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Turks Caicos Information

Places to visit near our Caribbean luxury hotel on Provo

Everyone has heard of Grace Bay Beach (one of the top ten beaches in the world), so here are some other places to visit near our Caribbean luxury hotel on Provo.

Cheshire Hall Plantation

Located close to downtown Provo, Cheshire Hall is the semi-preserved remains of a cotton plantation and at its height was comprised of hundreds of acres.  Today, visitors can see the remains of the great House, a cotton press base, kitchen, cistern, well and a small modern reproduction of cabins for plantation workers.

Conch World

Conch World is the world’s only conch farm and has been in operation since the 1980s. Guided tours take you from the hatching of eggs to harvesting animals for consumption. In addition, there are performances by trained conchs Sally and Jerry.

Northwest Point National Park

Northwest Point Marine Natural Park and Northwest Point Pond Nature Reserve features beautiful rugged rocky coastline  and small coves, and is an ideal place to spend an afternoon exploring some of the natural features of the Turks and Caicos.

Sapodilla Bay Hill Rock Carvings

These rocks feature dates and names of sailors who stopped by the island in the early 1800’s, and are located at South Dock, Sapodilla Bay, about 30 minutes by car from Grace Bay.

West Harbour Bluff

West Harbor Bluff is Provo’s south-westernmost point, and Several interesting features can be seen along this beautiful coastline including cliffs, a small cave, 200 year-old rock carvings and a mile of undeveloped beach. Also, directly to the north is Frenchman’s Creek Nature Reserve.

For information about how to reach these spots from our Caribbean luxury hotel, please contact the concierge.

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Turks Caicos Information

Provo airport expansion is good news for Turks and Caicos flights

turks and caicos flights

turks and caicos flightsProvidenciales International Airport will soon enjoy a  a $10 million expansion, which is good news indeed for Turks and Caicos flights. Over the past few years, Providencials airport (PLS) has seen double digit growth in passenger arrivals, so a bigger, better airport is great for everyone.

About 500,000 people pass each year through Providenciales Airport on their way to Caribbean vacations (ideally at our exclusive Turks and Caicos luxury resort here on Grace Bay).

The airport upgrade will allow PLS to handle more passengers more comfortably during peak tourist season, according to the Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority.

The planned expansions will nearly double the size of the terminal, and will also include expanded check in counter areas and self check in facilities, larger retail space for shops and restaurants, and a larger departure lounge.

Special attention is being paid to extending the international check in area, the security area, as well as the arrivals hall. It’s all about speeding up the process of arriving in the Turks and Caicos islands.

The strong growth in visitors to Provo has been a result of both the popularity of the Turks and Caicos as a vacation destination, as well as increased airline service to the territory.

Basic Turks and Caicos flights information:

Turks and Caicos flights take less than 4 hours from major east coast hubs such as Toronto, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Boston, Charlotte, Atlanta and Miami in North America.  Airlines that provide service from North America include Air Canada, West Jet, Jet Blue, American Airlines, US Airways, Delta and Continental.

There are daily flights from Miami, and the New York area year-round, as well as frequent direct flights from other major centers.

A weekly flight from London is also operated by British Airways.

Regional carriers, including Air Turks and Caicos, offer direct flights to Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Bahamas.

For more information about Turks and Caicos flights, please contact our front desk.

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Turks Caicos Information

Fun Fall Events & Foodie Happenings In Turks & Caicos

Fall is an exciting time to visit the Turks & Caicos Islands, with plenty of fun events for travelers to enjoy right here in Providenciales! Here’s a sample of some events happening this November where “food” seems to be a delicious main focus:

November 1-3rd – The  2nd Annual Caribbean Food & Wine Festival

This 3-day culinary extravaganza in Providenciales features celebrity chefs, renowned winemakers, Iron Chef stars and more! It kicks off on November 1st with a welcome Dinner/5-course meal and then leads to a culinary adventure “Gourmet Safari” dinner on November 2nd , and ends on November 3rd with an Island Food Fair/Food & Wine tasting event fit for both kids and adults!
For more info. visit: www.caribbeanfoodandwinefestivaltci.com

November 18th – Windvibes 2012 Kiteboarding Tournament

Come watch spectacular kiteboarders and enjoy food and beverages on the beach, where there will be a raffle for free kiteboarding lesson sponsored by Kite Provo.

November 23 – 24th   – Ninth Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival

The “Chonch-etition” is heating up with the 9th Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival taking place in Blue Hills, Provideniales! This one-of-a-kind beachside festivals allows tourists and locals to celebrate the islands’ most famous delicacy and number one expert –Conch! There will be great food, live music, contests for all ages – and a local Conch dish contest.Plus – our very own Hemingway’s Restaurant was named “Restaurant of the Year” at the 2011 8th Annual Conch Festival! For more info. visit www.conchfestival.com

Fall Travel Deal at The Sands: Need a place to stay for any of these fun fall events in Turks & Caicos? We are offering a 4th Night Free promotion valid on all of our room categories for travel now through December 22nd, 2012! Don’t wait to book a tropical retreat to Turks & Caicos this fall at The Sands! www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com.

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Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

More Provo attractions near the Sands at Grace Bay

Besides, scuba diving, snorkeling and other watersports, there are many things to do on Provo.

Play golf with your kids

The Provo Golf Club boasts an 18-hole championship course, and recently hosted the 2009 Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship. So it’s a great place to spend the morning or the afternoon (or all day, depending on how good your golf swing is).

The course is also family-friendly policy: kids play free when accompanied by their parents.

Enjoy great restaurants

Like the rest of the Caribbean, the Turks and Caicos has developed its own distinct culinary culture, and on the island of Provo, everything is centered around the conch. The conch of course is a kind of shellfish that has a beautiful, delicate taste, and an even more beautiful shell.

There is an almost endless selection of restaurants catering to every budget and every taste.

Hemingway’s Restaurant

One restaurant in particular we would like to let you know about is Hemingway’s Restaurant. Famed for its Caribbean Rum Punch, Hemingway’s, located at the Sands Resort right on Grace Bay Beach, is a great place to relax and watch the sun set.  If you’re lucky, you may be greeted by JoJo, one of TCI’s “ambassador dolphins,”  – if you do, make sure you ring the bell!

Turtle Cove Marina

Turtle Cove Marina, on the Leeward Shore of Provo is quite close to great snorkeling and swimming spots, so it’s an ideal place to stop for lunch or for dinner while exploring the island. Family friendly pasta and burgers, plus the best gourmet coffee on the island.

Shopping in the Turks and Caicos

It’s not well-known, but Provo offers some great opportunities for shopping. Here are a couple of places that you might try out first:

Regent Village

Regent Village has it all: shopping, dining and business within easy walking distance of Grace Bay Beach.

More than 30 shops call Regent Village home, including places to buy clothes and swimwear, plus restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and, of course, souvenirs.

Salt Mills

The Salt Mills shopping area on Provo is home to world famous boutiques and offers an amazing shopping experience.  Find hand painted pottery, hand rolled cigars, fine furniture, designer suits and resort wear, and a terrific selection of jewellry and original art.

Please contact the Sands at Grace Bay for more information about attractions near Grace Bay.

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Turks Caicos Information

“Dive” For Our Fall Travel Deal!

Photo of Divers from Ocean Vibes

This Fall Receive Your 4th Night Free & Special Scuba Dive Excursion Discounts During Your Stay at The Sands at Grace Bay!

Now travelers can receive their 4th Night Free for bookings made on all room categories, for travel now through December 22nd, and also receive discounted Scuba Dive excursions through Ocean Vibes Scuba & Watersports!

Photo of Divers from Ocean Vibes

This deal will tempt you to experience some of the world’s best Scuba diving waters and barrier reefs that are just a few fin-strokes away from our world-famous Grace Bay Beach. For our resort guests staying at The Sands at Grace Bay now through December 22nd, Ocean Vibes is offering a discounted scuba dive day package for the price of $130 per person/per day that includes the following: hotel pick-up and drop-off, a scenic 45-foot boat ride that will transport guests to the best dive sites around the island, state-of-the-art SCUBAPRO dive equipment including regulators, wet suits and BCDs and a complimentary lunch and snacks/refreshments. This popular small group dive package takes approximately six hours to complete and all Scuba Divers are required to provide valid certification from a recognized training agency in order to dive. For more information on the Ocean Vibe Dive Packages visit www.Oceanvibes.com. To make scuba dive reservations with these discounted day package rates, resort guests must call 1-855-444-REEF (7333) and request “The Sands at Grace Bay Fall Special.”

To book our 4th Night Free fall offer, travelers can enter the promo code “4NF” when booking online – or call toll-free  from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; or from Canada (800) 567-5327!

 

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Announcements

Dive For A Turks & Caicos Travel Deal During Caribbean Low-Season

This Fall Receive Your 4th Night Free & Up To Five Days Of Discounted Scuba Diving At The Sands at Grace Bay Resort.

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos (September 11, 2012) – The Sands at Grace Bay has partnered with Ocean Vibes Scuba & Watersports Ltd., a leading PADI dive and snorkel facility in Providenciales, to offer a fall travel deal fit for dive enthusiasts that offers incredible low-season savings. For stays of three nights or more made for travel now through December 22nd, 2012, the deal includes your 4th Night Free at The Sands at Grace Bay resort plus up to five days of discounted Scuba Dive Packages specially priced for resort guests at only $130 per person/per day. With the 4th Night Free applied, fall rates at The Sands at Grace Bay start as low as $169 per night including taxes (down from the resort’s high-season rates from $344 per night.)

This deal tempts travelers to experience some of the world’s best Scuba diving waters and barrier reefs that are just a few fin-strokes away from the world-famous Grace Bay Beach. For resort guests staying at The Sands at Grace Bay now through December 22nd, Ocean Vibes is offering a discounted scuba dive day package for the price of $130 per person/per day that includes the following: hotel pick-up and drop-off, a scenic 45-foot boat ride that will transport guests to the best dive sites around the island, state-of-the-art SCUBAPRO dive equipment including regulators, wet suits and BCDs and a complimentary lunch and snacks/refreshments. This popular small group dive package takes approximately six hours to complete and all Scuba Divers are required to provide valid certification from a recognized training agency in order to dive. For more information on the Ocean Vibe Dive Packages visit www.Oceanvibes.com. To make scuba dive reservations with these discounted day package rates, resort guests must call 1-855-444-REEF (7333) and request “The Sands at Grace Bay Fall Special.”

Featuring 114 spacious studio and suite accommodations that are complete with kitchens, washer/dryers (in most units), dining and living room areas, and much more – The Sands at Grace Bay also provides guests with the following added-value complimentary amenities during their stay: free use of watersports equipment including kayaks, windsurfing equipment, stand-up paddleboards, snorkel gear and Hobie Cats; bicycle rentals for island exploration; a weekly Manager’s Cocktail Party/poolside Happy Hour; three free-form swimming pools adorned by a cascading waterfall and a relaxing Jacuzzi; tennis courts that are lit for night play; an indoor fitness gym; complimentary beach and poolside lounge chairs, towels, and Palapa beach shades.

The Sands at Grace Bay’s 4th Night FREE promotion is valid for new bookings made on all room categories, for consecutive stays of four nights or more started and completed now through December 22, 2012. The free night is not transferable or redeemable for cash, and is not applicable for groups. Guests can book this offer online at www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com, using the promo code “4NF” – or they can toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327; or contact a travel agent for reservations.

About The Sands at Grace Bay

The Sands at Grace Bay is situated on the world-renowned 12-mile crescent of powdery white sand known as Grace Bay Beach – voted the #1 Beach & Sun Destination In The World by Trip Advisor’s ‘Traveler’s Choice’ Awards. This gracious, family-friendly 114-room resort located on six oceanfront acres offers accommodations in studios and 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 square feet, all of which combine comfort-focused amenities and spectacular natural surroundings. Suites also come with fully equipped kitchens appointed with stainless appliances, granite countertops, coffee makers and more. The Sands at Grace Bay is the home of Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar – a legendary beach-side venue and local favorite – where guests can enjoy gourmet selections and island specialties seven days a week. Spa treatments by Spa Tropique are also available by appointment.

Media Contact

Cassie Dittrich
Tel: (802) 522-0714
[email protected]

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Turks Caicos Information

Tropical Storm Isaac and Turks and Caicos

There has been no damage from Tropical Storm Isaac so far in Turks and Caicos. While NOAA has included TCI in its list of areas to watch for a tropical storm (see below), so far Haiti (far to the south of us) and Cuba (once again, far to the southwest of us) have born the brunt of the storm. Florida seems poised for a storm beginning over the final weekend of August.

However, this tropical storm should not affect flights to and from Turks and Caicos.

Please refer to the Turks and Caicos Airport authority for more information about Tropical Storm Isaac and cancelled flights.

Tropical storm Isaac advanced into Cuba on Saturday after barrelling across Haiti’s southern tip, where the storm resulted in flooding. Isaac’s center made landfall just before midday near the far-eastern tip of Cuba, downing trees and power lines. Forecasters said Isaac poses a threat to Florida on Monday and Tuesday ( just as the Republican Party gathers for its national convention).

 

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Turks Caicos Information

The Sands 2012 Summer Olympics!

To coincide with the start of the official 2012 Summer Olympics in London, employees at The Sands participated in their own weeklong Summer Olympic games!  We put together a week of island-inspired Olympic events where employees came out to battle for gold! Throughout these games our staff were completely engaged, true team players and offered tons of camaraderie to their fellow colleagues – it was a wonderful week!

Using the array of resort amenities, watersports equipment and activities that we offer our guests here at The Sands, our 2012 Olympic events were comprised of the following: Beach Volleyball, weightlifting, road cycling using our resort bicycles, tennis, kayak slalom, Hobie Cat sailing, 100 meter beach relay race, Beach Soccer, 200 meter Swim Race, and our very own “Beach Tray Race” – where you were required to run on the beach balancing serving trays that were carrying tropical cocktails!

On the last day of our Olympics even resort guests joined in (including children) for our 3 Legged Race and 100 Meter Sack Race! We ended this epic week with a well deserved Beach BBQ and Awards Ceremony. All in all – every member of our incredible team at The Sands proved that they were stars and worthy of gold!

Here are some fun pictures from our 2012 Olympic Games:

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Things To Do In The Caribbean

Snorkeling in Turks and Caicos – Smith Reef

When snorkeling in the Turks and Caicos, visibility of 30 meters or so (about half the length of a football field) or so is considered normal day, and as a bonus, the Turks and Caicos islands are surrounded by coral reefs that are pristine and mostly untouched – it almost seems as if you could find reef that has never before been seen by human eyes.

The water is warm, and there are plenty of boating and excursion companies here that will take you out to an underwater seawall or to some coral gardens, or to the Endymion wreck site. If you have your own boat you have hundreds of miles of unexplored reefs all to yourself.

But what about those visitors to the Turks and Caicos who are not trained  divers?

Coral Gardens on Grace Bay Beach is a popular location for waders and snorkelers. But in an archipelago with miles and miles of reefs (including one of the longest barrier reefs in the world) it makes sense to search out as many snorkeling spots as possible.

Smith’s Reef: an ideal Turks and Caicos snorkeling spot

Smith’s Reef is one such spot. It’s right off the beach near Turtle Cove on Provo. All you need is your bathing suit, mask, snorkel and flippers.

Park at the end of Coconut Road, or at the end of Smith’s Reef road itself – you may find that you’re the only vehicle there.

The best time is on the incoming tide. Fresh ocean water is displacing the stirred up water near shore. It’s clearer water without all the little bits of sand and particulates that come off the shore line and out of the canals and inlets when the tide is going out.

You’ll immediately know you are in the right place when you start seeing some of the small artificial reef habitats that have been placed along the ‘trail’.

Let us know more about your snorkeling adventure in the Turks and Caicos!

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Turks Caicos Information

Hurry to Score End-of-Summer Savings at The Sands!

Book by September 15th to Score Savings For Travel Now Through October 31st!

The Sands at Grace Bay is offering a special end-of-summer resort credit offer for new bookings of three consecutive nights or more, made for travel now through October 31st, 2012. Book by September 15th to receive your fourth night free PLUS a $50 resort credit for booking a Studio Oceanview accommodation or a $100 resort credit for booking a One, Two, or Three Bedroom suite.

OFFER DETAILS: Guests who book this offer can use the resort credit at Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar, Spa Tropique or at the resort convenience store during their stay. The  resort’s Studio Courtyard and Studio Gardenview accommodations are excluded from this resort credit promotion. The resort credit and the 4th night free offers are not transferable or redeemable for cash. This offer is not applicable for groups.

TO BOOK: Guests can book this offer online at www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com, using the promo code “RSTCREDIT” – or they can toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327; or contact a travel agent for reservations.