family travel

If you’re looking for a luxury all-inclusive family destination, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa is your best bet. From the beach that’s been voted #1 in the world, Beaches has recently introduced Key West Luxury Village, its fifth village in Turks & Caicos.

Touted as the best luxury all-inclusive experience in the Caribbean, Key West is Beaches’ latest addition which features contemporary studios, multi-bedroom suites and spacious villas, ideal for groups and larger families.

There are three new restaurants – a fun beach grill, an outdoor dining terrace, and a trendy restaurant with chic ambience and exotic firepits – bringing the total number of gourmet dining options to an unprecedented 19 across the resort.

There are unlimited fun activities for everyone to enjoy, including the new SkySlide at Pirates Island Waterpark, newly appointed butler cabanas circling the pool of the French Village, more hibachi tables at popular Kimonos restaurant, golf cart transfer service, and much more.

Beaches Resorts is the only Caribbean resort company to offer engaging activities with a colorful cast of walk-around characters including Sesame Street®’s Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe, Bert and Ernie, Abby Cadabby, The Count, Big Bird and now, Oscar The Grouch.

There seems to be fun for everyone… oh please take me there in two heel clicks!

Image Courtesy of Beaches.

Every summer or so, we take the kids on a short road trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake for the day. This time, we turned it into a weekend and stayed in the quaint town of Virgil just a few minutes away.

We like to have a lunch picnic by the Niagara River along the Wine Route (Niagara Parkway). We pack our mini-barbecue and spark it up with some burgers and sausage. The boys like to play soccer while I get to attempt to relax for a few minutes.

Then we’ll make our way to the downtown area, stopping by to see the boats and the Navy Hall.

The original Navy Hall served as the home of Upper Canada’s Parliament from 1972-1796.

The history here is incredible. The Fort George National Historic Site was the scene of several battles during the War of 1812.

go into the downtown area. We love to walk around – the houses are beautiful, dating back to the 1800s.

This spot is my favourite for photo opps – The Prince of Wales Hotel established in 1864. You can enjoy a 15-minute horse drawn carriage ride for $55 but I must admit though, I do feel bad for the horses having to work so much.

After the kids frolicked in the outdoor fountain in the park, we ate dinner at the Olde Angel Inn. The Inn was established in 1789 and rebuilt in 1815 after the War of 1812.

The Olde Angel Inn is reportedly haunted (and shows up in accounts dating to the 1820’s) of an Captain Colin Swayze who was killed at the Inn during the American invasion of May, 1813. The story is quite incredible – read it here. And the Angel beer? Delicious!

Gelato at Carlotta’s is a must – the hazelnut gelato was by far the best Italian ice cream I’ve ever tasted (and I haven’t been to Italy). My husband has and says it’s the real deal.

The shops are great but really for me, it’s more about window shopping and browsing – some of the shops are a little overpriced.

Just Christmas is always a stop though; I love shopping Christmas ornaments in July!

I haven’t even touched upon the wineries! There are so many amazing wineries in the area, you really do have to have a romantic weekend away with your honey and do wine tours.

The last stop before heading home? A fruit stand to buy fresh picked peaches.

I could see myself living in this beautiful town… although it’s not so quaint because of all the tourists! That would be the only issue but I’m sure I would love the more quiet season of winter there. Hmmmm open up a bed and breakfast? Tempting!

Beaches Turks & Caicos’ Key West Luxury Village

Why Niagara-on-the-Lake would be a great place to live