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Things To Do In The Caribbean

3 Beach Travel Caribbean Vacation Accessories

Packable pail image

Travel Weekly recently featured a “Great Beach Accessories” article with some terrific and functional travel products that are terrific for those heading to a Caribbean beach destination this fall or winter. Here are a few of the recommendations that we loved, that may be great optional accessories to bring with you to your Turks & Caicos stay at The Sands at Grace Bay:

Fivesse Beach Tote: This is a family-friendly water resistant bag that has interior pockets reserved for everything you need to bring or collect during your day at the beach including pockets for collecting seashells and souveniers, carrying books, cell phones, credit and room key cards, sunscreen, water bottles and more. http://www.fivesse.com/Beach-Bags-s/1844.htm

Packable Pail: This is a collapsible beach pail that looks just like a full size beach pail but it will conveniently fit into your suitcase and beach bag. Enjoy building sand castles and having fun with the family along Grace Bay Beach with this washable, foldable and durable pail that also includes a sand shovel. www.packablepails.com.

Real X Cooling Cap: This “cool” hat is activated by dunking it in water and will become 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature as it evaporates slowly. This is a quick and easy way for you to cool off from the heat and protect your face from the sun during a day at the beach or while exploring the island and resort. Just dunk it, wring it and wear it to stay cool while out in the sun! This company also makes cooling shirts and towels as well as misting gear. http://realxgear.com/product/realxgear-cooling-cap/

For more beach travel gear and accessory ideas, visit our resort Pinterest page: Caribbean Beach Travel Gear

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Turks Caicos Information

Stunning Aerial Photos of Turks and Caicos Found on Instagram

Starting on December 19, 2015 United Airlines will offer non-stop flights from Chicago to Providenciales (ORD-PLS) for the winter and spring travel season. JetBlue also announced direct flights to Providenciales from Fort Lauderdale starting on November 19 (here is the most current list of airlines serving Turks and Caicos).

To celebrate the arrival of our friends from Chicago and other places around the world, we have collected some great Instagram aerial photos of the Turks and Caicos.

We have also discovered some photos that capture what a vacation is like around the island of Providenciales.

The view from the plane will capture your heart

The most noticable feature of the Turks and Caicos (besides our powdery white beaches) are the stunning turquoise waters of the sea.

The island of Providenciales is home to what must be the most beautiful airport in the whole world

This is the magnificent view on the approach to Providenciales (PLS) airport:

https://instagram.com/p/3zIsgyij2l/

An endless number of hidden cays and islets to explore

The Turks and Caicos is made up of more than 40 islands. Many of these small cays are perfect for exploring by kayak or by guided cruise.

A photo posted by #viajacomela (@viajacomela) on

 

There’s nothing like the first glimpse of Providenciales

If you have never flown into PLS before, the view from the airplane window is amazing. It’s almost like the Turks and Caicos are floating in the sky.

Make sure you book a window seat

You’ll have a front row view of one of the most amazing and special places on earth.

This photo looking southwest shows the Turtle Cove Marina and Smith’s Reef.

https://instagram.com/p/6sPXbWQc7M/

The unearthly turquoise waters of Providenciales have to be seen to be believed.


The sublime beauty is not limited to the island of Providenciales. Virtually every island of the archipelago possesses its own unique beauty, and an invitation to come out and explore and experience for yourself.

Often it’s difficult to tell the sea and the sky apart

The blue waters of Grace Bay blend into the sky…


…and sometimes even the sea is more brilliant than the sky.

https://instagram.com/p/73uM0GPTKQ/

Be warned before you come here…

Going home will break your heart.

https://instagram.com/p/6fyJLiGH1V/

However, the view from the airplane window allows you to enjoy a little bit more of our tropical paradise on your way home.

https://instagram.com/p/78DCTWJFs6/

Categories
Turks Caicos Information

Where to Plan Your Destination Wedding at The Sands at Grace Bay

We offer three incredible locations for couples to select from when choosing where to wed on our Turks & Caicos oceanfront property, location on world-famous Grace Bay Beach. Here are 3 vistas that couples may consider, when planning their destination wedding at The Sands at Grace Bay:

  1. Grace Bay Beach: The Sands at Grace Bay is idyllically situated along a pristine stretch of Grace Bay Beach, and the resort boasts one of the island’s most affordable beach wedding packages for our world-famous Providenciales beach location. Experience the essence of the Caribbean as you say your vows on a powdery white sand beach overlooking turquoise waters while bathed in cooling tropical trade winds. Grace Bay Beach provides couples with the perfect ocean setting and unmatched beauty for nuptials. This location can accommodate up to 40 persons.
  1. Tropical Poolside Gazebo: Our charming poolside gazebo offers breathtaking views of our tropically landscaped pools and patio, with the beach and ocean just steps away. Perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony, this romantic island setting can accommodate up to 20 guests. Enjoy ocean breezes, and lush tropical gardens surrounding our poolside gazebo setting.
  1. Hemingway’s Beachfront Deck: On the spacious beachfront deck of the island’s award-winning Hemingway’s Restaurant, you and your guests will be captivated by a picture perfect sunset kissing the hills of Northwest Point. The moonlight glittering on the water will continue to light up your special night, as you celebrate into the evening. Spectacular ocean, Grace Bay Beach and lit pool views will be experienced from our on-site restaurant, which can accommodate groups of up to 40 persons.

For more information on our affordable beach wedding ceremony packages and for our free Turks & Caicos wedding information guide, visit: http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/weddings/introduction/

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Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Pamper Yourself at Our Turks & Caicos Spa

From sipping pina coladas along our incredible stretch of world-famous Grace Bay Beach and three pools to relaxing on our lush landscaped resort property that offers shaded areas with hammocks strung between coconut trees, travelers will enjoy plenty of coconut experiences during their visit to our Turks & Caicos spa and stay at The Sands at Grace Bay.

However, resort guests may not be aware that our Spa Tropique offers tropical coconut and island-inspired spa services including a popular “Kookoo for Coconuts” kiwi and coconut body scrub treatment that was recently featured in a USA Today travel article and leaves your skin silky smooth with a radiant glow.

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Spa Tropique’s $80 ‘Koo-Koo for Coconuts’ body scrub treatment is a custom blend of organic essential oils, therapeutic herbs, exotic botanical extracts, vitamins and minerals to deliver optimal health benefits. The ‘Koo-Koo for Coconuts’ scrub uses Bali sea salts and edible coconut to leave skin glowing and silky smooth. Coconut hydrates and boosts your immune system while Kiwi, a well-known anti-oxidant, brightens the skin to give it a more youthful, healthier look.

The scrub is high in Vitamins A, C and E and helps to promote the absorption of iron. This aromatic salt glow formula is perfect for all skin types and leaves the skin absolutely lustrous.

Spa Tropique also offers an array of unique body treatment spa services that are inspired by fresh and local ingredients found around the tropical Turks & Caicos Islands, such as the “Caribbean Wrapsody” Papaya-Pineapple hydrating body wrap, the “Caicos Roll” detoxifying seaweed wrap, or the “Smooth Operator Sugar Scrub” complete with mango, passion fruit and loaded with antioxidants.

For more information on Turks and Caicos Spa Tropique’s services or to make an appointment during your next stay at The Sands at Grace Bay, visit: http://www.spatropique.com

About the Sands at Grace Bay

Experience an earthly wonder of sand and sea at our 114-suite luxury resort on Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies.

Family-friendly, yet ideally suited for romantic getaways and wedding celebrations, The Sands at Grace Bay offers a harmonious balance of home comforts and sublime Caribbean elegance – as well as a picture perfect location on the sparkling shores of Grace Bay Beach.

If you are dreaming of a beach holiday in the Caribbean that gives you the flexibility of having your own fully-equipped suite while enticing you with fine dining, pristine grounds and sigh-inducing vistas, we look forward to welcoming you to The Sands at Grace Bay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Announcements

Caribbean Resort Gets a Makeover: Sands Parking Lot Resurfacing Project

Observe Parking Signage from August 26th to September 4th, 2015.

The Sands at Grace Bay Caribbean resort will be completing a parking lot resurfacing project between the dates of Wednesday, August 26th through Friday, September 4th, 2015.

This project will occur in two phases and signage will direct guests to the section of the parking lot where they may park each day. Parking lot signage will also direct visitors to the resort’s temporary arrivals and departures entrance that will be located at Building #6. The parking lot resurfacing work will be completed during the daytime hours of 10:00am to 8:00pm, so that any associated noise will not disrupt guests during the evening and early morning hours.

We look forward to continuing to enhance our property to provide an even greater value to those who stay with us at The Sands at Grace Bay.

About the Sands at Grace Bay

Located only 80 minutes by air from Miami, and with regular airline service from New York, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Toronto, The Sands at Grace Bay is an easy-to-reach destination for the perfect Caribbean vacation.

An all-suite resort, The Sands at Grace Bay offers a spectacular, central beachfront location on Grace Bay Beach, awe-inspiring views and beautifully-appointed accommodations.

Within a 6-acre Caribbean plantation-style setting, The Sands at Grace Bay comprises 114 suites in six, three-story buildings. It is embraced by lush, pristine tropical landscaping and located on Grace Bay’s 12-miles of powdery white sand known as Grace Bay Beach that boasts dazzling turquoise waters.

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Turks Caicos Information

Grace Bay Beach Travel Tips: Ways to Protect Your Tech

About.com’s Caribbean Travel Expert, Robert Curley, recently featured some beach travel tips and cool gadgets on his Caribbean Travel blog that can help keep your technology safe and secure when you take it to the beach. Here are some of the protective gear recommendations that would be perfect to pack in your suitcase before your next trip to Turks & Caicos and stay at The Sands at Grace Bay beach:

  1. Travelon Waterproof Smartphone Case – this is a waterproof pouch that can protect your smartphone from the sand and water, that includes a foam insert so your case will float if it happens to fall in the ocean. Your phone can still be operated while its stored in the bag. Travelon Waterproof Smartphone Case
  1. LugSlider 15-inch Laptop Pouch – This laptop bag is made from water-repellant material to help you keep the moisture and sand far away from your computer, and features a convenient carry handle so you can slip it on your arm while carrying your beach bags, chairs and other beach day essentials. LugSlider Laptop Pouch
  1. Outdoor Research Sensor Dry Pocket Tablet – This waterproof case is the perfect size to safely carry your iPad, Kindle or tablet-sized laptop or electronic reading device around the beach. It also comes with Velcro straps, making it easy to attach to your beach chair. Outdoor Research Sensor Dry Pocket Tablet

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For the complete article, visit: http://gocaribbean.about.com/od/caribbeantravelgear/tp/Protect-Your-Tech-at-the-Beach.htm

Categories
Turks Caicos Information

Best Turks and Caicos Food and Drink Instagram Snaps

conch fritters
Photo courtesy Flickr user inazakira. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Turks and Caicos Food Photos

The island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos is a truly cultural crossroads. One of the benefits of this cross-pollination is fantastic food.

Provo is blessed a variety of restaurants and open-air lounges offering everything from classic Caribbean drinks to fusion cuisine.

To give you an idea of what to expect we have searched Instagram for what Instagram does best: beautiful pictures of food and eating out.

 

The Mojito

The mojito is a traditional Cuban highball that includes five key ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime juice, sparkling water, and mint.

https://instagram.com/p/5VgeT4AAzB/?taken-at=230006589

Outdoor Dining

Coco Bistro is one of the more popular restaurants on the island. Delicious cuisine is combined with open-air dining and an elegant atmosphere.

https://instagram.com/p/3SLY3iFvWM/

Boogaloos also offers spectacurlar outdoor dining.

https://instagram.com/p/6cSyOhQc5T/

Da Conch Shack

If you’re looking for truly authentic island cuisine, check out Da Conch Shack on Blue Hills Road. This restaurant is consistently featured in international magazines, and is a great place to eat crab cakes and, of course, the signature conch dishes that are an integral part of island cuisine.

https://instagram.com/p/3cXxTSJ_-E/

Plantain Fries

https://instagram.com/p/5fNX0xBp4P/

And of course conch fritters must not be missed when visiting Turks and Caicos.

https://instagram.com/p/4FmXrcLPAR/

 

If you want to try authentic Turks and Caicos food, just like the locals eat, you need to make sure you make it to the Thursday Night Fish Fry:

https://instagram.com/p/6Gv5IgQc9q/

Of course, you never need to leave the Sands resort to get a taste of authentic local cuisine. Here is Hemingway’s take on conch fritters:

https://instagram.com/p/6S-EnQwcwP/

Free with every meal on Providenciales? A spectacular view of the beautiful Caribbean.

https://instagram.com/p/3_I-16CdMI/

Fish Tacos

Of course, fish tacos must also not be missed when visiting Providenciales.

https://instagram.com/p/29N99iOz15/

https://instagram.com/p/6S_5tGQc0j/

Jerk Chicken

Spicy jerk-style food should also not be missed while you’re in the Turks and Caicos:

https://instagram.com/p/53LWE3wcx-/

Beautiful Fish Dishes

We’re also on an island, surrounded by the sea, so make sure you try some tuna tataki while you’re here.

https://instagram.com/p/6QmyC_Qc1G/

Remember to Admire the View

Kalookis is another beachfront restaurant on Providenciales with amazing food.

https://instagram.com/p/4HWepuQPJJ/

 

https://instagram.com/p/6Ut2LJQcxQ/

Saying Good-bye…

It’s a bittersweet feeling, but the view from the plane as your depart our beautiful island is…

https://instagram.com/p/6aTl8lR26i/

…simply incredible.

https://instagram.com/p/6C28mXBFCj/

Categories
Announcements Turks Caicos Information

New Nonstop Flights to Turks and Caicos This Winter

turks and caicos flights

Chicago residents will soon enjoy direct flights to Turks and Caicos Islands with the launch of a seasonal, nonstop United Airlines flights from December 19, 2015, through April 30,2016 – just in time for the busy winter travel season.

New Flights to Turks and Caicos

Scheduled for Saturdays, the Boeing 737-800 will be United Airlines’ first nonstop service available from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to the Providenciales International Airport (PLS).

The outbound flight will depart from Chicago Saturdays at 10:40 a.m., arriving in Providenciales at 3:40 p.m., while the return flight will depart Providenciales at 1:49 p.m. and arrive in Chicago at 5:09 p.m.

We are extremely excited to welcome more Chicago residents to The Sands at Grace Bay this winter, where they can enjoy our pristine stretch of Providenciales’ world-famous Grace Bay Beach, our free guest amenities including watersports equipment, bicycles, and three swimming pools, and our spacious and luxurious studio and suite accommodations! www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com.

Perfect harmony on Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales

Experience an earthly wonder of sand and sea at our 114-suite luxury resort on Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies.

Family-friendly, yet ideally suited for romantic getaways and wedding celebrations, The Sands at Grace Bay offers a harmonious balance of home comforts and sublime Caribbean elegance – as well as a picture perfect location on the sparkling shores of Grace Bay Beach.

If you are dreaming of a beach holiday in the Caribbean that gives you the flexibility of having your own fully-equipped suite while enticing you with fine dining, pristine grounds and sigh-inducing vistas, we look forward to welcoming you to The Sands at Grace Bay.

Categories
Announcements Turks Caicos Information

New JetBlue Flights to Turks and Caicos from Fort Lauderdale

JetBlue Airways recently announced a new year-round, daily service on a new route between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Providenciales International Airport (PLS) in Turks and Caicos. The service is scheduled to begin this November, pending government approval. To celebrate its new major service, JetBlue is currently offering an introductory fare of only $99 each way between Fort-Lauderdale-Hollywood and PLS, Turks and Caicos.

JetBlue also operates flights between New York and Providenciales as well as a seasonal service out of Boston to PLS.

For more information, visit http://www.jetblue.com.

Other Turks and Caicos Flights

Direct service from so many cities makes planning a vacation to The Turks and Caicos Islands easy…and quick!

Travelers may find direct flights to Providenciales Airport (PLS) from many cities throughout North America and Canada, including New York, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto and Montreal.

There are also direct flights to Providenciales from Heathrow outside of London, England. Please view our Turks and Caicos map to find out where we are located.

For daily flight information, please consult the Turks and Caicos Airport Authority.

Below is a sampling of airlines that offer flights to Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. Please visit their websites directly, for the most recent flight and route updates, availability, and pricing:

City Airlines
NYC JetBlue, Delta Airlines, United Airlines,
Boston JetBlue, Delta Airlines, US Airways
Philadelphia Delta Airlines, US Airways
Charlotte US Airways
Atlanta Delta Airlines,
Miami American Airlines
Toronto Air Canada, WestJet
Ottawa Air Canada
Montreal Air Transat, Air Canada, WestJet
Nassau British Airways, Bahamas Air (direct daily flights)
London (Heathrow) British Airways

 

 

 

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

July 4th: Race for the Conch On Grace Bay Beach

On Saturday, July 4th the 5th annual open water Race for the Conch happens right here off of Grace Bay Beach, and has been named, “one of the world’s most gorgeous Swim Races.” Olympic gold medalist and US Masters Swim champion Rowdy Gaines as well as world-class marathon swimmer, Yuko Matsuzaki, will be participating in this year’s race!

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Open to all competitive and recreational swimmers, the race options include 2.4 Mile (Ironman swim), 1 Mile, and half-mile distances. For those wanting an extra challenge, the 2.4 mile and 1 mile swim events may be done back-to-back. There is also a 100 meters children’s “Race for the Conch” for swimmers eleven years and younger and all children may participate in this race for free. Parents can sign up their children on the day of the race between 8:00 AM and 8:15 AM. There’s also a half-mile stand-up paddleboard race happening at 11:30am, following the swim events.

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Here are other swim-related events leading up to the July 4th races:

On the morning of July 2, Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines will conduct a pool swim clinic for a limited number of swimmers. Cost: $120.

On July 2 at 7 pm, the Turks & Caicos Islands Swim Federation will hold a fundraiser at the Beach House, and Rowdy will be the main speaker. Cost: $60 pre-purchased / $70 at door.

On July 3 at 5 pm, world-class marathon swimmer, Yuko Matsuzaki, will provide an open water swim technique practice session at the race start/finish area in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe. It will be open to all swimmers who have registered for one of the races at no charge.

July 4th SWIM RACE START TIMES

  • 2.4 mile race starts at 8:00 am; Mandatory safety briefing at 7:30 am
  • ?1/2 mile races starts at 9:45 am; ?Mandatory safety briefing at 9:30 am
  • ?1 mile race starts 10:15 am; ?Mandatory safety briefing at 9:30 am
  • The 100 meters Children’s “Race for the Conch”?for swimmers 11 & younger starts at 9:15am. Beach Signup.
  • 1/2 mile Stand-up paddle board (SUP) race starts at 11:30 am. Beach sign-up

For more information and sign-up for these activities, please contact Ben Stubenberg, Co-Race Director, at [email protected].

For more information on the race, visit: http://www.ecoseaswim.com.