Writer Ali Graves renewed her wedding vows after 20 years on the most luxurious Caribbean island, Turks & Caicos, and her three children joined the celebration.
A Dream Location for a Second Honeymoon
Many parents assume that holidaying with children means sacrificing luxury for standard family-friendly resorts, complete with watered-down cocktails and mediocre rooms. However, as Ali discovered, that assumption is far from accurate.
A comfortable nine-hour British Airways flight across the Atlantic to the Beaches resort in Turks & Caicos quickly dispelled that notion. Travelling as a family of five, with ages ranging from 12 to 46, the universal reaction upon setting foot on the property was wide-open mouths of delight.
First Impressions of Turks & Caicos
White sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a perfect 28°C breeze immediately signalled that they had arrived in paradise. Beaches, a sister resort to Sandals, offers all the luxurious amenities of its counterpart but with a family-friendly twist, so children are welcome. Another Beaches resort is located in Jamaica.
Turks & Caicos comprises 40 islands and cays, but only nine are inhabited. Providenciales Island serves as the main centre, with the resort situated at the western end of Grace Bay Beach, a 12-mile stretch often called the most beautiful white sand beach in the world. It borders the Princess Alexandra National Park and is ideal for snorkelling at Bight Reef Coral Gardens.
The Perfect Place to Say 'I Do' Again
Naturally, such a beautiful island is an ideal destination for a wedding, honeymoon, or, as Ali and her husband did, a 'Retying the Knot' ceremony. They celebrated their 20-year anniversary during the visit, and the attentive staff made it a truly memorable occasion.
The wedding team, especially Erika and Maureen, coordinated flowers, photographers, music, cake flavours, and cocktails ahead of the visit. The beach ceremony provided stunning photos, and Ali, who was pregnant during her first honeymoon, finally enjoyed her island cocktail while falling in love again with her children by her side.
From Family Adventures to Adults-Only Relaxation
The resort is divided into five 'villages': Key West Village (where Ali stayed in a two-storey, two-bed concierge suite), Caribbean Village, Italian Village, French Village, and the newly opened Treasure Beach Village. Each has its own personality, from family-style fun with quizzes and dance competitions in Italian Village to quieter, adults-only pools and jacuzzis in Key West. Treasure Beach offers an infinity pool with Atlantic views and fine dining.
Luxury Dining Options
Beaches is all-inclusive, covering food, drink, entertainment, and water sports. The food is exceptional, catering to all tastes, from chilli cheese dogs and pizza to sushi, steaks, and lobster with fine island wine. Two dining tips: book Kimonos for a fun teppanyaki experience with singing chefs, and don't miss Pinta in Treasure Beach Village for worldwide cuisine, including pork belly poke bowls, roast pumpkin tacos, and apricot rum punch. The resort's Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is a spectacular breakfast treat.
Red Lane Spa
Located in Key West and French Village, the Red Lane Spa offers a paradise within paradise. Ali and her daughter enjoyed tropical facials, leaving with scents of mango and pineapple and a bag of treats to take home.
How to Book
Seven nights at Beaches Turks & Caicos in a Two Bedroom Concierge Suite costs from £7,449 per adult and £1,025 per child, based on two adults and two children under 12 sharing. This includes all-inclusive accommodation, concierge service, return flights, resort transfers, kids' clubs, waterpark access, and more. To book, call 0800 597 0002 or visit www.beaches.co.uk.
