This All-Inclusive Resort In Turks & Caicos Has The Only Water Park In The Country

Are you heading to Turks and Caicos and searching for a beachfront resort that caters to pretty much every whim? Look no further than the Sandals Resort, Beaches Turks and Caicos, on the renowned Grace Bay Beach. With its prime spot on what's consistently voted one of the best beaches in the world, according to Forbes, along with 10 swimming pools and a whopping 21 restaurants, Beaches Turks and Caicos is the largest all-inclusive resort on the island. Everyone can find something to love here. There's powder-white sand and turquoise ocean, swim-up pool bars, elegant fine dining options, and tons of activities for children, teens, and water sports enthusiasts.

To top it all off, the resort boasts Pirates Island, the country's first and only water park. But as this isn't your average resort, Pirates Island isn't your average water park either. While some may think of hotel water parks as pool-like playpens for the tiniest travelers, this is an aqueous amusement and relaxation park for the whole family. Of the three water parks associated with Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean islands, 45,000 square-feet Pirates Island is the largest and offers the most amenities. In addition, for guests who want to practice catching waves in a controlled environment, the park has the only surf simulator in the Caribbean. 

If you feel like it, you could spend entire days at Pirates Island, playing, lounging, and dining. The youngest children will love the zero-entry and kid-friendly pools, splash features, spray and pop-up jets, and the tot slides, designed to be safe for children between two and six years old. For bigger kids, there are taller and faster water slides, including three vast ones, along with a rainforest game room. Older kids will also dig the amazing surf simulator, which can even generate a few different waves: Waimea River mouth standing waves, V waves, and barreling standing waves. In addition, toddlers, teens, honeymooners, retirees, and anyone else on a Caribbean vacation will appreciate basking in the refreshing waterfall pool and floating around in the park's 650-foot-long Lazy River. 

For parents, the good news is that your little pirates won't have to leave the water park — or, in some cases, even the water — when they get thirsty and hungry. They can enjoy ice-cold slushies at the kids-only swim-up bar and purchase quick snacks like mac n' cheese, milkshakes, ice cream, and frozen yogurt at the onsite food trucks. For sit-down meals within Pirates Island, families and other guests can head to Bobby Dee's, a 50s-style diner that serves pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and desserts throughout the day. 

Pirates Island is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and admission is free for resort guests. However, before embarking on your adventure in the water park, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, don't underestimate the strength of the sun in Turks and Caicos. Bring and apply adequate water-resistant sunscreen and reapply every two hours. Dress kids in UV wear, goggles, and hats. Both children and adults could benefit from water shoes or flip flops to prevent slipping and protect feet from hot surfaces. 

To ensure safety and manage expectations, explain to the kids that they won't be able to use the larger slides and surf simulator if they don't meet the height requirements. Younger children, however, can use the smaller tot slides in the wet playground area, which have cushions at the bottom. A final tip: if you don't want to sit in the restaurant with wet bathing suits, make use of the kiddie swim-up bar and on-site food trucks. While the food truck's frozen yogurt flavors may change daily, we hear they are lip-smackingly delicious.