Turks and Caicos Family Resorts offer a blend of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and family-friendly amenities, all combining to create a vacation experience for all ages.
(Photo: Beaches Resort and Spa / Courtesy Booking.com)
Turks and Caicos, a series of 40 low-lying island with some of the best beaches in the world, is a destination for families seeking an unforgettable vacation with plenty of activities for all ages. Resorts on these islands offer roomy suites and villas that accommodate families of all sizes with a variety of activities–especially watersports–for all ages. The resorts in this article all feature family friendly atmospheres and activities. They are arranged from the most expensive–including two all-inclusive resorts–to the most affordable.
Beaches Turks and Caicos Resorts by Sandals
Dubbed one of the best resorts on the best beach, this all-inclusive resort has activities for the entire family. Made up of five villages, each has its own unique architecture, calling on the ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean and Key West. The resort includes a 45,000 square-foot waterpark, 21 restaurants, 10 pools and a 12-mile beach. Located on Grace Bay, activities are designed for ages from tots to adults. Sesame Street characters roam the property, there is an Xbox Play Lounge and teen disco. Luxury concierge rooms include butler services which come highly recommended in guest reviews. Dining options range from fine romantic dining for couples to family restaurants to waterside food trucks with creative offerings designed to appeal to kids. Resort guests can participate in such activities as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and other water sports, including professional instruction. The resort is home to the Carribbean’s first Certified Autism Center. From $1,200.
Blue Haven Resort
(Photo: Blue Haven Resort / Courtesy Booking.com)
Tucked away on Providenciales, this all-inclusive resort partners with Alexandra Resort and guests can enjoy the amenities and services at both locations. Blue Haven Resort is dedicated to giving extra attention to young people with custom-made, age-appropriate fun activities for kids of all ages. Kids under 12 stay, eat and play for free. There is a Fun Pals program at both resorts designed for ages from tots to teens. Water sport activities included in the stay are stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkeling. For an additional fee, families can participate in jet skiing, island tours, parasailing, fishing charter tours and golf. The resort also offers hammocks on the beach, heated pools, a sand volleyball court and a spa. The resort provides a “dine-around program” with a shuttle service between Blue Haven and Alexandra resorts. Guests can partake of the all-inclusive meals at four Blue Haven outlets (and the swim-up bar at the pool) or 12 Alexandra outlets. From $1,100.
The Palms Turks and Caicos
(Photo: The Palms Turks and Caicos Resort / Courtesy Booking.com)
Billing themselves as the home of laid-back luxury, The Palms Turks and Caicos promotes peace and tranquility while also creating a family friendly atmosphere. Each of their 72 spacious suites and penthouses are large enough to accommodate families and include fully equipped kitchens and multiple bedrooms. Children can hang out at the supervised Conch Critters Kids Club while their parents head off to enjoy such activities as a visit to the 25,000 square-foot spa. The resort organizes a range of activities and excursions suitable for families from beach games and water sports to island tours and snorkeling adventures. The property has an infinity pool and is located on the beach. There are multiple dining options with varied cuisine, with many offering children’s menus and high chairs. Children under 12 stay free at the resort and for parents who want to take a late-night excursion, babysitting services are available with 24 hour notices. From $700.
Windsong Turks and Caicos on the Reef
(Photo: WIndsong Turks and Caicos on the Reef / Courtesy Booking.com)
This boutique hotel is the go-to destination for snorkelers as it has a reef just 20 yards offshore and the resort offers complimentary equipment for that and other non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding. For those who prefer to explore the land, bikes are available for family excursions. The resort offers five different types of suites, villas and bungalows to accommodate families of any size. There are two heated pools at the property, each with a hot tub. One also has an underwater stereo system. Among the dining options is daily continental breakfast, a family cafe and a complimentary butler service that includes grocery shopping to fill the suites’ kitchenettes. And while the family is poolside or beachside, they can enjoy flavored water throughout the day or mini-sorbets at midday. From $395.
The Sands at Grace Bay
(Photo: The Sands at Grace Bay / Courtesy Booking.com)
The Sands at Grace Bay bills itself as the destination for families of all types and sizes, from new parents with infants to large family reunions. It’s a place for home-cooked meals, swimming in one of their three pools, building sand castles or learning how to kayak. They start by offering plenty of choices that cater to the taste buds of both kids and grownups. Hemingway’s Restaurant is a beachfront, open-air outlet with an elegant, family friendly atmosphere. Their suites come with fully stocked kitchens and there is a nearby grocery store. They offer free use of bikes, kayaks, snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards and Hobie Cats. Their three pools, which are connected by canals, include an 18-foot diameter children’s pool designed for small children. Others include a cascading waterfall, a hot tub and small grottoes. The resort has both a tennis and basketball court. Families can sign out board games or a DVD player (though guests will have to bring their own movies or rent from an island video store). Even the spa offers a “Mommy & Me Little Mermaid Package” so moms can take their daughters in for a manicure, pedicure and hair braiding or wrapping. In-room babysitting services are available for an extra fee. From $250.