How a Turks and Caicos Mother-Daughter Trip Taught Me to Model Self-Care

From cultural parades to spa time, our quick island getaway was not only a change of scenery but also a lesson in balance.

Photo: Kareema Bee

I grew up knowing rest was a luxury. 

During my childhood, rest was something you earned after you were exhausted. In fact, work was the reward.  It wasn’t until well into adulthood, when a friend practically dragged me to a massage appointment out of concern for my stress, that I started to understand what it meant to treat myself outside of a special occasion, medical requirement, or basic needs.

So when my 5-year-old daughter, Meadow, expressed in her own innocent words that she needed a break, I didn’t realize I was about to pass down a lesson I had only recently learned in adulthood—to pause without guilt. 

So when I received an invitation to visit a beautiful resort in Turks and Caicos known for its oceanfront suites, elegant decor, and family activities, it was time to pack our bags and go! 

Accomodations That Will Take Your Breath Away

Photo: Grace Bay Club

Our suite at Grace Bay Club felt like an invitation to breathe: a (very) spacious balcony overlooking clear blue water, bedrooms located at opposite ends that are great for multigenerational relatives or big groups who need a healthy amount of space, and a kitchen and living area that made the place feel like a home away from home. 

I watched my daughter wander from room to room in awe, taking everything in the way kids do without any hesitation and offering me a big bear hug. As a working mom, it’s easy to miss moments like this, looking down at my phone to check a Slack message or email. But it gave me more joy to be present, watching her throw herself on the couch repeatedly, and know this moment meant so much to both of us.

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