Turks and Caicos - Don't Forget Your Sandals

Turks and Caicos Day 1 (April 18)

A long awaited vacation to Turks and Caicos! We had originally pre-booked Sandals Antigua, but that booking had to be altered due to "maintenance" (...and taxation debates according to locals). Sandals offered to re-book any affected guests to another resort for the same time period. We had heard incredible things about the clear water and beautiful beaches of Turks and Caicos. Not only that, Sandals committed itself to honouring the price booked, so Turks and Caicos was an obvious choice because it is so expensive otherwise. Hurricane Irma weighed in at the end of the summer and forced a date change to the Beaches Turks and Caicos trip... to now!

So... what's the logical thing to do when you find yourself travelling to a Beaches Family Resort? That's right - borrow a baby and go! Lol... luckily our 6 year old nephew Easton was excited to spend a week away with us. And we were also fortunate to have Krissy's sister Jenn with us too!

There was a lot of practicing patience at the airport as we shifted from line to line. Tried not to laugh as we heard "how much longer will it be?" knowing the 5min in line was nothing compared to the 3h 11min flight ahead of us. Nothing food (okay - mostly candy packed by well intentioned parents and grandparents) and Nintendo DS and WestJet movies couldn't fix! ...And while Easton was engrossed in technology and sugar, Krissy remained determined not to let Easton know how afraid flying makes her. Krissy does not want her nephew growing up with a similar fear of flying.

Benefits of travelling with a child? For one, complimentary early seat assignment on the flights to ensure at least 1 (or both in our case) adults are sitting with the child. For another, on arrival to Turks and Caicos - the Customs line was incredibly long as 2 other flights had recently landed - and security noticed us wheeling Easton around on the carry-on and ushered us through to the front of the line. Seriously - just like that - one look at Easton and we were through... unbelievable. No amount of Andrew (or me for that matter) batting his eyes has ever gotten us such priority VIP treatment.

An evening of giant lawn chess and Bombay - Indian cuisine. Disappointed by the limited set menu, but satisfied by the willingness to accommodate allergies (gluten for the girls and shellfish for Easton). Completely forgetting that children's taste buds are less refined - we encouraged Easton to try the Indian dishes. Impressively, Easton tried 2 - then downed an entire glass of milk as the heat of the spices sunk in. The chicken nuggets Krissy snuck over from Cricketers Pub made Easton a lot more comfortable.

Back to the room for some sun screen....Andrew forgot to do his back (and would find out later) and then he took Easton to the beach while Krissy and Jenn went to sort out meals and the food allergies.

Andrew and Easton walked up and down the beach for a bit and had trouble finding seats. A lot of seats had towels and items on them and no people in sight. They eventually found 2 seats and started having fun. First is was building a sand castle and then they moved into the ocean and watched some moonfish being served some food....that appeared to be cereal in a form a container.

Easton then beat up some waves and it was back to building and playing on the beach. Easton grew impatient and asked Andrew to call Jenn and Krissy to find out when they were.

Easton and Andrew were joined by Krissy and Jenn on the beach. Easton wanted to do the paid water activities at the beach. Andrew tried to illustrate the cost analysis and free options.

Speaking of free options. Krissy suggested the waterpark and Easton was all over it. Easton picked the lazy river (Andrew picked up some whiskey on the way)

Attempted to rest on the beach with Easton and his Nintendo DS in the shade, but the waterpark was more enticing... so Easton pulled Krissy back to the waterslides insisting she would do the RED slide. We stayed on the beach to relax.

Back to the beach because Easton was "Ready to see the Fish". A few fails initially with a stuck valve on Easton's snorkel - poor guy couldn’t breathe in. Minor adjustment and we were back on track. Ocean snorkelling - check! Flounder found in the crystal clear waters.

While the boys disappeared back to the room (undoubtedly for video games), Jenn and I liaised on the beach and met Moise - our new favourite beach server. The mojitos kept flowing our direction - making for an afternoon full of smiles and laughter.

Shuttled over to Soy for dinner - amused Easton with the racing golf carts that drive through an underground tunnel to access the different villages. Jenn and Krissy had met Willy earlier in the day - as they raced around on the shuttle for fun. The 20 minute wait to be seated was well used - Chocolate Mousse at Cafe de Paris. A bit of chopstick shenanigans after ordering. The sushi was delicious - had no idea a 6 year old would love Edamame and maki rolls that much. But the best for Easton was the Mac 'n Cheese that we had sent over from Bobby Dee's.

And that's pretty much it. Blah blah blah…

Turks Day 3 (April 20)

Ding. Ping. BBM messages floading in. Jenn is awake and ready at 6:45AM and our alarm hasn't even gone off. Before we have time to pull the covers over our head and drift back to sleep... Jenn's energetic self has entered the room to sneak cuddles with Easton and motivate readiness with a race. We ran around the 1 bedroom villa trying to beat a 6 year old get ready. As we tripped over ourselves, Easton laid back getting professionally sunscreened by Jenn - what a life. The 6 year old won.

Our 7:30AM breakfast at Sky was seamless today. Any wait time was spent filling out the seemingly endless paperwork the culinary office insists on having completed for each person with an allergy for each meal... and heaven help you if you were hoping for an entree from 1 restaurant and a dessert from another. Chef Andrea was quite stern with Krissy over the resort's expectations. But if you know Krissy, then you'll already know - she will find a way to make everything work out to keep everyone happy! ...looks like more paperwork is on the horizon though...

The Kitty Kat Catamaran cruise (I know - seriously tame name) was 3 hours in duration and complimentary with our package. Always wait to pre-book a Sandals/Beaches vacation until there is a minimum of free catamaran cruise plus free couples massage (and maybe a free night too). And don't forget to check out the last minute deals on the Sandals/Beaches website.

The snorkelling was not tame. It was on the outside of the reef surrounding the north side of the island. The site for the snorkelling was great, however not for children under 10 years at least due to the waves rolling in. We attempted to get Easton in and comfortable but it was proving to be difficult. Easton was not comfortable with his mask and snorkel and due to the waves snorkelling along the reef was not feasible. Instead Krissy and Easton hung around the stairs of the catamaran and looked around by looking down into the water.

Jenn and I followed a guide out over the reef closer to where the waves were breaking. The personal guide got excited and pointed out in the distance and said shark. As we got closer the shark was cruising in about 5 feet of water along the reef and was 7-8 ft in length. The guide asked if we were scared and we said no and we swam closer....unfortunately or maybe fortunately the shark did not feel as curious as us and swam away. On the way back to the sail boat we saw 3 parrot fish that were 3-4 ft in length and the biggest we had ever seen.

Sailing back to the resort while trying to tame a 6 year old on a catamaran after a glass of punch was an interesting feat. Luckily Barefoot was close and we were seated at picnic tables in the sand for lunch. Fish tacos, jerk chicken, and burgers. As the ladies and Easton shifted to the beach, Andrew snuck over to the Jerk Shack for more jerk chicken. The lifeguard Ruben not only remembered us, but had reserved us seats and floats to play with. Incredible what a child's mind can do with 1 small inner tube - it was a shark, then a speed boat for drink deliveries, then a whirlpool creator... hahahaha it kept us all busy for hours.

Strolled the beach boardwalk as the sun set and the sky lit up with hues of pink and red. Ate at Arizona’s at the opposite end of the resort - it would have been a disappointing meal had Sophia not been so creative and attentive. Easton giggled as Sophia turned a somewhat spicy bbq sauce into a sweet treat by adding sugar and ketchup. And the nearly raw steaks were re-fired with apologies and came back perfect. The key lime pie was was yummy. And Easton's magical self-filling (we did it) water cup was hilarious!

Straight to the beach - reserved seats and an abundance of water floats and beach toys awaiting thanks to Ruben! It’s refreshing to observe the kindness in others - children gathered around and shared Cheerios to feed the tropical fish. That was all it took - Easton was begging to put on his snorkel gear. A regular little tad pole today.

Between bumper floats in the water and ring toss on the beach... an impromptu sand castle building competition between us and an American family started. Teenagers native to Turks and Caicos joined in on the fun - adding to our creation instead of their own. Back in the water to cool off... Easton snorkelled with Andrew while I spent time teaching one of the girls how to swim. Fourteen years old, living on an island, and desperate to learn how to swim. So rewarding to watch someone float for the first time...

Lunch at Neptune’s (plus pizza from Dino’s for the boys) was exceptional. Chef Brian not only remembered our allergies, but personally offered to make Easton anything he wanted. I've never seen a 6 year old devour a house salad like Easton did. We had heard rumours only 1 restaurant had incredible lunches - we believe Neptune’s is it. Italian ices were a refreshing conclusion to the meal.

The afternoon was fast paced as we raced down waterslides and ran around the waterpark. Bringing along a child really helps bring out the kid in you...

Jenn slipped away for a relaxation massage at Red Lane Spa and we took Easton to the Xbox Lounge before picking up afternoon pastries.

A bit of downtime in the room before dinner. Sky offers a perfectly inspired menu, but is adult only... so with a 6 year old in tow we had to get creative! Bayside sits below Sky, so we requested seating there and submitted an order through Sky. What we weren’t expecting was for Chef Brian to personally present each dish and again extend an offer to Easton to make anything he wanted. Tonight Easton received his butter garlic pasta. The meal was flawless - presentation was beautiful and flavours were well balanced. The baked yogurt (think cheesecake meets creme brulee) is our new favourite dessert! Delicious enough to make adults lick their bowls.

Turks Day 5 (April 22)

My turn to cuddle with Easton this morning... this little guy was in no hurry to move anywhere. Only the thought of sneaking over to Jenn's room to pounce on her motivated teeth brushing and clothes. Easton disappeared into the bathroom I snuck in a call to Jenn to offer a warning. Easton ran 3 doors down... and POUNCE! Love the sounds of giggles in the morning.

Breakfast at Sky with the addition of fresh coconuts compliments of Joel (Beaches landscaper). Everyone was all smiles - refreshing coconuts. Only later would Easton confide he didn't really like the "funny taste". Guess he just liked the idea of his own coconut.

Spent the morning at the beach... snorkelled in the shallow waters feeding eager fish (Fruit Loops and Cereals today). Andrew and Jenn ventured out further while I became Easton's personal race car... kicking it into high gear... chasing after fish. Exhaustingly amusing. As the clouds rolled in in the distance, it was obvious Easton's intention was to have a lazy day. The little guy waited patiently as we transformed floats and towels into the perfect fort for beach Nintendo DS time. That's compromising with a 6 year old.

...the highlight of the day - DINNER! Chef Brian took on the challenge of personally preparing and serving the four of us tonight. It would be as if we had our own pop up restaurant. Easton was treated to fried chicken and fries, which he decided tasted amazing dipped into his strawberry smoothie. The rest of us were left nearly speechless after the 4 course meal that embraced the ocean and emphasized both local and international flavours. From shrimp with warm corn panna cotta to mahi mahi with thai red curry and swordfish with grilled asparagus... the attention to detail and balanced flavours were incredible. Dessert was refreshingly delicious... it all got Easton's thumbs up! In fact - we were so eager tp try dessert we forgot to take a picture. Thank you Chef Brian - your food and kindness is so appreciated.

Neptune's for lunch... again Easton threw us for a loop - guess it's tough for a 6 year old with allergies to know with accuracy 24h in advance what he will want to eat. But yet again - Chef Brian and the incredible waitstaff team were up to any challenge - chicken skewer was substituted for fish at Easton's request. Bittersweet end to the meal - bitter was having to say goodbye to Chef Brian who will be enjoying time off on Tuesday; sweet was Easton finding the courage to ask for his new favourite thing "Italian Ice"... this off menu item was somehow found and served to Easton.

The afternoon disappeared quickly as we all played at the waterpark... well until Jenn left for Red Lane Spa treatments (Reflexology and a Happy Hour massage - totally legit, nothing inappropriate). Again, Easton impressed us by his willingness to try something new - the surf simulator. Afternoons are for body boarding, which you can participate in IF you sign your life away (release of liability paperwork) and you're tall enough. The lifeguard was unreal - helped Easton onto the board and into the waves! The improvement in just a few attempts was unbelievable.

New favourite breakfast menu - Neptune's! The Berry Boost Muesli was a definite win for Easton... and the vanilla bean pancakes (made gluten free) with butterscotch sauce and whipped cream - a definite win for the ladies! We finished completing the last of the special dietary request forms and divided - Andrew to deliver the forms to the culinary office, Jenn to drop off leftovers in the room (we ordered way too much food), and Easton and I to the Sports Desk at the pier. Rain caught us off guard, but the angry dark cloud passed by quickly. That was the least of our worries...

As we were waiting to board the Beaches Catamaran for the included snorkel trip (Beaches offers 4 excursions each day), Easton decided he was too full to snorkel... and then had a mini meltdown over being worried he would "barf on the boat".

In truth, he later confided he was a little bit full and a lot a bit nervous about snorkelling in the deeper water (...followed by a lot of shark talk). We gently coerced this stubborn 6 year old onto the boat for the less than 2 minute boat ride to a crystal clear snorkel site (inside the reef). Jenn and Andrew dove in while Krissy and Easton watched from the boat. Not even the large lobster or the eel or the colourful fish would lure Easton in on this excursion. Not even having to pee with no bathroom on board and the world's largest toilet (aka ocean) available would Easton be convinced to jump in.

Well... that changed quickly when we reverted to off beach snorkelling. We learned about the Princess Alexandra Marine Reserve to the West of the Beaches resort (an easy 15 minute walk along the beach). We also had success in touring around the entire reserve - Krissy just had to hook her hand into the life jacket and swim for the both of them as Easton calmly snorkelled. Tons of fish... vibrant corals... barracuda and lion fish even... and the highlight - THE TURTLE! Easton was mesmerized by this real life aquarium! Such a win!!!

With Chef Brian enjoying his day off, we met Chef Sebastian - who took the challenge of preparing a pre-dinner appetizer for us later today! Easton threw out the best quote of the day after Chef Sebastian walked away, "...and Aunt Jenny - he didn't have a ring on his finger". We nearly died laughing at Easton's attempt at match-making for Jenn... obviously 6 year olds don't realize finding a match is more complicated than ring or no ring. There may be no ring at work, but this Chef is happily married with a baby boy. Sorry single ladies.

I don't know what we did to get so lucky, but the Executive Sous Chef Sebastian took over where Brian left off. We never made it to Schooner's for dinner because Sebastian personally prepared a 4 course meal at a perfectly situated table at Bayside. With the warmth of the fires and calming ocean behind us - Bayside made for a memorable farewell dinner. Easton loved playing Crazy Eights between courses.

There was a passionate fruit and coconut gazpacho, the most delectable Caprese salad we've ever tasted, a braised short rib that melted in our mouths, and a caramel flan with fresh berries. A very special thank you to Chef Sebastian and our beautiful server.

Andrew needed a night cap. Nope - not the usual scotch... Ice cream - Rocky Road from Bobby Dee's. Andrew's little sidekick also decided a strawberry ice cream cone was in order. Not a bad way to end the last full day of vacation.

We caught the shuttle to the airport just after 12 pm and a quick 20 minute ride to the airport. The WestJet lineup was long and slow but we eventually dropped off our baggage and received our boarding passes.

The security check point was much faster and we were in the departure lounge in no time. Andrew checked out and purchased some Scotch in the duty free shop and we ate our packed lunch to the envy of other passengers. By the time lunch was done, and Krissy and Jenn had changed it was time to board our flight. The flight was relatively turbulence free due to the pilot. The pilot was very good to communicate to the passengers about the upcoming turbulence and his efforts to avoid it. We arrived 15 minutes early to Pearson International Airport and our ride arrived as we walked out the front door...couldn't ask for a better ending to our trip.

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