Coming across the round tower of a new 16th-century French castle on a British Caribbean island may strike some as a bit odd. But the tower and the Parisian village it presides over fit right into the landscape of incongruities at the all-inclusive Beaches Resort & Spa on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.
The British West Indian resort, part of the Sandals family of ultra-inclusives, has pumped more than US$100 million into creating an internationally flavored fantasyland where one price covers every pleasure. The resort also features Mexican and Japanese restaurants, West Indian-style architecture and an American '50s-style diner. Construction on the French Village started when the paint was barely dry on the resort's US$4 million Pirate's Island water park and Dreamcast gaming center. Add lush landscaping and the island's famed beaches and it's a family-friendly vacation spot with accents.
The new French Village has 166 deluxe rooms with mahogany furniture, French-influenced dicor (including, of course, French doors), courtyards and gardens. Each room overlooks the pool. The French Bistro serves pastries and baguettes.
The concept of an ultra-inclusive is that there are so many enticements that guests never want to leave the property. Beaches, nevertheless, provides concierge services that will arrange diving, snorkeling and sightseeing excursions.
Call 800-BEACHES or visit www.beaches.com.
Posted online 01/01/00.
