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Author: plusroi
The Sands team members are committed to delivering a memorable welcome with their usual great smiles — but at least for a while, we will stop shaking hands, hugs, and kisses with this in mind the gesture of hands to our hearts is our way of welcoming you with Heartfelt Hartling Hospitality as we work together to keep Turks and Caicos Coronavirus free.
#HartlingHeartfeltHospitality
Imagine getting married in a perfect tropical paradise. In the distance, crystal blue waters span as far as the eyes can see. As you and your partner approach the altar, you note how soft the powdery white sands feel beneath your feet. The officiant announces your marriage and a kiss is shared under the warmth of the glittery, golden sun. It’s your wedding in Turks and Caicos.
Sound like a scene out of a dream? It doesn’t have to be! Here is your guide to saying “I do” in paradise.
The Benefits of Hosting a Destination Wedding in Turks and Caicos
Planning a Turks and Caicos beach wedding has never been easier. Getting to the island is a cinch now that several flight carriers, including Southwest and JetBlue Airlines, offer regular non-stop service from many major American cities. A US Passport is required for travel and a visa is not required.
There’s something for everyone here on the island. Guest can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach. Individuals looking an adventure can enjoy various water sports including snorkeling and stand up paddling. Our Tour Operator desk will help make the proper arrangements.
Marry in Paradise at the Sands Resort
The Sands Resort offers an affordable, intimate beach wedding ceremony package. Our “Let’s Say I Do” package provides a simple and elegant beach ceremony for ten guests. The package includes an officiant for the ceremony, witnesses if needed, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, a wedding cake, and a wedding arch with ten wedding chairs.
Adding Special Touches for Your Special Day
Our resort is partnered with the island’s best vendors to provide additional wedding day services. Options include wedding reception packages, floral arrangements, makeup and spa packages, and entertainment. Contact our wedding coordinator for more information.
Turks and Caicos Legal Marriage Requirements
The couple will need to be on the island for at least three business days before the wedding. Each person is required to bring notarized copies of their birth certificate and passport. Passports and birth certificates in a foreign language will need to be translated into English and notarized.
A notarized Turks and Caicos Immigration Arrival and Departure form is also required. The Application for a Marriage License form and Declarant Application form will need to be signed by the couple upon arrival to Turks and Caicos. Your wedding planner will assist you fulfilling these legal requirements.
Contact the Sands Today to Plan Your Wedding in Paradise
Ready to plan your one-of-a-kind beach wedding ceremony? The Sands is ready to help you plan your unforgettable happily ever after. Contact us for more details or to speak with our wedding coordinator directly!
Spring break is the perfect time for you and your family to unwind after a stressful period. The kids are ready to break away from school and after school activities while Mom and Dad need a break from the daily work grind. Don’t want the stress of figuring out where to go? Visit Turks and Caicos for a family vacation in Providenciales!
Kick up your feet and relax than on our island. Trade mounds of white snow for warm and white sands in a place where it’s summer all year long.
Here are a few family-friendly activities to do during spring break with your family in Providenciales.
Enjoy the Wonders of the Ocean with Your Family on the Snorkel and Conch Cruise
Snorkeling is a popular activity on the island. Exploring the island’s vibrant marine life together with your family is a once in a lifetime experience.
Caicos Dream Tours’ Snorkel and Conch Cruise is a popular option for families looking to get up close and person with the world’s third largest coral reef system. First, dive for the island’s beloved conch in Caicos Bank. Then travel to Half Moon Bay where you can relax on the beach or snorkel in nearby waters as staff prepares a delicious salad using the conch you caught earlier.
Visit our Tour Operator Desk to make arrangements.
Snorkel with Your Family at the Bight
Snorkeling at The Bight is another option for getting up close and person to the island’s marine life. The area is popular with families due to its shallow waters, making it easy for small children to wade right in. The Bight is a short walk from Grace Bay beach, though families with small children might want to consider traveling by taxi or shuttle.
Horseback Riding at Long Bay Beach
Imagine a fragrant breeze moving through your hair as you ride on the back of a majestic horse across the beach. Provo Ponies offer horseback riding excursions across the secluded Long Bay Beach. You can even take your pony into shallow waters, making for an unforgettable experience.
Our Tour Operator Desk will assist with tour arrangements with these popular ponies. Tours happen twice a day at 9am and 3pm. Children under the age of 7 are required to have lessons before riding. Helmets are required for riders under the age of 18.
Take a Load Off in Relaxing, Family-Friendly Accommodations
The Sands at Grace Bay is the best place for you and your family to unwind after enjoying all these fun activities. Our resort is located steps away from Grace Bay beach, voted year after year as one of the world’s best beaches. Stay in one of our luxurious suites, suited with a state-of-the-art kitchen which includes a refrigerator, stove, dinnerware and utensils.
There is no shortage of fun things to do with your family at the Sands. Take a dip in our three free-form pools or laze across one our loungers on the beach. Shoot hoops or cause a racket on our basketball and tennis courts. Enjoy rest and relaxation with a treatment at Spa Tropique. The possibilities are endless!
Start Planning a Fun and Memorable Spring Break Family Vacation at the Sands Resort
There is no better place than Turks and Caicos to spend spring break in Providenciales. The Sands will help you plan the perfect family vacation in paradise. Contact us now to get started!
Between freezing cold temperatures and snow that needs shoveling, a getaway to someplace warms sounds pretty good right about now! There is no better time to travel to Turks and Caicos where it’s always warm and sunny. Direct Turks and Caicos flights mean you’ll to the island’s legendary warm sands and emerald waters much sooner. You’ll really be able to enjoy every single moment under golden Caribbean sun.
Southwest Airlines Offers Non-Stop Flight from Baltimore to Providenciales
Low-cost air carrier Southwest Airlines announced that it would be expanding its service to the Caribbean back in September. The carrier will now offer non-stop flights between Baltimore/Washington to Providenciales International Airport on Saturdays. Fares for these flights start from $69 each way.
Southwest previously launched non-stop flights between Fort Lauderdale and Provo back in 2017. The routes reflect an effort by the airline to expand within the wider Caribbean region. Reservations for both routes are available on the Southwest Airlines website.
Airlines Offering More and More Direct Flights to Turks and Caicos
Since 2015, airline carriers such as JetBlue and United have expanded service within the wider Caribbean region. As a result, other carriers have begun to follow suit, making travel much easier for tourists. Here is a small listing of other carrier offering direct flights to Turks and Caicos.
Low-cost carrier JetBlue Airlines began offering non-stop flights between Fort Lauderdale and Provo in 2015. The carrier also offers direct flights from New York City and Boston. United Airlines offers year-round direct flights to Provo from Newark and Baltimore/Washington. On the weekends, the carrier offers seasonal direct flights from Chicago and Houston.
American Airlines also offers several direct flights to Provo from several travel hubs in the United States. Currently, the carrier offers daily direct flights from Miami and Charlotte. The carrier offers direct flights on weekends between Boston, Dallas, New York and Philadelphia. Delta airlines offers direct flights daily from Atlanta and New York City. Visit the airlines’ website for up-to-date flight and fare information.
Providenciales Airport Expansion Accommodates New Direct Flights
Providenciales International Airport has doubled in size since completing a massive expansion in 2014. The airport also completed a runway expansion back in 2011. Because of these amazing changes, visitors will now be treated to a more streamlined airport experience.
Airport amenities include free wi-fi, self-check-in kiosks, and additional bathrooms. Before you get on the plane or get in the cab, relax in the airport’s larger departure lounge or visit the expanded shopping and dining areas. Enjoy at meal at Gilley’s before entering the security checkpoint.
You’re Only One Flight Away from Paradise at the Sands Resort
It’s never been easier to Visit Turks and Caicos. With several direct flights from several major travel hubs in the United States, you’ll be at the beach in no time. Contact us now to get started!
Winter has arrived. Sparkling white snow may look magical on a Christmas card, but it can be a pain to deal with in reality. Whether you are digging yourself out your parking spot, driving cautiously during your daily commute or trudging to work, life during the winter season can be quite a hassle… unless you’re at a Turks and Caicos resort!
What if you could trade the cold and the snow for golden rays of sunshine and powdery white sands? Would you love to go to a place where the coldest months are still very warm?
Here are a few reasons as to why you should visit Turks and Caicos during the winter season.
It’s Always Sunny in Providenciales
Unlike countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, in the Turks and Caicos it’s warm and pleasant climate year-round. As a result, the winter months are the best time to visit.
The period between November and April feature the most pleasant weather throughout the year with an average temperature of 80°F. And it’s almost always sunny.
Come On In, the Water’s Great!
Pleasant temperatures all year means there’s never a bad time to go to beach. Water temperatures are just as pleasant, ranging from 79°F to 85°F. Water sports, including snorkeling, diving, boat charters, and stand-up kayaking, are very popular with visitors.
Enjoy Gentle Breezes as You Walk Across the Beach
Depending on where you visit, some areas of the island are more exposed to trade winds than others. Areas such as Long Bay are very windy, making it popular for kitesurfing. Popular tourist area such Grace Bay beach and Leeward are calm areas unaffected by the winds.
Trade the Winter Blues for Blue Skies in Providenciales
With crystal blue waters as far as the eyes can see, it’s natural to want to have fun by the ocean. A vacation to the Sands Resort is great way to escape from the winter doldrums. We are right on Grace Bay beach, consistently voted as one of the world’s best beaches.
Put your feet up in one of our spacious and fully-equipped suites with stunning views of the ocean. Interact with the island’s vibrant marine life on the popular Snorkel and Conch cruise. Ease away the stress of winter with a relaxing and revitalizing treatment at Spa Tropique. Enjoy a taste of island cuisine at Hemingway’s Restaurant. But above all else, enjoy the sunshine!
Spend the Winter at a Turks and Caicos Resort
Ready to give up white snow for white sands? The Sands on Grace Bay will help you plan your perfect winter getaway! Trade rush hour traffic for slow walks across the island where it’s always warm. Contact us now and get started!
For over twenty years, the Sands resort has offered unforgettable guest experiences steps away from Grace Bay beach, one of the world’s most celebrated beaches. But don’t take our word for it. The Sands receives reviews from guests and travel awards as well. Here is a recap of all the Sands on Grace Bay resort awards we received in 2019.
Recipient of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Eight Years Running
This year the Sands was once again awarded with TripAdvisor’s prestigious Certificate of Excellence. The honor is given to businesses who are consistently given excellent reviews on the travel website. In addition to accommodations, the Certificate of Excellent is given to restaurants, businesses, and tourist attractions that provide stellar customer service to travelers.
The Sands has been recognized eight years running! This means that for the last eight years, the resort has maintained an average of 4 out of 5 stars, received a certain amount of reviews, and has remained listed on the website over a period of twelve months. The resort is once again thrilled to have this honor and look forward to dazzling customers in the new year!
The Sands Honored by Booking.com’s “Guest Review Awards”
TripAdvisor is not the only travel website to recognize our resort. Booking.com has honored the Sands with its Guest Review Award for 2018. The award recognizes properties who maintain an overall review score of at least 8 out of a 10 over a 24-month period. The award boosts properties who strive to provide stellar guest experiences.
The Sands Best Bang-For-Your-Buck Resort for Families
The Sands is recognized by travel influencer Tiffany Dowd as one of best places to travel without breaking the bank. In an Forbes.com article written by Laura Begley Bloom, Dowd name-dropped the resort as “a good value for families”. Close to the airport with family-friendly accommodations, a vacation to the Sands is a treat for the whole family.
Grace Bay Beach is the Best Beach in the Caribbean
In May, Grace Bay beach was recognized as the Caribbean’s best beach by the Caribbean Journal’s Traveller’s Choice Awards. Grace Bay faced steep competition from other Caribbean beaches including Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman and the Bahamas. In the end, Grace Bay clenched the win by popular vote.
Grace Bay Beach Named one of the World’s Top Beaches
TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice awards once again name Grace Bay as one of the world’s top beaches. Like the Certificate of Excellence, the list is based off user reviews and is determined by rating and the amount of reviews. Visitors were enamored with the beach as well as island’s year-round warm weather.
Enjoy a Dream Vacation at the Award-Winning Sands Resort!
Eager to see what the buzz is about? The Sands would love nothing more than to help you plan the vacation of your dreams. We are dedicated to providing our visitors with an experience they won’t soon forget. Contact us now to get started planning your trip to Turks and Caicos.
Turks and Caicos is home to one of the world’s most extensive barrier reef systems. The barrier reef is 340 miles long and is a big influence on the general well-being of everything that makes Turks and Caicos one of the Caribbean’s shining jewels. As a result, steps are being taken by the local government to adopt cleaner energies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the Caribbean country’s contribution to climate change.
How Greenhouse Gas Emissions Affect Coral Reefs
Traditionally, Turks and Caicos has relied on fossil fuels such as diesel for electricity generation. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which in turn contributes to the greenhouse effect and a heating planet.
Higher amounts of atmospheric C02 affect coral in Turks and Caicos in several ways. As Earth’s temperatures heat up, polar ice caps melt and sea levels rise. Corals have evolved to live at a certain depth in the ocean, and a higher sea level may destroy their habitat.
As well, warming atmospheric temperatures can lead to warmer ocean temperatures. These warm temperatures will kill off the algae coral rely on for food as part of a symbiotic relationship. This phenomenon is called coral bleaching.
Finally, since the oceans act as a “carbon sink”, the higher levels of C02 actually make seawater more acidic, making it more difficult for some animals to build shells.
Reducing C02 emissions can help slow this process.
Turks and Caicos Shifts to Clean Energy
On October 23, the government of Turks and Caicos partnered with FortisTCI and the Clinton Foundation to implement cleaner energy initiatives across the island. FortisTCI is the island’s utility provider, pledges to work with the government to implement initiatives set for the Resilient National Energy Transition Strategy (R-NEST) developed in 2018.
The goal the initiative is to develop and integrate cleaner energy sources in Turks and Caicos. To do this, the government seeks to adopt clean and sustainable energy projects critical to the island’s continued success. Rocky Mountain Institute, which helped to develop the initiatives set in R-NEST, will work together with the Clinton Foundation to provide financial opportunities and project support.
Clinton Foundation senior project manager Alexis Tubb states that “The global community is looking to the greater Caribbean region to be first responders and champions for the fight against climate change. Replicable, scalable projects have the potential to show the world that renewable energy is affordable, economically sound, and environmentally sustainable.”
Turks and Caicos Leading the Fight Against Climate Change
The government of Turks and Caicos believes that by implementing clean energy initiatives the island can lessen its reliance on imported fossil fuels. Like much of the Caribbean, climate change is a very real issue facing the island. This is especially true for Turks and Caicos as the barrier reef is an intrinsic part of the island’s environment.
Activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities on the island. Keeping the barrier reef healthy is key to the persistence of the island’s tourism-driven economy. The island’s crystal clear waters and powdery white sands are what attracts visitors to the island. Therefore, adopting clean energy initiatives is step in the right direction and good for the future of Turks and Caicos.
Turks and Caicos is lively this time of year as many visitors trade the cold for the island’s balmy warm weather. Snorkeling is a popular activity with many visitors eager to interact with island’s vibrant marine life. But did you know that winter and early spring is the best time of year for whale watching? Here is a guide to catching a glimpse of these majestic creatures in Turks and Caicos.
Whale Migration in Turks and Caicos
The period between December and April is the best time to view humpback whales. The whales give up the cold waters of the North Atlantic for the warmer waters of the Caribbean. During this period the whales search for a mate and female whales prepare to give birth.
Whales are social creatures and hunt in groups of ten or more. Mother whales are very protective of their children. As a result, it is easy to spot a group of whales swimming together as they migrate through Turks and Caicos to the birthing grounds in the Dominican Republic.
The Best Places to Spot Whales in Turks and Caicos
The western side of Providenciales and West Caicos are prime areas for Whale Watching. Providenciales as a large array of tour operators who specialize in whale watching tours.
Whales may be spotted in the waters off of Northwest Point Marine National Park and West Caicos Marine National Park.
Salt Cay and Grand Turk are both ideal spots for whale watching. These areas are close to the Turk Island Passage where many whales travel through during the winter months. There are many tour excursions companies who offer whale watching tours during this time.
The Best Places to Watch Dolphins in Turks and Caicos
In addition to humpback whales, dolphins can also be spotted in Turks and Caicos. Unlike whales who are passing through, small pods reside in the area. Bottlenose dolphins are common in the area though Atlantic spotted dolphins may also make an appearance.
The best place for dolphin watching is between Grace Bay, Parrot Cay and Pine Cay. Be advised that encountering a dolphin is very much a chance encounter. If one is lucky, you may even spot JoJo the dolphin. The bottlenose dolphin has been a fixture of the island for nearly four decades!
The Best Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour Excursions in Turks and Caicos
Grand Turk is the best place for whale watching. However, there are currently no ferries between Providenciales and Grand Turk. Travel to Grand Turk requires a domestic flight from Provo and individuals should plan for an overnight trip.
The concierge at our Tours and Excursions Desk will be happy to help you find the best tour for your whale and dolphin watching needs. Furthermore, the following tour companies offer amazing wildlife encounter opportunities. Big Blue Collective in Leeward offers whale watching tours and Wake-to-Wake Watersports specializes in dolphin-watching excursions.
Let the Sands Help You Plan the Perfect Whale Watching Adventure
Ready to Swim with the Dolphins and Whales? The Sands is happy to help you plan a magical undersea adventure. Ready for seize the opportunity to swim with these majestic creatures. Contact us now to get started on planning the perfect vacation to Turks and Caicos!
Planning a fun and memorable family vacation is no easy task. This is why Turks and Caicos is the perfect family resort. Between the powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters, the island has something for everyone. Kids can have fun exploring the beach while Mom and Dad can sit back and relax while enjoying the view. Here are a few tips on how to plan the perfect holiday at the Sands, an all-inclusive family resort.
Just a Short Drive from the Airport
One of the most stressful parts of a family vacation is traveling from the airport to the hotel in one piece. This part can be especially stressful when travelling with small children. A shorter drive to the resort means spending less time being stressful and more time enjoying your time on the island.
Did you know The Sands Resort is a 15-minute drive from Providenciales International Airport? Enjoy a relaxing vacation almost as soon as you arrive on one of the world’s most celebrated beaches.
Relaxing Family-Friendly Accommodations
Consider the Sands as your home away from home for the duration of your vacation. Relax on a comfy couch in the living room or enjoy a family meal together in the dining room. Feel like a professional chef in a state-of-the-art modern kitchen complete with a full stove, refrigerator, dinnerware and cutlery.
The Sands is located right on Grace Bay beach so families will always be right where the fun is. Take a dip in one of the resort’s three canal-connected swimming pools and enjoy stunning views of the island. The 18-foot diameter pool is ideal for families with small children.
Looking to shoot hoops or have a friendly rally? Our tennis and basketball courts are available for all our guests. Reserve a time at the front desk between the hours of 6:00am and 11:00pm. Racquets are available for use and there are tennis balls for sale at the hotel’s convenience store.
Enjoy the Spa Alone or with the Entire Family
Spending time at the spa is the perfect way to relax and unwind with your family. Located in Building 1, Spa Tropique offers a blissful spa experience that is steps away from your hotel room. The Mommy and Me Little Mermaid is perfect for mothers and daughters who want to have a spa day.
Mom and Dad hoping for a couple’s massage or a romantic dinner alone? The resort offers in-room babysitting services. Contact us to arrange child minding while you spend quality time together!
Enjoy Fun and Exciting Excursions as a Family
There is no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy while is Provo. The Sands provides free rentals of kayaks, snorkeling gear, bicycles, and stand-up paddleboards to all guests. Take a cab to the Coral Gardens where the little ones can wade into the shallow reef and experience the island’s vibrant marine life.
The resort can help make tour arrangements for families with older children. A popular choice is the half-day Snorkel and Conch cruise by Caicos Dream Tours.
Enjoy a Family Dinner Together
Provo has several great options for a family dinner. Enjoy the best in local cuisine at the Thursday Fish Fry at Bight Park. Nosh on local favorites such as conch fritters and fried fish. Families with small children may wish to be cautious as this event is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Families looking for a more traditional restaurant experience should check out Da Conch Shack. The restaurant was named as one of the world’s best beachfront restaurants by CNN and features family friendly local fare. Mr. Groupers is another family-friendly option. The restaurant offers affordable local fare and kids’ meal options.
Let the Sands Help You Plan Vacation at the Perfect Family Resort
The Sands family resort would love to help you plan your dream family vacation. Our resort has been recognized with the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence eight years in a row! Have questions or ready to start planning your getaway? Please contact us!