The Resort

I promised I'd review the resort from the Turks and Caicos and I guess that time has come. I truly don't have anything dynamic to say. I have been at more exciting resorts, resorts with more amenities, and resorts with very posh pedigrees and celebrity guests. But this resort, The Ocean Club, was perfect for the mood I was in and the desired pace of this vacation.

I was tired. I wanted to just chill. I wanted to chill on one of the most beautiful beaches on earth. I didn't want crowds, night life or casinos. I didn't want hiking paths, arcades or kids' camps. I just wanted to be resting with my family of four.

The walk down the beach past all the resorts.

The Ocean Club, at Grace Bay was perfect. Our suite overlooked the pool. It had a full kitchen, a washer/dryer, two queen beds, a screened in porch and wi-fi. What more could you really need?

The beauty of the Ocean Club is that it is private, and compact in nature. We were less than 5 minutes away from pools (2), the beach, great restaurants, tennis courts and a resort convenience store. We were a 30 minute (easy) walk on the beach to the main shopping area of provo. Here you could grab groceries, gifts, ice cream, arrange day tours and more.

There was never any rush or panic or competition for beach chairs.  Some resorts I hear of people strategizing or sending a family rep down to the beach at 7AM to secure chairs. Personally, I think "saving" chairs whether at a resort or on a cruise is ridiculous. We all hate it. But never an issue at the Ocean Club.

The signature pink beach umbrellas of the Ocean Club.

Ocean Club pool. One of two pools.

We opted out of daily maid service, so that we could come and go at our convenience. We found the staff to be personable and polite, but not overly enthusiastic. Trying to get dishwasher soap so we could run our in-suite dishwasher was a 2 day joke, but didn't really affect our happiness.

The server's assistant at the beachside restaurant was most helpful and friendly. We probably learnt more from him than anyone else.

Trying to send postcards to Canada at the front desk we received 3 different prices and 3 different answers on our 3 times to the front desk. So far only one batch of postcards has arrived. So, I'm guessing only 1 of the 3 answers/prices was correct. C'est la vie!

The resort offered complimentary shuttle service to their sister resort (Ocean Club West) but we chose to walk to explore the newer side of the Ocean Club. Upon the outside inspection of the Ocean Club West grounds, I'd have to say that the original Ocean Club is just as nice, if not nicer. It seems though "older" the original Ocean Club facilities have already been upgraded, therefore making it appear newer than the "new" Ocean Club West... if you know what I mean.  For example, the benches & decks at The Ocean Club appear recently replaced, where as at the sister resort "The Ocean Club West" the decks and benches appear splintered, worn and in need of paint.

The resorts on Grace Bay are all REALLY CLOSE together. No brochure or anything I'd read previously led me to think this. But in reality, there are ALL together on the same stretch of beach within a 2km (estimate) walk.  But the prices wildly vary. Seven Stars resort typically runs about $4k per person, per week. Beaches is the same, if not more expensive - however those both are all inclusive. Club Med, which was right next door to the OC is also all-inclusive, but it looks like a collection of older Caribbean cabins - though they did have the most water sport equipment available to their guests of any location.  Some resorts, like Villa de Mar and the Tuscany looked practically empty. I really didn't see more than a handful of people on their beach chairs.

Not sure which resort this was on Grace Bay.

Club Med and their many sailboards etc.

Pretty sure this was Villa Del Mar, but not positive.

Our resort was NOT all inclusive. And considering we shopped at the grocery store and ate out only 4 meals during the week, you could say our budget was modest. We paid under $1, 000 per person, for certain. Would staying at Beaches be worth an extra $12,000 to our family? No. Absolutely not. Seriously, I see that as 3 additional vacations.

The Ocean Club resort was beautiful, tropical and friendly. It was absolutely clean and safe and very well kept. Would I recommend it... definitely! However, if you are looking for nightlife and crowds, then it's not for you. I loved it. It was the perfect blend of safe, family-friendly, clean and modern. It came in under my budget and above my expectations.

I just don't think you could go wrong with ANY resort on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, of the Turks and Caicos. It is an incredibly small but beautiful stretch of beach. Each hotel on this strip had oceanfront access and an incredible view. Proximity to shopping, restaurants and activities were all ideal. I would recommend the Turks and Caicos for a family vacation for those who want to relax, play and be together in paradise.