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June 10, 2009

Escape to Turks & Caicos Part 1

It’s a given: Wedding planning is stressful. Right now you may be wondering who can you possibly cut from your-way-too-big guest list or how can you plan a fitting time that works for all your bridesmaids. Or perhaps the band you wanted is booked or the site you had your heart set on isn’t available.

Well, let me take you away for a few minutes from all that high anxiety. Just relax and start thinking about…your honeymoon. And if you’re dreaming about blue skies, turquoise waters, white sand and nothing but fun, fun, fun I’ve got the perfect place. A few weeks ago I was invited to share in the Grand Opening Celebration of the Italian Village & Pirates Island Waterpark at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. And what a celebration it was! The Italian Village is magnificent: Gorgeous buildings, reminiscent of the finest Italian architecture, surround a half-acre freshwater pool (the largest in the Caribbean) with a giant Jacuzzi and gorgeous fountains. And everything is top notch from the luxurious lobby:

To the spacious guest rooms with the most comfortable king-size beds, flat screen TVs, huge bathrooms, and lots of amenities including a microwave and coffee pot, snacks and a fridge filled with water, juice, wine, champagne and every type of libation.

Oh, and did I mention that the Beaches and Sandals properties are all-inclusive, which means that you can indulge in wine, champagne, snacks, meals, etc. and not have to worry about facing a huge tab at the end of your stay? In fact, I put my wallet in the room safe the day I arrived and took it out the day I left. You can have breakfast, lunch and dinner at any restaurant, partake in all kinds of sports activities and, except for personal purchases from the resort stores and spa treatments at the Red Lane Spa, never have to open your wallet. Amazing!

There are also fantastic accommodations for kids, and according to a recent Bridal Guide survey, 20% of you who do have children. Just think, if you marry here, friends and family can also bring their kiddies knowing they will have the time of their lives. Here’s a look at the adjoining kids’ room with its own play station:

And the best part? Check out these views from my room of the Italian Village and pool below with the cerulean sea beyond:

Feeling a tad more relaxed? There’s more! Just steps away from the pool area is the legendary white sand beach of the Turks & Caicos where you can chill on a lounge chair or in a cabana, take a swim or do any one of a gazillion activities ranging from beach volleyball and parasailing to catamaran cruises, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, diving (one of the best spots in the Caribbean), windsurfing and horseback riding. I’ve read many a travel story on the Turks & Caicos extolling the beauty of its pristine beaches and vivid blue waters and I can now confirm that those accolades are not hype. Take a look at these glorious sights:

Oh, I forgot to mention that the snorkeling is fabulous. There are regularly scheduled excursions that will take you to a nearby coral reef. I love snorkeling and couldn’t wait to try it out. So, donned in full snorkel gear, I dove in to enjoy 30 minutes of blissful, peaceful floating in crystal-clear water, gazing at the underwater sea life. C’est moi below (ok, Jacques Cousteau I’m not…):

After some R&R at the pool or beach you can head over to the Pirates Island Waterpark featuring a Pirate-themed restaurant (of course):

And colorful water slides:

Naturally, this is a great spot for kids but, being a kid-at-heart myself, I never met a water slide I didn’t like. So I grabbed one of those big pink tubes, climbed to the top and went slip, slidin’ away. Splash! What a blast!

Afterward, you can just sit in the tube and drift along the lazy river for a while forgetting about all those irritating wedding details that once had you so worked up…ah, seems like a distant memory, doesn’t it?

But there's so much more to see and do that you won't want to drift along for long. The Italian Village and Waterpark are just two locations to visit at this welcoming resort. In my next post I'll continue my behind-the-scenes tour with stops at the French Village and Caribbean Village. Plus, you'll find out which celebs I spotted at the Pirates Island Waterpark celebration.

Posted by Diane at 11:19 a.m.

tags:

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• Honeymoon,
• Travel tips