As a single New Jersey mom who has parented 100 percent of the time for 18 years, I wanted to celebrate my high school grad in the sun and sand, before his sendoff to college in August.
So, we headed to Treasure Beach Village. Unveiled at Beaches Turks & Caicos in March, the $150 million expansion is the perfect setting thanks to its immersive, modern Caribbean design. Here’s an overview of my favorite things to experience as a single mom and teenage son duo.
Where to Stay
The expansion includes 101 multi-bedroom suites, ideal for a single mom and her 18-year-old son. We stayed in a spacious suite and loved the privacy it offered. My son, Jack, set up camp in a cozy room featuring a bunk bed and bathroom with a shower. Not sharing a bathroom with my teenage son? A win! The turquoise and white colorway was airy and bright—and a sleek sliding door provided my teen with his very own sanctuary (and he loved that).
I was equally delighted by my open concept bedroom, featuring a queen-sized bed blanketed in cool, white linens and pillows equivalent to giant marshmallows. The central air kept us comfortable and the ceiling fan in the main bedroom provided extra cooling that I was thankful for. The large bathroom had double sinks and a turquoise tiled walk-in shower with a built-in bench. The private toilet was in a separate room, painted with flamingo pink walls.
The space also had a modern living room with a sleek sand-colored couch and coffee table. In the corner, a small table and cushioned bench nook with an oversized Tic Tac Toe board set atop was an adorable detail we couldn’t resist. (Yes, we played many games just for old-school kicks, and no, I didn’t let Jack win!)
The outdoor patio was extra-large and had two cushy couches for lounging and a coffee table ideal for in-room, al fresco dining and snacking. The drying rack was a thoughtful detail and came in handy for our daily wet swimsuits. Our view offered up miles of lush greenery, swaying palms, a glowing pool and an endless turquoise ocean. The balcony also provided the perfect quiet space to connect with my kid. We had long, lazy talks about Jack’s upcoming entrance into college and recounted silly memories from years past. I also often found my teenager, snoozing on the couch, the sea breeze whipping through his hair.
What to Eat
Three brand-new additions in Treasure Beach Village were staples for Jack and me. Begin at Brü for an iced vanilla latte, cool hibiscus green tea and sweet treats. (The cookie jar was always filled to the brim.) Enjoy your morning fix, just outside, in a rocking chair by one of two fire pits.
Butch’s steakhouse offered up elevated dining experiences for breakfast and dinner. Jack dug into perfectly cooked, medium-rare steak and fluffy scrambled eggs, plus a rainbow of fruit. I enjoyed fresh French press java and pastries (and relished in the fact I wasn’t the one doing the cooking!).
Pinta’s was perfect for petite bites. The new food hall hosts Caribbean, Mexican and Italian selections. I may have had a daily Caprese salad and marinated olive plate with whipped ricotta and garlic bread, but who’s counting?
Jack veered toward the Caribbean shredded chicken and slaw salad, shrimp plate and smash burger. The small plates were a welcome bite in the balmy heat. Oh, and don’t skip on the mango rice pudding.
Our favorite dinner spot was Soy. The sushi was light, fresh and flavorful with perfect bites of cukes, avocado and spicy tuna. The high-top table proved to be another place for us to lean in and really communicate with each other. Anyone with a teen knows that quality conversations are often few and far between—we gabbed between bites of salted edamame and thinly sliced sashimi. A fun food truck on the property offered fresh, authentic fish in foil and grilled sweet potatoes—a favorite of Jack’s when he needed an afternoon snack.
What to Do
While there was no shortage of pools and hot tubs in Treasure Beach Village, Jack and I spent most of our days on the powdery soft sand and floating in the calm turquoise sea. Beaches provided floating discs that were a perfect spot to tan and talk. Talking with my teen about his future as a collegiate athlete and intention to embark on international studies was a mix of exciting and calming. Jack loved swimming out to the roped off area, while I admittedly watched him like a hawk and waved him back in.
Jack didn’t sleep on his exercise regime while we were in Turks & Caicos. He visited the Red Lane Fitness Center daily to run on the treadmill and lift weights. After a hefty workout he found solace in the sauna. I enjoyed breaking in my new Hokas, walking and jogging throughout the 6,595-acre resort. The exotic blooms occasionally stopped me in my tracks, because I couldn’t resist their unique beauty.
I didn’t think we’d stop, mesmerized by the Sesame Street show, but there we were singing along with the Cookie Monster and bopping to beats with Elmo. We recorded the show for my two-year-old niece, and my sister-in-law texted back that the baby couldn’t stop clapping and dancing—we may need to return with the whole fam in the future. The show and characters brought me back to Jack’s younger years when Tickle Me Elmo was a staple toy in our home.
And I’d be lying if I said we didn’t pop into Treasure Beach’s brand-new movie theater to enjoy warm, buttery popcorn, AC, and a few minutes of Finding Nemo. The silly stuff made Jack feel like a kid again and with college on the horizon, I think that is just what the doctor ordered.
That’s not to say we didn’t enjoy parasailing in the clouds, tubing at warp speed and snorkeling in the sea. Not to mention competitive games of pickle ball and endless rounds of foosball in anticipation of the World Cup. The Catamaran Cruise served up stunning views of the Grace Bay coastline that won us over.
Treasure Beach Village at Turks and Caicos was a gorgeous, stress-free way to bond with my teen before he takes off for college. The all-inclusive resort provided the planning and managing, so we could rest, relax and reconnect.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
We Stayed at Princess Grand Jamaica—Here’s Why It’s a Win With the Kids
The Grove Resort Is a Tropical-Style Alternative to Staying on Disney Property
Why This Margaritaville Resort in Cancún Is an Easy and Relaxing Family Escape
Popular in Parenting:
Should Teens Use AI for Mental Health Advice? What Parents Need to Know
Why Won’t My Teen Leave Their Room?
How to Set Summer Screen Time Rules Without Constant Fighting
