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A Terrific Toddler Vacation

Sunny Days at BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS Resort and Spa

By Kyla Steinkraus

“Mommy, sit!” my 2 year old shrieks, patting a patch of wet sand next to him. I sink down beside him, water warm as bathwater lapping against my legs. Caleb drops his bucket into a gentle wave as it breaks across his belly, scooping up crystal clear water and examining it for ‘fishies.’ The sun warms my skin as I lay back on the brilliant sand, soft and white as baby powder. The turquoise ocean stretches out before us, as rich in hue as a Crayola crayon. It simply doesn’t get any better than this. 

We are staying as guests at the Beaches Resort and Spa, an ultra all-inclusive paradise located on Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Bordering 12 miles of pristine beach, the 453-room resort is spread among several pastel bungalows nestled between lush gardens and swaying palms. The resort caters to families of all ages, but the special attention it pays to its smallest guests truly sets it apart. If you’re seeking a vacation packed with activities geared specifically for your energetic two-year-old (as well as luxurious amenities and relaxation for you), then Beaches is your perfect getaway.

The resort provides a terrific toddler vacation destination at any time of the year, but fall is a particularly enticing time to visit. “For parents of pre-schoolers, fall is a great time to travel,” says Beaches Resorts CEO Adam Stewart. “Airports are less congested, prices are better, and there’s more room on the beach!” 

While your friends with older kids are suffering the Back-to-School Blues, you can take advantage of Beaches’ new WonderFall season. This September and October, Beaches debuts a program for preschoolers featuring original stage shows, crafts specially designed for tiny hands, and daily activities such as “Discover Magical Treasures with Abby Cadabby” and “Bake with Cookie Monster”. Perhaps the best incentive is a special savings of 45 percent off. Rates for a family of four start at $2,873 for a week.

For Toddlers

While most hotels and resorts have kids programs starting at age three or four, Camp Sesame welcomes babies and toddlers. The nannies are certified and CPR-trained, and they truly love the kids. They knew Caleb’s name after the first visit, and several of the nannies stopped to say hello in other areas of the resort when they saw him. Camp Sesame keeps the kids entertained from 8a.m. to 5p.m. with visits from Bert and Ernie, Pirate costume parties, treasure hunts, face painting, and treks to the beach and their own toddler pool.

When you’re seeking quality family time, six swimming pools provide space to splash around. The pool located in the French Village has a large wading pool just for toddlers. Sesame Street characters make plenty of appearances, from story-time with Elmo, practicing line dancing with Zoe, and exploring nature with Grover. Families can explore the pirate ship at Pirates Island, build a sand castle, decorate a picture frame at the Crayola Art Camp activity center, or create chalk murals by the pool.   

Other activities include glass bottom boat tours and relaxing on the custom-built catamaran. Drinks and snacks are served below deck, with a dance party with Elmo and Abby for the kids. Don life jackets and try the tube slide attached to the boat. 

For You

When it’s time for some much-deserved self-indulgence, drop the baby off at Camp Sesame and take a snorkeling or scuba diving trip. Up to two diving trips a day are included in your stay. Scuba Diving magazine ranked Turks and Caicos one of the top five diving spots in the world, and the snorkeling is terrific as well. It was cloudy and raining the day I went, but the water was still clear. Bright fish darted between green brain coral, purple fans, and the waving fingers of orange sea anemones. I spotted a sea turtle and swam alongside it for several minutes. Our captain told us a local dolphin named Jojo often stops by for a visit. 

For more water fun, take out the kayak or try your hand at windsurfing. Afterwards, head to the Red Lane Spa for his-and-her massages or a pedicure, and then enjoy dinner for two in the Parisian-inspired French Village.  

Food for Thought

The food possibilities are endless when bellies start to rumble.  Choices include Kimono’s Japanese cuisine cooked tableside, Sapodilla’s adults-only, white-glove service, and Bobby D’s all-night, 50’s-style diner featuring chicken nuggets, hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, and a soda bar. From quick-service gourmet buffets to a leisurely a la cart beach-front meal, the resort’s eleven restaurants will satisfy both you and your picky toddler. There are plenty of high chairs and crayons, and the staff is used to (and even smiles at) tantrums and flying French Fries.

Evening Activities

Each evening, we headed to the stage for a live show featuring Elmo, Zoe, and the other residents of Sesame Street. The kids danced to remixed popular tunes the adults tapped their toes to as well. The Treasure Caravan parade, dive-in kids’ movies by the pool, and the Soon Come Back Friday night beach party with inflatable bounce houses and fire twirlers are a few of the evening activities offered. Of course, after going strong all day, most pre-schoolers will be more than ready to hit the sack early.

Expanding Paradise

Set to open in January 2009, Beaches’ $125 million expansion will include an Italian Seaside Village with 162 luxury rooms, four gourmet restaurants, a 14,000-square-foot pool, and a water park. The park will include seven new slides, a surf simulator, a 1,000-foot long lazy river, and a zero-entry pool and play area for tots. 

Getting There

Expect a layover in Miami, Florida. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Turks and Caicos Islands, so travel days will be long. But the second you gaze at the jewel-toned waters shimmering far below from your airplane window, your weariness will fade away. From the Providenciales airport, the shuttle is a 15 minute ride. Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa, Beaches.com, 1.888.BEACHES.

Kyla Steinkraus is a freelance writer.