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| Turks & Caicos: Luxury and Family Fun |
While I am currently planning spring vacations for clients, I can't help but think of my family vacation last spring to Turks & Caicos. Turks & Caicos is filled with world class resorts, spas, restaurants and the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Just a quick non-stop flight from Newark Liberty Airport and/or John F. Kennedy International Airport makes it possible to travel to this special island if you want extended weekend escape or a week or two away to relax.
Last April my family stayed in a gorgeous 3 bedroom ocean front suite at Regent Palms. This resort was filled with the most friendly staff members I've ever encountered whom wanted to make our stay as pleasurable as possible. My daughters favorite was the staff member offering delicious frozen fruit squares to us while we lounged by the pool and played on the beach. Usually on family vacations we spend all of our time on the beach especially in T&C which has the most beautiful beaches. However, we really did spend a lot of time at the gorgeous state-of-the-art infinity pool. The pool was a fun place to meet families from all around the U.S. and the world. The swim up bar was a favorite among everyone in the family including my "mini me" ordering her pina colada shakes with extra cherries on top! Since we were traveling with 6 adults, I was able to sneak away for an afternoon at spa. The spa offered holistic pampering that completely relaxed my mind and my body. Of course on my way back to my family, I strolled into the beautiful on-site shopping Palm Palace boutiques. They boutiques offered a lovely selection of resort wear, jewelery and special pieces to put in your home to remind you of your vacation. This truly was a wonderful way to end my afternoon dedicated to "me"!
Also, one of my favorite resorts is the luxurious Grace Bay Club. A few years ago, I spent a family vacation in a 3 bedroom villa at this resort. Accommodation options are combined with the adults only Turks & Caicos Hotel, Villas and The Estate residences making it the perfect place for both couples or families. Our villa was spacious, comfortably decorated and offered ocean front views from all rooms. Many activities offered are snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, ocean kayaking and a wonderful kids program. Another plus...this resort is a part of the Virtuoso collection making special "perks" available to clients.
If your family is looking for an activity filled fun all-inclusive resort, Beaches is the place for you!!! This resort includes a 45,000 square foot water park, kids club, staffed nursery, supervised activities, ocean kayaks, snorkeling, windsurfing, paddle boarding, Hobie Cats and hydro-bikes. Scuba diving is also included in the package price! As for Accommodations, this resort has 3 magnificent villages: Italian, French and Caribbean. Rooms begin with a luxury room selection to suites with multiple bedrooms. Added perks are having a private butler at your service during your stay. Does it get any better than that?!?!
On my "list" for extra special romantic get-a-ways are Parrot Cay and Amanyara. Both resorts are members of the exclusive Virtuoso collection. I haven't experienced them first hand but I've had clients very happy with their stays at these resorts. Parrot Cay is a private island located in T&C offering an award winning holistic spa, healthy dining and dedicated to your well-being. Accommodations vary from views of the beautiful garden to a room directly on the beach. Just thinking about walking out of a room onto sand is what I consider to be ultimate paradise! Amanyara is a private and exclusive hideaway where many celebrities chose to stay. Accommodations are offered in 2 categories: pavilions and villas. Each pavilion and villa has a private pool and each have a special location on the resort property to give clients the ultimate privacy during their stay.
Two extra special experiences during your stay in Turks & Caicos, that I highly recommend prearranging, are dining at Coco Bistro and experiencing a private yacht cruise with Kenard Cruises. Coco Bistro is a "foodies" paradise and is usually booked 2 months in advance. It is located in the heart of Grace Bay and is known as a "must" by guests and residents of the island. I also listed the Kenard Cruises as an extra special experience during your time in T&C because I experienced it first hand during my last visit to the island and it ended up being my favorite day during my vacation. Whether you decide to go for a half day, full day or sunset cruise, the experience is truly unforgettable. We chose the half day private cruise and relaxed in the sun on the boat with music, drinks and food. We also went diving for conch, collected sand dollars, snorkeled and took a tour of Iguana Island. Definitely one of my most special vacation memories.
