Beaches Resort - WDW Magical Castles Travel

Which Beaches Resort Is Right for Your Family? Comparing Beaches Negril vs. Beaches Turks & Caicos

If you’re dreaming of a warm, sun-soaked Caribbean escape that blends family fun with true luxury, Beaches Resorts are an excellent choice. But with a couple of standout locations to choose from, you might be wondering: which one is the best fit for your family?

In this week’s Beyond the Castle edition, I’m comparing Beaches Negril and Beaches Turks & Caicos to help you decide which resort will deliver the vacation experience your family is craving.

🏖️ First, What Makes Beaches Resorts So Special?

Beaches Resorts are the family-friendly cousins of the ultra-luxurious Sandals brand. They’re all-inclusive, beautifully located, and jam-packed with thoughtful touches that make vacationing with kids easier and more magical.

Each resort includes:

Unlimited gourmet dining and drinks (yes, even top-shelf alcohol!)
Pirate-themed waterparks and kids’ camps
Sesame Street character experiences
Land and water sports for all ages
Luxurious rooms and suites
No tipping, no surprise fees, and airport transfers included

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or a multigenerational group, Beaches makes it easy to relax, connect, and have FUN.

🌴 Beaches Negril: Laid-Back Jamaican Charm on 7 Mile Beach

Beaches Resorts: Beaches Negril — Photo: Beaches Resorts

Located on the widest stretch of Jamaica’s famous Seven Mile Beach, Beaches Negril is beloved for its intimate, laid-back vibe.

Why Families Love It:

Compact and easy to navigate, perfect for families with young kids
Recently renovated rooms and suites with modern amenities
Pirates Island Waterpark with a lazy river, waterslides, and splash zones
Nine restaurants offering a mix of Caribbean and international cuisine
Beachfront firepits and hammocks for post-dinner relaxation

This is a great choice if you’re looking for a slower pace, a stunning beach, and a resort that’s big enough to be exciting but small enough to feel cozy.

🏕️ Beaches Turks & Caicos: All-Out Family Adventure on Grace Bay

Beaches Resorts: Beaches Turks & Caicos — Photo: Beaches Resorts

This is the flagship Beaches Resort—and it shows. Beaches Turks & Caicos is sprawling, exciting, and packed with options for every personality type in your family.

Why Families Love It:

Set on 12 miles of Grace Bay Beach, one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of sand
Five themed villages: French, Italian, Caribbean, Seaside, and Key West
Massive Pirates Island Waterpark with surf simulator and huge slides
21 restaurants ranging from sushi and hibachi to mac & cheese trucks
Xbox Play Lounge, teen nightclub, and dive program for certified teens

If you want non-stop entertainment, tons of dining variety, and space for your family to spread out and explore, this is the one.

⚖️ Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Beaches Negril	Beaches Turks & Caicos
Location	7 Mile Beach, Jamaica	Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
Vibe	Relaxed and intimate	Grand and energetic
Size	Small and walkable	Large and resort-style
Restaurants	9	21
Waterpark	Yes	Yes (much larger)
Kid/Teen Spaces	Yes	Yes + Xbox + nightclub
Best For	Younger kids or first-timers	Larger families, older kids, variety-seekers

🌎 So… Which Beaches Resort Should You Choose?

Here’s my take:

Pick Beaches Negril if your family prefers a relaxed, beachy vibe without needing a map to get around.
Pick Beaches Turks & Caicos if your crew wants options, action, and wow-factor amenities.

There’s no wrong choice—both are amazing. It really just depends on your vacation style!

✨ Need Help Deciding?

Still not sure which resort is your best fit? That’s where I come in. As a certified Beaches & Sandals travel advisor, I help families plan unforgettable, stress-free vacations tailored to your specific needs, dates, and budget.

Let me do the research, handle the booking, and sprinkle a little extra magic on your trip planning.

Click here to get started or reply to this post and I’ll help you build a custom Beaches quote.

Let’s get you to the beach!

Ready to plan your next Magical Adventure? Email me today for a no-obligation quote!

P.S. Every week, Sandals & Beaches Resorts release their 777 deals. These are limited time, special offers. If you’d like to join the list to get notified of these special offers each week, please sign up here.

Beyond the Castle: Everything You Need to Know About Beaches Exuma – The Newest Family Paradise in The Bahamas

In this week’s Beyond the Castle, we take a look at an exciting new Beaches Resort — Beaches Exuma — coming to The Bahamas later this year. Get ready for an exciting new destination perfect for your next family getaway! Beaches Resorts is expanding to The Bahamas, and here’s your first look at what to expect.

In the world of luxury family travel, few names carry as much weight as Beaches Resorts. Known for creating unforgettable all-inclusive experiences for families of all sizes, Beaches has long been a favorite for those seeking the perfect blend of relaxation for parents and excitement for kids.

Now, the beloved brand is expanding with its fourth resort and first-ever location in The Bahamas. Let’s explore everything we know so far about Beaches Exuma, set to become the Caribbean’s newest family paradise.

The Transformation: From Sandals to Beaches

Beaches Exuma isn’t being built from scratch – instead, it’s being transformed from the existing Sandals Emerald Bay, an adults-only luxury resort that has been a staple in Great Exuma for years. Sandals Emerald Bay closed its doors on August 15, 2024, to begin its transformation into a family-friendly Beaches resort.

Sandals Emerald Bay – Photo: Sandals Resorts

This conversion is part of Sandals Resorts International’s strategic growth plan across the Caribbean. While some longtime fans of Sandals Emerald Bay might feel nostalgic about the change, the conversion makes perfect sense given the property’s original design and the natural family appeal of Exuma.

Location, Location, Location

Great Exuma is often called one of The Bahamas’ best-kept secrets. Located in the Out Islands, it offers a more secluded and authentic Bahamian experience compared to more touristy Nassau or Grand Bahama. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the famous swimming pigs of nearby Exuma Cays, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters.

The resort itself sits on over 500 acres of prime oceanfront property with more than 6,000 feet of shoreline, providing ample space for families to spread out and explore. Its location makes it perfect for snorkeling, water sports, and other family adventures.

Beaches Exuma - Family Paradise in the Bahamas — Photo: Beaches Resorts

Accommodations for Every Family

One of the biggest changes coming to the property is the reconfiguration of accommodations to better suit families. The new Beaches Exuma will feature:

Multi-bedroom villas perfect for larger families
Suites with connecting rooms to give parents and kids their own space
Updated and modernized room categories with family-friendly amenities

Bahamas Exuma - Family Paradise in the Bahamas — Photo; Beaches Resorts

The former Sandals property already had many one and two-bedroom suites, making it well-suited for this transformation. The renovation will enhance these spaces with family needs in mind.

Dining Options Galore

Beaches Exuma will undergo upgrades to its 12 restaurants and culinary offerings. While specific restaurant concepts haven’t been announced yet, we can expect:

Family-friendly dining venues with kid-approved menus
Upscale options for parents to enjoy
Casual beachside eateries
Ice cream parlors and other sweet treats

If other Beaches resorts are any indication, there will be something to satisfy every palate, from the pickiest of eaters to the most sophisticated foodie.

Activities for All Ages

Perhaps the most exciting part of the transformation will be the addition of family-focused amenities and activities. These will include:

An all-new Kids Camp with age-appropriate activities
A splash deck and water features for younger children
A redesigned pool area with options for family fun and adult relaxation
Teen-focused spaces and activities

The resort will also retain some of its most beloved amenities, including:

The world-class Red Lane Spa
The stunning Greg Norman-designed 18-hole Emerald Bay golf course
Water sports and beach activities

When Can You Visit?

While an exact opening date has not been announced, renovation work is began in Fall 2024. This is a big project, but currently Beaches Exuma is expected to open late this year.

This timeline aligns with Beaches Resorts’ recently announced expansion plans, which include nearly $1 billion in investments across several properties, including Beaches Exuma, Beaches Barbados (breaking ground in late 2025), and an expansion of the popular Beaches Turks & Caicos.

Beaches Exuma, a family paradise in the Bahamas — Photo: Beaches Resort

What Makes Beaches Resorts Special

For those who haven’t experienced a Beaches resort before, it’s worth noting what sets these properties apart from other family all-inclusive options:

Partnership with Sesame Street®, featuring character experiences, parades, and activities
Certified nannies and Kids Camp staff
Age-appropriate programming for babies, toddlers, kids, and teens
Inclusive amenities like water parks, Xbox Play Lounges, and teen nightclubs
All-inclusive water sports and activities
Autism-friendly programming and staff training

Beaches Resorts has consistently been recognized as one of the world’s leading family vacation brands, earning accolades from Parents magazine and other family travel authorities.

Sesame Street at Beaches Resorts — Photo: Beaches Resorts

Why Choose Beaches Exuma

With Beaches already operating successful resorts in Jamaica (Negril and Ocho Rios) and Turks & Caicos, why should families be excited about Beaches Exuma?

Unique Setting: The natural beauty and seclusion of Exuma offer a different experience from the other Beaches locations.
Newer Facilities: As the latest addition to the portfolio, Beaches Exuma will feature the most up-to-date amenities and designs.
Proximity to the US: For American travelers, The Bahamas offers a quick escape that feels worlds away.
Natural Attractions: The Exuma Cays offer some of the most extraordinary natural experiences in the Caribbean, from the swimming pigs to Thunderball Grotto, featured in James Bond films.

Planning Your Future Stay

While bookings aren’t available yet, there are several ways to prepare for the opening of Beaches Exuma:

Sign Up for Updates: Join the Beaches mailing list for official announcements about opening dates and special offers.
Consider Travel Timing: The Bahamas enjoys beautiful weather year-round, but peak season runs from December to April.
Start Budgeting: Beaches Resorts are premium all-inclusive experiences, so starting your vacation fund now gives you more time to save.
Contact a Travel Advisor: Working with a travel advisor who specializes in Beaches Resorts can help you secure the best possible rates and room categories when bookings open.

The Bottom Line

The transformation of Sandals Emerald Bay into Beaches Exuma represents an exciting new chapter for family travel in The Bahamas. By combining the natural beauty of Great Exuma with the family-friendly expertise of Beaches Resorts, this property is poised to become one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations for families.

Whether you’re planning a multi-generational vacation, a family reunion, or simply creating memories with your children, Beaches Exuma should definitely be on your radar for future travel plans.

Interested in learning more about Beaches Resorts or want help planning your family’s Caribbean getaway? Contact us for personalized recommendations and assistance with booking your perfect vacation.

All-Inclusive Resorts vs. Cruise Vacations: Which is Right for You?

If you’re a Disney Cruise Line fan (like me!), you already know how magical it is to have everything planned out, your meals taken care of, and the world waiting to be explored… all without constantly reaching for your wallet. That’s the dream, right?

But here’s something you may not have considered yet: all-inclusive resorts can offer that same kind of stress-free, pampered experience as a cruise vacation—sometimes with more flexibility and (gasp!) a lower price tag.

This week in our Beyond the Castle series, we’re diving into the wonderful world of all-inclusive vacations—and how they stack up against the cruise vacations so many of us already love.

Let’s break it down…

All-inclusive resorts vs. cruise vacations: which is right for you? Beaches Ochos Rios — Photo: Beaches Ochos Rios

🏝️ What is an All-Inclusive Resort?

At its core, an all-inclusive resort is a one-stop vacation shop. You pay a flat rate, and once you arrive, nearly everything is taken care of—your room, meals, snacks, drinks (yes, even the adult beverages!), entertainment, and many activities are all included.

Some all-inclusive resorts even offer airport transfers, 24/7 room service, water sports, and nightly shows as part of the package.

No surprise bills at checkout. No worrying about budgeting every dinner. Just… relaxation.

Pros of an All-Inclusive Resort Vacation:

✅ One price = meals, drinks, entertainment, and more
✅ Often includes water sports, yoga, fitness classes, and more
✅ Airport transfers frequently included
✅ More space to spread out than a ship
✅ Flexible schedule—dine, rest, or explore whenever you want
✅ Great for both romance (Sandals!) and families (Beaches!)
✅ No seasickness or port hustle

Cons of an All-Inclusive Resort Vacation:

⚠️ Usually stay in one location the entire trip
⚠️ Excursions often cost extra
⚠️ Service quality varies between resort brands
⚠️ Some resort activities may require advance reservations
⚠️ Resort atmosphere can be too quiet or too party-ish depending on the property
⚠️ Less of a “see the world” feeling compared to cruising

All-inclusive resorts vs. Cruise vacations: Which is right for you? Disney Cruise Line — Photo: Disney Cruise Line

🚢 Cruise Vacations: Floating Cities of Fun

Cruises offer an incredible way to see multiple destinations while only unpacking once. For many of us, they’re the perfect blend of adventure and convenience—with food, entertainment, and accommodations all bundled together.

However, while your stateroom and main dining are included, there are often a lot of extras to plan for:

- - Gratuities
  - Shore excursions
  - Specialty dining
  - Beverage packages
  - Wi-Fi access
  - Port fees and taxes

If you’ve ever had sticker shock looking at your final cruise bill… you are not alone!

Pros of a Cruise Vacation:

✅ Explore multiple destinations without unpacking
✅ Wide variety of entertainment, shows, and themed events
✅ Excellent for families (especially Disney Cruise Line)
✅ All meals included in main dining rooms
✅ Great for socializing and meeting new people
✅ Themed cruise experiences (e.g. Marvel, Star Wars, holiday sailings)

Cons of a Cruise Vacation:

⚠️ Extra costs add up fast (excursions, drinks, Wi-Fi, tips, etc.)
⚠️ Fixed itinerary—you’re on the ship’s schedule
⚠️ Motion sickness may be a concern
⚠️ Smaller cabins than most hotel rooms
⚠️ Less flexibility once onboard
⚠️ Crowds and lines, especially on sea days

Let’s Face It: All-Inclusive Resort or Cruise Vacation: You’re Winning!

All-inclusive resorts vs. cruise vacations: which is right for you? Royal Caribbean. Allure of the Seas — Photo: RCL Allure of the Seas

First of all, I have to say that when one of the toughest decisions you have to make is whether you are going to go on a cruise vacation or stay at an all-inclusive resort, you’re having a pretty good time. You’re pretty much guaranteed a win either way.

I also have to say that not all cruise lines are created equal, and not all all-inclusive resorts are created equal. The quality and type of experience you have can be dramatically different between the various cruise lines and all the different all-inclusive resorts.

This doesn’t mean that one brand is better than another: they all have their strengths. What matters most in making these decisions is what is important to YOU. Things like budget, location, type of room, how much sleep you like on vacation–it’s ALL important when choosing whether to take a cruise vacation, an all-inclusive resort vacation or even an adventure travel vacation. It’s important that you do your research or work with a trusted travel advisor to make sure that whichever cruise vacation or all-inclusive resort you book, it’s a good fit for you and your family or traveling buddies.

All-Inclusive Resorts vs. Cruise Vacations: Which is the Better Fit?

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you weigh the options:

Feature	All-Inclusive Resort	Cruise Vacation
Room + Meals + Drinks	✔ Included	✔ Main dining included, alcohol usually extra
Entertainment	✔ Nightly shows, beach parties, etc.	✔ Broadway-style shows, character meet & greets
Activities	✔ Land + water sports often included	✔ Onboard activities, pools, slides
Excursions	❌ Typically extra	❌ Always extra
Transportation	✔ Airport transfers often included	❌ Flights, transfers usually extra
Unpack Once?	✔ Yes	✔ Yes
Visit Multiple Places?	❌ Usually one destination	✔ Several ports of call
Motion Sickness?	❌ Not an issue	⚠️ Could be a concern
Kid-Friendly Options?	✔ Beaches Resorts = amazing for families	✔ Disney Cruise Line = pure magic for kids
Adults-Only Escape?	✔ Sandals = adult-only luxury	✔ Adult areas, but families are everywhere

All-Inclusive Resorts vs. Cruise Line: Which is right for you? Beaches Ochos Rios — Photo: Beaches Ochos Rios

Which Vacation Style is Right for You?

So, you’ve decide that you need a break from the “go-go-go” of most theme park vacations, and you want a vacation that is more laid back and where you can relax, knowing most things are already taken care of.

How will you choose between an All-Inclusive Resort or a Cruise Vacation?

- - Want to explore several destinations and don’t mind spending more on extras? A cruise might be perfect.
  - Craving a restful beach vacation with no surprises or schedules? An all-inclusive resort could be your dream come true.
  - Looking for a romantic, kid-free escape? You’ll want to check out Sandals Resorts (more on those soon!).
  - Planning a multigenerational or family vacation? Beaches Resorts offer something for everyone—from toddlers to grandparents.

All-inclusive resort vs. cruise vacation: which is right for you? Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wish — Photo: Disney Cruise Line

🌴 Sneak Peek: Meet Sandals & Beaches Resorts

I just completed my Sandals training (yay!), so I’ll be sharing more over the next couple of weeks about what makes these all-inclusive resorts so special.

- - Sandals is perfect for couples, honeymoons, or romantic getaways. It’s adults-only, ultra-luxurious, and filled with thoughtful extras (like butler service and private pools!).

Photo: Sandals

- - Beaches is their sister brand, made for families and groups. Think kids’ clubs, Sesame Street parades, and waterparks—alongside fine dining and gorgeous Caribbean beaches.

All-inclusive resorts vs. cruise vacations: which is right for you? Beaches — Photo: Beaches Negril

Next week, we’ll dig deeper into these dreamy resorts, so stay tuned!

Have You Ever Tried an All-Inclusive Resort?

I’d love to hear about your experience! If you’ve stayed at a Sandals or Beaches resort—or if you’ve been curious about trying one—drop me a comment or shoot me a message. I’m happy to answer questions or help you figure out what kind of vacation might be your perfect match.

And if you’d NEVER give up your beloved cruising to check out an all-inclusive resort, tell me that, too! What is your favorite cruise line? Why?

And don’t worry—Disney’s not going anywhere. But there’s a whole big world of magic out there, and I can’t wait to help you explore it.

Category: Beaches Resort

Which Beaches Resort Is Right for Your Family? Comparing Beaches Negril vs. Beaches Turks & Caicos

🏖️ First, What Makes Beaches Resorts So Special?

🌴 Beaches Negril: Laid-Back Jamaican Charm on 7 Mile Beach