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Turks Caicos Information

Tips For Planning Romantic Island Activities in Turks & Caicos

With Valentine’s day soon approaching, we wanted to take some time to provide you with tips for planning some romantic excursions on your next vacation at our Turks & Caicos

resort. From our breathtaking oceanfront location alongside Grace Bay Beach coupled with our spacious suites and luxurious amenities, The Sands at Grace Bay is a simply a blissful setting for a romantic Turks & Caicos vacation. What kind of romantic escape are you looking for?…exotic, luxurious, adventurous, relaxing…your ultimate vacation is here for the taking.

Not only does the resort offer several affordable and customizable Romance packages that feature alluring inclusions like a chilled bottle of champagne in your room, a Swedish massage for two , and a Couples Sunset Beach Cruise, but there are also many lesser known ways that couples can enhance their romantic stay at The Sands at Grace Bay. Here are just a few tips for making your next couple’s vacation in
Providenciales more memorable, based on previous guest experiences and our insight into some of the most romantic island activities:

  1.   Go Horseback Riding Along A Secluded Beach – Provo Ponies on the southeast end of Providenciales offers a charming horseback riding experience along a four-mile secluded stretch of Long Bay Beach.  Provo Ponies offers small group guided horseback riding tours as well as private rides that are ideal for beginners to advanced riders, where you’ll have the chance to leisurely ride a horse along quiet paths and on the pristine white sands of Long Bay Beach. Riders can even take the horses into the crystal clear turquoise ocean waters for a truly unique experience.
  2. Take a self-guided Tour of Providenciales & the Island Beaches by Bike – Come explore the idyllic splendors around The Sands with your loved one at your own pace.  You can take advantage of our free bicycle rentals for a fun day trip. On this bicycle ride you’ll experience some of the most captivating beaches in the world. If you’re craving privacy, seek out Malcolm Beach,   situated away from the mainstream resort beach stretches.
  3. Arrange A Glow Worm Cruise For A Magnificent Evening Ocean Encounter – for three to six nights each month after a full moon, there is a natural display of underwater bioluminescence produced by Turks & Caicos “glow worms” that can be seen about an hour after sunset in the ebbing tides of the Caicos banks.  There are several local charter boat companies that offer tours and cruises to enjoy this amazing bioluminescent experience where you will set sail and take-in a beautiful, island sunset at sea. Once the sun is down,  a magnificent underwater display of glowing dances make the waters aglow as part of  the monthly mating ritual for the Turks & Caicos glow worms. The sparkling stars that you will see both in the sky and underwater on this fascinating sailing excursion make it a once-in-a-lifetime, romantic and memorable night.

For more information on planning a romantic Turks & Caicos vacation or for details on our Romance and Wedding Packages, visit http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/rates-and-reservations/packages/.

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Announcements

Announcing Our Spring Travel Package “Deal To Dive For”

The Sands at Grace Bay Unveils A 20% Discounted 4-Night Travel Package Featuring Luxurious Resort Accommodations Plus Two Full Days of Two-Tank Diving For Travel Through April 6, 2012! Travel Package Deal Features $350+ in savings!

The Sands at Grace Bay has partnered with Ocean Vibes LTD – a leading PADI dive and snorkel facility in Providenciales – to offer an incredible “Deal To Dive For” travel package for new bookings made at this popular Oceanside resort for travel now through April 6, 2012. The 4-night package features a 20% resort rack rate discount plus 20% discounted rates for two days of Scuba Diving. This travel package deal enables dive enthusiasts to score more than $350+ in savings at a luxurious resort coupled with a top notch PADI Dive operation, offering World Class Scuba Diving that explores Turks & Caicos, rated one of the world’s top 10 dive destinations.

The complete “Deal To Dive For” package includes the following:

  • 20% OFF 4-Nights at The Sands at Grace Bay in Studio Courtyard Accommodations Including Hotel Taxes & Service Charges.
  • 20% OFF Two days of Two-tank Dives offered through Ocean Vibes, which includes free 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 excursion 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. Ideal for both beginner and advanced divers, each day’s dive will be based on the local conditions and the skill levels and interests of the participating guests. Included in the total package price, dive certified guests will receive the special 20 percent discounted rate for the two days of diving for only $272 pp, including dive equipment rentals. Without valid certification, guests must first complete a “discover scuba” course with one of the Ocean Vibes instructors before they are able to dive on this excursion. For those without a valid certification, the discounted per person price of $340 pp includes a pool training dive session plus the two days of two-tank diving.  For more information on the Ocean Vibes Dive Packages, please visit http://www.oceanvibes.comor call Toll-Free at1-866-450-DIVE (3483).

The Sands at Grace Bay’s “Deal To Dive For” travel package is valid for new bookings made for four consecutive nights or more now through April 6th, 2012. The offer includes two discounted Scuba Dive Day Trip excursions offered through Ocean Vibes, with the option of adding on additional daily dive excursions.  This offer is valid for all room categories and rates will vary based on room type, additional night add-on’s and hotel availability at the time of booking. For more information about travel package rates or to book, guests must call the resort’s toll-free reservations line from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; or from Canada (800) 567-5327 and request the “SCUBA DIVE” travel package. Travel agents can only receive commissions on resort rates for this particular travel offer (commissions will exclude the scuba daily dive package excursion rates.)

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Turks Caicos Information

Encounter a dolphin at our Caribbean luxury resort

So you’ve decided to come and stay at our Caribbean luxury resort. If you’re very lucky, you may get a chance to swim with a friendly dolphin.

The British Overseas Territory of the Turks and Caicos is spread out across nearly 200 different islands and cays in the Caribbean Sea, of which only 8 are inhabited. Long expanses of deserted white sand, such as Long Bay Beach, offer the most romantic honeymoon or special vacation in a private villa.

Providenciales, also known as Provo by its residents, is the most developed of Turks and Caicos islands, and features shopping and fine dining opportunities, as well as an international airport near Grace Bay that offers easy access to Miami. The convenience and sophistication of Provo is a perfect contrast to the isolated wildness of the territory – 80 percent of the Turk and Caicos are uninhabited and is home to wildlife that can be found in few other parts of the world. For example, dolphins have long been linked Grace Bay, and one dolphin in particular has prompted the government of the Turks and Caicos to establish 27 national parks and protected areas, in an effort to safeguard the country’s pristine shores and coral reefs.

The dolphin’s name is JoJo, an Atlantic Bottlenose who has visited the crystal clear waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands for thirty years, one of a rare handful of dolphins around the world who voluntarily interacts with human beings in the wild. These types of dolphins are known as lone, sociable or ambassador dolphins.

Loved by the islanders and visitors alike, the government has recognized JoJo as a National Treasure, and has appointed a warden to protect him. There is even talk of providing him with a luxury Caribbean villa with a saltwater swimming pool.

The friendly dolphin has become a symbol for the natural beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Sparsely populated and so far unspoiled, the islands offer a special experience to all those who travel or live there.

This article was written by Charles Edwards for the Sands at Grace Bay, a Caribbean luxury resort on the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos.

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Turks Caicos Information

Turks and Caicos nature reserves and parks

Turks and Caicos nature reserves and parks
Courtesy Panoramio
Turks and Caicos nature reserves and parks
Courtesy Panoramio

Everyone thinks sun, sand, and, possibly, scuba when traveling to the Turks and Caicos, but there’s an entire natural world of wonder awaiting visitors.

TCI’s geologic past
Geographically, the Turks & Caicos Islands are part of the Bahamian island chain. The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two banks of land which rise to a height of 9842 feet (3000 meters), with only the last 140 feet or so above water level. The Turks and Caicos Banks, like the Bahamas, are built on pieces of the continental crust that broke away when North America separated from West Africa. These remnants of continental debris are buried under thousands of feet of limestone rock which has been formed by the decomposition of skeletal remains from marine organisms and precipitation of calcium carbonate material.

Natural places to visit on Provo

The result is a unique ecosystem that has remained largely intact, even after millenia of human habitation and more recent settlement and development.

Chalk Sound National Park
Quite close to downtown Provo, Chalk Sound National Park features beautiful views of turquoise waters and brilliantly white islets topped with emerald foliage. Interesting carvings from shipwrecked sailors can also be found on the beach.

Sapodilla Hill Area of Historical Interest
Sapodilla Hill is at the southernmost tip of Providenciales, next to the anchorage at Sapodilla Bay. Since at least 1760, visiting mariners have been making inscriptions on the rocky face of the hill to mark their visits. In 1999 the National Museum sponsored the making of plaster casts of the site to ensure preservation of the inscriptions which are on display at the airport.

North West Point Marine National Park
Northwest Point Marine National Park includes nearby reefs and several saline lakes that attract breeding and migrant birds, and offers easy access to diving and other water sports.

Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park
Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park features seagrass beds, barrier and patch coral reefs, sand banks, fringing mangroves, beach and low dunes, and seaside vegetation, and is a must-see for visitors and locals in Providenciales. The park offers easy access to some of the better beaches and near shore coral reefs in the island. Most of the hotels are located along the beach providing good ocean views, and convenient access to watersports and beach activities.



Pigeon Pond and Frenchman’s Creek Nature Reserve

The Pigeon Pond and Frenchman’s Creek Nature Reserve is a time capsule of TCI’s natural history, and features hundreds of acres of pristine tropical woodlands represented by hardwoods, orchids, perching birds and reptiles some of which are found nowhere else on earth.


Charles Edwards has a special interest in Turks and Caicos nature reserves and parks


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
					Categories				
				

					Things To Do In The Caribbean				

			


			
Grace Bay things to do: watersports

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
So you’ve made it to Grace Bay and your Caribbean vacation. For most, it’s enough to sit on the white sugary sand of Grace Bay Beach and gaze out at the beautiful azure tones of the Caribbean, or perhaps relax at the pool, in the private seclusion of gardens of tropical plants.


Others, however, get itchy feet, and need to relax by actually doing something. If you’re looking for things to do in Grace Bay, we recommend these 2 watersports.


SNUBA

Want to witness an amazing 7,000 foot drop off and stunning coral reefs, but don’t have a scuba license? SNUBA may be for you. For all intents and purposes scuba diving, SNUBA is a system that provides you with air underwater, but does not require special technical training. You’ll be able to spend more time underwater discovering superb sites and underwater marine life. In the last decade on Turks and Caicos, divers have begun to discover some of the finest coral reefs and walls in the world. From the legendary walls of Grand Turk, West Caicos and Provo’s Northwest Point to the historic wrecks south of Salt Cay, a dozen world-class walls have become Mecca for the serious diver.


Kayaking eco safari

Experience the beauty and tranquility of the Turks and Caicos as you paddle a glass bottom kayak through gentle, shallow waters surrounded by seaweed meadows. See various plants, birds and an impressive Osprey nest. The clean bottom kayak will allow you to see the marine life that lives in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Great for bird watching, this is a true eco safari.


Always a source of Grace Bay things to do, Charles Edwards frequently blogs on Caribbean topics


 


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
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					Things To Do In The Caribbean				

			


			
Things to do in the Caribbean: Splashdown Grand Turk

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			things to do in the caribbean
		


	


	
	


		


			
things to do in the caribbeanIf you’re looking for an unusual something to do in the Caribbean (in this case the Turks and Caicos), why not check out Splashdown  Grand Turk? As its name implies, this attraction is located on the island of Grand Turk, about 20 minutes by plane from Provo, the Sands at Grace Bay’s home island.


Splashdown Grand Turk is a free exhibit located at the Grand Turk Cruise Center that features exhibits, replicas and memorabilia from the Mercury Space Program, specifically the Friendship 7 mission, which ended when John Glenn splashed down in his capsule in the Atlantic, just a short distance from the Turks and Caicos Islands.


Splashdown Grand Turk also features a lot of cool stuff, such as a 20-foot-tall replica of the Atlas rocket that carried John Glenn into space, plus a reproduction of John Glenn in his space suit, and a life-sized model of the Friendship 7 space capsule itself.


There’s also a lot of other cool stuff to see, including more space memorabilia, lots of detailed models, and displays that talk about the past, present and future of space flight.


The attraction is perfect for families with young children, and can be reached by air, cruise, charter, or even your own sailboat.


Charles frequently posts about things to do in the Caribbean


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
					Categories				
				

					Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information				

			


			
Turks & Caicos information: top 3 things to do

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
We’re proud to say that the Turks & Caicos are natural paradise that appeals to lovestruck newlyweds, serious explorers, and families with children – there’s something to do here for everyone in this natural playground. However, not everyone is familiar with our islands, so we’re preparing a serious of blog posts that detail Turks & Caicos information.


Today’s topic: things to do on the Turks & Caicos


While the Sands at Grace Bay offers the perfect relaxing retreat, either by the side of the pool, or on a sandy beach with views of beautiful turquoise ocean and even bluer sky, there are plenty of other things to do around the islands if you’re in the mood to explore.


Here are the top 3 things to do here:


1. Scuba Diving


The Turks and Caicos island chain features the third-longest barrier reefs in the world – it’s over 125 miles long, and shelters the north shore of the island of Providenciales.and the reef is perfect for scuba diving.


With spectacular underwater visibility providing excellent opportunities to explore spot the coral reefs, sea mounts and sea walls, as well as encounters with schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, eagle rays, sharks and even migrating humpback whales, the Turks and Caicos barrier reef is a must-see destination for anyone interested in underwater activities.


The Turks Bank is also another popular scuba destination, and is made up of two expansive underwater limestone plateaus. If you’re hoping to encounter turtles, dolphins and Blue Marlin, head to the Turks Bank.


2. Explore Provo’s natural beauty


On terra firm, the island of Providenciales (where Sands at Grace Bay is located) features many salt marshes that act as a watery landing strip for migratory birds including egrets, terns and frigates. Bird watchers can track more than 150 species of birds, such as pelicans, flamingos, osprey and Cuban crows. There’s even a Flamingo Pond that’s home to hundreds of these graceful pink creatures.


If you feel like chartering a tour, there is also habitat on isolated cays for rare iguanas.


The Turks and Caicos are also famous for limestone caves, among the most expansive in the entire Caribbean. Middle Caicos, to the east of Provo, has the most limestone caves. Once on Middle Caicos, visitors are greated by the towering cliffs that climb above Mudjidin Beach. The caves themselves are reached after a short walk across the Cay.


3. Relax on the beach


Providenciales and the Turks and Caicos are known all over the world for superb beaches, romantic sunsets, and an premium mix of privacy and tasteful oppulence. Sit beneath the shade of a beach umbrella and enjoy a magnificent panorama of soft white sand, azure ocean and cloudless skies the color of sapphire by day, and blazing sunsets and sensual moonlight bynight.


Not everyone is familiar with our islands, so we’re preparing a serious of blog posts that detail Turks & Caicos information.


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
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					Things To Do In The Caribbean				

			


			
Turks and Caicos things to do for Christmas and New Years

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			things to do turks and caicos christmas
				
Courtesy TCI Tourism


				
		


	


	
	


		


			
things to do turks and caicos christmas
Courtesy TCI Tourism


There are many things to do on Turks and Caicos during the Christmas holiday season. Here are a few activities:


2nd Annual Maskanoo Celebrations

Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) and the Cultural & Arts Commission (CAC) are pleased to announce the 2nd annual Maskanoo Celebrations. Maskanoo will be held in the tourist capital of Providenciales, following a route along Grace Bay Road between the Regent Village and Salt Mills Plaza. Persons attending the event will enjoy the street parade, local music, island food, arts, & entertainment.


Post-Christmas Beach Party

On December 28, come out to enjoy local band, native foods, model sailboat racing, kayak racing, handcrafts and more. Ferry/bus combo tickets from Provo and local bus for North & Middle Caicos available. Church groups cook & raise funds for their projects-call 231-4884 for details.


Old Year’s Night

Old tradition for bringing good luck in the new year. All night service in churches, everyone rings out old year and rings in New Year with bells, church gatherings and community greeting.


New Years Eve Parties

Ports of Call, Providenciales – Live Music – No Cover

Check with the local restaurants for special events


Jump Up Junkanoo

Junkanoo street music takes place from midnight to sunrise, New Year’s morning on most islands.


If you have any ideas for more things to do on the Turks and Caicos during Christmas, please let us know!


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
					Categories				
				

					Turks Caicos Information				

			


			
Turks & Caicos Resort Offers Mobile Reservations App

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
Making Your Turks & Caicos Reservations Just Got Easier…


Introducing our new Mobile Reservations App For Tech-Savvy Travelers! 


We are committed to providing tech-savvy travelers with the most current tools to access real-time information, make reservations and easily research resort and island information when planning their Turks & Caicos vacation. In response to the rise of web-based bookings we’ve experienced over the past year, we’re excited to unveil a new mobile application that will enable travelers to book real-time Turks & Caicos reservations and browse hotel information via their smart phones!


By simply typing “thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com” into your mobile web browsers, you will now be redirected to the resort’s new mobile-optimized webpage “m.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com” that offers a quick and easy format for booking vacation reservations online and accessing timely resort information. For those of you who don’t have a smart phone, you can easily access our 2012 room rates or make your vacation reservations online via our Turks & Caicos reservations page or by calling us toll-free at 877-777-2637.


In an effort to continuously enhance our online offerings, we have also embraced social media over the past year and are now able to keep more travelers on the pulse with resort and island news through our resort Facebook page and timely Twitter updates. We invite travelers to visit our Facebook page as an easy way to ask your travel or resort questions, to inquire about the vacation experiences of past guests, share and browse photos of recent resort stays and stay up to date with our most current specials, resort news and island happenings! Visitors can “Like” The Sands’ Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/TheSandsAtGraceBayor follow The Sands on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/thesandstc.


 


 


 


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
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					Beach Weddings Turks Caicos Things To Do In The Caribbean				

			


			
When planning a Caribbean beach wedding, Turks & Caicos is an ideal choice

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
When planning a beach wedding, Turks & Caicois is an ideal choice.Over the past 15 years, Providenciales, or “Provo”, the westernmost island in the Turks & Caicos chain, has enjoyed fantastic growth – the island has really come into its own as a Caribbean destination.Growth in this case means careful preservation of a balance between providing amenities for residents and visitors, while also preserving the stunning natural beauty of the island.This combination of convenience and secluded beaches and luxury resort destinations make the Turks and Caicos the perfect place to plan a “Caribbean-style” beach wedding.


But first, more about our wonderful home:


Providenciales (aka “Provo”) is the commercial hub of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a relatively little-visited island chain floating on the blue and placid Caribbean Sea.


While we love to swim, windsurf and scuba dive here on Provo, our islands, with their backdrop of onyx water, brilliant coral sand, and majestic palm trees makes what we feel are the most romantic weddings in the world.


But it’s what newlyweds and their guests can do after the wedding during their stay here that is equally important.


What to do on Provo after your wedding


1. Go golfing


Provo is home to an 18-hole golf course, a casino, three marinas and multiple shopping centers. Yet it is the the sea, focus of all life on the islands, that is the true treasure here.


2. Go exploring


shallow azure sea that home to an abundance of marine life, including conch shells and lobster.

Grace Bay, on the the north coast, is the one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean.


Add an air of mystery to your wedding experience by visiting “The Hole” at Long Bay. The Hole is a deep limestone chimney that ends with an unexplored pool of saltwater. Pirate treasure is rumoured to be buried here, so maybe your guests will be the first to find it.


3. Go cruising


For your guests, arrange a sunset sailboat cruise. Visit Cheshire Hall and the Richmond Hill plantation ruins, or Sapodilla Bay and its many shipwreck remains.


4. Spend time on the beach


Famed for bathing, snorkelling, and even a long-distance open-water race, this beach is the perfect backdrop for a wedding, or the perfect place to spend your honeymoon.


5. Spend time at our resort!


Bask in the sun alongside one of our free-form swimming pools or on the sands of our pristine beach. The location of our resort is spectacular – on the shore of the famous Grace Bay Beach Turks and Caicos with more than 12 miles of white powdered sand and dazzling transparent turquoise waters.


Anything is possible when you get married on Provo.


We think that when planning a Caribbean beach wedding, Turks & Caicos is an ideal choice.