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Turks Caicos Information

“The Expeditioners” Honeymoon At The Sands at Grace Bay

We were thrilled to host Roberto & Bella for their honeymoon this past year – a wonderful husband and wife team of adventure photographers and creators of “The Expeditioners” Magazine & travel website & social media sites. Roberto and Bella have kindly contributed the blog post below, to share some of their Turks & Caicos vacation memories and photos they took during recent stay at The Sands with our blog readers:

 

Quaint, intimate, refined; The Sands at Grace Bay was an absolute delight for our honeymoon. I’ve been to over 30 countries, and my wife to over 20. We’ve slept on beds, cots, cars, hostels, cabins, lodges, tents, lean-to’s, on the beach, and of course, hotels and resorts. We’ve even slept off the side of a highway — a nice field is usually the best. Point being, we’ve slept in a lot of different places — and our dwelling at the Sands was just perfect. Our one bedroom suite was homey & spacious. We lounged languidly on our veranda after a full day of scuba diving. We listened to tunes and drank nice chilled wines. Very un-Expeditioners of us, but alas, one must make efforts for one’s honeymoon. I remember us reminiscing on how photographing and exploring the most remote places on the planet had led to us having our exquisite honeymoon on a stunning and relaxing island. You really never know what runs life will take!

Thank you to the staff at The Sands for being so attentively present for our every whim, yet unobtrusive. Just superb. While staying there we dove with dolphins, lounged around the pool testing our new camera housing, took long walks on the beach, and immersed ourselves in the emerald waters just a stones throw away from our room. Four days was indeed, not enough 🙂 You’ll be seeing us there again for sure!

– Roberto & Bella – “The Expeditioners”

For more information on The Expeditioners, visit: http://www.theexpeditioners.com/.

Here are some beautiful photos Roberto & Bella took during their stay with us at The Sands at Grace Bay:

 

 

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Turks Caicos Information

The Sands at Grace Bay Receives TripAdvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence” Award

For yet another year, our resort has received TripAdvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence” Award for consistently achieving outstanding guest reviews on TripAdvisor! A sincere thanks to all our guests and fans who continue to support us through your positive online reviews!!

Highly rated accommodations, restaurants and attractions are awarded with the 2013 Certificate of Excellence Award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

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Turks Caicos Information

Photos From A Recent Beach Wedding at The Sands at Grace Bay

Brilliant by Tropical Imaging took the beautiful photos below, of Felicia and Jim’s recent wedding held at our resort. Congratulations to the lovely newlyweds! We hope you’re able to celebrate your anniversary and future vacations here with us at The Sands, as husband and wife!

For couples seeking a destination wedding in Turks & Caicos, The Sands at Grace Bay offers an affordable and customizable wedding package as well as a pristine Grace Bay Beach location ideal for beach weddings. More information about our wedding package can be found on our website at www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/weddings/. For more information about wedding photography packages offered by Brilliant by Tropical Imaging, visit their site at the following link: http://www.brilliant.tc.

 

 

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Beach Weddings Turks Caicos

Photos of Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos photos

After a stay at the Sands a year or so ago, Sands guests Elizabeth and Michael posted some great photos of Grace Bay Beach.

Turks and Caicos photos

Elizabeth, who was expecting the couple’s second child during their stay at the Sands,  is a freelance art director + designer + mama and operates The Littlest, a line of curated children’s vintage playclothes featuring her own designs. Be sure to check out the blog – the photos of Grace Bay are fantastic.

Michael is part of The Flash Dance, which provided the couple with the opportunity to come to our island. Simply put, The Flash Dance puts on awesome weddings, so if you’re thinking of having a wedding at the Sands, maybe give The Flash Dance a call – we would love to see Francesca and Michael again.

More photos of Grace Bay and the Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos Tourism has some fantastic photos of Grace Bay Beach, including aerial views and photos of Grace Bay resorts and nearby beaches. TCI Mall also has some great photos of Providenciales.

Of course, Huffington Post has aggregated some awesome Turks and Caicos photos, too, while the blogs 2 Gringos in the Caribbean and My Sea Story have excellent photos with a “local” feel.

Do you have a favorite Turks and Caicos photo blog? Let us know!

 

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Turks Caicos Information

Providenciales International Airport – $10 Million Terminal Expansion Project Is Underway

While the groundbreaking held in March of 2013 marked a momentous milestone for the Providenciales International airport terminal expansion project, the vision for a newly renovated terminal and airport facility is being realized at a rapid rate with much works commencing on the site. Currently construction workers are on site daily plowing away in order to keep a tight 18 month timeline for completion at the end of 2014.

Upon completion in 2014, the PLS airport will be completely transformed and nearly double the size of the current 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.

For those flying in and out of the PLS airport, below are some helpful tips and airport information featured on www.visittci.com:

Helpful Airport Tips For Turks & Caicos Travelers:

Airport Check-in Times:

Check in at least 2 hours before international flights, and 45 minutes before domestic flights.

Internet:

The PLS airport departure lounge has complimentary LIME WiFi.

Ground Transportation:

Upon arrival, taxis are available directly outside the baggage claim area. Visitors may also rent a car during their stay.  Please confirm the cost to your destination before you begin your journey with the taxi driver. Tourists can expect to pay a minimum of $35 for a ride from PLS to the Grace Bay area (more than 2 passengers and extra luggage may incur an additional fee). If you’re renting a car, please note that we drive on the left here in Turks & Caicos. For more information, visit: http://www.visittci.com/providenciales/getting-around.

Shopping and Eating:

Currently there is a gift shop and a Gilley’s restaurant before you reach the security checkpoint. After the security checkpoint, there is a bar, a duty-free jewelry shop and three gift stores.

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Turks Caicos Information

Take Your Vacation Photos Up A Notch, With Brilliant by Tropical Imaging

Are you planning a special trip to Turks & Caicos’ The Sands at Grace Bay with your family members, friends, or loved ones? Do you want to capture the fun-filled moments during your stay here in tropical paradise – without the hassle of taking photos from your personal camera all day?

We highly recommend that you consider reaching out to Brilliant by Tropical Imaging – the leading photography and video company here in Turks & Caicos that is comprised of a dedicated team of professionals that will help capture your special moments during your trip to Providenciales.

Brilliant by Tropical Imaging offers portrait collection photography packages that are ideal for families, couples, and groups visiting The Sands at Grace Bay on vacation or for a special occasion. They use the breathtaking natural backdrops around our resort and the island to capture laughter, smiles, and fun in a very relaxed and natural way.

A few examples of portrait and family photography packages offered are as follows:

Basic Photo shoot – This personalized photo shoot is ideal for families with young children or infants – because it takes advantage of the beautiful light and surroundings at The Sands at Grace Bay and Grace Bay Beach.

Beach Escape – This shoot begins at our resort and then moves to a secluded, quiet local beach for additional serene shots to capture more fun moments. This is a great option for couples looking for private beach moments and stunning vacation photos.

Island Escape – Tropical Imaging will whisk you away to some of their favorite spots on Providenciales, to create an incredibly relaxed session using the island as a breathtaking backdrop. This is a terrific option for families with teenagers, couples and honeymooners or brides looking to “trash the dress.”

For more photography package information offered by Brilliant Tropical Imaging including prices, visit their website www.brilliant.tc or this direct link: http://www.brilliant.tc/family-and-portriat-photography-prices-and-packages-turks-caicos/.

 

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Things To Do In The Caribbean

5 “Different” Things to Do On Your Turks and Caicos Vacation

Turtle Cove Providenciales Beach

1) Check out the National Environment Centre

Close to Grace Bay Beach and the Sands resort, the National Environmental Centre (NEC), shows the natural habitats and ecosystems of the Turks and Caicos Islands. A Children’s Park is located nearby.

2) Visit Coral Gardens

Coral Gardens, a reef located within wading distance from Grace Bay Beach, is perfect for first-time snorklers and kids.

3) Go to the beach

We’re all familiar with Grace Bay Beach, regularly recognized as one of the best – if not the best – beaches in the world, but the island of Providenciales is alsl ringed with plenty of other white-sand strands that are neither crowded nor too isolated. Most are within 20 to 30 minutes by car from the resort:

Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay

Located on the ocean-side of the spit of land that separates Chalk Sound from the Atlantic Ocean, Sapodilla Bay is a pleasant retreat that can be hard to find. Taylor Bay is just up the road.

Princess Alexandra National Park

Thirteen miles of undeveloped, protected beach west of Grace Bay Beach, part of an effort to preserve the natural beauty of the islands.

Northwest Point Beach

Located at the end of the Millenium Highway on the western tip of Providenciales, Northwest Point Beach is perfect for people looking for rugged adventure and private coral reefs just offshore.

Long Bay Beach

Located on the southeast, Windward side of the island (Grace Bay Beach and our resort is on the calmer Leeward side), Long Bay Beach is perfect for horseback riding through the surf, and kite surfing.

4) Visit the Graceway Sports Centre

Located just off Leeward Highway, this sports centre offers a large selection of sports available, including indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, squash, hockey, martial arts and more.

5) Join the Race for the Conch

This organized open water charity swim race happens right here in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. With world-class swimmers in attendance, this annual race is held to raise awareness of the valuable ocean and reef systems surrounding the islands and funds support local ocean and reef protection charities.

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Turks Caicos Information

10 Things You Should Know For Your Turks & Caicos Wedding

The Sands at Grace Bay is thrilled to host brides and grooms from around the world, who come to Providenciales to vow a lifetime together along the world’s most pristine Grace Bay Beach.

For those interested in a destination wedding at The Sands at Grace Bay or in the beautiful Turks & Caicos Islands, 10 legal requirements are as follows:

1 You must be in the Country for a minimum of three business days.

2 If you are living in TCI, you will require a certified Copy of Legal Status.

3 Copies of your Birth Certificates and Passports notarized by a Notary or signed by a Justice of the Peace.

4 If single – a search of the Registry in the Country/State where the person lives, stating that there is no record of a previous marriage or a sworn affidavit from the Registrar’s Office in the country where you reside validating your marital status. This also requires a notarized TCI Affidavit.

5 If one of the parties is divorced, then proof of “Divorce Decree Absolute” is required, either the original or notarized copy, sealed by the Clerk of the Court.

6 In the case of a widow/widower, a certified copy of the Death Certificate and certified copy of the Marriage Certificate verifying the marriage between the deceased spouse and declarant.

7 If the declarant is under 21 years of age but over the age of 16, a certified consent from both parents in writing allowing the marriage is required.

8 Any Passports or documentation written in any language other than English should be translated in advance and notarized by the applicable consulate.

9 You will need to supply a copy of the TCI Immigration Arrival and Departure Form. You will receive this upon entering Turks and Caicos. This will need to be notarized

10 Application for a Marriage License Form and Declarant Application Form are to be hand written by the couple upon arrival and signed with the Marriage Officiate.

You should also plan on meeting with the ceremony officiate two business days in advance of the ceremony to complete all of the legal documentation. Marriage licenses are issued at the office of the Registrar in Providenciales, which is open to the public Monday through Friday between 9:30am – 4:30pm.

For more information on getting married in tropical Turks & Caicos or at The Sands at Grace Bay, contact us today so we may assist you with this exciting time in your life! Information on our affordable Turks & Caicos intimate beach wedding package can be found here: http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/weddings/.

 

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Announcements

Turks and Caicos events – TCI Top Model Contest (May 4)

turks and caicos events

On of the top Turks and Caicos events of the year, the TCI Top Model Contest will be held on Provo on Saturday, May 4, 2013. It’s a great opportunity to see innovative local fashion designers collaborate with local models and youth to put on a sophisticated show. The TCI Top Model Contest showcases the creative industries of the Turks and Caicos Islands, acting as a springboard to launch local talent on the international stage.

turks and caicos events

 

While the main show takes place on Saturday, May 4, this weekend offers a preview with Before Couture: an afternoon on Regent Street – themed to be TCI’s equivalent to Fashion’s Night Out – where fashion, food, music and dance collide to create magic! This will take place on Saturday, April 27th, 2013 on Regent Street, Regent Village, Grace Bay – Providenciales! 

Event details:

Before Couture: An afternoon on Regent Street
Regent Village, Provo
Saturday, April 27th, 2013
Admission: FREE

2013 TCI Top Model Contest!
The Williams Auditorium, Provo
Saturday, May 4th 2013
Admission:
$75 VIP
$50 Gen Admin
$10 More @ The Door

All contestants and models receive makeovers, have professional photo shoots and portfolios complied of their best photographs. Additionally, they will take part in workshops on: the fashion industry and modeling, fitness and grooming, personality and presentation, interview skills, etiquette training and being a spokesmodel from local industry experts.

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Turks Caicos Information

Spring Events in Turks and Caicos | The Sands at Grace Bay

turks and caicos events lobster season

Here is a list of Turks and Caicos events for April:

End of Lobster Season 2013

Each year about 600,000 whole lobsters are landed in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Caribbean Spiny Lobster, Panulirus argos (locally called crawfish) has displaced conch as the country’s most delicious dish.

turks caicos events lobster season

The end of lobster season means this is the last chance to eat fresh lobster at local restaurants. Check out the menu at Hemingway’s on Grace Bay Beach for lobster dishes.

4th Annual “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim

When: Saturday July 6, 2013, 9:30am

This open water race happens right here off of Grace Bay Beach. This annual race is intended to promote awareness of the valuable ocean and reef systems surrounding the islands and funds support local ocean and reef protection charities.

The race consists of both a one-mile and a 2.4 mile race along the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach, and is open to all competitive and recreational swimmers. There is also a 100 meters children’s “Race for the Conch” for swimmers twelve years and younger (all children may participate for free.)

Link

TCI Top Model Contest 

When: Saturday, May 4, 2013 – 20:00

The 2013 TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza has released schedule of events for this year’s contest:

Before Couture: An afternoon on Regent Street
Regent Village, Provo
Saturday, April 27th, 2013
Admission: FREE

2013 TCI Top Model Contest!
The Williams Auditorium, Provo
Saturday, May 4th 2013
Admission:
$75 VIP
$50 Gen Admin
$10 More @ The Door

After-party: Vino Tiempo!
For Tickets and Event Information call 649.344.2502

Link