In 2001, Beaches Resorts completed a major upgrade to Beaches Turks & Caicos. With the addition of the new and colorful French Village, the Sandals-owned resort now offers 453 rooms in 12 different categories. Check-in and check-out is easy at the French Village's own reception desk at this family-friendly property.

Families who crave space will enjoy having larger room options with more one to three bedroom suites available, but will pay a premium price for this luxury. All suites include concierge service that adds an in-room minibar (filled according to your wishes), bathrobes, and a special restaurant reservations desk. Standard rooms at the French Village are large with king or two double beds and a single pull-out sleeper chair.  Toddler rails should be requested since the beds are fairly high off the ground. Most guests did complain that there are no balconies to enjoy views of the gorgeous blue sea; only the ground floor rooms have small patios. 

Parents will be pleased with the new spa, beauty salon and fitness area (which is off limits to children). Use of the spa's plunge pools, sauna and steam rooms is complimentary while a selection of amazing spa treatments is offered for a fee. My body and mind appreciated the mud wrap and facial!

The centerpiece of the French Village is the resort's largest pool. Parents with toddlers appreciate the zero entry kiddie pool and families can be found in the large Jacuzzi late into the evening. Now, with a total of five pools at the resort, families can easily find space to relax and meet others.

Children especially will be thrilled with Pirates Island, located right next to the French Village. This kid-friendly paradise is housed in a giant ship. Here you will find Bobby D's restaurant, a 50's-style diner with updated kid fare served throughout the day. The children's pool includes water slides, Jacuzzi, waterfalls and even a swim-up soda bar.  Both parents and children can be found in the X-Box Game Oasis, where all the newest and coolest games are free of charge. Opposite the X-Box Oasis is the game center, where families of all ages enjoy the ping-pong, foosball, pool and air hockey tables. Outdoor basketball and tennis courts are also available, as well as the new air-conditioned headquarters for the children's programs. The French Village also provides five new restaurants to make nine dining options; the two that are adult-only are so popular they require advance table reservations.

Unfortunately, Beaches also added an entertainment stage creating a bit of a noise problem for those staying in the French Village. The quality of the entertainment is lacking, but fortunately it lasts only until about 10:30pm.

Even though the French Village was constructed at the far end of the property close to the tennis courts, the beach is still easily accessible. Parents will appreciate the new departure lounge, located in this area with lockers and showers right next door.   Families get to make the most of their final day at the resort, and so leave on the complimentary airport shuttle with fond memories of their Beaches Turks & Caicos vacation.
 

Lauren Goldenberg, fondly known to clients as The Family Traveler, runs a travel agency, writes, and travels with her family from her hometown of Atlantic Beach, Florida.