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October 27, 2014

The People of Beaches Turks & Caicos

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When I was a girl living in the Dominican Republic, I spent a lot of my weekends in all-inclusive resorts. These resorts are not just tourist havens, but also weekend getaways for many wealthy Dominican city dwellers looking for beach time without the fuss.

My father, who works in the hospitality industry, worked often with management and executives of these resorts and so I became familiar with them, how they run, and what to expect.

I also noticed how often times the very people who work so incredibly hard to make sure that every guest had all they could ever need during their stay, were often invisible.

The groundskeepers and servers. The pool guys and life guards. The cleaning staff and engineers. The army of people, many of them members of the underserved communities that often surround these resorts, quietly and diligently, working to make everyone’s experience in the resorts the best that it could be.

When I was invited to Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos as a speaker for the Social Media on The Sand conference, I was curious to see how this experience, being my children’s first all-inclusive resort stay, would be. I am not usually an all-inclusive kind of girl, but what I would learn from my stay at Beaches would broaden my outlook and perspective and inspire me to share the faces of the people who helped to make our experience such a great one.

Beaches Turks and CaicosWelcome home. These are the first words that greet you when you check in to any of the hotels at Beaches. It is heart warming and comforting. It’s the people like Noel Issacs, Executive Manager for Italian Village, that make sure that this first impression stays with you throughout your stay.

Note: Sandals and Beaches Resorts have a “no tipping” policy. Over the years I have seen how services in exchange for a tip actually negatively affect the overall experience and impact the quality of service before and after. It FEELS different to receive the top quality and friendly service one does at Beaches, knowing that when they walk you to your destination when you feel lost, or help you carry your bag, or serve you, or stop to converse, they are doing so because it is the culture of the resort, not because they expect a tip for it. I think this is probably one of the best executed approaches I have experienced in an all-inclusive resort, or any resort. And it really complimented the experience overall. If you want to give back to those who helped you, make sure to get their names, where they work, and leave a note at the front desk asking that it be delivered to the head of their departments. Also, a positive review, if that was your experience, on one of those consumer rating sites is a nice gesture.

Beaches Turks and Caicos

Antonio (from the Philippines) and Andrew (from Jamaica) are two of the many butlers at Beaches who make sure that their guests have everything and anything they may need before and during their stay.

Beaches Turks and Caicos

Andrae, Nadia, and Derron (from Jamaica)

All butlers are trained and certified by the The Guild of Professional English Butlers. This service is a top-tier service, which is one of the highest categories available at the resort.

Beaches Turks and CaicosBartenders Judy (Dominican Rep.) and Leighton (Jamaica) were always smiling when I saw them around the resort.

Beaches Turks and CaicosCarline (from Haiti) and Heidy (from Dom. Rep.)

Bartending to both adults and kids (nonalcoholic beverages of course) is an exhausting job, but they and the many other bartenders I came across did it with professionalism and friendliness, no matter how big or small the order and the guest was. All drinks, except for some wines, are included in your stay.

Beaches Turks and Caicos

I went out to the beach for a sunrise shot and there was Dwayne, from Jamaica, who also works as a life guard for the resort, raking away the seaweed that had washed up over night so that the beach would be clean by the time guests started arriving to enjoy it. You have to get up early to even see them doing this, and it is no easy task as the beach itself is 12 miles long, but they get it done, making sure that all of our sandy shots are as beautiful as this one below:

Beaches

Beaches Turks and CaicosBeaches Turks and CaicosThe resort covers 50 acres of land, with a wide choice of villas, cottages, and hotel-style rooms to choose from, not to mention pools, restaurants, and other fun spots. It is no wonder that one of most important people to know is Adrien, who drives guests from one area of the resort to another in a golf cart making sure you don’t miss out on a second of fun. It is easy enough to walk around, but even I will tell you that when you have a bunch of tired kids by your side, having Adrien or any of the other golf cart drivers get you to your room faster, is a really nice service to have!

Beaches Turks and CaicosOur favorite restaurant at the resort is the Soy Sushi Bar and we especially loved the staff there. Everything we ate, which was nearly everything they had, was delicious. I giggled at how in awe the wait staff was with my children’s love for sushi as it wasn’t something they were used to seeing. I was impressed with the fact that I would find such good sushi in an all-inclusive resort!

Beaches Turks and Caicos Beaches Turks and Caicos

It’s easy to overlook when things are running smoothly and looking great. When the grounds are pristine and the air conditioning turns on without a problem. When the beds are made after your day at the beach and those towels are folded into cool animals like swans and elephants ready to greet you upon arrival. I mean, we notice, of course we do, because the resort is gorgeous and seems to run without a hitch. But in our hurry to all the fun, it’s easy to lose sight of the many, many people making it all possible.

Beaches Turks and Caicos Beaches Turks and Caicos
Beaches Turks and Caicos

I wanted to make it a point to celebrate them, because a lot of what we love about the resort has so much to do with them and the work they do every single day so that we actually don’t notice, but just enjoy.

Beaches Turks and CaicosJamaicans Devon and Bryan from Engineering

IMG_2543Beaches cleaning crew on their way to work one early morning.

Beaches Turks and CaicosMickey from public relations is not someone we would all meet, but she is a part of the team that makes sure to get the word out there so that others know just how fun a family vacation at Beaches Turks and Caicos really is.

Finally, those who have read my blog for awhile or have ever heard me talk about the resorts that continuously pop-up on the island I grew up on and where my family is from, know that I am passionate about what they are or aren’t doing to give back to those communities. I grew up seeing how wealthy investors took over land that once belonged to a community of fishermen and farmers but never give anything back in return other than low-paying jobs and little opportunities to do more.

When I learned about what the Sandals Foundation is doing to not be one of those resorts, but instead to care for, educate, and recruit members of the community they are in, as well as help conserve and protect the land, I was moved to tears. Because so very little thought is often given, by both investors and visitors, about how much these resorts impact the communities around them, often times with walls built to keep them unseen and away.

Heidi Clarke, the Director of Programs for the Sandals Foundations, laid it all out for us. The statistics that have negatively been such a big part of the surrounding communities where Sandals and Beaches Resorts have opened up is not something they have chosen to pretend isn’t there, but instead have embraced as a cause. I loved it, especially the part where 100% of donated funds go towards the many programs under the Sandals Foundation umbrella. We even got to talk to two young ladies from the area who are benefitting from the education being given to them and who came to thank us for taking the time to learn about the foundation. It was emotional.

Beaches Turks and Caicos

Alicia Duncanson and Christina Stubbs beneficiaries of the Sandals Foundation educational program greeted us with song and smiles.

Beaches Turks and Caicos Beaches Turks and CaicosBeaches Turks and Caicos is a family friendly resort. There is a lot to do, though more effort is being made so that teens feel like there is more catering to them than some feel there is now (my teen thought things closed too early or there wasn’t enough happening for them at night, but he still made friends and went out on his own). So much is included, both on land and in the water, we felt that the price was worth it. I still encourage you to get off resort and explore a bit of the things happening outside of it. Have a meal at the local fish fry held every Thursday night at 6pm only a few minutes from the resort (ask the front desk for directions). Or go to a local eatery (I heard Da Conch Shack was very good).

And take notice and thank the people whose job it is to make your experience the best it can possibly be, just as they did for my family and I, warming up my heart to this all-inclusive, luxury resort for its excellent and friendly service and the endless smiles we met during our entire stay. To all of them I say, Thank you.

Disclosure: I was a speaker at the Social Media on The Sand conference held at Beaches Turks and Caicos. As part of my speaking agreement, I received a complimentary stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos. I received no request to write this review. All opinions are my own.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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6 Comments
  • Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting
    October 27, 2014

    Amazing. Amaaaaaazing. Your images, as always, are breathtaking and invite me right in as if I’m next to you. Those faces are all beautiful and I wish I could’ve met them myself on the trip. I always love to live vicariously through your travels, your attention to detail is always meticulous.

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting
      October 27, 2014

      Thank you so much Lisa! You are so sweet. Thanks for taking this journey with me.

      Reply
  • Jennifer Brandt
    October 27, 2014

    Love this post, Carol! What a beautiful way to see the resort through the wonderful people that work there. Makes it seem that much more special. What a blast it must have been!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Jennifer Brandt
      October 27, 2014

      Thank you, Jennifer! I didn\’t really know what to expect. But the people I met there and knowing the work that the foundation those, really set this one apart for me. I am a fan for sure (as are my kids!).

      Reply
  • Jo-Lynne Shane
    October 27, 2014

    I love the angle you took with this post. I was also up early one morning on the beach and found them raking the seaweed away. I love how you named everyone. The meticulous staff and gracious hospitality is definitely the defining quality of the Beaches resorts.

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Jo-Lynne Shane
      October 27, 2014

      Thank you Jo-Lynne, I agree! And yes, getting to talk to them, asking them where they were from, their names…that was the most fun part of this!

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a des If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a destination for you. This list of good eats were all within close proximity to each other and spots we made time for during our short weekend visit. So definitely note that this doesn’t even begin to cover the tip of the iceberg, but makes a good starter list!

📍@ShortStackEats in the heart of Downtown Madison is clearly a UW favorite. Loved their pancakes! We thought it was a pricey for breakfast, and only offered drip coffee, but the scene was fun, food was good, and service was friendly.
📍@SardineMadison is a waterfront French bistro that has stood the test of time (we’ve been coming here since we lived in Madison!). It can feel very corporate some nights, but their Happy Hour and brunch are definite highlights and it’s a really nice dining experience overall.
📍@EatattheAudrey impressed us! It’s not your usual “hotel restaurant” and I would say it easily stands alone as an eatery worth checking out in Madison. Great breakfast options, cozy vibes, nice bar, and good service!
📍@RamenStation1124 good, affordable ramen.
📍BlindShotSocialClub We really loved this spot for brunch (sorry, was enjoying the company and totally spaced out on capturing food images!). Golf fans will love hitting the putt here (you can reserve a private room too), and what I though was most cool was the delicious and wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from. This place is a total vibe!
📍@StringsRamen is a chain, but I have to say it is some of the best ramen I have had in a long time. I especially loved how you can choose your ramen but heat level but also by Japanese region which allowed us to taste a couple of new flavors!
📍@Parthenongyros has been around awhile (hubby recalls coming here during his college years!) and was voted #1 take out in Madison! Though we indulged inside and away from the snow. A delicious, quick bite when strolling around State Street.

And again, this is just a starter list. There is so much more to eat and enjoy in this top foodie city! What other spots would you add to this list?

#madisonwi #foodiegram #foodiedestinations #goodeats @destinationmadison
I love to travel. It has always been important to I love to travel. It has always been important to my family. My parents got my first passport weeks after I was born. They couldn’t afford to travel like I do now, but they understood, as immigrants, the absolute privilege that comes attached to having that shiny blue American booklet and they wanted me to have it.

I was yet again reminded of my privilege when my travel back home on this last trip was delayed over 24 hours. I have a village in place to make sure my kids were ok. Having my own business meant I didn’t have to report in to anyone, and was still able to work remotely so none of my clients were inconvenienced by it. Though the airline covered our hotel and food, we never worried that we couldn’t do it ourselves otherwise. While we were annoyed, we weren’t stressed.

So while I love to travel, and I love sharing my travels with you, I acknowledge that being able to do so, and dealing with the consistent travel disruptions so prevalent today without worries is a privilege…one that started with a little blue booklet that gives me more access to the world than some others do.

And I want us all in this travel space to be reminded of this. Of how lucky we are. Of our privilege to access and time and money.

So let us travel with grace and awareness. Let us remain rooted in reality and perspective. Acknowledging that our escapism isn’t one so easily accessible to others. Understanding that this is also why local stories have as much value as those to exclusive destinations, if not more. And, never forgetting, especially in the travel influencer and media space, that were it not for hosted campaigns and paid-for travel opportunities, most of us wouldn’t be able to afford the lifestyle we so beautifully curate online.

It doesn’t matter how often you travel, or how far. Just that hopefully you will be able to gift yourself the experience of doing so and experiencing something new.

#travel #travelmedia #travelinfluencer #wheretonext
As I work on compiling all the good eats I experie As I work on compiling all the good eats I experienced in Madison, WI, I have to ask: what is your favorite meal of the day, and where did you experience a highlight of the same?

I am a huge fan of breakfast. This beauty was a blueberry pancake order from @shortstackeats. Pancakes are not a big thing for me, but these were pretty perfect. I am craving them still. 🥞♥️

#madisonwi #goodeats #travelingfoodie @destinationmadison
We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a qui We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a quick trip to Madison, WI - my first time back in 14 years! Though we were here for family matters, we did take a moment to explore a bit of what used to be a place we called home.

We couldn’t do anything else until we drove around Lake Monona, where we once had a home, and took in the wintery views (there is an epic 13.2-mile trail that loops around the lake that is worth exploring if you visit!). Though our time was limited, we were able to enjoy some of it along State Street exploring the shops, eateries, the FREE @mmocamadison, and the beautiful architecture of the WI State Capitol Building (the Dane County Farmers Market will soon pick up again - Saturdays, April 15 thru November 11, 2023 around the Capitol Building and it is one of the best farmers markets anywhere!). 

We booked a room at the @hiltonmadison Monona Terrace to be within walking distance of all the downtown fun (tip: for a room with a lake view make sure to book at the upper levels above 10th floor for an unobstructed view of Lake Monona). 

Madison, WI is a skip and a hop from the Finger Lakes so this short and sweet visit didn’t feel difficult at all. And we absolutely loved the winter scenery and seeing what has changed (a lot) since we lived here.

Stay tuned for my list of where we ate!

Have you ever been to Madison, WI?

#madisonwi #weekendgetaway #wisconsin @destinationmadison
The joy of that first sip of the day. #randommom The joy of that first sip of the day. 

#randommomentsarethebest
I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t be I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t believe how easily I’ve been waking up in the early mornings since our last trip. Not sure how to shake it, or if it’s temporary, but here it is: the rare sighting of me up and moving early in the day. Am I a morning person now? Has travel ever permanently changed any of your habits?

#morningperson #lifeinthecountry #newme <-😂

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