I just got back from Beaches Turks & Caicos, and let me tell you, I'm still dreaming about those turquoise waters! But beyond the stunning scenery, one of the most important things to consider when planning your Beaches vacation is choosing the right village. It truly can make or break your experience, so I'm here to share my insights to help you find the perfect fit.
I recently did a Live video inside by Facebook Group Melissa's Fantasy-Filled Family Journeys: Where Food Meets Fun all about this very topic. If you'd like you can catch the replay here but I also wanted to do a written guide that you can refer back to. So, let’s dive in and explore each village—the good, the bad, and everything in between—so you can discover the perfect fit for your dream Turks & Caicos vacation!
Caribbean & Seaside Villages:
VIBE/OVERVIEW: Tropical, Beach-Front, Lively and Fun!
PROS:
Location
The first village features a beachfront location so it's perfect if you want to be a few steps from that turquoise ocean! I thought the lush landscaping was the most beautiful in this section too with lots of shade for those that need a break from the heat but still want to enjoy time with family.
Activities
It includes two awesome pool areas , one with a hot tub an an adults only hot tub. Each has a swim-up bar and a great layout and size that doesn't feel too large. They also both play music during the day creating a fun tropical vibe. They were perfect for pre teens because they were deeper, ideal for jumping in, swimming and playing games. Charis were also pretty easy to come by and it never felt really crowded. Activities here include a basketball court, shuffleboard, a playground and a kids camp and easy access to all the water sports.
Accommodations
There is a wide range of accommodations from basic luxury rooms to beachfront butler suites with one or two bedrooms. Some of the rooms in Seaside have been recently updated but if you are looking for the most affordable way to get your family here, the Caribbean Village is a good option.
Dining
Arizona's and Bella Napoli are right by the pools for easy grab-and-go food during the day so the fun can keep going. Breakfast at Schooner’s was delicious and Reflections offers a great quick breakfast buffet.
CONS:
Location
This village is in the far corner of the resort, making it a bit of a trek for things like the café (important if you're an iced coffee lover like me), water park and all the nightly entertainment.
Activities
The pool area is older and worn, I noticed it more in The Cascades Pool. The pools were also very deep with no where to wade or walk in which is not ideal for younger children or toddlers. The depth was around 4 feet in most areas so puddle jumpers or vests will be necessary for kids who are not comfortable or can't swim.
Accommodations
The Caribbean rooms and Seaside one-bedroom concierge rooms could also use a refresh, this is the room I stayed in. They were a bit dated and darker in furnishings. I thought the rooms were still great, yes they are not brand new but they were clean and in good shape.
Dining
There were some inconsistencies with dining service at Schooner's but it was mostly positive. I do think the better dinner options are located in other villages. Sapodilla's was ok but it didn't make the top of my list. However I didn't try Schooner's, Reflections or Arizona's for dinner (there are so many options!)
Italian Village
VIBE/ OVERVIEW: Family-Friendly, Centrally Located, Large, Beach-Front
PROS:
Location
This village is one of the more popular due to it's central location and proximity to the beach and water park. It's in the very center of the property making it close to pretty much everything.
Activities
It has its own large pool and hot tub. There is also a zero entry or wading area on both sides, perfect for small children.
Accommodations
All rooms have kid suites and are either concierge or butler level. There's pool view, garden view and ocean front rooms. These rooms are larger so they tend to be on the higher end price wise. Great if mom and dad want their own room separate from the kids.
Dining
There are some great dining options nearby like Mario's, Barefoot by the Sea, Dino's Pizza, Soy, and Kimono's. The Key West and the Caribbean Villages are also a short walk away as for even more sit-down options. Plus both Jojo coffe and Yoyo ice cream are conveniently located just outside the lobby and Cafe de Paris is not far as well in the French Village.
CONS:
Activities
Pool chairs are hard to come by and there was very limited shade around the pool. I arrived by 8am and I only found 1 free chair! Pool activities didn't start until later in the day and I never heard any music playing until the activities started.
Accommodations
There are a lot of rooms here so it can feel more crowded than other villages. The buildings are vary large too which may require many stairs or an elevator to get to your room. It feels more like a hotel/ resort with high rise buildings.
Dining
Quick food options are limited a little bit of a walk outside of the main lobby; pizza, ice cream or the Jerk truck. So while there are plenty of table service options there's no where close to grab food to eat poolside. I saw guests ordering plates from Cricketer’s for a more substantial poolside lunch.
Key West Village:
VIBE/ OVERVIEW: Quiet, Relaxed
PROS:
Location
This village has a super tranquil atmosphere with beautiful architecture and it's close to the beach. It feels very private, like being at home rather than on vacation.
Accommodations
All rooms are concierge or butler level with one to three bedrooms, including some two-story options. There's even a four-bedroom residence with a private pool! These rooms are also on the higher end price wise and have a bright, airy vibe with some having a larger kitchen. Making them perfect for multi generational trips or those with little ones.
Dining
There is some outstanding dining here with Sky, a beachfront rooftop restaurant. This was the best all around food we had between both dinner and breakfast. I highly recommend arriving for sunset, but dinner is 12 and over so no young children. There is also their buffet Bayside and Neptune's for a casual place to sit down for all 3 meals of the day.
CONS:
Accommodations
While some rooms have a large kitchen they are not all fully functioning. The stove is not connected so while present you can't actually use them
Activities
There are only three small pools which were very quiet. We met some guests staying in that section that called it the Library! They would be suited for adults looking to read by the pool (hence the nickname!) or small children. There was also no hot tub. There were not many activities only croquet, a fitness center and one of the kids camps.
Dining
There are no quick food options. You will have to head over to the water park, the Italian Village for Dino's. There are only 3 dining options total so you'll likely spend a lot of time dining at other villages.
French Village:
VIBE/ OVERVIEW: Active, Bustling, Family-Friendly,
PROS:
Location
The biggest perk of this village is it's close to so much especially most of the entertainment. The stage, karaoke bar and the waterpark are either in this village or steps away. It also has a beautiful European design, the buildings are very pretty and so was the landscaping.
Accommodations
Rooms range from luxury or standard to concierge with one to three bedrooms. If visiting on a lower budget this and the Caribbean Village are your two options.
Activities
This village is also very close to the pickleball/tennis courts, the Xbox game lounge located in the water park, the water park itself and the teen/tween club. It has a very large pool with a swim-up bar and hot tub and similar to the Italian Village, features a low wading area for young kids.
Dining
There are also lots of restaurant choices nearby, including Soy for sushi, Kimono's hibachi, Café de Paris, Giuseppe's buffet and the 12 and over gourmet French dining at Le Petit Chateau. Or the options within the water park Mr. Mac the mac n cheese truck or Bobby Dee's diner.
CONS:
Location
It is the furthest from the beach so if you want to see that beautiful turquoise water all the time this may not be the right choice for you.
Accommodations
The rooms here are older and darker and could use a refresh. I saw them doing some work on the rooms while I was there which is a good sign! Most also do not have balconies.
Activities
The pool area is very large so it can easily feel crowded. There is also not much shade or landscaping around the pool at all.
Dining
The closest grab-and-go food options are Dino’s in the Italian Village, a mac and cheese food truck, or Bobby Dee’s. The cafe does have some pastries and yogurt plus desserts during the day.
Choosing the right village is key to having the perfect Beaches Turks & Caicos experience! Everyone has different priorities and needs for their individual vacation so I hope this overview helps you decide which village best suits your needs and travel style.
Look at that crystal clear water and soft powdery sand! It's calling your name!
And as always, I’m here to book that trip with you, and I’ll personally help you navigate all the options and ensure your vacation is truly magical! Having been there myself, I can offer invaluable insights that go beyond brochures and online reviews. Let me know what's important to you—beautiful rooms? Beach proximity? Pool vibes? Kids' activities? A quiet escape or a lively atmosphere?—and together, we'll find the ideal village for your unforgettable Beaches getaway!
Melissa Lenox specializes in concierge vacation planning. I cater to those who don't have time to research and plan a vacation or those who just want some assistance along the way! Where to go, when to go, daily recommendations for your trip and even assistance while you are away so the entire process is seamless and stress free.
My specialties are theme parks, all inclusive resorts and ocean cruises. I am a Senior Travel Advisor with Coasters & Castles Travel and Blog Editor of Main Street to the World.
Follow me on my pages below or contact me at mlenox@travelcnc.com to plan your next adventure!
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