The Turks & Caicos Islands, home to a huge barrier reef, are absolutely gorgeous to marvel at from above. Book a window seat on your flight if you can.
The Turks and Caicos Islands have the third largest barrier reef in the world. It looks beautiful from the air, so if you nab a window seat on the plane ride, don't forget to look down. Once your plane lands at Providenciales International Airport, you'll disembark directly onto the tarmac. (A traveler in a wheelchair might have to make special arrangements with the airline or the airport staff.) All passengers are directed into the customs area. There are bathrooms available as soon as you walk in.
It takes around 20-30 minutes to clear customs and everyone's baggage is waiting in plain sight on the other side of the interview booths. Turn left as you exit the airport and there is a Beaches podium at the far end of the sidewalk. The attendant at the podium takes your name and your bags. It takes around 10 minutes for a shuttle van to arrive. There are car seats available but we've never seem anyone request one.
It's a 15 minute trip from the airport to the resort. Many of the shuttles are operated by local taxi services, so unless you see a Beaches logo on the vehicle, the driver might be expecting a tip. (The no-tipping policy is the real deal in the resort, though.) There are a few turning circles on the trip, but it’s a smooth ride (we’ve found that drivers in Turks and Caicos are calmer than in other Caribbean destinations, like Punta Cana.)
A valet will take your bags to the main lobby when you arrive at Beaches. The check-in process is done using an iPad and takes about 10 minutes to complete. A greeter might bring you a cocktail in the meantime. Once you finish with the iPad, you're given room keys and informational pamphlets. A valet will bring your luggage to your room and it usually takes 10 minutes for it to arrive.
Check-in time is 3 p.m. at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. The concierge will hold your bags in the lobby if you arrive before your room is ready. Guests are allowed to wander the resort in the meantime.
Remember to Bring:
A pen to fill out the customs and immigration forms on the airplane;
A credit card to leave on file with the concierge; and
Small bills to tip the shuttle bus driver (some of the shuttles are not operated directly by Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort).
Here is a longer list of things to bring to Beaches resort in Turks and Caicos.
