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Turks Caicos Information

Update Regarding the Exportation of Conch Shells from the Turks & Caicos Islands

Travelers may now return home with up to three conch shells obtained from the Turks & Caicos Islands, without needing a permit!

The following rule changes have recently been announced regarding the exportation of queen conch shells from the Turks & Caicos Islands, by the Turks & Caicos Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA):

  • A resolution was made that permits a person to export up to three queen conch shells without a permit, providing they are for non-commercial purposes and are included in their personal luggage.
  • The export of more than 3 queen conch shells requires a CITES permit (“Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species”) issued by DEMA. For visitors of Providenciales, this permit must be obtained in person at the local DEMA office  located on Lower Bight Road.
  • Airport security recommends that passengers carry conch shells in their checked bags, rather than carry-ons, as conch shells may be viewed as weapons.
  • The closed season for queen conch exportation is between July 15th through October 15th – however, DEMA is in the process of revising this Fisheries Protection Ordinance to allow for the exportation of conch sells during this time.

These recent conch exportation rule changes mean that guests visiting The Sands at Grace Bay can now happily return home with up to three conch shells in their checked bags, without needing a permit. However, for those who wish to bring home more than three conch shells from their Turks & Caicos trip, a permit must be obtained directly from the DEMA office (located on Lower Bight Road in Providenciales).

For more information or questions regarding the export of CITES-listed species, you may contact the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs at 1-649-941-5122 (the Providenciales main office number).

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Turks Caicos Information

Hemingway’s Restaurant Shares A Healthy Vegetable Pasta Recipe

Due to guest requests, we’re sharing a refreshingly light pasta recipe that is frequently enjoyed by guests staying at The Sands at Grace Bay who dine at the oceanfront Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar. Although Chef Alix Saimpha serves this pasta dish chilled here in tropical Turks & Caicos, it can also be served warm or at room temperature for those of you who live in colder climates.  This healthy recipe is perfect for pleasing a variety of taste buds including vegetarians and kids, and can be easily modified using the in-season or fresh vegetables you have on hand.

Here is the “Cold Vegetable Pasta” Recipe, courtesy of Chef Alix Saimpha from the island’s award-winning Hemingway’s Restaurant:

Ingredients (to serve 4-6 people):

  • 1 pound linguine pasta
  • 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup Balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small ripe tomato chopped
  • 4 Portobello mushrooms cut into slices
  • ½ cucumbers chopped
  • ½ red pepper diced
  • ½ green pepper diced
  • 3 cups chopped romaine heart
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:

Cook the pasta in boiling salt water according to manufacturer instructions. Drain and mix the pasta with olive oil and set aside to cool down and refrigerate for 1 hour.

In a mixing bowl toss the following ingredients together: pasta, tomato, mushrooms, cucumbers, Peppers, romaine lettuce, and mix well. Then add the mustard, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley, serve and enjoy!

For more information on Hemingway’s restaurant located on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, including downloadable breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, visit our resort website at the following link: http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/the-resort/dining/

Hemingway's Restaurant at The Sands at Grace Bay

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Awards

Sands at Grace Bay Named In “Top 15 Resorts in the Atlantic”

Top 15 Resorts

The Sands at Grace Bay makes Condé Nast’s 2013 Readers Choice Awards for the second year in a row!

According to the Condé Nast 2013 Readers Choice Awards, the Sands with a reader score of 85.9 has been ranked #7 in the Top 15 Resorts in the Atlantic (this comes after Grace Bay Beach was voted the “#1 Beach In The Caribbean” by TripAdvisor’s 2013 Travelers’ Choice Awards earlier this year).

Says Condé Nast Traveler:

For more than 25 years, Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards have been a coveted seal of approval for hotels, cruise ships, and airlines from the world’s most discriminating travelers. Tell us where you’ve traveled and what you’ve loved (or not)—79,000 of you participated last year to make this list what it is. 

Link: http://www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards/caribbean/best-resorts-atlantic

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Comments From Our Guests

What Do Our Guests Like to Do in the Turks and Caicos?

sands grace bay guest comments

What do you like to do when you visit the Turks and Caicos? What do you look forward to?

We recently asked our guests this same question via the Sands’ Facebook page. Here are their top 3 “things to do” when staying at on Grace Bay. What do you think? Leave a comment below!

sands grace bay guest comments

1) Explore around the islands

Many visitors to Provo (our island here in the Turks and Caicos) try to make time to visit the neighbouring cays.

Iguana Island, just off the eastern tip of Provo, is a popular family destination because of its colony of friendly iguanas.

Return guest DM says she likes to “go on a full day excursion that has a little snorkeling, a visit to Iguana Island, and then to a remote island where you can have lunch and explore.”

Middle Caicos, with its limestone caves, hiking trails and secluded snorkeling spots, is a popular excursion from Provo.

2) Go snorkeling and swimming

Almost everyone who left comments on our Facebook page said snorkeling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Grace Bay Beach were two things they like to do the most while visiting Provo.

The combination of “gorgeous” white sand, turquoise water, and even bluer skies has to be experienced to be truly believed.

Experiencing amazing sunsets while walking along the beach (Grace Bay Beach faces west and the setting sun) is also a popular thing to do with our guests, especially for couples traveling to the Turks and Caicos for a honeymoon.

3) Eat delicious food

One of the many advantages of living on an island, surrounded by water, is fresh seafood. Commenters frequently remarked that a highlight of a visit to Provo is eating delicious seafood, including tuna, grouper, and the signature dish of the Turks and Caicos, conch empenada.

While our own Hemingway’s beachfront restaurant, with its open-air location right on Grace Bay Beach, is a popular dining spot, several of our Facebook fans commented that Provo has a lot of “great restaurants.”

And it’s not just haute cuisine – eating on Provo can be very down-to-earth and authentic.

The Turks and Caicos’ very own Da Conch Shack, about 20 minutes by car from the Sands resort, has received a lot of love and attention in print and on television. This charming restaurant and rum bar serves conch in every way imaginable: as salad, chowder, fritters, stir-fried, or as ceviche.

What do you like to do when visiting the Turks and Caicos?

What do you look forward to doing when you visit us here on Provo? Let us know in the comments below! Your insights and suggestions will help other visitors plan the perfect Caribbean vacation in the Turks and Caicos!

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Turks Caicos Information

Limited-Time 5th Night Free Offer for January & February 2014 Stays

We’re offering a fifth night free promotion for those who book five nights or more between January 3rd through February 13th, 2014. This limited-time winter travel offer is valid on all resort room categories for new bookings made by November 30, 2013.

We are also offering a 5th Night Free promotion for travel between May 1st through December 20, 2014 – for new bookings made now through 2014.

The high-season 5th Night Free promotion is valid for new bookings made on all room categories at The Sands at Grace Bay by November 30, 2013, for stays of five nights or more started and completed between January 3rd through February 13, 2014. The free night is not transferable or redeemable for cash, and is not applicable for groups. Guests can book this limited-time offer online at www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com, using the promo code “EBB2014” – or call toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327; or contact a travel agent for reservations.

For more information on our current resort specials and deals, visit: http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/rates-and-reservations/current-specials/ 

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Turks Caicos Information

Fall Happenings in Provo: The Caribbean Food & Wine Festival

logo-food-and-wine-festivalOn October 31st, Turks & Caicos welcomes the third annual Caribbean Food & Wine Festival – featuring tantalizing events to please the palate through November 2nd.  Special guests this year include acclaimed wine makers such as such Christopher Silva of St. Francis Winery, Richard Friedman of Moreson Wines, and Tukwini Mandela representing House of Mandela Wines, plus many other celebrated names. Notable chefs headlining the festival this year include: Momofuku Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi, restaurateur and former Top Chef Contestant Tiffany Derry, and Nelson Mandela’s personal chef Xoliswa Ndoyiya.

The grand opening festivities include a dinner at The Regent Palms Turks and Caicos with an introduction to Master Chef Tiffany Derry, best known as a former contestant of Top Chef.  On Friday, Nov 1st, the 7th Annual Gourmet Safari will take place, showcasing culinary treats from a variety of top Turks & Caicos restaurants. On November 2nd, twelve local chefs will create delicious grilled and barbeque dishes at the second annual Island Street Food Fair.

“The festival allows us to spotlight the remarkable culinary talent we have here in Turks and Caicos, and elevate the dining experience for visitors and guests by partnering with some of the world’s best chefs and winemakers for a truly unique experience year after year,” festival co-chair Anthony Garland said in a release.

An ideal time of the year to visit Turks and Caicos, Caribbean Food & Wine Festival presents the opportunity for everyone to enjoy amazing food hand crafted by celebrity chefs and savor acclaimed wines…combined with the idyllic allure of our svelte sand beaches, glistening sun, swaying palms and cool Caribbean beaches — a total feast for the senses!

For more information on the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, visit: http://caribbeanfoodandwinefestivaltci.com

 

 

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Things To Do In The Caribbean

Turks and Caicos Catamaran Tours With Reef Peepers

Turks and Caicos catamaran tours

If you are travelling to Provo with a family or group of friends, consider booking a half or full-day private sailing excursion – you’ll have an island and reef all to yourselves for the day!

These sailing excursions are offered by our friends at Reef Peepers, a Provo-based company that explores the Turks and Caicos aboard its own 48-foot, world-class catamaran.

 Catamaran tours of the Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos catamaran tours

Reef Peepers offers half-day private catamaran charters, providing a morning or afternoon of sailing, snorkeling, swimming, and the opportunity to enjoy your own private Caribbean beach.

Regular group trips depart from Turtle Cove, about ten minutes by car or shuttle bus from the Sands resort on Grace Bay.

After departing Turtle Cove, the catamaran stops at several resorts to pick up more guests before setting out for cruise eastward along Grace Bay.

Provo’s Iguana Island

The first stop is Iguana Island at the eastern tip of Provo.

As the name suggests, Iguana Island is home to an iguana sanctuary. At this stop, after being greeted by a stampede of friendly lizards, a local guide will explains the efforts and programs in place to protect the Turks and Caicos rock iguana (Cyclura carinata)  from extinction.

Snorkelling from the Island Magic catamaran

The next stop is a barrier reef for snorkeling. At the reef, guests snorkel at their leisure. Be on the lookout for dolphins, eagle rays, and about a dozen varieties of multicolored reef fish.

Once everyone is out of the water, rum punch and snacks are served aboard the catamaran while the tour heads to a secluded beach location.

Relax in the sand, stroll the powdery white sands that have made the Turks and Caicos famous all over the world, go swimming in the turquiose waters, and take photos of your group.

After that the Island Magic hoists the sails for a lovely sail back to the resort.

Great for destination weddings and more

There is a a minimum of ten guests for excursions, and up to 20 additional guests at $95 per person.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, family celebration, business outing, or want to explore our remote corner of the Caribbean, you will have the experience of lifetime with Reef Peepers.

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Turks Caicos Information

Hemingway’s Restaurant Information For Guests of The Sands at Grace Bay

Perched on the scenic shore of Grace Bay Beach, Hemingway’s beachfront restaurant in the Turks and Caicos islands offers a casual atmosphere and elegant open air dining, complemented by a menu full of choices that feature fresh ingredients and island-inspired flavors. This legendary island restaurant is located at The Sands at Grace Bay in Providenciales.

Hemingway's Restaurant at The Sands at Grace Bay

Here is some helpful Hemingway’s restaurant info.:

Hours of Operation:  Hemingway’s is open daily between the hours of 8am to 10pm

Breakfast: Is served between 8:00am to 11:00am on weekdays, and from 8:00am to 12:00pm on weekends

* Sample breakfast menu items include Toasted Almond Pancakes, Cinnamon Raisin French Toast, and Huevos Rancheros La Tequila

Lunch: Lunch is served daily between 11:00am to 6:00pm on weekdays, and between 12:00pm to 6:00pm on weekends

* Sample lunch menu items include Conch “The Way You Like It”, Sweet Chili Steak Salad, Mango Shrimp Salad, Soft Fish Tacos, and Caribbean Jerk Marinated Chicken

Dinner: Dinner is served between 6:00pm to 10:00pm, 7 days a week

* Sample dinner menu items include a wide selection of appetizers, freshly caught fish from the sea (ask the server for the day’s catch), Grouper Creole, Seared Ahi Tuna, Shrimp Pasta, Filet Mignon, Rack of Lamb, Curry Shrimp, Thai Chicken Stir Fry, Crab cakes and more

Dessert: For those with a sweet tooth, Hemingway’s will be sure to please with its selection of desserts that range from key lime pie, to homemade brownies and fried ice cream and even Bacardi rum cake.

Bar: Hemingway’s offers a full service bar that features everything from specialty cocktails and beers, to a wide selection of wines by the glass or bottle. After dinner drinks and a selection of cigars and t-shirts are also sold at Hemingway’s.

Live Entertainment: Live music and entertainment can be enjoyed by restaurant guests dining at dinner every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

MENUS: Downloadable restaurant menus are featured on our website at the following link: http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/the-resort/dining/

PHOTOS: For restaurant photos visit The Sands at Grace Bay Pinterest page at the following link: http://www.pinterest.com/thesandstc/beachfront-dining/

WEDDING DINING PACKAGES: Hemingway’s also offers special dining packages for couples who wed at The Sands or wish to host their wedding reception on the beautiful Hemingway’s deck overlooking the ocean. These wedding dining packages can be viewed here, by clicking on the “dining” tab: http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/weddings/

 

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Things To Do In The Caribbean

Honeymoon Ideas In Turks And Caicos from The Expeditioners

Turks and Caicos Honeymoons

The Sands at Grace Bay is both a tranquil honeymoon spot for intrepid adventurers who want to get away from it all, or a quiet, intimate home base that’s also a launchpad into adventure. Or, our resort can be a bit of both.

We have the guests to prove it.

Back in June, we were lucky to have the globe-trotting couple “The Expeditioners” choose the Sands at Grace Bay for their honeymoon.

Globe-trotting “Expeditioners” chose Turks and Caicos for their honeymoon

Roberto and Bella are a (now) husband and wife team of adventure photographers and creators of “The Expeditioners” Magazine & travel website and social media sites. They’ve travelled, usually under human power, around a combined 50 different countries.

And this active couple chose to spend an active (yet relaxed) honeymoon on the island of Provo right here at the Sands Resort.

Honeymoon ideas near Grace Bay Beach

Based on the romantic experience Roberto and Bella had with us, here are some ideas for your own Turks and Caicos honeymoon near our private resort on Grace Bay Beach:

Dive with dolphins

During their stay here at the Sands, Roberto and Bella managed to dive with dolphins. JoJo the Ambassador Dolphin is one of Grace Bay Beach’s most famous visitors, but he and other dolphins can be elusive near our resort.

If you really want to see dolphins and other marine creatures, head out to the Columbus Passage, a 35 kilometre channel that separates the Turks Islands from the Caicos Islands. This deep passage is a water highway for migrating fish, rays, turtles and dolphins.

Our friends at Ocean Vibes can take you wherever you want to go.

Take a dip in the pool, or cool off with a drink from the bar

Honeymoon at the Sands on Grace Bay

Most guests, especially honeymooners, don’t like to stray too far from the intimacy and luxury of the Sands resort. A great place for a honeymoon retreat is our wonderful pool, just steps from the beach, and the bar.

Roberto and Bella reported testing out new underwater cameras in our pool (see the image above), in-between sipping chilled wines. We are also proud of our cocktail recipes, especially Hemingway’s famous rum punch.

Hang out in your suite

Roberto and Bella stayed in a one-bedroom suite during their time at the Sands. They had a veranda with a view (more about resort accommodations at the Sands here) , which was perfect for relaxing and sipping drinks after whatever they happened to be doing that day. And, just steps away, lies the beautiful, sugary sand of Grace Bay Beach.

Whether you try to nothing or everything during your Turks and Caicos honeymoon at the Sands, we’re sure you will agree with Roberto and Bella when they say this:

Four days was indeed, not enough! You’ll be seeing us there again for sure!

Honeymoon at the Sands on Grace Bay

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Turks Caicos Information

Laws Regarding The Exportation of Conch Shells From The Turks & Caicos Islands

We wanted to make our guests aware of the following conch exportation law here in the Turks & Caicos Islands:

“No person shall export conch during the period commencing on the fifteenth day of July and extending to and including the fifteenth day of October in each year.”

This means that tourists are not able to bring home conch shells either found or purchased here in the Turks & Caicos Islands during the conch closed season of July 15th through October 15th. However, free permits are granted for tourists to take up to 3 conch shells out of the country during conch open season (from October 16th through July 14th) and can be obtained from the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources.

Please note that this law is being strictly enforced by our airport security and environmental protection agencies. The Turks & Caicos Islands is a member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Treaty, which restricts the export of endangered species out of the country, including conch shells. This regulation is ultimately to prevent an overfishing of our conch and to help ensure this endangered species continues to thrive around our islands for many years to come.

Thank you for your understanding and for your support protecting our Caicos Conch during our current closed season!

For general information about bringing goods into or out of the Turks & Caicos Islands, visit:  http://www.visittci.com/getting-here/customs-allowances