Our family’s first stay at Beaches resort in Turks & Caicos was in the colorful French Village.
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa is advertised as "five resorts in one" because it has themed villages. (We consider the “Seaside Village” to be part of the Caribbean Village.)
One has full access to the entire resort, regardless of which village one stays in. Our family likes the laid-back Key West Village, but we'd be happy to stay in any of the villages. Here is a quick overview of each one (click on the name of any village to see pros and cons):
French Village (see rooms) - Least expensive; large pool; easy waterpark access
Caribbean & Seaside Villages (see rooms) - Less expensive room options; excellent restaurants; easy beach access
Italian Village (see rooms) - More expensive; large pool; easy beach access
Key West Village (see rooms) - More expensive; most private; easy beach access
Best Budget Options: French and Caribbean Villages
The French Village and the Caribbean Village are the least expensive options on the resort (still, they aren't cheap). The French Village has more privacy and is closer to the waterpark. The Caribbean Village has more things to do and is closer to the beach. Both villages have large pools and each village has at least one truly excellent restaurant.
Best for Large Families: Italian, French and Key West Villages
Each of these villages have jumbo-sized suites that can accommodate 10-14 people. The Key West Village may be best for families with teenagers because the largest suites have four bedrooms. The Italian Village is kid-friendly and boisterous by day, but in the evening, the Italian Village is among the quietest places on the resort: This may be desirable for families that include younger children.
Best for Beach Access: Caribbean, Italian and Key West Villages
The Caribbean, Italian and Key West villages are built in a row along Grace Bay Beach. (The French Village is recessed and furthest away from the beach.) Our family likes the Key West beach area because it has the fewest people. In our experience, the strip of beach in front of the Italian Village is the most crowded.
Best for Waterpark Access: French Village
Beaches' waterpark is technically in the French Village, even though it sits in between the French, Italian and Caribbean villages. To get to the waterpark from the Italian or Caribbean villages, you'll have to cross a street. That's not the case in the French Village, though. The waterpark is accessible via a sidewalk that runs along the entire village.
Best for Pool Access: French Village, Italian Village
The two biggest pools on the resort are in the French Village and the Italian Village. The French Pool is good for swimming and light play. The Italian Pool is good for mingling and water activities. Both pools are excellent choices for kids, but active kids will probably like the Italian Pool better.
Best Dining Options: Caribbean Village
Every village has at least one excellent restaurant, but the Caribbean Village has the best mix of buffets, carry-out, and seated dining options. Sopadilla’s, the adults-only restaurant named after Sapodilla Bay, serves what we regard as the best food on the resort.
Best for Privacy: Key West Village
The Key West Village has the least foot traffic of any village at Beaches. There is no big pool in this village to draw a crowd and all three of the restaurants are on the oceanfront away from the lodging areas. The beachfront luxury rooms are located at the tip of the resort, far away from any crowds.
Best Views: Italian Village
The Italian Village has the best views of the ocean. Many of the rooms are located in tall, beachfront towers that look down on Grace Bay. Rooms on higher floors will generally have better views.
The French Village Layout
Beaches' French Village has less expensive rooms, options for large families, easy waterpark access, and an excellent swimming pool. An interactive version of this map is available on the Beaches website. © Sandals Resorts
The Caribbean and Seaside Village Layout
The beachfront Caribbean and Seaside Villages include budget room options and have excellent dining options. An interactive version of this map is available on the Beaches website. © Sandals Resorts
The Italian Village Layout
Beaches' Italian Village is an ideal choice for beach- and pool-lovers and is designed for large families (especially those with children of disparate ages). Some rooms offer spectacular sunset views, but be prepared to pay handsomely. An interactive version of this map is available on the Beaches website. © Sandals Resorts
The Key West Village Layout
Beaches' Key West Village offers the most privacy, owing to the fact that it was once a neighboring resort that was acquired. Room options include beachfront townhomes and are priced accordingly, but there are occasionally bargains to be had. An interactive version of this map is available on the Beaches website. © Sandals Resorts
