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Reminding Me Why I Travel ~ Beaches Resorts

in Travel on 12/16/13

Life is too fast.  It passes us by in a blur as we tend to obligations and schedule’s that range from hectic to full on crazy.  Why would a sane person ever pile travel on top of all of this?  Simple.  It is transformative.  Travel takes you out of your everyday throwing you into a brand new world.  It pushes you to learn about yourself, the world around you, and provides the chance to bond as a family that no other experience can. 

My daughters and I recently had the opportunity to take a whirlwind four day trip to the Beaches Resort in Negril Jamaica.  We packed enough action  into those four days to leave us breathless, sweetly satisfied and down to the core happy.  There’s so much to see and do at Beaches Resort, it’s hard to know where to start!  Bright and early on a blustery Thursday morning we headed to the Pearson International Airport in Toronto Ontario to meet up with fellow Travel Bloggers and Writers; destination Paradise. 

BeachesOnOurWay

Resting an hour and a half outside of Montego Bay is the beautiful Beaches Resort Negril.  An award winning, 5 star family orientated hotel that the three of us were eager to explore.   Our Mother-Daughter trip was underway!BeachesBuildings 

This low rise resort of under 300 rooms hugs the stunning and famous white sands of Seven Mile Beach. 

A few quick facts about this incredible property:

  • 3 pools, 2 with swim-up bars
  • 6 bars serving unlimited premium drinks
  • Caribbean Inspired Red Lane® Spa
  • Liquid at Beaches Nightclub
  • Comprehensive Scuba program
  • Pirates Island Waterpark
  • Supervised kids camp for kids of all ages
  • Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street®
  • XBOX® Play Lounge
  • Trench Town Teens-only gameroom
  • Scratch DJ Academy
    There was going to be a lot to cover on this trip!  (and we hoped to find some time to do nothing at all!)BeachesFloat

We arrived at the resort, walked through the unique open air lobby and proceeded to check in with the help of the warm and very helpful Concierge Service.  The children in our group were welcomed with fruit punch and fresh baked cookies, the Adults with a cocktail of a slightly stronger variety!  A sweet and very relaxing way to start to our stay.  IMG_1186

My girls and I were ushered through lush gardens with birds singing, and past play areas to our room in the 300 block.   I might have skipped a little!BeachesWalkwayRoom 311 was a warm, bright and very spacious room.  Fantastic!  The suite contained a lovely pull out couch and matching love seat, all arranged in a cozy sitting area. Although it was almost dark when we arrived, we could see this sitting area opened up to a lovely balcony overlooking the croquet field and the ocean.  The room was configured perfectly for the three of us and could easily accommodate a family of up to four or five with rollaway beds. 

BeachesSuite

I will go ahead and admit it now, I thoroughly enjoyed the best of sleeps on this most comfortable of King Size beds.  My girls and I were also surprised by some sweet gifts waiting for each of us!  IMG_0994BeachesWelcomingGiftBeachesWelcomingGift4BeachesWelcomingGift2

The couch pulled into a double bed, but as an alternate sleeping arrangement, we were also given the option of two rollway beds for my girls.  We graciously accepted the rollway beds, I was eager to see if a family of four or more could fit into this suite.  This answer was yes!  One rollaway fit easily behind the couch, the other behind the loveseat and the room still felt spacious and airy. 

 IMG_1005IMG_1004

Each room on the property has it’s own X Box for the little one’s to enjoy (or the little one’s at heart) and games are easily borrowed from the concierge area.   One of my favourite features of the room is that each has it’s own mini fridge stocked full of waters. juice, pops and beer.  This little fridge is re-stocked twice daily.  Love this!

IMG_1009IMG_1011

The bathroom area was big enough to make the three of use feel spoiled.  Double sinks with plenty of counter space for this Mama and her two tween girls to spread out and really make ourselves at home. 

IMG_0996

The powder room was separated from the double sinks, and consisted of the toilet, shower/tub and plenty of big white fluffy towels.  Side note; the shampoo and conditioner provided were just short of full size, and among some of the best products I’ve ever had the pleasure of using.  My tweens loved it too!

For the first time ever while staying at an all inclusive, I had more than enough closet space!  Practically a walk in, the girls and I were able to hang up nine dresses and more little tops and skirts then I am comfortable to admitting to packing.  We utilized the hangers, shelves and ample dresser drawers to unpack with ease.  It’s the little things that can make a good vacation, a great one. 

IMG_1001IMG_1002IMG_1003

Tucked inside this closet was a perfect size electronic safe.  Two small purses, cellphones, passports, jewellery and a small laptop all fit in quite nicely. 

IMG_0997

After a very quick tour of our room we changed into summer wear and made a dash for the beach.  There was a party gong on and we didn’t want to miss it!! 

We’d been travelling from early morning, left a place where the snow was blowing, and arrived to resort full of smiling faces, warm relaxed attitudes and tropical breezes.  With every step we took closer to the beach I could see the stress of the everyday simply melting away.  I could also feel the excitement building.  What lay ahead for us in this beautiful, humid, star lit place?  What adventures would the three of us have together.  Mom and Daughters ready to explore!  I never could have guessed.  I believe in the power of travel, in it’s ability to teach and help us grow, and now I believe that everyone needs to venture to Beaches Resorts in Jamaica.  I can’t wait to tell you all about it….

BeachesResortPerfectMoment

…more next week!

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    Comments

    1. Guy Henderson says

      December 20, 2013 at 8:32 pm

      Love Beaches – Should have been there with YOU !

      • Stephanie says

        January 10, 2014 at 3:39 pm

        LOL Maybe next time!

    2. Mikayla says

      December 20, 2013 at 4:08 pm

      Ouu la laa! We stayed at a Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos last year! Such a fun and kid-lovin’ environment with so many great activities!

      • Stephanie says

        January 10, 2014 at 3:39 pm

        Beaches Turks and Caicos is on my list! Hope to make it there one day 🙂 I found the same wonderful activities at Beaches Negirl for the kids. So much variety, or just head to the pools and the beach. Sigh, can we go back now please!

    3. Melissa says

      December 19, 2013 at 5:03 am

      This looks amazing! I want to go and get away from all this snow!

      • Stephanie says

        December 20, 2013 at 2:32 am

        Oh I would love to be back there right now, it really is a fabulous getaway with the kids! (escaping the snow is not bad either!)

    4. Heidi C. says

      December 19, 2013 at 3:56 am

      This looks like an amazing choice for a vacation and, more specifically, a family vacation. We are looking into ideas for one and this is definitely on the list!

      • Stephanie says

        December 20, 2013 at 2:34 am

        Please do let me know if you have any questions! Beaches Negril is a great place for families, and the beach itself is FANTASTIC!
        I hope to get back there with my entire extended family. A perfect place to do a ton of activities or just relax. I will be posting much more about my experience in the new year. 🙂

    5. loriag says

      December 18, 2013 at 1:24 pm

      Your pictures look absolutely fabulous. I would love to be able to travel but financially and now health wise it has held us back. I do agree though you need something to slow you down and travelling does seem to be the ticket.

      • Stephanie says

        December 20, 2013 at 2:56 am

        When we are not able to travel, we declare a staycation. Turn off the phones, ban the internet and just shut out the outside world for a few hours or a day.
        Hope you manage to squeeze in some “you” time, and sending wishes for good health.

    6. Lemon_cupid says

      December 18, 2013 at 7:49 am

      Wow! What a wonderful trio to take together!

      • Stephanie says

        December 20, 2013 at 2:59 am

        We really had an incredible adventure. Looking forward to telling you more about it in the new year!

    7. April L says

      December 17, 2013 at 7:54 pm

      I been to Jamaica about 4 times, once on a cruise and three times to a Super-clubs all-inclusive adult only resort Grand Lido Braco which no longer exist..I loved that resort..Last year I went to The Royal in Playa del Carmen Mexico and that was beautiful..Their family sister resort Gran Porto Real is right across the street..I loved Playa del Carmen Mexico..I think the only way I would go back to Jamaica is if someone paid for my trip there..Don’t get me wrong I did Love Jamaica but we would not venture off the resort…It’s so Awesome that you can go on vacations with your daughters..My sons are all grown up and while them growing up I was a single mother and we couldn’t even afford to go to the jersey shore let alone Jamaica..You have very lucky daughters..

      • Stephanie says

        January 10, 2014 at 3:37 pm

        You do have a point. With every trip you have to be aware of your surroundings and the fact that you are no longer at home. I was travelling alone with my two girls and never once felt unsafe. Even when we left the property. Now we only left the property in big groups. I found the people of Jamaica to be warm, welcoming and the country to be exciting and vibrant. I hope to get back one day soon!

    8. Melinda L. says

      December 17, 2013 at 6:13 pm

      Wow, that’s quite the set up. Sounds like an amazing place!

      • Stephanie says

        December 20, 2013 at 3:06 am

        This set-up was just great for the three of us. My only regret, we didn’t get to stay longer! 🙂

    9. Darlene Schuller says

      December 17, 2013 at 4:54 pm

      Wow how beautiful is that!! Amazing pictures, looks like a relaxing place to spend a few days! Thank you for sharing with us.

      • Stephanie says

        December 20, 2013 at 3:07 am

        I’m thrilled to be able to share with you! The Beaches Resorts have been on my “must try” list for years. I’ve wanted to know if they are really as good as all the ads you see, you know what, they are!

    10. Athena says

      December 17, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      It looks like a really great family friendly place to visit, which can be difficult to find.

      • Stephanie says

        December 20, 2013 at 3:09 am

        You’re right! It really is hard to find a place that is truly family friendly. Not just family friendly for parents and toddlers, but for those with babies right through to teens. Beaches does it all! My only regret was that I couldn’t stay longer!

    11. Parent Club says

      December 17, 2013 at 2:44 pm

      Looks like an incredibly family friendly and comfortable resort!

      • Stephanie says

        December 20, 2013 at 3:33 am

        Family friendly, comfortable, safe and so much to do!! Can’t wait to tell you more about it in the new year 🙂

    12. Soozle says

      December 17, 2013 at 1:53 pm

      I have said it before and I will say it again – it looks like a slice of Heaven 🙂

      You hit the nail on the head with saying travel can be transformative. My first winter holiday came about because of a very difficult time in my life – 2 girlfriends and I escaped away for a week and I very much came back a different person. That sort of hot holiday where you are pretty carefree just allows you to REALLY forget the chaos of life and relax!

      • Stephanie says

        December 20, 2013 at 3:32 am

        Yes!! The holidays where you can forget the chaos, those are the best one’s of all!

    13. Lynda Cook says

      December 17, 2013 at 8:48 am

      Oh wow! looks amazing wish I was there right now, I don’t like this cold and snow lol

      • Stephanie says

        December 20, 2013 at 3:34 am

        I’m so done with the snow already!:)
        The white sand beach at Beaches Negril is a much better place to be!

    14. Jenn Erin says

      December 17, 2013 at 7:31 am

      I agree! Travel is definitely a getaway, but heck, I would even happy with a stay-cation!

      • Stephanie says

        January 10, 2014 at 3:33 pm

        LOL You’re right, nothing wrong with a good old staycation. One of the best things about a vacation far away (for me) It forces my tween and teen to put down their cell phones and really be in the moment. We get to actually hang out and be a family uninterrupted!

    15. Sarah says

      December 17, 2013 at 4:54 am

      Love the bathroom! Again it looks like a beautiful place to visit and one I hope to someday.

      • Stephanie says

        December 20, 2013 at 3:35 am

        What I wouldn’t do for a bathroom counter that big at my house! It was a great surprise to have so much space in our suite at Beaches Resort.

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    Travel addict, sun seeker, coffee drinker, fashion lover, picture taker. This is a peek behind the closed and competitive doors of the suburbs. A place to come to learn about the best places to travel with your kids in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and beyond! stephanie@sassymodernmom.com
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