Beaches Resorts, where families play together

It is said “families that play together stay together” and this may be the reason family travel has become the new trend. Vacation spots around the world, have expanded what they offer to include amenities that appeal to - children, parents, grandparents, even aunts and uncles and their families.

When planning a trip, one of the first questions, families should ask is, "what do they offer for all members of the family.

One of the best family friendly resorts in the Caribbean are the Beaches Resorts, three of them are on the island of Jamaica, the fourth is on Turks and Caicos.

These resorts have been developed with the interests of the "kids" first, but they also offer amenities and activities for the entire family group, all at an all-inclusive price that includes -
accommodations that range from a regular hotel room to one, two and three bedroom suires, all spacious enough to accommodate large families. All meals, unlimited premium brand drinks, motorized and non-motorized water sports, land sports including tennis, volleyball and basketball, Sesame Street Characters to amuze and entertain the kids, and nightly entertainment including karaoke and game rooms.

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The three Beaches Resorts on Jamaica are -

Beaches Negril Resort & Spa is located right on 7-mile beach in Negril, just a few steps from the white sandy beach, amid the exotic tropical foliage. Here no building is taller, than the top, of the tallest palm tree and the sunsets are spectacular.

Beaches Sandy Bay, also shares 7-mile beach, in Negril. this low key resort has a captivating Caribbean charm with it's pitched roof, pastel colors, and inviting welcome, it was created just for families.

On the other side, away from Negril, is Boscobel Resort and Golf Club, built right on the sandy beach, beneath the lush St. Ann Mountains. This, more intimate resort, is just right for families, more laid-back and less decisions - there are only five restaurants to choose from. This is a ideal place for golfers, as golf is included at the nearby Sandals Resort.

Last, but not least, is Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, located on the island of Turks & Caicos. This resort is three resorts in one -

A. The pastel-colored bungalows of the Seaside Villas are surrounded by lush tropical gardens and swaying palms in the the Caribbean Village - which was the first village to be built here.
B. The French Village overlooks manicured formal gardens lined with quaint cafes and restaurants and one of the largest pools, with a raised sundeck and swim-up bar.
C. The spectacular new Italian Village reminds one of the grandeur of Rome , it is the closest to the waters edge.
Between the three villages, there are eight pools, all just a few steps from the blue waters of the Caribbean sea, on the shores of famed Grace Bay.

Choosing one of these resorts, is a wise family decision.

While distinctly different resorts, their "kids programs" are based around the same themes.

1. Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street, here kids can spend time with old favorites - go bird watching with Big Bird ; enjoy story time with Elmo, learn to dance with Zoe; bake with Cookie Monster, explore with Grover and discover magical treasures with Abby Cadabby. There are street parades, complete with music and dancing in the streets, and at night kids can join their favorites on Stage, to participate in the show.

2. In the Martha Stewart Crafts Studio kids will learn, while having fun, the classes are designed just for Beaches Resorts - how to make that special souvenier, all fancy with glitter; then there are classes on scrapbooking, postcard making and stenciling - all in the spirit of having fun.

3. For the older children there is Pirates Island Waterpark, themed with adventure and non-stop fun. Ride down a 2-story tube slide, float on the lazy river, enjoy the water cannons, whirlpools and waterslides; or play pirate on the huge pirate ship. There are extra thrills to be had - on the surf stimulator with real "rip curl" board surfing, and on the "no holds barred" speed slides. There are also tamer things to do, such as the many games available including
X-Box 360, and when they get the munchies there are places serving the food that all kids enjoy - burgers, shakes, pizza - topped off with their own swim-up soda fountain.

4. Many of the activities overlap, things that can be enjoyed by both adults and children:
from waterskiing to windsurfing to banana boats and sail boats; explore the mysteries of the ocean and snorkle the technicolor reefs.
a. the dive program. Certified divers can scuba dive twice a day - at shipwrecks, drop-off-walls and in underwater caves. Those not certified, can take instructions and get certified - even kids as young as 10 years of age.
b. golf for those who stay at Boscobel in Jamaica, unlimited rounds of golf are included with complimentary green fees - at the 18-hole Sandals Golf & Country Club.

For the less active family members, who would prefer a more relaxing vacation, there are shaded Hammocks strung between tropical trees; beach lounges that can be pulled to the edge of the lapping waves; the sound of island music; someone to bring them a tall tropical drink; that is a vacation. Add to that a world renowned Spa, where adults can choose from a variety of body massages, facials and other treatments - another way to round out the pampering - (This is one of the few things with an extra charge).

Beaches Resorts kids camps are divided by ages, starting with the infants, then the 2 - 4, and 5 - 7 year olds,. They are cared for by certified Nannies, and kept entertained programs geared to their ages.

The next group are the Tweens, a little older and more active - they can enjoy hobie cat sailing, waterskiing, snorkeling, beach and pool volleyball, all the fun at Pirates island, theme parties and karaoke; and kids-only reataurants.

Then there are the Teens, they can do whatever they want - hang out at Trench Town Arcade Lounge which has everything from hoops to foosball, Scratch DJ Acadedmy; and non-stop reggae jams. Spend time at the "teens-only beach shack"; ride the wind of a hobie cat or behind the waves of a ski boat; skim across the ocean on a banana boat; pedal a water bike, or snorkle amid the corall reefs filled with colored fish. For sure, the one thing you will never hear - "there is nothing to do".

Keeping families together, is very important, one of the reasons that, Beaches Resorts, have family sized rooms with - from one to four bedrooms - many of which connect. All with a variety of slepp options - bunk beds for the kids, double, queen or king beds for the adults - a spacious balcony or walkout patio, in a tropical garden, along the beach or at the waters edge.

There are also luxury villa suites that can accommodate, up to 8 people, with separate living areas, plasma TV's, kitchenette, three bathrooms and private patios. All the suites have in-room bars that are stocked with non-alcoholic beverages for the kids, and premium brand liquors for the adults - all included in the one price.

Families will have no problem finding a restaurant, that has the cuisine they are looking for. With up to sixteen restaurants to choose from, everyone can find what they want to eat. There are restaurants with great menus from different regions of the globe - the Orient, france, Italy and the Mediterranean - and seafood from the oceans around the islands.

There are adult-only restaurants, as well as kid-restaurants - allowing each age group to enjoy the food they like, in an environment catering to their age group - and at every Beaches Resort there is at least one authentic Caribbean Restaurant.

As this is an all-inclusive resort, wine and premium drinks are included with each meal, for he adults, and sodas and tropical punches for the children.

When the sun goes down and the stars come out - it’s Show time - maybe the night for the beach Caribbean Jerk barbeque; or the bonfire party with fire-eaters and paper lanterns. Perhaps its front row center in the main pool for the - dive-in movies; or the Sesame Street stage show, where kids get a chance to perform. Whatever the program, there is always entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

There are up to fourteen bars, at each resort, many with 24-hour drink availability. The night Club - Liquid - opens, with a mix of Hip-Hop and Reggae. The club belongs to the teens till late, then the adults take over, it does not close till the last guest leaves.

On Jamaica there are a variety of places to visit, away from the Resorts -
walk the “Dunns River Falls”, which flows from the mountains to the ocean below;
take a Canopy Tour thru the trees of the rain forest;
swim with the Dolphins.
Look for the White Witch of Rose Hall, a Jamacian legend,
go rafting on the Rio Grande River,
or visit Appleton Estate to see how rum is made.
Whatever the choices, families can enjoy them together.

On Turks and Caicos Humback whales can often be seen off shore and if one is lucky they can catch sight of the Island’s mascot - a playful bottlenose dolphin - Jojo, cavorting in the ocean. This is also,a well-known diving area, so go prepared to experience all the waters have to offer.