The following guest blog post was written by Shnieka Johnson:
I still daydream of the Sands at Grace Bay even though it has been years since I last visited. When I was given the opportunity to reminisce and write this post, I wanted to share my experience and tips for families staying at the resort. The Sands at Grace Bay is a great place to travel with family whether you explore the resort or the larger island of Turks and Caicos.
It was mid-December; my husband and I flew direct from New York to Turks and Caicos on an early morning with our two-year old baby and his gear in tow. We were thrilled to have a break away from the grind of New York City life, and were in need of a relaxing beach vacation. We were not interested in a lot of frills or excursions – just a beautiful beach and maybe a massage at the spa.
We love to travel, but when our baby arrived, my husband and I had to change our approach to vacationing. After reading the description for the Sands at Grace Bay, I knew that the resort was ideal for our next family vacation. Upon reaching the entrance of the resort, we were welcomed by friendly staff in the open-air lobby. From the lobby, we could see the manicured grounds and glistening pools, with the sounds of the ocean in the distance.
The room that we selected was a one-bedroom suite, which was far more spacious than a standard hotel. There was a separate living area, outdoor space, full kitchen and washer/dryer. Once unpacked, we toured the resort. Given the full kitchen, we planned to buy groceries and cook many of our meals. We had breakfast on the porch each morning and lunch at the beach. During many evenings, we had dinner at the onsite Hemingway’s restaurant that had variety of Caribbean cuisine. You simply cannot visit the Caribbean without getting your fill of conch fritters.
Throughout our stay, there was a sense of thoughtfulness in the resort’s activities and events. A staff member was dressed as Santa and took photos with the kids. Our favorite amenity was, of course, the beach. Just a walk down the path from our room and my son was making sandcastles.
We have fond memories of our vacation to Turks and Caicos. I’m sure you and your family will too. As you’re trip planning, here are few tips to make your stay a little easier:
- Limit the baby gear. An inexpensive umbrella stroller and carrier should be sufficient for this carefree trip.
- Keep meal schedules and bedtime routines. The transition once you’ve returned home will be much easier.
- Make the stay as convenient as home (well, if home were a tropical paradise.)
- Pack less and use the laundry closet.
- Take time for yourself.
Shnieka Johnson is a freelance writer and contributor for New York Parenting Media publications. Her articles range in topic, addressing Education, Parenting and Family Travel. Shnieka can be reached via her website: http://shniekajohnson.com/contact/
