OMG, BEACHES RESORTS’ NEW TEEN AND TWEEN PROGRAMMES ARE GR8!

Family travel can be a trying experience for parents and teens alike, with resorts often putting the focus on scheduled entertainment for the toddler and younger groups. "On holiday, teens and tweens find themselves caught in the middle of kid’s fare and hanging out with the adults," says Mom Central's Stacy DeBroff, mum of two teens and heralded by The Wall Street Journal as 'a parenting guru.' "They consider themselves too old to participate in the typical, highly-structured kids' camp programmes and, yet, they want a place to hang out with kids their same age. Being self-conscious about introducing themselves to other kids they don’t know, teens need help finding their way."

This year, Beaches Resorts, the Caribbean-based chain of Luxury Included® family resorts, ishelping tweens and teens ‘find their way.’ Catering to the specific needs of the ever-so-demanding teen and tween market,Beaches Resorts has introduced a varietyof new hangouts and happenings designed to impress even the most laid back teenager. From sleek, new gaming centres and aqua-themed dance clubs, to slammin’ DJ lessons and cool teen lounges; teens and tweens will no longer feel as though they are ‘stuck in the middle.’The good news for parents is that everything your teen can’t wait to do is already included as part of a Beaches Resorts’ Luxury Included® holiday.

Beaches Resorts have unleashed the following programmes and activities at its resort locations in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos:

  • Scratch DJ Academy: Teens and tweens can learn to DJ through Beaches Resorts’ exclusive partnership with the Scratch DJ Academy, founded by the legendary Jam Master Jay of Run DMC. Sessions include scratching, mixing or a combination package of both (available for a nominal fee). The courses come complete with a host of added extras including Scratch DJ Academy dog tags, a graduation certificate and tons of open-deck time to show off your skills. Teens and tweens will learn on state-of-the-art equipment and even have the chance to showcase their talents in a mock DJ battle. A complimentary introduction session is available and covers the basic fundamentals of DJ’ing. Now available at Beaches Negril, Scratch DJ Academies will also be at Beaches Boscobel in Jamaica, and Beaches Turks & Caicos by late 2008.
  • Club Liquid: After spinning to their heart’s content in the Scratch DJ Academy, teens and tweens can let someone else take the DJ reins and dance to a playlist of the hottest hits at Club Liquid, Beaches Resorts’ exclusive ‘under 21’ aqua-themed dance club. Now open at Beaches Negril; Club Liquid features cool blue lights, shimmer and bubble screens, wave-adorned walls and a $150,000 London-designed sound system. Teens and tweens heading to Beaches Boscobel will enjoy Club Liquid starting from December 2008, and at Beaches Turks & Caicos by Summer 2009. Rivaling the best dance clubs in New York and Miami, Club Liquid is the place for evening teen and tween entertainment.
  • Xbox 360® Game Garage: Beaches Resorts kicks their relationship with Xbox 360® into high gear this summer with the introduction of the Xbox 360® Game Garage available now at Beaches Negril, Beaches Boscobel in Winter 2008, and Spring 2009 at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Teens and tweens can have a blast exploring the maze of metallic kiosks featuring 26” plasma screens and the latest and greatest games from Xbox 360®. Two 42” plasma TV’s set with wireless remotes, also offer the chance to go head-to-head with new friends in the Caribbean’s only Xbox360® gaming arena.
  • TrenchTown: Beaches Negril is the first home of Beaches Resorts’ new teen and tween hangout called “TrenchTown.” Not simply a spare room, this hotspot reflects the vibe and pulse of the Caribbean, and keeps this group having fun with activities such as laser hockey, foosball, electronic basketball, two large flat-screen televisions, a state-of-the-art sound system, and of course, plenty of space to lounge, talk and text.
  • The Beach Shack: Coming soon to all four Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean, the Beach Shack is a surfside hangout only available to the teen and tween crowd. It is a trendy, cool gathering spot designed to spark friendships while catching some rays.
  • Teen Concierge Room: The Teen Concierge Lounge, currently at Beaches Negril and coming soon to all Beaches Resorts, is a dedicated welcome lounge area just for teens. Decked out with plush sofas and plasma TVs, teens can come here to check-in and chill-out while their younger siblings and parents take care of business.

Other reasons teens and tweens will be glad their parents ‘dragged’ them on a Beaches Resorts’ Luxury Included® holiday include:

  • Watersports: At all Beaches Resorts, teens and tweens are offered expert instruction and world-class equipment for all of their watersports needs. From Banana Boats to kayaking, snorkeling to waterskiing; watersports are an essential element of the fun-filled Beaches Resorts experience. Teens and tweens can even explore the wonders of the deep blue sea through Beaches Resorts’ tailored scuba-diving courses.
  • Pirate’s Island Waterparks: Pirate’s Island Waterparks at Beaches Turks & Caicos, Beaches Negril, and Beaches Boscobel also offer awesome adventures under the Caribbean Sun with water slides, lazy rivers and water cannons. Even more exciting, from early next year the Pirate’s Island at Beaches Turks & Caicos will grow into a 45,000 square foot aquatic playground as a part of the ItalianVillage expansion. Guests will dive right into the action at this brand new water arena – ten times its original size – and featuring a new lazy river, nine new slides and a surf simulator. With gnarly surf conditions, and 300 feet of tubing and body slides, teens and tweens will think this new addition is anything but bogus.
  • Red Lane® Spa Teen Spa Experience: The teens have spoken and Beaches Resorts’ exclusive Red Lane® Spa has introduced its Teen Spa Experience available at all four Beaches Resorts locations. Services include the Irie Manicure and Reggae Pedicure, so teens can look their best on the beach; a Teen Facial designed particularly for special teen complexion needs; and a relaxing Caribbean Journey massage.
  • Eat When You’re Hungry: Teens and tweens want the freedom to eat what they want, when they want, and at Beaches Resorts they can. Beaches Resorts’ have an average of five – and as many as eleven – gourmet restaurants per resort, with something great to choose from around the clock. Choices range from Caribbean and Tex-Mex, to Teppanyaki, Italian, Sushi, American diner fare and more. Best of all, dining is part of the Beaches Resorts’ Luxury Included® experience, so teens may dine as they please without worrying about adding to their mum and dad’s bill.
  • Green Globe Certified: Perhaps more than any generation before them, today’s teens are acutely aware of the earth’s sensitive eco-system and are taking an active role in preserving the health of the planet. For these teens, Beaches Resorts’ green credentials matter, and they will be glad to know that all four Beaches Resorts locations in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos are certified by Green Globe, the worldwide benchmarking and certification programme for sustainable travel and tourism. Progressive green programmes to reduce energy, prevent air pollution, protect marine life and foster strong bonds with local communities are implemented at every Beaches Resort. In addition, teens and tweens can participate in the resorts’ extensive tree planting and reef clean-up programmes.

According to Adam Stewart, CEO of Beaches Resorts, developing a new teen programme was all about satisfying teens’ desires to have a world of their own, while reassuring parents that their kids are in a safe environment. “From our fully-staffed hangouts designed specifically for them, to world-class sports equipment and instruction– teens have the freedom to choose what they want, when they want. They have places to go and meet up with new friends, and the best part is that their parents don’t have to worry about transfers or sign-up fees – everything they do at Beaches Resorts is on-property and included. We call it ‘bliss with boundaries,’ and we think it will be as popular with parents as it is with their kids,” Stewart said.

All 2009 bookings made before 15 February 2009 will receive 30% off and a seventh night free.

Seven nights in a Venetian Two Bedroom Suite at Beaches Turks & Caicos is £4751 per adult and £1057 per child inclusive of all flights and transfers on an ultra all-inclusive basis.or call 0800 742 742

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Beaches Resorts:

When it comes to family holidays, no other resort company in the world offers more than Beaches Resorts. With four spectacular locations on the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos, Beaches Resorts is the Luxury Included® family getaway and the most comprehensive holiday available in the Caribbean, including gourmet meals, all premium brand wine and spirits, including an exclusive partnership with California’s legendary Beringer Vineyards; luxurious accommodations, and even gratuities. Fun for the whole family means outrageous water theme parks, Xbox 360® Game Garage Video Game Centers; Crayola Art Camps; and exclusive Kids Camps with a full schedule of age-appropriate activities and childcare provided by expertly trained Nannies. As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts offers another exclusive for families -- the Beaches Resorts Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street, where kids can spend their vacation with their favorite friends from the Sesame Streetgang with daily activities and weekly stage shows. With additional amenities including Butler Service for truly indulgent pampering, Red Lane® Spas with services and treatments inspired by the region, and the WeddingMoons® and FamilyMoons® programmes to make that special day just perfect, Beaches Resorts offers something for everyone.

Beaches Resorts is part of the Sandals Resorts’ family, the Caribbean’s largest operator of Luxury Included® resorts, and has been voted the World’s Leading Family All-Inclusive Resort for ten years in a row. For more information visit call 0800 742 742

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