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.

Beaches Resorts: Beaches Negril
Photo: Beaches Resorts

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
Beaches Resorts: Beaches Negril
Photo: Beaches Resorts

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 Resorts: Beaches Negril
Photo: Beaches Resorts

🏕️ 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.

Beaches Resorts: Beaches Turks & Caicos
Photo: Beaches Resorts

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
Beaches Resorts: Beaches Turks & Caicos
Photo: Beaches Resorts

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

Beaches Resorts: Beaches Turks & Caicos
Photo: Beaches Resorts

⚖️ Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureBeaches NegrilBeaches Turks & Caicos
Location7 Mile Beach, JamaicaGrace Bay, Turks & Caicos
VibeRelaxed and intimateGrand and energetic
SizeSmall and walkableLarge and resort-style
Restaurants921
WaterparkYesYes (much larger)
Kid/Teen SpacesYesYes + Xbox + nightclub
Best ForYounger kids or first-timersLarger 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.
Beaches Resorts: Beaches Negril
Beaches Negril at Sunset, Photo: Beaches Resorts

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

Beaches Resorts: Beaches Turks & Caicos
Beaches Turks & Caicos, Photo: Beaches Resorts

✨ 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.

Beaches Resorts: Beaches Turks & Caicos
Photo: Beaches Resorts

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.

Photo: Beaches Resorts

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.

Photo: Beaches Resorts

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
Photo: Beaches Resorts

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
Photo: Beaches Resorts

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?

  1. Unique Setting: The natural beauty and seclusion of Exuma offer a different experience from the other Beaches locations.
  2. Newer Facilities: As the latest addition to the portfolio, Beaches Exuma will feature the most up-to-date amenities and designs.
  3. Proximity to the US: For American travelers, The Bahamas offers a quick escape that feels worlds away.
  4. 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.
Photo: Beaches Resorts

Planning Your Future Stay

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

  1. Sign Up for Updates: Join the Beaches mailing list for official announcements about opening dates and special offers.
  2. Consider Travel Timing: The Bahamas enjoys beautiful weather year-round, but peak season runs from December to April.
  3. Start Budgeting: Beaches Resorts are premium all-inclusive experiences, so starting your vacation fund now gives you more time to save.
  4. 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.

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