Beaches® Resorts: The First Certified Autism Friendly All-Inclusive Resort in the Caribbean

Beaches is our go-to pick for all-inclusive resorts for families in the Caribbean. Beaches offers a consistent, high-quality all-inclusive experience with more inclusions than many other all-inclusive brands. This allows you to truly relax on your vacation; you can even leave your wallet in your room! All restaurants and most amenities are included with your room price, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, tennis, scuba diving, and golf. There are many reasons we love Beaches (and its sister resort, Sandals®, which caters to adult couples). One of the best reasons is their commitment to providing all-inclusive vacations to everyone, including children on the autism spectrum and those with special needs. Beaches Resorts are Advanced Certified Autism Centers—the first in the Caribbean! Below, we break down what it means to be a certified autism center and highlight Beaches’ offerings for families with children on the spectrum.

What Does It Mean To Be a Certified Autism Center?

To be a certified autism center, a destination must complete rigorous training, provide accommodations for sensory-sensitive visitors, create spaces and activities that are sensory-friendly, and maintain a commitment to serve children with special needs. The accreditation is given by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Beaches was the first resort company in the world to complete this training to become a certified autism center. Since their accreditation, they’ve expanded their commitment to providing vacation experiences for children with autism by becoming an Advanced Certified Autism Center™.

Specially Trained Staff

Childcare and nannying staff are specially trained to work with children with special needs, including those with autism. All of the resort’s childcare workers in the Kids Camp are certified by the International Nanny Association (INA) and have at least an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Staff who provide nannying services are also certified by the INA and IBCCES. To be a member of this organization, members must have 2,000 hours of on-the-job experience in childcare services. In addition, they regularly receive training about sensory needs and awareness, and building emotional and physical skills.

One-on-One Beach Buddies

The Beach Buddy program sets Beaches Resorts apart when it comes to being an autism-friendly all-inclusive resort. Beach Buddies provide one-on-one attention to your child, accompanying them to the various activities and amenities around the resort. These buddies are available during the day and even through the night, which allows you to enjoy a much-needed break while your child is watched by a buddy who is specifically trained to care for children with autism. These buddies can be requested for just a few hours (there’s a two-hour minimum) or for the entire length of your stay.

Kids Camp

Kids Camps at Beaches Resorts offer fun activities for kids from infancy to teens. Each Kids Camp is a Certified Autism Center. Like most of the amenities at Beaches Resorts, access to the Kids Camps is included with your resort stay. This drop-off program allows your children to enjoy activities catered just for them, while you can enjoy some kid-free time at the beach, pool, or grab a bite to eat. From sandcastle building to sensory-friendly indoor play areas, the kids may not want to leave! Tweens and teens also have specifically designed programs just for them.

Adventures with Sesame StreetThroughout the resort, friends like Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and Grover participate in various activities, perform in live shows, and have meet-and-greet experiences during the day. Julia, the first autistic Sesame Street character, is also included in the gang. During Amazing Art with Julia, children can participate in an open-ended arts and crafts activity with Julia and showcase their art to others. Children can also participate in activities like story time with Sesame Street friends, letter and number of the day activities, puppet making, arts and crafts, and science projects.

Other Autism Friendly Activities

By the nature of being a certified autism center, many of Beaches’ resorts’ activities and amenities are sensory friendly and great for children on the autism spectrum. Beaches also provides a detailed sensory guide that gives every experience at the resort a sensory rating (and we mean everything. Even croquet lawns and garden spaces have sensory ratings!). The guide provides a numeric value for every experience at the resort for each of the five senses. For instance, live shows have higher ratings for sight and sound, and lower scores for taste and smell. As experienced and certified Beaches Resort travel advisors, we can also help recommend specific experiences at the resort.

Accessible Accommodations

Part of Beaches Resort’s certification as a Certified Autism Center is providing accommodations that are sensory-friendly. At Beaches Resorts, accommodations are also sensory-friendly. There are designated low-sensory rooms that are located in quiet areas of the resort and offer specialized lighting and a soothing color palette.

Dining Considerations

All dining locations on the property are included with your resort rate, and the resort offers several ways people with dietary needs can enjoy meals catered to their needs. The Culinary Concierge helps you navigate the various dining options available at the resort and can help you create custom menus that your family members can enjoy at each location. Every chef is trained to provide accommodations for people with dietary restrictions and special preferences.

Annual Beaches Autism All-Inclusive Week

Each year, Beaches gathers the community together for a week-long event where families with autistic children can gather in a safe place to have family fun in an inclusive environment. In addition to getting to know families with other children with unique needs, the event features special programming, talks with experts, and more. During the week, each family is also assigned a Beaches Buddy.

Planning Your Beaches Autism Friendly Vacation with Just Add Magic Travel®

A note from Aileen, owner of Just Add Magic Travel:
​As an autism mom, I know how challenging planning an inclusive family vacation can be. That’s why I’m proud to plan Beaches vacations for families with children of all abilities. Their commitment to providing services for families of children with unique abilities is unlike any other all-inclusive travel brand, which makes it a continuously top choice for families. As a Sandals Elite Advisor, we partner with representatives from Beaches and Sandals to ensure you have a vacation catered specifically for your family’s needs.

Get your free quote here and get started planning your family-friendly all-inclusive vacation!

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