Click here for Slideshow (Beaches Turks & Caicos)

In my search for the best all inclusive resort for families I have stayed at some of the best in Mexico and the Caribbean, but having just returned from a fabulous trip to Beaches Resort on Turks & Caicos, I am convinced that I found the number one or “best of the best” all inclusive resort for families. You’ll never have to leave the resort because everything is included at this top of the line family Resort. You can dine in 16 different restaurants, snorkel, sail and even scuba dive right from the resort and still check out without owing another penny.  Isn’t that what all inclusive is all about?

Most all inclusives offer limited menu restaurants opting for the buffet style of dining. Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort gave me 16 dining options so I indulged in wonderful Italian, elegant French, and good ole English Pub fish and chips among others. One of my favorites was the Barefoot by the Sea restaurant where the conch fritters are out of this world and parents enjoyed their dinners and lingered over a glass of wine or dessert while kids played in the sand near their table.

Besides being on one of the most beautiful white sand beaches which glistens over twelve miles long against pure turquoise waters, Beaches Turks & Caicos offers a variety of choices for young families.  Compared to most all inclusive resorts which start their kids programs at age 3, 4 or 5, Beaches offers a complete kids club for infants through the teens. 

While I was there the resort was full of babies and preschool age children who were having fun not only in the gentle sea, but watching Sesame character parades, sliding down slides in the waterpark and floating down the lazy river. The older kids found their fun trying their hand at the surf simulator, Xbox game room and DJ recording studio. Stayed tuned as I plan on telling you more about what is offered for children and describe the kids club in more detail in my next blog.

Another feature that makes Beaches Turks & Caicos stand out over other all inclusive resorts are the room accommodations available for families.   I always had to book two rooms to accommodate my family of five, but at Beaches Turks & Caicos there are fabulous options like rooms with bunk beds and trundles plus a king size bed and day bed with trundle all in one suite.  You can also link together some of the rooms to accommodate your family or even more than one family (up to twelve people).

If you are interested in going to Jamaica, there are three wonderful Beaches Resorts there and we have been to all of them.  Beaches Resorts leave no stone unturned in making the dream of a perfect family vacation come true where kids can play and parents can play AND relax!!

Just give Totem Travel a call at (425) 821-4100, or send me an email at patty@totemtravel.com and you’ll get personalized help from a Beaches expert at no extra cost!

Since becoming a Fiji Specialist I’ve visited the Fiji islands regularly in search of the best honeymoon and all inclusive resorts.  So what have I found?  Here are some of my favorite Fiji resorts at several budget levels -

Totem Travel was once again named “Best of the Best” at Sandals Star Agency Awards for 2009.  Woohoo!  It’s fun being recognized as a top travel agency and the perks aren’t bad either!

This year’s gala event was held at Beaches Turks and Caicos in the Southern Bahamas.  Beaches Resorts are for everyone and the Turks and Caicos resort is the ultimate all inclusive getaway.   So when we weren’t hard at work (you know, marketing forums… networking functions…) there was time to enjoy 12 miles of pristine white sand beach, 80 degree turquoise water, the luxurious Italian Village and the water park with lazy river, surf simulator and waterslides. 

Look for a series of posts on the resort with details on the kids club, land and water sports and the myriad of restaurants and bars that makes Beaches Turks and Caicos the best and most inclusive family friendly resort anywhere! Then call the Sandals and Beaches Specialists at Totem Travel if you need help choosing a resort or room category for your next vacation or honeymoon. 

We’ve been to all the resorts and are recognized by Sandals Chairman and CEO as ”Best of the Best”.

Click for Slideshow.

I was recently invited to participate in a Familiarization trip to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, formerly known as Nuevo Vallarta. Since I hadn’t been to Puerto Vallarta in some time, it was the perfect opportunity to see new properties, refurbished properties, and the changes in Puerto Vallarta in the last few years.

First and foremost our mission was to visit many resorts, to look at them as you, our clients, would see them, and to be able to assist you in choosing the best destination for your family vacation or reunion, or for your wedding and/or honeymoon.  And to determine which resorts are the best for families, couples, and singles.

RIU Palace Pacifico was opened in 2008, in Riviera Nayarit, as an all-inclusive, family resort.  It is a moderately sized resort with 445 rooms; not so big you can’t easily navigate, but not so small that you are constantly bumping into people!  This resort has just about anything you could need:  large pool, children’s pool, swim-up bars, a gym, a great children’s program, and 5 restaurants.

Rooms at the RIU Palace Pacifico are all Jr. Suites, same in size and amenities, and differ on by view, except the Jacuzzi Jr. Suite!  This suite is amazing!  In addition to the wrap around terrace, which would be perfect for a small wedding reception, there are 2 bathrooms, a Jacuzzi in one bathroom, and one on the terrace!  The view, of course, is of the water!

Grand Velas Vallarta is also in Riviera Nayarit, also all-inclusive, but a much smaller resort, very romantic resort.  Grand Velas is a member of the prestigious “Leading Hotels of the World” and offers first class accommodations and a world-class spa!  This is a family resort, but as you can tell, it caters to honeymooners, couples, and wedding parties!  Their ballrooms are perfect for large wedding receptions.  There is also a small gazebo which is perfect for a wedding!

All of the accommodations at Grand Velas are suites, with goose down comforters and pillows, a separate living area with a sofa, private balcony or terrace AND Oceanview!  A fully stocked mini-bar which is replenished daily and 24 hour room service add to the luxuriousness of this beautiful property.

With 4 restaurants and a snack bar, you will certainly not go hungry! Five open kitchens at the all-day casual restaurant Azul, ensure a very diverse menu.  Chinese, Mexican, Italian, and Japanese, as well as grilled specials are all available.  Azul is located in a Palapa overlooking Banderas Bay.    As if 4 international cuisines were not enough Piaf Restaurant offers gourmet French dining.  Reservations are required at this adult’s only (18 and over) restaurant. Samples of the menu offerings include Foi Gras Terrine with caramelized pears and port wine glaze, Snails Bourguignon style, Truffle Chicken, & Crème Brule.

Paradise Village has always been one of my favorite family resorts.  Paradise Village is on one of the most beautiful and accessible beaches in the area.  Kids and adults will love boogie boarding and body surfing off this beach.  Para-sailing is available from a nearby vendor, and is lots of fun.  The smaller kids can ride tandem with mom or dad.

Paradise Village is both all-inclusive, and EP (European Plan….no meals or beverages).  Because it is about 20 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, and does require a $20 cab ride, (each way) I recommend purchasing the all-inclusive program.  The food is great, and there are 5 restaurants from which to choose.

A children’s program operates from 9am-3pm, and has crafts and games for kids ages 4 to 12.  They will love meeting and making friends with kids of different cultures.  Maybe they can work on their Spanish, a little!  Adults will enjoy a little time to enjoy a Spa treatment, or a tennis match.

Totem Travel has several all inclusive specialists on staff to help you choose the family vacation in Mexico.  Please give me a call or send an email to sandi@totemtravel.com when you are planning your all-inclusive family vacation!

Get personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!