Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Beaches Resort- Turks and Caicos- Review by DaddyYO
This is my review of the Beaches Resort- Turks and Caicos
We went the second week in May, flew American Airlines. There are no TV’s on American, so bring your portable DVD players to keep your little ones occupied. Trust me! From NY its a 3 1/2 hour flight, not including check in...so pack toy and food smart. Remember you have to pass through customs and they sometimes (depending on the day) are strict with the drink and food getting passed, unless for babies. I have found being forthright helps and telling them you have it in your bag before they ask "what is that liquid is in your bag" will get your milk and food through a lot easier.
We landed in T&C on time and I always enjoy exiting a plane directly onto the runway and into the sea-salt air and warm sun. Customs at T&C was a breeze and you are directed, quite effortlessly, to a van that will drive you to the hotel. The drive was roughly 35 min. It did take some getting used to, as a passenger, driving on the left hand side of the road. There is no time difference in T&C.
Upon arrival, your vacation instantly begins. The hospitable concierge attend to your bags right out of the van and someone hands you a cold drink. Our rooms were ready with no delay. The rooms are bigger than your standard “American master one bedroom” and with a little ingenuity we hung some blankets and parked the crib in a cozy corner for littleyo take his daily naps. With our bags unpacked and bathing suites on the "YO" family ventured out to explore all what BEACHES has to offer.
Important Safety tip #1: Bring water shoes!! This applies to all the BEACHES hotels. The tile floor gets VERY slippery from the rain and/or from the wet dripping bathing suites that leave paths in every direction. We all had some close calls, no falls!
There are a total of three hotels on the Beaches property. The Italian village, The French Village and the Caribbean. The all inclusive package allows you freely roam amongst them all so you can enjoy all the restaurants, pools and bar’s in between. As we walked around, it was apparent from the number of strollers that this was a FAMILY RESORT. If you are single and/or married with no kids - do not go to Beaches. This is not the place for you.
Besides being very clean, except for the couch in our room that was “suspect” the food was really good no matter where we ate . Restaurants ranged from places like “Barefoot” - tables in the sand, buffet, pizza and sushi. A very important note to make - no matter where we ate it never left me running for the bathroom! Which is normally the case for me when vacationing at any Island resort, especially an all inclusive! We were very happy with the food. (FOOD - Three Stars ***)
ALCOHOL was apart of the all inclusive package and ranged from Miller, MGD, Johnny Walker Black and Red (my personal favorite) to the local island Turks Head beer (delicious). Of course the standard island drinks like frozen margarita and Pina Coloda’s were also apart of our choices. The one negative, and this could be my own internal NY city clock, was the wait at the bar for a drink, crowded or not. I had to keep reminding myself to relax and wait, we are on island time. They eventually will get to you with a smile and comforting island accent. AHHH!!!! (ALCOHOL -Three Stars ***)
The staff overall was very pleasant and all to accommodating- no matter what the request. For example, LittleYO only ate pizza and strawberries, we eventually ran out of strawberries so we had a staff on strawberry RECON, collecting and gathering all the strawberries from all the various restaurants on the island. They always came through for us with a bowl of fresh strawberries. It was very cool for them to do that! I think LittleYO consumed every strawberry on that island during the week we were there. By Friday, we couldn’t find one strawberry anywhere. ( STAFF and Strawberries- 4 stars ****)
The Famous Sesame Street CAMP that Beaches is known for. Now, before our vacation we discussed leaving LittleYO at the camp. However, we hesitant leaving our 18 mos with people we did not know on some island. However, by Day 3 we were considering it! We stopped by the day care and scoped it out- from the front to the back. We interviewed parents walking in/out of the camp and general census was unanimous. All positive! So we decided to give it a shot. Here is how it works:
The entire day, the kids are entertained with sand castle building, swimming in a 2ft pool to crayons with Elmo. They hang out and engage with other kids their own age. After all, it’s their vacation too!!!
The camp staff is beyond anything we could have imaged and very understanding of the nervous parents that keep popping back every half hour to check in (that would be my wifeyo). The camp allowed Mommyyo and I some alone time and some much needed relaxation. Weather to just sit there and watch the water, snorkel or do the dirty ;o) we knew LittleYO was in good hands. (Sesame Camp- 4 stars ****)
Although “they say” they can’t except tips, they do. As long as the tip is left on the bar or table and not handed to them. You are never made to feel you have to tip. The all inclusive package to my surprise included Snorkel gear, Para sailing and other beach rentals. All you need is your room number...not carrying any money added to the relaxation level.
On the last day you are told to report to the Departure Village 2 hours before flight. At the Departure Village you give your room number and Flight # to one of the happiest women I have ever met sitting behind a desk. It was so organized. The room was pretty filled with families leaving the resort ( your portable DVD player will come in handy here). They offer warm cookies and sodas in a lounge type setting and the kids get one last visit by ELMO! Stress level still very low...
The happiest lady you have ever met sits behind a desk in T&C. She organizes the room numbers with departure times and groups them into separate departing vans. As your room number is called, in between an impromptu song, you walk outside where your bags and stroller are loaded into your van departing for the airport. Stress Level still low...(Departure village- 2 Stars **)
We arrive at the airport and its at the time your foot hits the ground outside of the van, your stress level starts to elevate. A man picks up your baggage and strolls to the back of the line that seems FOREVER!!!! Still in BEACH’S MODE I hardly didn’t even notice our luggage helper waiting for his tip almost three min after he dropped them off. I reached in my pocket and gave him a $5 spot.
Important Safety tip #2: Feed your kids before the airport. Feed them again and again and again!
We were on the “OUTSIDE LINE” for an HOUR! Another 45 min on the “INSIDE LINE” ...this is where LittleYO lost it! By lose it, I mean security thought we were beating the crap out of or stealing an 18 mos year old child. He can be heard across the island! Not kidding and I wish I was fabricating. This went on outside of security and continued all the way to the gate. We tried everything....but the kicking and screaming and wailing and tears. We were “those parents” and we sincerely didn’t know what to do. In my mind, I thought of just knocking him out with one punch. Of course I didn’t but its amazing the thoughts that run through a parents head during these “testing times” I sat him down and tried reasoning with him, bribing him anything I can do to make him stop but he wanted nothing to do with me....so we let him cry as loud and as long as he wanted. I was worried for everyone on that plane back to New York....”Now Boarding JFK” ( T&C airport - on the way back home-ZERO STARS)
Stress Level at MAX, it was about this time I was hoping for a plane to crash directly on top of my head! We walked towards the plane on the runway. Looking at MommyYO, our eye contact and silent communication was clear. We were both concerned and scared for the ride back to NY. MommyYO always the optimist “He’ll be fine” I really wanted to believe that... ( MommyYO- Five Stars *****)
We boarded the plane with LittleYO on my hip. The eyes of everyone on that plane was directly on us! The eyes of everyone on that plane with an empty seat next to them I could almost make out the silent lip movements of the “Hail Mary’s” and “Our Father’s”. We found out seats and 5 min later, LittleYO Fell asleep for he 3 hour flight back to NY. Thank you GOD!
Arriving back at JFK on a Saturday, it was empty. Everything moved very quickly. I will most definitely book future return trips on Saturday! It was a good FamilyYO vacation and memories will last a lifetime. I highly recommend visiting T&C with your family sooner than later.
Over the last week with no cell phone or laptop I was reminded why family is so important, its unconditional. My family will always love me and I will always love them. No matter what. I cant say that about my job or anything or anyone else in my life. Take a few minutes a day, a vacation or night out to dinner with your families and connect! Connect with your Wifeyyo, your LittleYo's because no matter how important our silly DaddyYO lives are (which they are not- unless your an astronaut or a Doctor) our family is the basis to which our DaddyYO existence and lives will forever be judged. Our JOB is family, not work. Sometimes going on vacation to some island even for just a week, with mantra's of "No worries", "I'm blessed" and "I'm Happy MAN!" helps me to remember whats most important in this life. FAMILY....The source of love and happiness. Treasure it, perhaps on some island...perhaps Turks and Caicos.
We went the second week in May, flew American Airlines. There are no TV’s on American, so bring your portable DVD players to keep your little ones occupied. Trust me! From NY its a 3 1/2 hour flight, not including check in...so pack toy and food smart. Remember you have to pass through customs and they sometimes (depending on the day) are strict with the drink and food getting passed, unless for babies. I have found being forthright helps and telling them you have it in your bag before they ask "what is that liquid is in your bag" will get your milk and food through a lot easier.
Upon arrival, your vacation instantly begins. The hospitable concierge attend to your bags right out of the van and someone hands you a cold drink. Our rooms were ready with no delay. The rooms are bigger than your standard “American master one bedroom” and with a little ingenuity we hung some blankets and parked the crib in a cozy corner for littleyo take his daily naps. With our bags unpacked and bathing suites on the "YO" family ventured out to explore all what BEACHES has to offer.
Important Safety tip #1: Bring water shoes!! This applies to all the BEACHES hotels. The tile floor gets VERY slippery from the rain and/or from the wet dripping bathing suites that leave paths in every direction. We all had some close calls, no falls!
There are a total of three hotels on the Beaches property. The Italian village, The French Village and the Caribbean. The all inclusive package allows you freely roam amongst them all so you can enjoy all the restaurants, pools and bar’s in between. As we walked around, it was apparent from the number of strollers that this was a FAMILY RESORT. If you are single and/or married with no kids - do not go to Beaches. This is not the place for you.
Besides being very clean, except for the couch in our room that was “suspect” the food was really good no matter where we ate . Restaurants ranged from places like “Barefoot” - tables in the sand, buffet, pizza and sushi. A very important note to make - no matter where we ate it never left me running for the bathroom! Which is normally the case for me when vacationing at any Island resort, especially an all inclusive! We were very happy with the food. (FOOD - Three Stars ***)
ALCOHOL was apart of the all inclusive package and ranged from Miller, MGD, Johnny Walker Black and Red (my personal favorite) to the local island Turks Head beer (delicious). Of course the standard island drinks like frozen margarita and Pina Coloda’s were also apart of our choices. The one negative, and this could be my own internal NY city clock, was the wait at the bar for a drink, crowded or not. I had to keep reminding myself to relax and wait, we are on island time. They eventually will get to you with a smile and comforting island accent. AHHH!!!! (ALCOHOL -Three Stars ***)
The staff overall was very pleasant and all to accommodating- no matter what the request. For example, LittleYO only ate pizza and strawberries, we eventually ran out of strawberries so we had a staff on strawberry RECON, collecting and gathering all the strawberries from all the various restaurants on the island. They always came through for us with a bowl of fresh strawberries. It was very cool for them to do that! I think LittleYO consumed every strawberry on that island during the week we were there. By Friday, we couldn’t find one strawberry anywhere. ( STAFF and Strawberries- 4 stars ****)
- You Need a passport to register your LittleYO - The entire process less than 5 min.
- Provide a secret code word to pick your kid up.
- Register him in the appropriate age group. (Groups are divided up 18-24 months and up to tween)
- The camp provides parents with a NOKIA cell phone with a local number- in case of anything. They never call and I think the cell is more for the parents ease of heart than anything else.
- You can leave them for an hour or the whole day- just sign them in or out! - NO CHARGE
The entire day, the kids are entertained with sand castle building, swimming in a 2ft pool to crayons with Elmo. They hang out and engage with other kids their own age. After all, it’s their vacation too!!!
The camp staff is beyond anything we could have imaged and very understanding of the nervous parents that keep popping back every half hour to check in (that would be my wifeyo). The camp allowed Mommyyo and I some alone time and some much needed relaxation. Weather to just sit there and watch the water, snorkel or do the dirty ;o) we knew LittleYO was in good hands. (Sesame Camp- 4 stars ****)
Although “they say” they can’t except tips, they do. As long as the tip is left on the bar or table and not handed to them. You are never made to feel you have to tip. The all inclusive package to my surprise included Snorkel gear, Para sailing and other beach rentals. All you need is your room number...not carrying any money added to the relaxation level.
On the last day you are told to report to the Departure Village 2 hours before flight. At the Departure Village you give your room number and Flight # to one of the happiest women I have ever met sitting behind a desk. It was so organized. The room was pretty filled with families leaving the resort ( your portable DVD player will come in handy here). They offer warm cookies and sodas in a lounge type setting and the kids get one last visit by ELMO! Stress level still very low...
The happiest lady you have ever met sits behind a desk in T&C. She organizes the room numbers with departure times and groups them into separate departing vans. As your room number is called, in between an impromptu song, you walk outside where your bags and stroller are loaded into your van departing for the airport. Stress Level still low...(Departure village- 2 Stars **)
We arrive at the airport and its at the time your foot hits the ground outside of the van, your stress level starts to elevate. A man picks up your baggage and strolls to the back of the line that seems FOREVER!!!! Still in BEACH’S MODE I hardly didn’t even notice our luggage helper waiting for his tip almost three min after he dropped them off. I reached in my pocket and gave him a $5 spot.
Important Safety tip #2: Feed your kids before the airport. Feed them again and again and again!
We were on the “OUTSIDE LINE” for an HOUR! Another 45 min on the “INSIDE LINE” ...this is where LittleYO lost it! By lose it, I mean security thought we were beating the crap out of or stealing an 18 mos year old child. He can be heard across the island! Not kidding and I wish I was fabricating. This went on outside of security and continued all the way to the gate. We tried everything....but the kicking and screaming and wailing and tears. We were “those parents” and we sincerely didn’t know what to do. In my mind, I thought of just knocking him out with one punch. Of course I didn’t but its amazing the thoughts that run through a parents head during these “testing times” I sat him down and tried reasoning with him, bribing him anything I can do to make him stop but he wanted nothing to do with me....so we let him cry as loud and as long as he wanted. I was worried for everyone on that plane back to New York....”Now Boarding JFK” ( T&C airport - on the way back home-ZERO STARS)
Stress Level at MAX, it was about this time I was hoping for a plane to crash directly on top of my head! We walked towards the plane on the runway. Looking at MommyYO, our eye contact and silent communication was clear. We were both concerned and scared for the ride back to NY. MommyYO always the optimist “He’ll be fine” I really wanted to believe that... ( MommyYO- Five Stars *****)
We boarded the plane with LittleYO on my hip. The eyes of everyone on that plane was directly on us! The eyes of everyone on that plane with an empty seat next to them I could almost make out the silent lip movements of the “Hail Mary’s” and “Our Father’s”. We found out seats and 5 min later, LittleYO Fell asleep for he 3 hour flight back to NY. Thank you GOD!
Arriving back at JFK on a Saturday, it was empty. Everything moved very quickly. I will most definitely book future return trips on Saturday! It was a good FamilyYO vacation and memories will last a lifetime. I highly recommend visiting T&C with your family sooner than later.
Over the last week with no cell phone or laptop I was reminded why family is so important, its unconditional. My family will always love me and I will always love them. No matter what. I cant say that about my job or anything or anyone else in my life. Take a few minutes a day, a vacation or night out to dinner with your families and connect! Connect with your Wifeyyo, your LittleYo's because no matter how important our silly DaddyYO lives are (which they are not- unless your an astronaut or a Doctor) our family is the basis to which our DaddyYO existence and lives will forever be judged. Our JOB is family, not work. Sometimes going on vacation to some island even for just a week, with mantra's of "No worries", "I'm blessed" and "I'm Happy MAN!" helps me to remember whats most important in this life. FAMILY....The source of love and happiness. Treasure it, perhaps on some island...perhaps Turks and Caicos.
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