Family Vacation at Beaches Turks & Caicos - Social Media on the Sand

I recently spent four fabulous days at the all-inclusive Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa to attend the invite-only Social Media on the Sand Conference, which was hosted by Beaches Resorts and BSM Media.

This was actually our first family vacation together, because although we've traveled with our boys before it was always to visit family or we would do an adults only trip without the kids. It was so lovely being all together and it made traveling easier being at a resort that specializes in families like Beaches.

I've stayed at all-inclusive resorts before with long buffet lines, dirty carpets, watered down drinks, low class guests and it left a bad taste in my mouth, but fortunately Beaches Resorts is on a different league with 5-star service.

Beaches Resorts is celebrating 10 years partnering with Sesame Street

Our stay was pure luxury and everything really was included from food at 19 specialty dining options to unlimited top-shelf liquor (they have a partnership with Remy so Dewar's White Label was available and they have wine bottled exclusively for Beaches - I liked the Cabernet), water sports including Scuba diving in the beautiful azure waters that PADI voted as the Top 5 in the world (we went snorkeling), shuttle transfers to and from the airport and even a kids camp for all ages including infants and toddlers! Plus, lots more like Pirates Island - a big water park for all ages featuring nine slides, lazy river, surf simulator, water cannons, cranks and spray features. Oh, and another bonus, they have a ‘No Tipping’ policy for all staff except Butlers and Spa Therapists.

One of three swim up bars. Yes, please!

Once there I loved NOT feeling nickle and dimed by  having to pay for add-ons or hidden fees. Even tax is included in your per person, per night rate up front. Thus, although the upfront price is higher than going on a cruise, which is what we normally do, but once you arrive, that's it. With cruising you then have to pay for liquor, excursions, etc. and that all adds up.

Starting next month, there will also be free WiFi in every room and when you don't have a cell phone that works internationally, this is key for staying in touch with family back home. There's more to come though! Sandals/Beaches Resorts CEO Adam Stewart says their resorts could include bowling alleys, ice rinks and a movie theater. Wow!

When speaking about his staff Stewart said "The only time you will hear us say 'no' is when we say 'no problem.'" I loved that! We asked our room attendant for milk to put in our mini bar for the boys and by that afternoon it was there. *sigh* So helpful and these little courtesies made for a less stressful trip.

We could easily go back several times and not be bored as there's so much to do and we barely explored and experienced all that they have to offer. In fact, we only ate at a handful of their restaurants and could try all new ones next time. We can't wait to go again as the boys get older too and I'd also love to visit their other locations one day.

As if the trip and conference weren't enough, Social Media in the Sand attendees were further pampered with goodies and experiences from partners: Coppertone, Avon, Jolen, Party City, HP, Lands’ End, IRISTOCRACY’s fine eye-wear sunglasses (seen in photo below), Yummie by Heather Thomson (I already own and love their products), Earth's Best, neuro drinks, Sea-Band, Certain Dri (so helpful since we forgot to pack antiperspirant), Cystex Plus and Puracyn Wound and Skincare Solution.

Sporting my new Iristocracy shades

Also, look at these super cute teal FlipOut Sandals, where you can easily change the style of them by switching out the different charms from bejeweled roses, to hearts to butterflies.

FlipOut Sandals

The boys weren't left out either as they received a Lets Imagine Elmo, an interactive plush toy from Playskool that will surely be a popular holiday gift this year. Each hat that you place on Elmo's head (cowboy hat, crown or sailor) brings on a new form of play and imagination. They liked it so much they wanted them in their cribs at night, but I turned off the power button so the toys talking wouldn't keep them up.

Boys with Let's Imagine Elmo

If you're planning a trip to Beaches Resorts with little ones, be sure and read my Traveling Mom post below, with advice and lessons learned from our trip with photos from the kids camp, the cribs and what kind of stroller to pack.

Read more:

• VIP Tips for Beaches Turks & Caicos

• Everything You Need to Know about Beaches Ocho Rios Jamaica with Toddlers

Disclaimer: An an attendee I received a discounted rate at Beaches Resorts and complimentary gifts from sponsors, however, flights were not included and as always all thoughts are naturally my own.