Turks or Jamaica?

[k. kraus]

Posted by k. kraus on October 13, 1999 at 07:34:58:

I have read the many rave reviews about Boscobel, but most info. referred to young children. Would my 15 and 17 year old teens love it, also? Has anyone been to Beaches in Turks and Caicos? Any info. about that resort would also be appreciated. Last question: Does anyone know of an all-inclusive that has condo-type accomodations (that would accomodate a family of five and have a living room area?) Thanks for any suggestions.

[Caroline]

Posted by Caroline on November 02, 1999 at 13:15:56:

In Reply to: Turks or Jamaica? posted by k. kraus on October 13, 1999 at 07:34:58:

I've been to the Turks and Caicos (Provo) 5 times...fabulous beach, outstanding diving and largely unspoilt by tourism. This past May my family and I spent a wonderful week at Beaches Turks and Caicos. This is the nicest all-inclusive I've been to. The accomodations are lovely; the dining is excellent (a different restaurant for every day of the week; and a huge array of water sports and activities. If you enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving (or have always wanted to try it) this is one of the best spots in the Caribbean. While this resort is certainly geared to families with young children, it seems to attract a diverse clientele and we encountered quite a few families with teenage children.If you haven't already done so, you should check out their web site (www.beaches.com). I read that they are expanding the resort to include more accomodations and several new restaurants.

[Sessi]

Posted by Sessi on October 14, 1999 at 15:04:46:

In Reply to: Turks or Jamaica? posted by k. kraus on October 13, 1999 at 07:34:58:

My family and I just returned from Boscobel Beach. My children are 3 and 17 months. I think Boscobel is a great place for children under the age of your children. I befriended a girl there that was 17 years old and this was her second time there with her family. She was bored. The children's program is wonderful though. Security is fabulous during the day. However, it is next to none at night. I am in the middle of a consumer relation complaint with Boscobel due to being attacked by a husband, wife and aunt team who thought the song I sang at the Adult/Staff talent show was too risque (Toni Braxton top 10 hit)!!!??? Ruined my entire vacation! The whole resort and staff knew who I was after the attack and I could not leave my room without being pulled aside and rehashing this horrible evening! You really had to be there! It is indescribable! These people were incredibly drunk and ignorant. There was no security and the hotel management did nothing to isolate these people or my husband and myself while taking the report. Obviously, a large portion of the crowd was swearing and jeering at these people for treating me this way. That family had a 9 year old girl in the Adult/Staff talent show and they thought the lyrics of the song I sang was innapropriate. I geuss they thought the obscenities they were shouting at me were appropriate. It was a nightmare! The hotel did many things wrong that night! No security, no professionalism regarding the attack, no follow-up thereafter! The man even attacked the band leader. I can not express to you the lack of training on the staff's part for the unforseen.
The Jamaican people were so very sympathetic and warm, but when you pay for a vacation like this, an I am sorry just will not suffice. My husband and I were originally thinking of going to Turks or Breezes. And if this chain is professional about this, we will be doing just that, next year a-la-gratis.

The hotel does differ from all of it's advertisments. It is run down. But, so is Jamaica. There is really no beach. No corral reaf and the water sports.... well, aside from the banana boat, kyaks and (very few sail boats)that is about it. And even these are on schedules. It is not like anytime you want to go you can. The one jet ski is at your cost per 1/2 hour. The snorkeling... a local Jamaican man that wants $$$$. The weather was beautiful, the food was yummy... a lot of repitition on the buffet in the terrace. If you go.. eat at the Allegro EVERY night! Fabulouse italian food. Take some beach shoes... the bottom of the pool will eat your feet up! It would have been a fun time had I not encountered the drunken people, but even if I had not, we would not go back. Not enough bells and whistles aside from the supper kids program and supernanny service.

Hope that I have given you an unprejudiced view. If you want one on one correspondance regarding this property, please direct e-mail me. : )

Good luck

[k. kraus]

Posted by k. kraus on October 13, 1999 at 10:21:13:

In Reply to: Turks or Jamaica? posted by k. kraus on October 13, 1999 at 07:34:58:

Through research, I have found that Poinciana Resort in Negil, Jamaica (recently bought and renovated by Sandals, the Beaches people) will now be called Beaches Inn and will have all the inclusive privileges at Beaches Negril (as well as its own inclusive activities and restaurants). The advantage for our family is that it is one of the few all-inclusives that offers condo-type accomodations (two BRs, living room, kitchenette.) Has anyone been here or to the Beaches Negril? Would love input on these resorts, as this sounds like the best set-up for us. Thanks!