What's The Difference Between Beaches Resorts?

One of the best all inclusive family vacation suppliers is Beaches. You'd be hard pressed to find a company that provides more for kids and adults to do. Beaches is a wonderful choice for multi-generational vacations or family reunions. And it's also a great option for singles.

One big plus with Sandals and Beaches resorts is Scuba Diving is included if you are a certified diver. If not, you can pay extra and take a resort class and dive as well. There is even a kids dive program! You can do up to two tank dives a day here (but need to take into account when you will be flying home). Sandals and Beaches also have some of the most extensive water activities included - some have water skiing, snorkeling, Hobie cats, water bikes kayaking and more. All have free transfers to and from the airport, which is a huge savings. Gratuities are also included, with the exception of rooms with butlers.

All resorts have Red Lane Spas on site and some offer golf as well.

And Beaches Turks is getting ready to introduce a new tuck in program where a Sesame Street character of your choice will come to your room at night, tuck your child into bed and read them a bed time story. It is going to cost about $125 for one child and one character and is supposed to include a photo and a stuffed toy. We saw a demonstration of the process and it was just adorable!

But - did you know that each Beaches resort offers something different? Just as all Sandals resorts are a little different, so are Beaches. Would you like to know the difference between each? We'd be happy to share some information!

Beaches Turks/Caicos

The largest of the Beaches resorts. This resort is broken down into four "villages" - the Caribbean Village,the Seaside Village, the French Village and the newest, the Italian Village.

The highlights of this resort:

• Located on a 12 mile stretch of a beautiful powder sand beach.
• Approximately 20 minutes from the airport
  
• 6 pools, 3 with swim up bars
• Great for snorkeling and scuba diving
• Largest pool and water park
• 16 dining options
• Spacious family suites
  
• X Box 360 and Scratch DJ Academy
• Surf Simulator - body surfing for kids and adults!
  
• 7,000 Sq. Foot Shopping Village
• Teens can enjoy ScratchDJ, Shadow Lounge Teens only game room, disco and more
• Sesame Street Activities, Kids Camp and More
• Departure lounge where you can wait for your transfer home to the airport. There is even a luggage scale in the lounge to weigh your luggage - if it is overweight, you can move contents around here rather than having to do it at the airport.
  

Please note- there is a departure tax of $20 per person for ages 2 and over that is collected at the airport for this resort only.

The Caribbean Village is the original Beaches resort. Buildings are up to three stories high and many of the rooms in this set of buildings offer two beds in the main bedroom, making it a good option for singles vacationers. There are five room categories in this part of the resort and the lower room categories are located here. Your views are garden views.

This village is located close to many restaurants and the Kids Camp. It is a 2 minute walk to the beach. The Sesame Street Parade starts and ends here. On Wednesdays, a craft fair is set up in front of the main lobby featuring local craft vendors. This village is closest to the departure lounge, a great feature for waiting for your transportation home.

The French Village is the furthest away from the beach, about a five minute walk. There are six room categories here with access to the zero entry Riviera pool. Quietest of the locations, but near the Waterpark. There is also a stage close to this village where there are early evening shows for the family. There is a wonderful French pastry shop here as well as an outstanding French Restaurant and an Italian Restaurant.

The Italian Village is the largest of the villages and has buildings up to six stories high. These rooms are designed for families and feature separate kids rooms with bunk beds, in room video games, microwave and refrigerator. All have concierge service and the two bedroom suites have butler service. That makes the rooms here among the most expensive. Many rooms have beach views and are very close to the beach. The Italian Village is in between the Caribbean and French Villages and features the only heated pool.

There are many restaurants located here - Barefoot on the Beach, Marios, the English pub and more. Also nearby is the water sports booth and all water sports.

The Seaside Village is the smallest and has five suite categories. These are the closest beach locations but furthest from the rest of the activities. There is a pool with waterfall here. Rooms have either concierge or butler service. Views are mostly of the pool but there are a few with oceanviews. Oceanviews are not guaranteed.

The beach is beautiful here and the restaurants are very good. Lots of activities.


JAMAICA

Beaches Negril

If you can't go to Turks, this is the closest to the amenities offered at Turks. This resort is located about an hour and a half from the Montego Bay airport. Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, here are the highlights:

• Set on the widest stretch of Negrils 7 Mile Beach
• Pirate Island Waterpark with lazy river and kid's splash deck
• 3 pools with 2 swim up bars
• 5 restaurants plus a Beach Bistro
• Supervised Kids Camp
  
• Unlimited X Box 360 Game Play at the Games Garage
• Exchange privileges with Beaches Sandy Bay, giving you 8 dining options between the two resorts.

Beaches Sandy Bay

Beaches Sandy Bay offers the best value in Negril but is also the smallest of resorts. One huge plus- stay here and use the facilities at Beaches Negril. There are complimentary shuttles that will take you to the Negril resort. This resort is about 90 minutes from the airport.

Highlights:

• Best value
• More intimate with ocean views from nearly all rooms
• Full exchange privileges with Beaches Negril
• Has X Box 360 Garage
  
• Some suites have kitchenettes
• 2 bars
• Supervised kids camp
• 2 pools
• Water activities include kayaks, windsurfing, snorkeling, 1 whirpool, hydo bikes, water skiing, Hobie cat, scuba diving plus ping pong, shuffleboard, lawn chess, beach volleyball, board games a fitness center and spa.
  

One note: If you stay here and plan to go to the Negril resort, you will not be able to use the Kids Camp at Negril. You will have to keep your children with you at the resort, as the ratio of kids to counselors must be maintained.

Beaches Boscobel Resort and Golf Club - Ocho Rios

If you are looking for a resort that offers golf along with kids programs - this is your spot! Located 90 minutes from the Montego Bay airport this resort is also located in a popular tourist spot where there are many option activities that you can purchase, such a a strip to Dunns River Falls or a dolphin swim.

Highlights:

• A new 27,000 square foot Pirates Island Water Park with giant water slide
• Golf Clinic for kids
• 5 specialty restaurants
• XBox 360 Games Garage
• 6 bars
• Kids Camp
• 4 Star rated Golf course, rated by Golf Digest. 18 hole par 71. Greens fees included, carts,clubs and shoes available for rent. Caddy not included but mandatory.
• 3 pools, 1 swim up bar
• Kayaks, wind surfing, glass bottom boats, water bikes, Hobie cats, 2 whirpools, water park with 11 waterslides

Important - if you are looking for the best beach, this is not the resort to stay at. Of the three locations in Jamaica, this has the lowest rated beach.

Remember, Beaches also offers Martha Stewart weddings - the perfect wedding for multi-generational groups.

If you'd like more information about Beaches or would like to book, contact us. 516-608-0568.