Turks and Caicos

Find an Affordable Family Vacation at the Ocean Club West in Turks and Caicos

Last updated 8th October 2019

Courtesy of Ocean Club Turks and Caicos

Why Go?

The Turks and Caicos is a Caribbean archipelago famous for its white sand beaches, mesmerizing color of the warm sea and sunshine. Named as one of Travel + Leisure‘s Top 500 Best Hotels, Ocean Club West is an 88-suite condo-style resort conveniently located on the stunning Grace Bay on Providenciales (locally known as Provo), a 15-minute drive from the international airport and within walking distance of the shops and restaurants. Its sister property Ocean Club East is at the other end of the beach, a shuttle-ride away. Many visitors to the island hire cars to get around.

This beachfront suite-only resort comes with spacious accommodation and you get plenty of bang for your buck. It’s wonderfully low-key too, which makes it perfect if you are longing for a relaxing family break.

The property exudes Caribbean charm thanks to the local architectural influence, flamingo-pink beach umbrellas, manicured lawns and cute stone animals dotted along meandering pathways, which lead down to Grace Bay Beach, voted one of the best beaches in the world again and again.

There are tennis courts and a fitness center on the property, and you can also use the complimentary paddleboards and kayaks. Guests also have access to all the facilities at Ocean Club. For golfers, there’s a championship golf course across from that property. For those that prefer some pampering, spa treatments can be arranged.

The focus on the island is water-based activities as the islands are home to the world’s largest coral reef system. Off-property there is an array of ways to get in the water, including diving, kite boarding and fishing trips. You can also go on a snorkel cruise on a catamaran. The snorkeling is more suited to teens as the water can be a bit rough.

Courtesy of Ocean Club Turks and Caicos

Specially for Kids

Younger kids can easily splash around in the large pool and the warm, calm waters of ocean. For restless kids, try the Seafari, which is a self-guided environmental exploration game on the resort with prizes at the end.

One of the highlights for the entire family has to be a guided kayaking or paddle boarding trip around the island’s protected mangroves at the Leeward Channel. The mangroves act as a nursery for young marine life and are home to juvenile nurse sharks, lemon sharks and turtles. You’ll be in the hands of a friendly guide and expert spotter, who will be able point out the abundant wildlife under the water and tell you all about them. 

Room Types for Families

As it is a condo-style resort, each of the 88 suites is privately owned, which means they are individually designed. The décor is island-inspired décor, but are some more contemporary than others. All suites have balconies or patios. The roomy accommodation is ideal for families with spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites with oceanfront, garden/ocean pool or island views available. The suites benefit from fully-equipped kitchens, huge sitting/dining areas and laundry facilities—a godsend! The three-bedroom suites are ideal if you have grandparents in tow.

Courtesy of Ocean Club Turks and Caicos

Dining Options

Ocean Club West has a superb privately-owned restaurant on the beachfront and the food is a highlight. Solana serves up tasty breakfasts as well as sushi, sashimi and a variety of conch dishes with Chef Walky at the helm. There are simple kids’ menus too.

There are an additional two restaurants at Ocean Club. Cabana Bar & Grill is perfect for breakfast on the beach and Opus is much more upscale and has a delightful garden and a superb wine list. If you feel like dining out, there is an array of restaurants at Salt Cay Shopping Center, just a short drive away.

One of the most fun things to do as a family while you’re on Providenciales is go to the Fish Fry, which is on every Thursday evening. It attracts tourists and locals from all over the island come along to enjoy music and the party atmosphere. There’s arts and crafts stalls and food stalls from local restaurants, where you can get everything from burgers to a conch salad. If you can bear the lines, then the food at Froggies is worth the wait.

By Janine Clements