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Turks Caicos Information

The Turks & Caicos National Environmental Centre

The Turks & Caicos National Environmental Centre is a fun and free educational outing for families to enjoy while on vacation in Providenciales. Located in Providenciales’ Lower Bight area, across from an excellent children’s park, the Centre is a fun and informative way for visitors to learn about the indigenous wildlife, fauna and flora, and the various habitats and ecosystems that can be found throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.  Both children and adults will enjoy colorful exhibits that provide information on the unique beaches, shells, birds, reptiles and wildlife that can be found around the island.

Admission to the museum is FREE and it is open daily from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

 

 

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Turks Caicos Information

Pilates & Yoga Programs and Classes in Providenciales

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For vacationers and resort guests interested in taking Pilates or Yoga classes during their Providenciales stay, Studio 90 Degrees is conveniently located on Grace Bay Road less than one mile away from The Sands at Grace Bay resort. The fully equipped, air conditioned studio offers Pilates and Yoga programs which utilize mats and specialized equipment to stretch and strengthen the whole body.

Small group classes are available 7 days a week. The Pilates Group classes are a great way to enhance your overall physical condition, strength and flexibility. They are suitable for people of all ages and ability levels. During these group classes, a variety of small equipment is utilized such as: resistance bands, exercise balls, rolls, fitness circles, and weighted balls.

Resort guests staying at The Sands at Grace Bay for a week or more, may be interested in the studio’s $50 Unlimited Week of Group Classes special. Drop-in group classes are also available for a rate of $25 per class. Private or semi-private training and mobile services are also available.

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For more studio and rate information or to register for a class, please visit the website below or call/email the studio directly:

Web: http://www.studio90degrees.co

Phone:  649.332.9227

E-mail:  [email protected]

Babymoon

Resort Babymoon Package Offers Pre-Natal Pilates & Yoga Class

The Sands at Grace Bay has partnered with several exceptional local vendors including Studio 90 Degrees to offer a “Babymoon” vacation package, which features special inclusions to pamper expecting couples during their “pre-baby” Turks & Caicos Trip. The babymoon package offers a professional one-hour couples photoshoot, an in-room pre-natal pilates & yoga class “for two”, a babymoon spa package for the “mom-to-be”, and a $25 restaurant gift certificate. In addition to a ten percent room rate discount at The Sands at Grace Bay,  expectant couples will also enjoy a “Babymoon Essentials” gift basket and pre-stocked “baby cravings snacks” in their room upon arrival. For more information on this package including rates, visit the following link: http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/rates-and-reservations/packages/

 

 

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Turks Caicos Information

New PLS Terminal On Schedule For Winter 2014 Completion

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority recently issued a press release with details on the $10 million dollar Providenciales International Airport (PLS) expansion project that is currently underway. With construction teams working around the clock, the new terminal project is nearly 75% completed and is still on schedule for a winter 2014 completion date. The enhanced PLS airport will be nearly double the size of the old terminal. Travelers will be able to enjoy expanded check-in counter areas and self check in facilities, additional bathrooms, larger space for shops and restaurants, and a larger departure lounge.

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Check-in Kiosk have already arrived and have been installed for passenger usage. Passengers with no luggage can now check in at the kiosk, print their boarding pass and continue through the security check point with ease. Passengers with baggage can still use the check in kiosk, then continue to the counter to drop off their baggage before going through the security check point.

TCIAA Check-in Kiosk

 

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Sands Employee Profiles

Introducing Mona Beeson, Sands May Superstar

Mona Beeson, Sands Manager

We were excited when so many Sands employees were nominated to receive Star Awards earlier this year.

So, to give our friends and guests with an inside look at how “locals” spend their free time our island in the Caribbean, we’re profiling our “superstar” staff and learn what they love about life on Provo.

This month we introduce Star Awards winner Mona Beeson, General Manager at The Sands on Grace Bay.

Mona is originally from California, and has lived on Provo for seven years.

How do you like to spend your free time in Provo?

I like to explore beaches around Providenciales.  Grace Bay Beach is truly wonderful and so vast, nice snorkeling sights all up and down the beach.   I also enjoy the exquisite Taylor Beach for its privacy and calm bay, Northwest Point beaches for a lot of little hideaways, and Long Bay Beach for its breezes and great views.

In Provo, I also enjoy hitting my favorite restaurant spots for drinks and dinner or a nice afternoon brunch with friends and family.

What is one “must-do” or “must-see” attraction for tourists to experience in Provo?

Explore Middle Caicos! A big must, and so close by.  It’s a great day trip.

To get there, take a short trip on the ferry to North Caicos.

Next, rent a car at North Caicos to drive to Middle Caicos and take in the sights along the way (and be sure to ask at the Ferry Office for a map beforehand).

On the drive from North to Middle Caicos, there is a lot to see including the Flamingo Pond view point. It’s a great place to take a rest and watch the gorgeous birds.

At Middle Caicos, explore the caves and cliffs at Blue Horizon Resort. But don’t forget to drive further down to the Indian Caves.

After that, Bambarra Beach is a great stretch of white sand beach, and is the perfect place to take a nice picnic basket and spend the day swimming in that lovely turquoise water.

Take a picnic lunch – it is perfect for this kind of trip.  Or stop by one of the restaurants for local flavor, drinks and fantastic service and incredible ocean views.

Are there any favorite places you can recommend for families?

Bugaloo’s in Five Cays is one of my favorite places, great fun for families, and offers delicious local foods, good service and plenty of music to dance to.  The restaurant is right on the beach, and is very kid friendly, so you can relax in the restaurant itself or, if the kids get bored and restless they can play on the beach while you sit and relax since seating is also right on the beach.

Sundays are busy from lunch to dinner – it is a local favorite.

What kind of local Turks & Caicos food or drinks would you recommend that Provo visitors try?

Anyone who ever visits the Turks and Caicos has to try conch salad and conch fritters at least once – these local “comfort foods” are very delicious.  Fried snapper is also one of my favorites.  Snapper is caught fresh here in TCI and used in most restaurants.  And, try the Jerk Chicken and Pork, served at most local restaurants, though my favorite spot for jerk is at Chinson’s up on the hill off Leeward Highway.

A cold Turks Head beer hits the spot, and Bambarra reserve rum is smooth and delicious.

The FOTTAC (Flavors Of The Turks And Caicos) store is at the Regent Village, and has all the Bambarra products available to take home. From rum, to wines, gifts and souvenirs, rum cakes, and hot sauces to hand made soaps and baskets from the Islands.

Besides Hemingway’s, are there any other island restaurants that you like?

Las Brisas, which overlooks Chalk Sound National Park has a very nice menu, with a romantic atmosphere and cool breezes.  It’s a bit of a drive from Grace Bay, but it’s worth it.

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Turks Caicos Information

South Caicos Airport Due for Expansion

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It’s getting even easier to travel around the beautiful cays and islets strung across the azure seas of the Turks  and Caicos.

The Turks and Caicos airport authority will get started with plans to dramatically enhance South Caicos airport when expansion of the Providenciales International Airport is completed in late 2014.

The airport expansion here on Providenciales is expected to double the size of the PLS terminal.

The best part? An larger check-in counter area, and quicker self check in facilities. If you’re in the mind to buy souvenirs or grab some local cuisine, the new and improved Provo airport is going to feature larger retail space for shops and restaurants.

There will also be a larger departure lounge, but we don’t want to talk about that. We hate seeing you go!

As for South Caicos, the small cay is trip through time to a fascinating and unspoiled part of the Caribbean. The settlement is long overdue for an upgraded airport that will allow larger aircraft to deliver supplies for residents and visitors alike.

The island hosts the annual South Caicos Regatta, a large celebration that features parties, boat races, and other games.

The Caicos Regatta dates back to February 1966, when Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip visited South Caicos on board the beautiful (and now sadly retired) royal yacht HMS Britannia.

It was the first royal visit to TCI (still a British Overseas Territory even today), and of the people attending thought the “SAIL PAST – SALUTE” of the local sloops were the highlights of the day.

Learn more about the fascinating history of the South Caicos Regatta here.

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Turks Caicos Information

Paradise Photography Helps Plan A Surprise Proposal at The Sands at Grace Bay

Paradise Photography is a boutique photography company in the Turks & Caicos that offers guests of the Sands on Grace Bay a variety of photography services including engagements, marriage proposals, and babymoon photo sessions.  In particular, our proposal sessions include a private consultation with the groom to help develop and plan an overall strategy for his surprise proposal.  We recently conducted one of these surprise proposal sessions for a guest of The Sands at Grace Bay – Mark Milner.  Mark wanted to do the proposal and engagement photo shoot over two days at two separate locations, including sites around The Sands property.

On day one, Mark pre-arranged for a “fake” taxi pickup by one of our photographers who took Mark and his fiancé’-to-be, Anna, to a remote location under the guise that Mark wanted to simply enjoy a sunset with Anna on an unnamed remote beach in Leeward.  James Roy of Paradise Photography picked Mark and Anna up in a white SUV, which looked like most island taxis.  When we arrived to our secluded beach, Mark asked if I would take a quick photo of him and Anna with his cell phone.  I said that I was also a part time photographer and that I happened to have my camera with me, and that the photo would be better if I used my equipment.  Mark and I had agreed to this arrangement one month before during my phone consultation with him.  We felt that it would be easier for me to get the best angle if I did not have to sneak around in the bushes trying to get the proposal from a hidden position.  Our plan was a complete success, because Anna said “yes,” the sunset was magnificent, the photos were amazing; but more importantly, Anna did not suspect that all of this was set up beforehand.  After Anna said yes, Mark told her that I was really a professional photographer and that the entire trip had been prearranged.

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We spent day two on the beautiful grounds of The Sands.  We shot around some of the more interesting areas including the open air front lobby with its white Barbadian coral limestone pillars and gorgeous soft lighting.  Another picturesque spot was the intimate hammock lounge tucked inside a grove of coconuts just outside the front lobby on the property grounds.  The beautifully manicured pools were a great backdrop for additional romantic images of the newly engaged couple.  Even around the outside of Hemingway’s Restaurant and bar proved to be an intriguing backdrop.  To top off the shoot, I took Mark and Anna to The Sand’s pristine stretch of Grace Bay Beach.  We usually conduct day two of a multi-day shoot during the late morning and early afternoon, in order to capture the vibrant blue colors of the water and sky that contrast against the bright white soft sand of Grace Bay Beach.  Needless to say, Mark and Anna were not disappointed.  The surprise was well worth the effort to create a magnificent proposal photo shoot that will provide Mark and Anna with lasting memories of their engagement in tropical paradise.

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Turks Caicos Information

TCI Top Model Contest 2014 (May 2)

TCI Top Model Contest

On Friday, May 2, Providenciales will once again launches the annual the TCI Top Model Contest, the fashion event of the year for the Turks and Caicos.

This 3-day event gets bigger and more exciting every year. This year, there will be appearances by Samentha Etienne, TCI Top Model 2013, the 2014 TCI Top Model Contestants, the L’ete Boutique Catwalk Competition, the second annual Salvation Army TCI Fashion Challenge, live entertainment, amazing music, prizes, surprises and more.

The TCI Top Model Contest is held over three days as contestants compete to become the face of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

As well, the TCI Top Model winner will also be a Cover Model and appear in an editorial spread of the 2012 Summer Times of the Islands magazine and be profiled in Destination: Turks & Caicos magazine.

The weekend ends on Sunday afternoon with a parade of fashion models, a Top Designer and Boutique showcase, and Top Talent perform.

Come dressed in your best – elegance is a must.

Additionally, the TCI Top Model winner will also be a Cover Model and appear in an editorial spread of the 2012 Summer Times of the Islands magazine and have a profile page their sister publication – Destination: Turks & Caicos 2013.

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Turks Caicos Information

Spring & Summer Savings In Turks & Caicos

We are excited to offer spring and summer travelers incredible savings through our 4th Night Free offer combined with our reduced low-season rates for stays between May 1st through December 20th, 2014. Not only is our resort a popular spring and summer vacation destination for all ages, but our ideal location on Grace Bay Beach simply can’t be beat: Providenciales was named the Caribbean’s #1 Island by TripAdvisor’s 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards and the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination by the 2013 World Travel Awards.

In addition to offering affordable spring and summer rates in the Caribbean’s most sought after vacation destination, travelers will benefit from a variety of added-value resort amenities during their stay at The Sands at Grace Bay. All resort guests enjoy the following freebies: complimentary use of watersports equipment – including kayaks, windsurfing equipment, stand-up paddle boards, snorkel gear and Hobie Cats; bicycles for island exploration; a Tuesday Manager’s cocktail party; three free-form swimming pools, a tennis/basketball court, and more. Plus, our luxurious studio and suite accommodations feature all the comforts of home – complete with modern kitchens and appliances, dining and living room areas, screened-in balconies, washer & dryers (in most units), free Wi-Fi and more – just steps away from world-famous Grace Bay Beach.

The 4th Night FREE promotion is valid for new bookings made on all room categories at The Sands at Grace Bay, for consecutive stays of four nights or more started and completed between May 1st through December 20th, 2014. Guests can book this offer online at www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com, using the promo code “4NF2014” – or call toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327.

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Awards

Introducing Sheena Smith, Sands April Superstar

Sheena Smith The Sands TC

We were excited when so many Sands employees were nominated to receive Star Awards in February. In order to provide our friends and guests with an inside look at what the “locals” like to do on our island in the Caribbean, we decided to profile our staff and learn what they love about life on Provo.

This month we introduce Star Awards nominee Sheena Smith, Assistant Human Resources Manager at The Sands on Grace Bay.

The Sands at Grace Bay is blessed with fantastic staff who make sure our friends and guest have a wonderful time during their stay here.

Sheena Smith, as an assistant HR manager, helps set the stage for our team’s success.

Originally from across the Turks Island Passage on the island of Grand Turk, Sheena spent several years studying in Miami before coming to live on Provo in 2007. Sheena has a beautiful smile, and hopes you’ll come over and hello if you see her when you visit our resort.

How do you like to spend your free time in Provo?

You can usually find me at the movie cinema on Leeward Highway, about ten minutes from the Sands resort. I love to laugh, and I love watching comedy movies with my friends.

What is one “must-do” or “must-see” attraction on Provo?

Chesire Hall Plantation, in Provo’s Blue Hills neighborhood, is really worth visiting. The building ruins have been carefully preserved by the National Trust and offer spectacular views of the island (Blue Hills, at 49 meters, is the highest point on Provo).

It’s an interesting feeling looking at the ruins on one side, with a view of downtown Provo on the other side.

If you like natural history, there is a lot of information about local birds and wildlife on signposts located around the attraction.

What kind of local Turks and Caicos food or drinks would you recommend that Provo visitors try?

Besides conch salad, everyone who visits TCI must try crab ‘n rice at least once.

Crab ‘n rice is yummy, especially served with a side of fried plantain. Plantain of course is related to the banana, but is starchier. Plantains are actually a staple food in many parts of the tropics.

Smokey’s, a popular restaurant near the Sands, serves crab ‘n rice with fried plantain, and the combination is delicious.

Are there any “local” restaurants that you like?

As mentioned, Smokey’s (located within walking distance from The Sands) serves good, authentic Caribbean food. Their steamed, boneless fish is marvelous, as is their peas and rice dish, and, of course, fried plantain.

If you are interested in “southern cooking” similar to that of the US, you need to check out Smokey’s – southern “soul food” wasn’t born in the American South, but has deeper roots stretching back to the Caribbean.

You might notice some aspects of Creole, Cajun, and Soul Food cuisine here. Places like the Turks and Caicos is where all these forms of American southern cuisine originate from.

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Turks Caicos Information

Direct Flights to Grace Bay Beach Enticing for Canadians

Limited-Time Direct flights from Montreal Get You On Grace Bay Beach Sooner!

Providenciales is well serviced from many North American hubs, and now with the newly-announced Air Canada Vacations direct flight from Montreal, there’s one more reason to shed the parka and slip into sandals.

Just one flight to the splendor and warmth of Grace Bay Beach…

Air Canada Vacations Direct from Montreal

Air Canada Vacations will be operating a Montreal – Providenciales direct flight on Tuesdays from May 6 – August 26, 2014.

Take advantage of our “4TH NIGHT FREE” special between May 1 -Dec 20, 2014. and enjoy some spring and summer fun in the sun!

Canadian Airlines Servicing Providenciales

Air Canada service includes (depending on season):

  • Up to 5 flights a week from Toronto arriving into Providenciales just after noon
  • 1 flight each week from Montreal arriving into Providenciales before noon
  • 1 flight each week from Ottawa arriving into Providenciales about 1pm

WestJet service includes (depending on season):

  • Up to 5 flights a week from Toronto arriving into Providenciales just after 2pm
  • 1 flight each week from Montreal arriving into Providenciales around 4pm

Located directly on beautiful 12-mile Grace Bay Beach, The Sands is a perfect retreat for families and couples. Featuring Studio units as well as 1, 2, and 3-bedroom fully-equipped suites, the resort delivers an exceptional escape from the monotony of never ending winter to the blissful sun-soaked vistas of Providenciales. Come and join us!

For more information or to check availability, Contact Us today.