Looking for a non-stop party on your next vacation? The kind of place where poolside dance lessons are followed by bingo and lively nightly entertainment? If you are, Ocean Club West, on the Caribbean island of Turks and Caicos, is not the resort for you.

But if your family is looking for laidback luxury with lovely landscaping and a breathtaking beach, then this is the place for you. It’s located on the island of Providenciales, one of the 40 islands (only eight of which are inhabited) that make up the British protectorate of Turks and Caicos. You may not have heard of Providenciales, but a growing number of people have.

The hotel’s 64 condo-style units want you to feel like you’re at home—if home was on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the Caribbean! Screened-in porches let you peacefully enjoy your coffee or glass of wine while looking out at the ocean, or your kids in the pool. Save money by making your own meals in your unit’s kitchen, or grill up a burger on one of the two barbecues by the pool. There’s a large gourmet grocery story just two blocks from the resort, where you can pick up provisions for your whole vacation.

Barefoot luxury, that’s the vibe at Ocean Club West and its sister property, Ocean Club, just a pleasant mile-long beach stroll (or complimentary shuttle ride) away. The resorts have a “stay at one, play at both” policy, and guests at each hotel have full privileges at the other. The two resorts have many similarities—they’re both three-story privately owned condo units, with casual al fresco restaurants and an authentic island vibe.

There are some differences, though. Ocean Club Resort lies at the far east end of Grace Bay, on a secluded undeveloped stretch of shore. Ocean Club West is in the middle of the Grace Bay action with restaurants and shopping across the street. The rooms at the newer, more upscale Ocean Club West have more updated decor, whereas furnishings at Ocean Club Resort feel a bit more dated.

Ocean Club West does a nice job catering to families and ensuring the safety of their youngest guests. You can request complimentary rollaway beds, cribs, railings for twin beds, and even baby monitors. Strollers, booster seats and sand toys are also available at no extra charge. Should mom and dad want a romantic evening alone, staff members are available for babysitting at an additional charge.

In keeping with the casual atmosphere, there’s no room service, but there is complimentary coffee in the main lobby each morning. The lobby is also home to a library of DVDs, board games and books, as well as several computers for guest use. Rows of lounge chairs and umbrellas, also free of charge, are lined up for guests each morning on the beach, or you can enjoy a leisurely swim in the meandering pool surrounded by manicured gardens. There’s a fitness center and tennis courts, along with complimentary tennis equipment and bikes for exploring the island. Of course, if doing nothing but relaxing is on your agenda, that’s OK, too.

Deluxe beachfront condominium units range from studios to three-bedroom condominiums. Each unit is individually owned, making the interior furnishings different and unique in each suite. All units, except for studios, have a full kitchen, including a breakfast bar, oven and range, refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, toaster, sink, dishwasher, and cooking/dining ware. Every condo has central air-conditioning, a washer/dryer and soap, private terrace, a flat-screen TV with cable, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There's daily housekeeping service, and toiletries are restocked each day. Some of the rooms connect and can be booked as the suite type desired.

Buildings A & B are oceanfront; the other five buildings either overlook the landscaped pool or the back gardens, with some also having partial ocean views.

Pro Tip: Ground-floor units overlooking the pool are the best option for families, especially as there is no elevator.

Studio and Studio Deluxe
The studio is 400 square feet with a king bed, and the Studio Deluxe is 600 square feet with two double beds. These rooms have a two-person maximum, but a complimentary crib can be added to either room category for an infant. Studios face in the other direction from all the other suites, away from the ocean toward what's called the island view. Studios are also unique in that they're the only units without a full kitchen. Instead, they have kitchenettes (refrigerator, microwave and hot plate burner delivered upon request).

Junior Suite
This unit is 900 square feet with a king bed and a pullout sofa, or a complimentary rollaway bed can be provided. This is a good choice for a family of three, and possibly an additional infant.

One-Bedroom Suite
One-bedroom suites offer 1,200 square feet of space, with a separate closable bedroom with a king bed, fully equipped kitchen and large living/dining room area that opens on to a screened-in porch or balcony. The living area comes with a sofa bed or a rollaway bed can be brought in. These have one and a half bathrooms with a bathtub and sleep up to four (five if one is an infant in a crib).

Two-Bedroom Suite
The two-bedroom suite is 1,600 square feet, with a master bedroom with a king bed and a second bedroom with two twin beds; each has their own bathroom, and one has a bathtub. The living room features a spacious sitting/entertaining and dining area that opens to a large screened-in porch with outdoor furniture. The living area either has a sofa bed or a rollaway bed can be brought in. This unit also features a fully equipped kitchen, and sleeps a family of four to six.

Three-Bedroom Suite
These units have a master bedroom with a king bed, second bedroom with a king bed, and a third bedroom with two twin beds. They also include a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, living room with pullout sofa and 3.5 bathrooms, fitting up to eight people.

Beach
If your idea of vacation excitement is shell-collecting, building sandcastles in powder-soft sand and swimming in a calm, clear turquoise ocean, then this is the resort for you. Ocean Club West sits on a beautiful and popular stretch of Grace Bay Beach, often making the world's "Best Beaches" lists.

Pool
Ocean Club West has a nice meandering pool that circles a lushly landscaped island. Guests also have access to the two pools at Ocean Club Resort.

Tennis
There's a nice lighted tennis court surrounded by lush gardens, with complimentary rackets available at the front desk.

Golf
The world-renowned Provo Golf Club is across the street from the sister property, Ocean Club Resort; hotel guests get a discounted rate and can use the complimentary shuttle between the two hotels.

Bicycles
Explore the island on one of the complimentary adult and kids' bicycles. They're all in good condition and some even have training wheels for the smallest bicyclists.

Lending Library
The lobby has a nice library of paperback books left behind by guests, including quite a few children's books.

Board Games
There's also a complimentary board game lending library. The front desk has plenty of board games and backgammon, as well as decks of cards.

Dive Shop
There's a privately owned dive shop, Dive Provo, across the street, where kids as young as 10 can become PADI-certified. Or, you can go with the dive operator located at the sister property, Ocean Club Resort, that's 1 mile away, reachable via the complimentary shuttle. After doing classroom work and practicing in Ocean Club's pool, adults and kids could be diving in some of the world's most beautiful reefs within the week. This can be a great way for teens and tweens to be entertained.

Solana
Guests of Ocean Club West enjoy access to Solana, a stunning beachfront restaurant at Ocean Club Resort. This multi-concept restaurant offers three unique dining experiences: the Grill Deck, for everything from fresh lobster to burgers; The Solana Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar for an interactive dining experience; and the Bar & Lounge for craft cocktails and light bites. Solana is open between 7:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.

Opus
Should you want something more formal one night, the hotel's sister property, Ocean Club Resort, has a high-end restaurant with the island's largest wine cellar. Ocean Club's upscale Opus gets well-deserved rave reviews for both its surf and turf dishes. Enjoy a moonlit, 1-mile walk to Ocean Club Resort, then take the free shuttle back. There's live music on Thursday night—think romantic jazz, not steel drums or a reggae band. Opus is best for families with older children.

Barbecues
Next to the pool is a barbecue grill with comfortable chairs and tables. It's a fun way for families to have meals on a budget.

Grocery Store
A large, upscale grocery story with a bakery and deli that rivals anything you'd see at home is a pleasant two-block walk away. It's well stocked with fresh produce and everything else you might need to make good use of the in-room kitchen and barbecues situated around the pool.

• All About the Extras
  Wi-Fi
  Ocean Club West has free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Guests also have access to a 24-hour business center in the lobby with computers, printers and a fax machine.
• Baby Amenities'
  A limited number of baby monitors, bed rails, high chairs and strollers are available on a first come.
• Exercise Facilities
  A small fitness center has cardio equipment, as well as weights.
• Spa
  Massages and other treatments can be arranged through an outside vendor, Spa Tropique.
• Coffee
  Complimentary coffee is served in the lobby daily.
• Babysitting
  There's no kids' club, but the front desk can help arrange a babysitte (likely someone from the staff), if given 24 hours notice.

When to Visit Turks and Caicos 
Thanksgiving through April is high season in Turks and Caicos. June 1 through end of November is considered hurricane season. Ocean Club West's lowest rates are during the summer/fall period.

Getting There
There are direct flights to Providenciales International Airport from many U.S. cities, including Miami, Chicago and New York. Ocean Club West is about a 20-minute drive from Providenciales International Airport. A taxi to/from the airport should cost around $20 per person for a shared ride.

Getting Around
Leave the car keys at home. One of the big perks of Ocean Club West is that it's in the heart of the activity at Grace Bay Beach. There's a cute pedestrian shopping village directly across the street with a variety of island style shops. Ports of Call has a fun Caribbean restaurant, Crack Pot Kitchen; an ice cream and snack shop, Giggles; and a dive shop that sells bathing suits and other water sports attire and equipment. A large, modern grocery store is only one block further.

If you do rent a car, there's a free parking lot at Ocean Club West.

For Parents 
Make a reservation for a candlelit dinner at Solana on Grace Bay Beach.