Beaches Resorts - Jamaica and Turks & Caicos

[PrincessKsMom]

Can anyone share with me their opinion of these resorts? Would be traveling with another mom and 2 girls, 15 years old. Would love to hear anything and everything you have to share. Also wondering, didn't see anything on snorkeling or excursions on the website, but they did mention a waterpark on premises.

Can't wait to hear everyone's experiences. Thanks and Happy New Year!

 

[jlder72]

Looking for reports also.

 

[Anne34]

Have friends who have been to Beaches Ocho Rios and just got back from the one in Negril. Her kids are 8, 13 & 15. They really liked both resorts -- she just had a suite in Negril and said it was gorgeous. Ocho Rios had more for them to do (climbing the falls, etc) outside of the resort, but they stayed and relaxed most of the time. The water park area was for the younger kids mostly.

We've been to Ocho Rios & I liked it too -- haven't been to any of the others. Would love to go to Turks & Caicos if it wasn't so ungodly expensive for our family of 5!!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Have friends who have been to Beaches Ocho Rios and just got back from the one in Negril. Her kids are 8, 13 & 15. They really liked both resorts -- she just had a suite in Negril and said it was gorgeous. Ocho Rios had more for them to do (climbing the falls, etc) outside of the resort, but they stayed and relaxed most of the time. The water park area was for the younger kids mostly.

We've been to Ocho Rios & I liked it too -- haven't been to any of the others. Would love to go to Turks & Caicos if it wasn't so ungodly expensive for our family of 5!!

Thanks for the info. Seemed from the website there was more to do at the Jamaica resorts, but I was nervous about the crime rate and also the long bus rides from the airport.

We're still not sure what we're doing for vacation just coming up with different ideas and trying to get some info.

 

[ctnurse]

There are a lot of family friendly resorts to check out. I think Beaches is way over priced! We have been to a few AIs that were awesome. We have the Crown Paradise booked for Feb. We went 2 yrs ago and it was great. Also check out the Breezes resorts. We stayed at Breezes Trelawny 4 times in Jamaica. Also check out tripadvisor.com for message boards and reviews of resort.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I think Beaches is way over priced! .

Have you ever been?

Breezes Trelawney and Beaches are not even in the same caliber. IMOP! I guess it all depends in what you are looking for. Breezes is OK, but in no way luxury, plus we felt it is dated and worn. But yes much cheaper than Beaches. There is a huge price difference and Beaches is in no way cheap to visit, but my husband and kids will agree it is one of the best vacations we have ever taken.

We have never stayed at Beaches Negril but DH and I have been to Sandals Negril a few times and have gone over to Beaches to have dinner and walk around. Its very nice.

DH and I have taken the kids to Beaches Turks and Caicos twice. We have not been since the big expansion which I think was completed last year. Beaches T&C is unbelievable. 14 restaurants. One exclusively for the kids. They also have their own swim up "bar" . Beautiful beach. Great service. I can't say enough.

There is not a whole lot to do on the island. It is very small. There is snorkeling, scuba, a glass bottom boat at the resort. There is much more to do in Jamaica.

But as you have stated , the ride to Negril is a little over an hour. Turks and Caicos 15 minutes. And again neither Beaches resort is cheap.

If you have any questions feel free to ask away.

 

[ctnurse]

No, I never have been but IMO I think it is overpriced. I'm sure it is nice but cant bring myself to spend 2 or 3 times as much on an AI. Sure Breezes Trelawnly is a bit worn but about 5 yrs ago I bought 28 nites for $3500. I couldnt pass up the deal. So we got 4 vacations for $3500. One of which included my mom and stepdad. The last time I priced Beaches it was $6000 for 7 days for 3 of us. I can think of better things to spend my money on will go to less expensive AI. That is why I suggested other places only because Beaches has great marketing in the AI circle. There are many really nice AI out there and wanted OP to understand that

 

[PrincessKsMom]

RoliePolieOlie, can you tell me what you think of T&C for teens? Seems more geared for younger kids. Also, do you think the ride to Negril is worth it? More to do for teens? I haven't been to Jamaica since my honeymoon 18 years ago and I'm concerned about the crime rate. What was your experience?

CTNurse: I'm definitely going to look around, just happened upon Beaches yesterday. Thanks for the input.

 

[MichelleVW]

I've been to Beaches Negril and we LOVED IT!! Kids were 12 and 14 at the time and had a blast.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

RoliePolieOlie, can you tell me what you think of T&C for teens? Seems more geared for younger kids. Also, do you think the ride to Negril is worth it? More to do for teens? I haven't been to Jamaica since my honeymoon 18 years ago and I'm concerned about the crime rate. What was your experience?

CTNurse: I'm definitely going to look around, just happened upon Beaches yesterday. Thanks for the input.

T&C is a beautiful island. It's considered a safe island also. But as I said small. I think something like 15 miles across. I remember u can rent jeeps and things like that. Beaches itself has their own activities. Truthfully my oldest was 9 at the time so not sure about the teen scene. My son is now 12 though and is dying to go back.

Negril is beautiful. IMOP by far the most beautiful part of Jamaica. The beaches are gorgeous. Not as wide as they once were due to the erosion from the recent hurricanes, but still nice. Outside the resort there is zip lining, the dolphin swim, Ricks cafe just to name a few things. Both resorts have Xbox rooms. Unlimited use.

About the crime. It can happen anywhere. Dh and I visit Jamaica every year and have never had a problem. Just be smart and aware. Just like when you're at home. If u need anything else, feel free to ask.

 

[N&B'smom]

We've been to Beaches T&C 6 times and obviously, we LOVE it!! The resort has to much to offer, you can snorkel right off the beach and see seat turtles, spotted eagle ray, etc. The water is crystal clear turquoise. I've got a bunch of pics I could email you. Just let me know.

We've gone twice with our kids the last time being this past April, they were 10 and 6 at the time. My DS10 got certified to scuba dive while we were there. He took the course at home and did the dives there. It was a great time.

Turks has a club JUST for teens called Club Liquid. It's right by the water park and you can actually see down through the floor to the water park. We saw lots of teens throughout our stay and they all appeared to be having a fun time!

I've visited Beaches Negril and while I didn't stay there I thought the beach was large and the water was pretty. No clue about rooms and all because we just stayed for the day. I have pics from here as well.

What exactly would you like to know??

 

[N&B'smom]

Okay, here are 3 links to pictures.

The first is of a trip to T&C a few years ago, we stayed in the main, older section. (which is our favorite!)

http://gallery.me.com/smascione#100486

The second is of our last stay there, we stayed in the brand new, Italian Village which is beautiful!

http://gallery.me.com/smascione#100479

Lastly, I only have a handful of pictures from Beaches Negril since we were only there for a few hours. But it gives you a view of how big the beach is.

http://gallery.me.com/smascione#100496

Enjoy!!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Okay, here are 3 links to pictures.

The first is of a trip to T&C a few years ago, we stayed in the main, older section. (which is our favorite!)

http://gallery.me.com/smascione#100486

The second is of our last stay there, we stayed in the brand new, Italian Village which is beautiful!

http://gallery.me.com/smascione#100479

Lastly, I only have a handful of pictures from Beaches Negril since we were only there for a few hours. But it gives you a view of how big the beach is.

http://gallery.me.com/smascione#100496

Enjoy!!

Wow! Thanks so much. Your post and pics have given me a lot to think about. Looks absolutely stunning! As soon as I have any questions, I'll be sure to ask. Thank you so much!

 

[IslandBreeze]

Beaches Turks & Caicos is the best. Wait till you see Grace Bay in Providenciales! It is the most amazing place. And the kids camps are awesome too.

If you have any scuba divers, remind them it's 2 free tanks a day and make sure your Travel Agent requests the discount for any military or firemen (IAFF) that will be going.

Also - if you snorkel - make sure you check out some gear from the dive shack, head to the water - go down the beach about 300 yards to the reef in front of Coral Gardens. From the shore, you can wade right in and see some of the most amazing sea life and some Rays once in a while.

But if you head down early in the morning....say - 9am, you might see one of the large Sea Turtles swimming through. They are very curious and will swim right up to you at times! I have spent countless hours on that reef system - love it there.

I just got back from a stay in the new Italian Village section and it was a wonderful stay. I have a few of the menus too if anyone needs them. But one of the definate don't-miss points is the Chocolate Martini party. All kinds of different desserts and outstanding drinks - yum!!

We also have a Beaches Turks & Caicos Facebook page where we post little known items about the resort that we get straight from our friends at the resort.

 

[IslandBreeze]

Ahh - the board won't let me post a link until after 10 posts.

But if you go to Facebook and search for Beaches Turks & Caicos it will show up. We have a red profile pic that says Beaches - More Quality Inclusions.

 

[MoniqueU]

I love Jamaica and that was our first real vacation to someplace nice without the kids. I would go back in a heartbeat but my heart is in Turks and Caicos. It is worth every dime and with the new improvements and water parks it will be just that much more fun for kids. The beach at Turks in Caicos is better then any beach in Hawaii and the facilities are great. My daughter learned to scuba dive there and loved it. The food and drinks are awesome and for some reason the kids there seem better behaved then other places we have been. My husband and I even went without the kids and had a good time. For adults only Jamaica has more going on and some devine service and I am familiar with Jamaica but didn't even consider the beaches resort there as we had been to turks before we took our kids and knew that was it for us. IMHO the beaches in ocho rios aren't that good and negril sucks, it reminds me of dirty mission bay in san diego.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Beaches Turks & Caicos is the best. Wait till you see Grace Bay in Providenciales! It is the most amazing place. And the kids camps are awesome too.

If you have any scuba divers, remind them it's 2 free tanks a day and make sure your Travel Agent requests the discount for any military or firemen (IAFF) that will be going.

Also - if you snorkel - make sure you check out some gear from the dive shack, head to the water - go down the beach about 300 yards to the reef in front of Coral Gardens. From the shore, you can wade right in and see some of the most amazing sea life and some Rays once in a while.

But if you head down early in the morning....say - 9am, you might see one of the large Sea Turtles swimming through. They are very curious and will swim right up to you at times! I have spent countless hours on that reef system - love it there.

I just got back from a stay in the new Italian Village section and it was a wonderful stay. I have a few of the menus too if anyone needs them. But one of the definate don't-miss points is the Chocolate Martini party. All kinds of different desserts and outstanding drinks - yum!!

We also have a Beaches Turks & Caicos Facebook page where we post little known items about the resort that we get straight from our friends at the resort.

Thanks so much for the info! Now if we can get a good deal, I think it's a sure thing.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I love Jamaica and that was our first real vacation to someplace nice without the kids. I would go back in a heartbeat but my heart is in Turks and Caicos. It is worth every dime and with the new improvements and water parks it will be just that much more fun for kids. The beach at Turks in Caicos is better then any beach in Hawaii and the facilities are great. My daughter learned to scuba dive there and loved it. The food and drinks are awesome and for some reason the kids there seem better behaved then other places we have been. My husband and I even went without the kids and had a good time. For adults only Jamaica has more going on and some devine service and I am familiar with Jamaica but didn't even consider the beaches resort there as we had been to turks before we took our kids and knew that was it for us. IMHO the beaches in ocho rios aren't that good and negril sucks, it reminds me of dirty mission bay in san diego.

Thanks Monique! I'm getting very excited about this. We always vacation at WDW, and I haven't been to too many other places, so this is sounding better and better.

 

[huey duey & luey]

We had a group of friends 5families go to Beaches T&C this past summer (sadly for our family of 5 it wasn't in our budget ). They had kids ranging from almost 16 to 2, one with special needs. They ALL loved it. Really couldn't say enough about it. One family owns 2 restaurants (are very picky esp about AI) and said the food and service was wonderful

 

[PrincessKsMom]

We had a group of friends 5families go to Beaches T&C this past summer (sadly for our family of 5 it wasn't in our budget ). They had kids ranging from almost 16 to 2, one with special needs. They ALL loved it. Really couldn't say enough about it. One family owns 2 restaurants (are very picky esp about AI) and said the food and service was wonderful

Sorry you weren't able to attend, but thank you for sharing your friends' experiences.