, stop at the stunning Half Moon Bay reached by boat only. They have a diving board on the roof of the boat. It does include all the rum punch you want.
Actually Fodor's just released Fodor's In Focus: Turks and Caicos this past December. Tons of ideas to do and see. (disclaimer, I wrote it!).
Another good source, wherewhenhow.com click on current issue.
Completely different from an AI, funny thing though. My 12 year old loves Beaches (what kids don't?). Yet she loves other resorts more (and sometimes villas, but with kids you really need to build up to it!).
Family bonding at it's best! And should you need a break from the kids, Grace Bay Club has an awesome kids club, actually takes the kids on excursions, great babysitting services.
8-)
Great restaurants on island with gorgeous settings: Coco Bistro, Bay Bistro, Hemingways has live music many nights, Mango Reef has tables in the sand. Tiki Hut is fun! Da Conch Shack and Bugaloos are fun.
With car rental explore. Chalk Sound is an amazing sight, you'll never see neon turquoise like this anywhere. Sapadilla Bay and Taylor Bays are cool with shallow waters for hundreds of yards, at low tide they get sand bars.
Grace Bay changes quite a bit too, gets wider and isolated on 1 side, coral and snorkel on the other. For 12 miles! Pelican Beach is another gorgeous section, and you can find huge white conch shells.
Excursions to North and Middle Caicos: caves (with bats!) limestone cliffs with paths leading to hidden caves with beaches. Gorgeous Mudjin Harbour! Chance to see flamingos at Flamingo Pond.
Catamaran boat excursions, Island Vibes is cool: snorkel the reef, dive for conch, stop at the stunning Half Moon Bay reached by boat only. They have a diving board on the roof of the boat. It does include all the rum punch you want.
Actually Fodor's just released Fodor's In Focus: Turks and Caicos this past December. Tons of ideas to do and see. (disclaimer, I wrote it!).
Another good source, wherewhenhow.com click on current issue.
Completely different from an AI, funny thing though. My 12 year old loves Beaches (what kids don't?). Yet she loves other resorts more (and sometimes villas, but with kids you really need to build up to it!).
Family bonding at it's best! And should you need a break from the kids, Grace Bay Club has an awesome kids club, actually takes the kids on excursions, great babysitting services.
8-)
Mar 11th, 2014, 08:46 AM
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I have to put in a good word here for both West Bay Club and The Venetian, which offer excellent apartment-type accommodations on gorgeous sections of Grace Bay. Also look at The Tuscany. AHHH... I am obsessed with these three, although you will need a car to get to the island's best restaurants, other beaches, and snorkeling sites.
Mar 23rd, 2014, 11:51 AM
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I just got back last week from TCI and we stayed at grace bay suites which is a small boutique hotel across the street from grace bay. It was walking distance to several great restaurants and shops. We had a wonderful relaxing vacation. We met several people who stayed at Beaches and they felt isolated staying out in the compound. The one thing I would change about our vacation is we would fly in during the week. We met several people who did and they didn't experience anything like we did coming into TCI.
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