The family-friendly Beaches Resorts has joined global impact nonprofit organization and longtime partner, Sesame Workshop, to debut all-new programming designed to get children rising, smiling and shining under the Caribbean sun. The program, Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga, is now available exclusively at all three Beaches Resorts Caribbean locations, inviting families to mindfully connect in a whole new way during Mental Health Awareness Month (celebrated during the month of May) and year-round thereafter.
“We know that family vacations are a cherished time for memory making, an opportunity to disconnect from everyday routines to prioritize togetherness, discovery, new cultures, and experiences, with some studies even showing how vacations lead to closer family relationships,” said Heather Effs, Corporate Manager of Entertainment Operations for Sandals Resorts International, parent company of Beaches Resorts, in a press briefing. “Together with Sesame Workshop, we are proud to introduce a fun and emotionally nurturing experience for kids and parents to discover together, inspiring memories and mindfulness alike.”
Stretching with the Rising Sun
Now available at Beaches Turks and Caicos, Beaches Negril, and Beaches Ocho Rios, Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga introduces the practice of yoga to children, with characters Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Abby Cadabby taking turns hosting the mindfulness exercise. Bookable at the resorts’ Sesame Street Kids Camps or online as an add-on, the program is rooted in playful movement, mindfulness, and fun for the entire family.
During the 40-minute session, parents and little yogis follow along with every stretch, pose, and breath, and receive a custom kid-sized Sesame Street yoga mat for continued practice at home. Classes are held two days per week with varying schedules for each of the resorts, with a 5X7 photo included as a keepsake.
“Sesame Workshop is committed to the emotional well-being of young children and families, building on a long history of support in this critical area,” said Jennifer Ahearn, SVP, Global Strategic Partnerships and Themed Entertainment, Sesame Workshop. “Yoga is a playful way to help children practice mindfulness, and we’re proud to offer this new experience at Beaches Resorts, where we’re kicking off 20 years of partnership together.”
Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga joins reading stories with Elmo, baking with Cookie Monster, dancing with Zoe, crafting with Julia, making puppets with Bert and Ernie and sharing magic with Abby Cadabby, which are all part of Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street.
“These programs not only build on our shared core values and commitment to families around the world; they also lead to cherished moments of togetherness that foster traditions. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create opportunities for families to connect over new experiences in the Caribbean with valuable takeaways to enjoy thereafter,” adds Effs.
The long-standing partnership between Beaches Resorts and Sesame Workshop continues to bring Sesame Street costume characters, resources and educational tools to local families in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos, with involvement—via the Sandals Foundation—in workshops hosted by Jamaica’s Ministry of Education Early Childhood Commission.
For more information, visit beaches.com.
