The Elusive Teenage Smile: Found At Beaches Resort

It’s no secret that when children are happy so are Mom and Dad.  Last month I had the privilege of spending some time at Beaches Resort Negril.  I can now say with some authority; if you are looking for the elusive teenage smile, it might be hiding at a Beaches Resort! 

Teen Travel:

When it comes to travel the forgotten population are the tweens and teens.  Many resorts offer programs for toddlers and young ones.  All resorts attempt to offer something spectacular for the adults on vacation, but have you ever tried to find a place that really plans for the tween and teen in your family?  This group of sassy young adults face a hundred little pressures everyday and just like us need time to unwind, unplug and escape.  Beaches Resort Negril blew me away with their thoughtful programming, attention to detail and the love they pour into their each and every day!  Beaches Resorts Negril are making teens a priority.

While vacationing at Beaches Resort Negril tweens and teens can choose to jump in with both feet taking advantage of activities that range from Hobbie Cats, to lawn chess. banana boat rides, to scuba lessons, paddle boarding to mini-golf.  Or they can just choose to hang with Mom and Dad.  I spent three action packed days checking out all that Beaches Resort Negril has to offer and know you could easily spend a week there and never run out of new and exciting things to do.  You set the pace of your own family adventure!

Here is a quick look at just some of the many activities aimed at helping your teen find their smile.   

While Mom grabs a coffee, the teens can escape for a quick game of billiards!  Pool beside the pool!  Tucked in beside the pool table area is a Library open to all.  Need a book?  Borrow it.  Have an extra novel you are done with?  Leave it behind and trade it for a new one.  Perfect for my teen reader.  What’s better then an uninterrupted hour on the beach with a brand new book?

Unique to Beaches is Trench Town, a cool and vibrant hangout created just for teens.  It’s a space the kids can chill out and listen to music, or watch some movies with new found friends, all without their over bearing parents hashing their vibe. 

DJ Scratch Academy!  A place where your teen, tween or really any one with music in their soul can jump in and learn the art of “Scratchin” from a real DJ!  Learn how to blend, scratch and mix on vinyl records. I think this is the first time my youngest has even held a record!  Lots of loud fun!  Packages range from 40 to 60 minutes in length and there is a small extra charge for this activity.   

Scattered throughout the property and within view of the gorgeous Seven Mile Beach, were the warm and inviting pools.  Add the volleyball net and you have teen nirvana.  Both pools are complete with swim up bars with plenty of refreshing non-alcoholic drink options to keep you hydrated!

Beaches Negril is known for it’s Pirates Island Water Park.   Consisting of 18, 000 square feet of water soaking fun!  These is a large splash pad for a bit of silly fun.

A lazy river even I enjoyed….

…and of course two huge water slides!

If that’s too wild for your teen or tween, you can always grab a Mommy/Daughter moment at the gorgeous Red Lane Spa.  Sigh.  Mani/Pei anyone?  (extra fees do apply for these services)

One place we did not venture was the gym.  Tricked out with all the essentials. 

My favourite experiences on this trip, and perhaps one of my most memorable, was an incredible Catamaran ride down the stunning coast.  We loaded up this beautiful vessel with the #BeachesMoms and our families, and sailed away into the sun.  The reggae music was blasting, the drinks were flowing, and you couldn’t help but smile as our boat cut it’s way through the bluest of waters.  I looked down at the relaxed and happy faces of my daughters, reflecting on the fact that we were gliding through the ocean a world away from home, and realized I was having one of those “pinch me” kind of moments.  Beaches Resorts delivers those moments. 

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any sweeter, we anchored and were invited to do some swimming in caves that used to be lived in by pirates!  Oh yes please!! Overboard we went, swimming through crystal blue water into caves that had been there for thousands of years.  If only those walls could talk! 

Boarding again, the Catamaran took a quick swing by the famed Rick’s Cafe to see the cliff divers.  Maybe on our next trip to Jamaica we will be one of those crazy jumpers!  (or maybe not!)

We arrived back at our home beach just in time for one more quick game of beach volleyball, and to take in the glorious sunset.

Each evening we spent a couple of hours in the XBOX lounge. A great place to escape to at the end of the day and burn off any remaining steam!  It was a huge room with all the latest and greatest XBOX games, including a certain game that had me dancing and laughing until I cried. 

No video shall  be posted of this event, but here is one screen grab! Ha!

If Mom’s dancing in the XBOX lounge is far too embarrassing for the kiddos, they can always check out their own club!  Club Liquid  My girls didn’t have the opportunity try this one out!  It’s “the first of its kind at an all-inclusive family resort, Liquid at Beaches offers tweens and teens under 21 a cool place to visit when the sun goes down. Sodas and no-liquor cocktails are served. And the best part– no parents allowed until late at night when it becomes an adults-only nightclub.”  I know my girls would love this with a group of old friends or new!

Every night there was live Family Entertainment.  We managed to sneak in a Parade of Sesame Street Characters, a Staff Talent Night, and the SilverBirds Steel Drum Band.  Our hands down favourite was the Silver Birds Steel Drum Band.  They had moves like we have never seen before and played music that even impressed the teen!  Have you ever heard top 40 hits played on a steel drum band?  Amazing!

Each and every night we ended our evenings with a trip to the Cafe de Paris.  Le Sigh.  A cappuccino for me. some late night hot chocolate or ice cream for the girls always led to some very sweet dreams. 

Our final morning in paradise allowed for a Character Breakfast on the beach.    Turns out you are never too old for a hug from the Cookie Monster.

At Beaches Resort the tweens and teens are in charge of their own adventure.  They jumped in with both feet, played hard, and made the most of every moment.  They found quiet time, were loud and crazy, and made memories.  They found a resort they want to go back to.  (and I do too!!)

Most importantly, I found the elusive teenage smile.  Thanks Beaches Resorts. 

For more information on Beaches Resorts, visit their website at www.beaches.com

*Disclosure: Thanks to Beaches Resorts for paying for my travel expenses to accommodate this review.  As always, all thoughts, statements and opinions are my own.