Whenever you visit a new destination, you'll want to find out everything you can about the resort so you do not miss out on any fun. Returning guests know all the tricks and tips to get the best reservations and pool spots before other guests figure it out. Are you excited but nervous about the details of your first Beaches vacation? As they say in Jamaica, "no problem!" We are bringing you our best Beaches Resorts insider tips so we can share secrets that level the playing field when planning and getting the most out of your Beaches vacation. You can arrive prepared and ready to jump into the fun!
Beaches Resorts Insider Tips
Want to know what to do as soon as you arrive, what to bring and when to sign up for activities or meals? Is butler service really worth the extra cost? It's all here in our Beaches Resorts insider tips!
Research the Distance to and from the Airport
Once you land at your destination, you are ready for fun! But be aware that some Beaches Resorts are a quick 20-minute trip from the airport to the resort — such as Turks and Caicos — while the Jamaican resorts each are at least an 80-minute drive. It's about setting expectations. No matter which location you choose, Beaches provides the transportation, so that’s one less thing to worry about. To arrange your included airport travel, provide your flight information when completing the online check-in form. Car seats are not required to travel to the resorts, but you can request one by emailing special services atspecialservices@uvi.sandals.com.
Use Discounts to Get the Best Deal
Are you still looking to book your Beaches vacation? Use all of the sales and promotions you can to get the best deal on your tropical family vacay. We Caribbean amphibians are here to help with that! If you are a returning guest or have stayed at a Sandals Resort, or if you are a Sandals Select Rewards member, you may be eligible for further discounts. You can often lock in the best price and get the best availability by booking early.
Consider Upgrading to Concierge or Butler Service
These room levels do cost more than basic luxury rooms. With concierge service (available at all three Beaches locations), your upgraded service begins at check-in. You'll have access to the Concierge Lounge and even special cocktail parties. Your concierge will assist you with reservations around the resort.
Butler service (available at Negril and Turks and Caicos) comes with high-end accommodations. Your butler will make your life worry-free before you even arrive until it's time to check out. He or she can secure pool or beach chairs and serve you drinks and lunch by the pool. He or she can help with unpacking and pressing clothes or treating your family to special dinner tables, bubble baths and room service.
Pick the Best Time to Visit
Timing is everything! You may want to book off-season to save money and enjoy a less crowded resort. However, if you feed off the energy of other guests and want more of a party atmosphere, then the peak season (December to mid-April) may be for you. The peak season is also the perfect time to escape colder climates in winter. You might also want to time your journey just right to attend Jamaican festivals. Negril has a Bob Marley Birthday Bash in February, as well as Jerkfest in November and the Reggae Marathon in December. Montego Bay hosts Sumfest, one of the world's largest reggae music festivals, in July.
Plan Ahead for Activities
Each resort will have special activities for families. While you'll receive a detailed itinerary when you check in, it helps to know ahead of time what you may want to participate in for packing purposes. Here’s a look at the type of weekly entertainment you might experience at your resort. This way, you can pack the perfect outfit to match the theme or schedule your dining or other plans around it.
Negril Weekly Events
Events may be subject to change, but here is a sample of the weekly events in Negril:
- Sunday - Reggae Night and Karaoke
- Monday - Jamaica Day & Manager’s Meet and Greet
- Tuesday - Sandals Select Cocktails
- Wednesday - Beaches Festival of the Arts
- Thursday - Sesame Street Carnival Parade and Caribbean Carnival Beach Party
- Friday - White Night (Dress in White) and Chocolate Buffet
- Saturday - International Night
Ocho Rios Weekly Events
- Sunday - White Night and Chocolate Buffet
- Monday - Jamaica Day
- Tuesday - Festival of the Arts (Talent Show)
- Wednesday - Carnival Street Party
- Thursday - Reggae Fest
- Friday - Caribbean Beach Party
- Saturday - Family Fiesta
Turks and Caicos Weekly Events
- Monday - Manager’s Jamboree (for families) and Sesame Street Character Dining Breakfast (for a fee)
- Wednesday - Sandals Select Luncheon (for families)
- Tuesday Evenings - Sesame Street Live Parade
- Thursday - Sesame Street Character Dining Breakfast (for a fee)
- Daily - Sesame Street activities, including The Beaches Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street
- Weekly - Shows: There are four Creativiva musical theatre productions that bring to life acrobatic performances, singing, dancing, acting and technology
Sesame Street Character Breakfasts are an additional charge at Turks and Caicos. Book those in advance, as well as any other Sesame Street add-ons (such as photo sessions or having characters tuck your tadpoles into bed).
Know the Drinking Ages
The drinking age is 18 in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. That means your older teens and younger college students may be able to drink on vacation even if they cannot drink at home. You'll want to prepare your kids with a talk about drinking responsibly at a resort that has all the drinks included.
Sign up for Scuba Lessons, Tours and Excursions Before Your Visit
If you are new to scuba, you can sign up for an introductory course (for a fee) before your trip. Consider signing kids up for bubblemakers if they have an interest in scuba. You experienced divers can skip the course, but you should visit the dive shop to schedule your dives for the week as soon as you arrive for the best availability.
If you want to explore the surrounding area, you can sign up for tours and excursions before your trip. These cost extra and vary per resort.
Hop over to the vacation extras page to book tours, spa, packages, scuba and other extras. If your arrival date is less than three days away, call 1-888-BEACHES for assistance.
Contact the Resort Regarding Food Allergies
Another thing you should do before your visit is alert the resort of any dietary restrictions and allergies. Once booking is completed, email specialservices@uvi.sandals.com with your booking number in the subject line. A representative can provide alternative menus and talk to the resort on your behalf. Upon arrival, arrangements can be made to speak the head chef.
What to Bring on Your Beaches Vacation
Cash/Traveler's Checks
Even though everything you need is included in your vacation, bring some spending money for souvenirs (although cash is not accepted at gift shops), butler tips (it’s the only tipping that’s allowed besides spa therapists), spa treatments, photo packages and more. The resorts and shops take U.S. dollars, but you may receive change in the local currency. You can exchange dollars at the on-site exchange bureau. In Jamaica, bring golf money for a golf caddy (about $15) and golf cart (about $40) if you're hoping to hit the green.
Valid Passports
Don't leave important travel documents at home! You'll need passports that are valid for the time of entry and exit for travel to Jamaica. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into Turks and Caicos. Since children's passports expire every five years, that expiration may come up quickly.
Sun Protection and Bug Repellant
You’ll want that reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen, UV wear, hats, sunglasses, UV swim goggles and water shoes to protect your family's skin. Apply and reapply sunscreen, and use any available shade you can find. Don't froget lip SPF — sunburned and chapped lips are no fun. Croak! The Caribbean sun is very strong. You might want to use bug repellent in the evenings, especially during the rainy season, to avoid bug bites. We find it easy to travel with the repellant towelettes and bracelets.
Inflatable Floats
Save money by bringing your own floaties for the pools and water parks. Life Jackets are provided for water sports. You can find life jackets at the water park, too, but the supply can be limited at peak times. If you have a toddler, life jacket arm floats or familiar floats with a perfect fit, and room in your luggage, you might want to bring them with you for peace of mind.
Stroller
You might find it easier to bring a stroller (or rent one) for getting around a large resort, such as Turks and Caicos. That resort also has a mini-train to transport you around! Woot! Woot! Your shorter-legged froglets will enjoy hopping aboard.
Dive Cards and Seasickness Meds
If you are scuba certified, bring your dive cards with you. If you are attached to your equipment, you can bring it, but Beaches provides everything you need if you want to use the resort equipment. If you are prone to seasickness, don't froget to bring medication. Mommy Frog says meclizine works best if you take it the night before a dive so it has time to get into your system. When she takes her meds, she never gets sick.
Insulated Cup and Reusable Straws
You can keep the drinks cold on the hot beach and the seas free of plastic.
Nighttime Dining Attire
I once made the mistake of packing only shorts — and no long pants — when we visited Turks and Caicos. That meant we could not enjoy a few of the adults-only restaurants at night that had a dress code. You can look up each resort’s restaurants ahead of time to find out if there is a dress code. That means long pants and no flip flops for men, and dresses or nicer outfits for the ladies. A golf shirt and Dockers will do just fine. You do not have to get toadally fancy.
Here's a look at the Beaches dress codes:
- Resort Casual (daytime attire and some restaurants at night): Shorts or jeans, T–shirts or polo shirts. Swimwear must be covered. Shirts and footwear required.
- Resort Elegant (evening attire at some restaurants): Dress pants or jeans for men, long or short sleeve dress shirts (with or without collar). Wear dress shoes or sandals. No shorts, T–shirts, sleeveless shirts, sneakers, flip flops or slippers. No hats or caps.
While the sun is up, your shorts, tank tops, swimsuits, short-sleeved shirts, sundresses and light slacks are the perfect attire. As the sun sets and you set out to enjoy the evening, proper attire is required at some restaurants. Elegant dress shorts are permitted in some restaurants.
Your Appetite
All of your meals and snacks are included in your stay. If you want more of anything or an extra serving, just ask! You can even order double dessert. No judgments if you head back for a second dinner.
Your Workout Clothes
Each resort has a fitness center with equipment and classes. We aren’t saying you have to work out on your vacation, but it’s nice to have the option, especially if you have been taking advantage of all of the included food and dessert!
Leave the Blow Dryer at Home
Hairdryers are in every room. You do not need to bring an electrical adapter. You can also leave beach towels home, as they're provided by the resort.
Things to Do Upon Arrival
Check Out the Pamphlet for Activities
Do you suffer from fear of missing out? Be sure to note all the activities and entertainment you want to experience when you arrive and schedule your time around the parades, shows and games. If you have small children, you'll definitely want to catch the Sesame Street parades and shows.
Make Dining Reservations
Not all restaurants take dining reservations, but a few do. Find out which restaurants are more in demand at your resort than others and reserve when you arrive. For example, Kimonos teppan table restaurant at Turks and Caicos has limited seating, so that's a good one to book right away.
Book Scuba Dives at the Dive Shop
Experienced divers can skip the resort course (unless you need a refresher), but you should visit the dive shop right away to schedule your dives for the week.
Use the Kids Club
It’s free babysitting and fun for newborns up to teens. Your kids can make friends and do activities just for them while you and your partner enjoy a quiet meal, a dive or some alone time.
Get an Early Spot at the Water Park
If you have a room with butler service, enlist your butler’s help in getting a front-row view of the action so you can keep an eye on the tadpoles. We do not want to create anxiety, but if you do not have a butler, secure chairs with your desired view early if that is important to you.
Borrow a Board Game
If you want some quiet family time, borrow some board games from the front desk.
Raid the Minifridge
You know how you might keep the tadpoles out of the minibar at other resorts due to price? Let them go for it at Beaches, because the minibar is all included, with sodas for the kids and beer and wine for the adults. Concierge rooms have liquors, and rooms with butler service have full bars with premium spirits.
Know the Checkout Time
Checkout is at 11 a.m. If you have a later flight, keep a backpack with essentials and hand off luggage with the resort and enjoy the property until it is time to leave. You can use a departure lounge to clean up and wash up before heading to the airport.
Hopfully, these Beaches Resorts insider tips have you feeling pretty good about what you need to do to make your vacation frogtastically fun! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below and we will jump in to find the answers. Are you ready to book your Beaches vacation?
Related: Top Family Activities at Beaches Resorts
Related: What's Included in a Beaches Vacation
Keep hopping!
FAQs
Do you have to tip at Beaches Resorts? ›
Tipping butlers, tour guides, and massage therapists is optional at an all-inclusive resort like Beaches Resorts, where tipping and gratuities are included in the cost of your vacation package and not required for most staff.
What is the drinking age in the Beaches in Turks and Caicos? ›The drinking age in the Turks and Caicos Islands is 18. Patrons appearing under 21 will be asked to show ID. Drugs are strictly prohibited, including marijuana. If it's illegal in the United States or the United Kingdom, it's probably illegal in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
What is not included at Beaches Turks and Caicos? ›The Red Lane Spa, resort boutiques, and excursion tours are not included in your stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
What is the drinking age at Beaches Resorts? ›The drinking age at all Beaches Resorts, located in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, is 18 years old. If your kid looks anywhere near 18, they're going to get carded.
How much money should you bring to tip at an all-inclusive resort? ›How Much Do You Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts? For a one-week stay at an all-inclusive resort, a couple should budget to spend about $150 US (or the local currency equivalent) total in tips. This means that you should bring about $20 in small bills with you to spend on tips throughout the day.
How much should you tip housekeeping at a resort? ›The American Hotel & Lodging Association suggests leaving a $1-to-$5 tip per day for the housekeeping staff.
What is the best month to go to Turks and Caicos? ›When are the best months to visit Turks & Caicos? February, March and April are great months to take the perfect spring break getaway for families with younger kids. May, June and July are also good months to visit the Turks & Caicos Islands for a beach vacation.
What is the cheapest time to go to Turks and Caicos? ›Cheapest Time to Travel to Turks and Caicos
Visiting Turks and Caicos on a budget is possible — you just need to plan ahead. According to Visit Turks & Caicos Islands, the best time to try and score a deal is during that key hurricane season, from late August through September, October, and early November.
Is the tap water safe in the Turks and Caicos Safe to Drink? In most cases, yes, it's perfectly safe, yet bottled water is the common choice due to the mediocre taste of piped water.
What is the least crowded beach in Turks and Caicos? ›Grace Bay, Providenciales Island
With virtually no seaweed, rocks, or shells on a long stretch of the bay, Grace Bay is perfect for lounging and soaking up the rays. While several resorts sit near the beach, there are few peddlers and it's large enough that it never seems crowded.
What to avoid in Turks and Caicos? ›
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuables. Take particular care of your passport as this can't be replaced locally. Use hotel safety deposit facilities where possible. See the Turks and Caicos crime-stoppers website for more crime prevention tips.
Is Turks and Caicos clothing optional? ›There are no nude beaches in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and public nudity is illegal.
Can 18 year olds drink at all inclusive resorts in Mexico? ›When it comes to drinking at all inclusive resorts in Mexico, the legal age is 18 years old. Most resorts will verify ages at check-in by requiring a passport or valid photo identification from all guests. Any underage guests may be given a colored bracelet to differentiate them from guests of legal drinking age.
Can 18 year olds drink in Mexico at resorts? ›Legal drinking age in Mexico is 18. We might ask for an I.D. at any time. Under-age drinking and providing alcohol to minors is punished by law. Introducing alcohol to the premises or taking it out of the premises is not allowed.
Where is the youngest you can legally drink? ›The youngest legal drinking age in the world is 15, with both Mali and the Central African Republic allowing folks to drink at that time. Seven countries do not have a government-mandated drinking age, while 11 countries ban the consumption of booze entirely.
Should I tip in dollars or pesos at all-inclusive? ›Should I tip in pesos or dollars in Mexico? It's always best to tip in cash, using Mexican pesos. While it might be tempting to leave a few foreign coins as a thank-you, those coins can't be exchanged and won't be of much use to your waiter or tour guide.
How should I tip at a resort? ›Tipping is not required for someone fixing something broken or bringing something missing. A gratuity of 15-20% should be added if the hotel did not already include a room service charge on the bill. Tip 15-20% of the total beverage tab.
Do you tip room service at a resort? ›When it comes to tipping for hotel room service, you'll need to consider the where, how, and how much. According to American Hotel & Lodging Association, the organization recommends tipping between 15-20% if a service charge isn't already included with the bill.
Do you tip housekeeping daily or at end of stay? ›Some travelers like to leave one tip for hotel housekeeping at the end of their stay. But most experts say it's better to leave a tip every day of your trip. “We recommend tipping nightly, as your room may be serviced by different people,” said Ten Eyck.
Is $20 a good tip for housekeeping? ›However, many agencies pay only minimum wage, and their Home Cleaners rely on tips to make a bit extra. If using an agency, go ahead and ask them. They should provide information about how much to tip. Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to tip $10-$20 per service.
Do you tip housekeeping if they didn't clean your room? ›
As a result, some guests might think there's no need to tip housekeepers. But even if you never opt for room cleaning during your stay, you should leave a tip on your departure day, as housekeeping staff will be coming in to clean up after you and disinfect the room before the next guests arrive.
Will my cell phone work in Turks and Caicos? ›You'll need an unlocked GSM phone to buy a local SIM card. Many new GSM phones are quadband (which means they use all 4 GSM frequencies: 850, 900, 1800, 1900). If you only have a dual-band or tri-band phone, choose the appropriate local provider. You'll need to provide an ID to purchase a local SIM card.
What is the rainiest month in Turks and Caicos? ›The Turks and Caicos rainy season typically takes place between the late-summer to early-winter months, from late August to early December. According to the National Climatic Data Center, November is the rainiest month, with an average precipitation of 3.7 inches, or 94 millimeters.
Which side of Turks and Caicos is best to stay? ›Most of the best places to stay in Turks and Caicos are on Providenciales, the liveliest of the islands. Providenciales is well-known for sublime 12-mile Grace Bay Beach, which is lined with chic resorts, and offers an appealing choice of bars and restaurants.
How many days are enough in Turks and Caicos? ›If you've chosen Turks and Caicos as your next vacation destination, you are in for a real treat. With so much to see and do on this tropical archipelago, we recommend spending at least seven days with us to make the most of the trip.
Which is better the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos? ›The Bahamas is larger, more populated with tourists, more commercialized and offers plenty of activities, resorts, restaurants and nightlife. Turks and Caicos is a more relaxed environment, with fewer tourists and activities.
How much spending money should you bring to Turks and Caicos? ›You should plan to spend around $262 per day on your vacation in Turks and Caicos Islands, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $63 on meals for one day and $19 on local transportation.
Where is the clearest water in Turks and Caicos? ›The beautiful Governor's Beach on the island of Grand Turk features some of the clearest ocean water in the country. Named after Waterloo, the governor's mansion that's hidden on the beach, this coast is located just north of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, and the Cruise Center Beach.
Can you eat ice in Turks and Caicos? ›Although Turks and Caicos officials claim tap water is safe to drink, the CDC recommends otherwise, including the use of ice and other drinks made from tap water.
Do you tip in Turks and Caicos? ›Tips of around 15% are expected for nearly all service jobs in the Turks and Caicos, such as taxi drivers and waiters. Some businesses automatically include gratuity on bills, so check first.
What is the most exclusive island in the Turks and Caicos? ›
Ambergris Cay, an exclusive private island in the Turks and Caicos, sits 600 miles south of Miami, on the southeast corner of the string ofTurks and Caicos Islands that surround the world-famous Caicos Banks.
What part of Turks and Caicos is the most beautiful? ›Grand Turk Island
Grand Turk is home to some of the chain's most beautiful beaches and is also the capital island of Turks and Caicos. The island is rich with history including many Colonial-style buildings and ruins, and the Turks and Caicos National Museum.
On the other hand, if you want to avoid most crimes altogether, head to another island. Providenciales has the highest crime rate, and the other islands don't struggle with crime.
Are there poisonous snakes in Turks and Caicos? ›Snakes. The Turks and Caicos does not have any venomous snakes. There are three types of snakes found in the country: two miniature boas and a very tiny blind snake. These are among the least dangerous snakes (to humans!) that could be found anywhere on the planet.
What is the safest area of Turks and Caicos? ›The Turks and Caicos has several inhabited islands. The vast majority of crime occurs on the main populated island of Providenciales. The islands of North and Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Salt Cay and the smaller cays see very little crime against visitors.
Will my Verizon cell phone work in Turks and Caicos? ›The answer is YES! UPDATE FEB 2011: If your cell phone is Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, you name it- you can Roam in the TCI with ISLANDCOM WIRELESS. CDMA and GSM roamers can roam no problem on TCI's only 3G network.
Do I need to bring cash to Turks and Caicos? ›Bring plenty of cash with you, including small bills. ATMs are not as common in the Turks and Caicos as they are at other destinations. It's not difficult to find one on Providenciales, but some of the other islands may only have one, two, or none island-wide.
How much do you tip a butler at Beaches resort? ›A Note About Butlers
Butlers are the one category of Sandals/Beaches employees that are allowed to accept tips. Generally, $20 per day, per butler (you will usually have two) is the norm.
But don't punish the hardworking staff if you are not happy with the final bill. Here are some general guidelines: The $1 tip is dead, long live the $5 tip. Tip the pool or beach attendant $5, but if you're back and forth to your sun lounger several times a day, you don't want to overdo it.
Do you tip resort shuttle drivers? ›There's no standard for tipping your airport parking shuttle driver. However, it's always kind to offer something to shuttle drivers. They work long hours driving frustrated travelers back and forth from parking to terminals. Rain or shine, heat or cold, they help people get where they need to be.
Do Mexican resort workers keep their tips? ›
Some tip every meal, some tip the last day they are at the hotel. Some hotels have a “shared-tips” policy where all tips collected are shared equally among the restaurant staff. Employees come from all over Mexico and there are different view points among Mexican's against one-another.
Is $20 a good tip in Jamaica? ›Locals don't tip in Jamaica, but it is common in touristy areas. If you do decide to tip in Jamaica, tip bellhops $1-2 per bag. If you require the concierge's services, tip him according to the value of your request. For example, if he gets you seats at a great restaurant $20-25 would be a great tip.
Do you need cash at an all-inclusive resort? ›Credit cards are gold around these parts but it's still a good idea to bring cash along when you travel, even on an all-inclusive vacation. While you won't be paying for meals or drinks, it's a good idea to make friends with your bartender at the beginning of the trip by leaving a tip up front.
Do you tip when you check out of a hotel? ›Tip the housekeeper.
The general rule of thumb is a couple of dollars for each day. You should leave the tip out in the open, like the nightstand, and with a note so the housekeeper doesn't confuse it with cash you've just left out (which you should never do, by the way).
As a result, some guests might think there's no need to tip housekeepers. But even if you never opt for room cleaning during your stay, you should leave a tip on your departure day, as housekeeping staff will be coming in to clean up after you and disinfect the room before the next guests arrive.
Do you tip maids at resort? ›Do you have to tip housekeeping? The answer is a resounding yes. The people who clean and take care of your room during your stay, clean and sanitize it between customers, and answer the sorts of things you really shouldn't be asking hotel staff are essential workers.
Is it rude not to tip hotel housekeeping? ›“Tipping etiquette experts have said for 20 years or more that you should tip hotel maids.