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Many of my clients come to me and say, “I want to go to Beaches.” The reputation of the Beaches Resorts brand is very favorable, but did you know there are in fact three, very different Beaches resorts out there? As a certified Beaches specialist, I can help you choose the best Beaches resort for you – but this article will give you an overview of the similarities and differences of all three. That way you can compare and find the perfect Beaches resort for your family!
Which Beaches Resort Is The Best For You? Compare and Find the Perfect Resort for Your Family
How Many Beaches Resorts Are There and Where are Beaches Resorts Located?
Beaches is the family-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive resort by the Sandals brand. Sandals is a resort for two people in love, and they have locations in the Bahamas, Curacao, Sandals Grande Antigua, Grenada, two resorts in Barbados, three Sandals in St Lucia and seven resorts in Jamaica including Sandals Royal Caribbean, one of my favorites! Each of those are very different, as are the three Beaches properties, located in Turks and Caicos’, Negril, Jamaica and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Are Beaches Resorts Good For Families?
Yeah, Beaches Resorts are the BEST for families! These resorts are designed 100% with families in mind. Now at Beaches Turks and Caicos there are some adults only areas, and adult guests at Beaches Negril can use the facilities at Sandals Negril (transportation at your own cost), but Beaches resorts are perfect for multi-generational groups, groups of families, extended families and destination weddings where kids are invited.
What is similar across all three Beaches Resorts?
Across the Beaches/Sandals resorts, you will find some consistencies. All resorts offer global gourmet cuisine, incredible service, a strict no tipping policy, and included round trip airport transfers.
At all three Beaches resorts, you will find outstanding kids’ clubs with a Sesame Street theme. You will also find upwards of 80% of the resort staff are autism certified, there is a strong commitment to welcoming the needs of all children. Families can even hire a one-on-one Beaches buddy at each resort.
But each resort is unique and what one family loves, might not work for another family – really depends on your travel style and budget. So it’s important to always plan your Beaches trip with a certified Beaches specialist, like myself, to help choose the destination/resort/room type perfect for your family!
Beaches Turks and Caicos
Beaches Turks is really known as the gold standard of family all-inclusive resorts. I have helped MANY families choose which Beaches Turks and Caicos Village is right for them, as this is a large, 700+ room resort is divided into 5 distinct villages. There are over 40 different room options at Beaches Turks and Caicos, so its extra important to work with someone to help choose the right room category for you.
But if you are even just considering staying at Beaches Turks and Caicos, here are a few things to note:
Beaches Turks and Caicos is a large resort. This can be a pro, or a con, depending on what you like. A large resort means a ton of restaurant options – there are over 20 eateries on site here. Many pools, the largest waterpark/lazy river of the three Beaches resorts and so much to do. But from one end of the resort to another, it can be a 10-15 minute or so walk. There are paths, and the resort is flat and easy to navigate, but I suggest bringing strollers for little ones!
Other pros of Beaches Turks and Caicos:
Beaches Turks and Caicos is only about a 20 minute ride from the airport.
Beaches Turks and Caicos is on Grace Bay Beach, which is one of the best in the world.
There is so much to do on site, really something for everyone to enjoy.
There are several adults only things at Beaches Turks and Caicos’ – Sky is an adults only restaurant, there is an English pub for adults, an adults only pool in Key West Village, and adult only hot tubs near the beach
There are gorgeous Butler villas in Key West Village that can sleep up to 12 guests.
Cons of Beaches Turks and Caicos
Mostly the price. Beaches Turks and Caicos is a high demand resort that commands a high price tag.
Beaches Turks and Caicos also books up about 12-18 months in advance, so it’s important to book early to secure your best space and rate.
Flights to Providenciales can also be pricy. There are not many direct flights from the US to Providenciales. Low supply, means tickets are at a premium and unless you are coming from JFK, Newark, Dulles, Charlotte, Miami or Philadelphia, you will probably have to take a connection to get to Turks and Caicos.
Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Tour:
Beaches Negril
Beaches Negril is located on Jamaica’s west coast. This resort only has 197 rooms and is a very beachy, very casual resort. The introduction of the new villas in 2023 now offer rooms that can sleep up to 18 guests, but most of the rooms here max out at 5 guests.
And besides the new villas, the rooms at Beaches Negril are very traditionally furnished, which fits with the resort’s very Caribbean feel.
Pros of Beaches Negril –
Beaches Negril is a smaller, more intimate resort (again can be a pro or con) but does have everything a family needs for a fabulous vacation.
Beaches Negril is located on the beautiful 7-mile beach.
At Beaches Negril, the activities really shine. There are two waterslides, two swim up bars, a lazy river, and of course lots of watersports. Beaches Negril is the only Beaches resort that offers waterskiing!
Beaches Negril, although still a premium resort, will offer better pricing than Beaches Turks and Caicos. There also many more flights to Jamaica from the US, verses to Turks and Caicos so it is possible to get better flight options at better prices.
Cons of Beaches Negril
Beaches Negril is a true family resort, there only “adults only” thing is the late night dance club. Again, this could be a pro or a con! Although worth noting that adults 18+ can use the facilities at Sandals Negril – about a 5-minute ride down the road. But transportation is at the guest’s expense.
There are no elevators at Beaches Negril, except in the Eventide building, which is fine if you can’t do stairs, you just must book a walkout level room. Again something I can easily assist with in helping you book your Beaches vacation.
The 75+ minute ride to/from the airport, although really not a bad ride, can make a long travel day even longer, or a short trip even shorter, so something to consider when choosing Beaches Negril.
Beaches Negril is very casual. Even at night, guests don’t dress up much, and almost everything is outdoors. I think the only indoor restaurant is Kimono’s – again, that fact will be a pro for some families!
Beaches Negril Resort Tour:
Beaches Ocho Rios
Lastly, the third Beaches resort, located In Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This resort is about 90 minutes east of the Montego Bay airport, a very different location than out west in Negril.
In December 2023, I finally got to visit Beaches Ocho Rios, and I can report its a lovely resort. Small and intimate and happy kids running around everywhere. Although some rooms are a little dated, but the Greek Village is more recently renovated, so I usually opt for those rooms for my guests.
Pros of Beaches Ocho Rios
This is the area you want to stay in if you are wanting to explore Dunn’s River Falls.
Beaches Ocho Rios will be the best priced Beaches resort, and you will still receive the same great level of service with the more moderate price tag.
Beaches Ocho Rios has the largest waterpark in Jamaica, and the beach is small and protected, which is perfect for littles.
Beaches Ocho Rios is the only Beaches resort to offer golf included. Yes, unlimited rounds at Upton Estate Golf and Country Club, with transportation is included! Guests just pay for food at the course, cart and caddy fees. You can also rent clubs, golf shoes, and take private lessons! There are complimentary golf clinics hosted weekly.
Cons of Beaches Ocho Rios
This resort is a ways from Montego Bay, although there are now several times a week direct flight from Miami to Ocho Rios, so if you have to take a connecting flight anyway, or are coming from Miami, flying directly to Ocho Rios will cut down on that drive (This service is starting Winter 2024 on American Airlines). You can also fly into Kingston for access to Beaches Ocho Rios
This resort does need, and is scheduled to, receive, a face-lift.
This resort does not offer butler level accommodations and rooms max out at 5 guests.
Beaches Resorts Frequently Asked Questions:
Which Beaches Resort is the Best?
Again I love Beaches Turks and Caicos and Beaches Negril for different reasons, but you just cannot beat all there is on offer at Beaches Turks and Caicos. I do think the consensus is Beaches Turks and Caicos is the biggest and best of the Beaches Resorts.
Which Beaches Resort is Better In Jamaica
Again, subjective, and if you are interested in golf, Beaches Ocho Rios will be your best option. If you are a beach lover, then opt for Beaches Negril. I say, visit one, then go back the following year to visit the other!
Which Beaches Resort is the Cheapest
At Beaches Resorts there are a variety of room options – from luxury to Beaches Butler Elite. In general, Beaches Ocho Rios usually prices out the best.
Which Beaches Resort in Jamaica is Closest to the Airport
From Montego Bay Airport, Beaches Negril is about a 75 minute ride. Beaches Ocho Rios is about 90 minutes from MBJ. Again, Beaches Ocho Rios guests can fly into Ian Fleming Ocho Rios airport and it’s only a five minute drive from there.
Does Beaches Resorts do Weddings?
Yes! Beaches offers the most amazing resort option for weddings where kids will be invited. And the best part – a Beaches Destination Wedding is going to be so much less expensive than a wedding in your hometown! As a Beaches certified specialist, I also help plan Beaches Destination Weddings. I can help you choose the right resort, dates, room, etc. for your special day!
All three Beaches Resorts are fantastic, but which is the best for you definitely depends on your travel style and budget. Be sure to reach out for all your Beaches Resorts and all-inclusive planning needs and I cannot wait to assist your family in finding the best Beaches Resort for you!
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