BOOK
Main Menu
BOOK NOW

Category: Things To Do In The Caribbean

Categories
Announcements Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Enter Our March #SandsSelfie Contest For A Chance To Win A 3-Night Resort Stay At The Sands at Grace Bay

The Sands at Grace Bay is kicking off another #SandsSelfie social media contest for the month of March – where both current and past guests who post a resort “selfie” photo onto the resort’s Facebook or Instagram pages, will be entered to win a future 3-night stay in a luxurious one-bedroom Oceanview suite.

The contest encourages guests to share fun and memorable selfie photos of their Turks & Caicos trip and stay at The Sands at Grace Bay, located on Grace Bay Beach – recently named the World’s #1 Beach by TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travelers’ Choice Awards. In addition to our world-famous beach destination – our resort has also been named one of the, “Best Hotels in Turks & Caicos” for 2016 by the U.S. News & World Report and received a Couples Choice Award from the popular wedding planning site WeddingWire.com.

The steps to enter our SandsSelfie contest are simple:

1) guests take a #SandsSelfie photo from the resort property – and can use our new Sands at Grace Bay “Selfie frames” that will be conveniently placed at selfie stations by our pool and also by our award-winning beach

2) post your selfie onto the resort’s Facebook (Facebook.com/thesandsatgracebay) or Instagram (Instagram.com/thesandstc) account using the #SandsSelfie hashtag

3) and “follow” the resort on Facebook and Instagram to receive winner notification

The #SandsSelfie contest is happening now through March 31st. When the contest ends, one #SandsSelfie photo taken on the resort property will be randomly selected from either the resort’s Facebook or Instagram account as the winner. Photo entries must include the hashtag #SandsSelfie in their photo descriptions during the contest period, to be entered. Those who enter must “follow” the resort Facebook or Instagram pages, to receive the winner notification. One winner will receive a gift certificate for a free 3-night stay in a 1-bedroom Oceanview Suite for a future visit to The Sands at Grace Bay – that can be redeemed within one year from the date it’s awarded.

The Sands at Grace Bay still has availability during the upcoming popular spring travel months, but travelers will need to reserve their stay soon as space is limited. You can check our resort availability online via www.thesandstc.com website or call toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327; or contact a travel agent for reservations.

SAN 11539 Selfie Contest Poster

 

 

 

Categories
Announcements Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Affordable 2016 Turks & Caicos Wedding and Romance Packages

The Sands at Grace Bay has unveiled its 2016 Turks and Caicos wedding and romance packages for couples seeking an affordable yet luxurious beach wedding, honeymoon or romantic getaway in one of the Caribbean’s most sought after vacation destinations of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos – named the #1 Island In The World by TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travelers’ Choice Awards. These packages conveniently allow couples to customize the details of their stay, by selecting their accommodation type, length of stay and time of visit – based on their desired preferences and budget – to turn their dream Turks & Caicos wedding or vacation into a reality. This top-rated resort continues to receive 5-star reviews from couples on leading travel review and rating sites including TripAdvisor and the wedding planning site WeddingWire.com, which gave the resort a “2015 Couples Choice Award” for consistently receiving positive reviews in the areas of service, value, flexibility, and professionalism.

 

winner 1

The Sands’ two romance packages feature special touches such as couples massages, sunset beach cruises and more. Regardless of which package is selected, couples will find it easy to fall in love all over again while taking quiet strolls along the resort’s pristine stretch of Grace Bay Beach, enjoying romantic candle-lit dinners on the Hemingway’s dune deck, and relaxing together in The Sands’ elegant and spacious suites that feature oversized balconies and all the comforts of home. The following are The Sands’ 2016 Romance Package inclusions:

Fall in Love Again Package: $750 Per Couple

  • Chilled bottle of sparkling wine in room upon arrival
  • 70 Minute Swedish Massage For Two
  • Couples Sunset Cruise

Lasting Love Romance Package: $1,350 Per Couple

  • Chilled bottle of sparkling wine in room upon arrival
  • Fresh Flowers & Strawberries in room upon arrival
  • His & Her Spa Treatments For Two including:
    • 70 Minute Swedish Massage
    • Full Scalp Massage
    • Mini Reflexology
  • Couples Sunset Cruise
  • Couples Beach & Snorkel Cruise: a scenic excursion for two that includes a boat tour of Providenciales’ secluded Cays and snorkeling along the island’s top-rated coral reefs
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfers

 

The resort’s 2016 beach wedding packages, both under $5,000, provide couples with the basic elements for an intimate Grace Bay Beach wedding ceremony for up to ten people with the ability to invite additional wedding guests for a nominal per person charge. These packages may be enhanced with optional wedding day “extras” – a variety of special add-on services offered from island vendors that include a tented beach barbecue and bonfire, local entertainment & island musicians, flowers, fireworks, hair and makeup services and much more. The following are inclusions for The Sands’ 2016 beach wedding packages:

“Let’s Say I Do”: $1,895 Per Couple

  • On-Site Event Assistance
  • Assistance to Obtain Marriage License and Marital Paperwork
  • Officiant for Wedding Ceremony
  • Witness, if needed
  • Bridal Bouquet and Groom’s Boutonniere
  • Wedding Cake (serves 10 people)
  • 10 Complimentary Wedding Chairs adorned with chair covers
  • iPod Docking Station
  • 4 Pole Beach Wedding Arch with White Sheer cloth
  • Special Welcome Amenity
  • Special Turndown Service on Night of Wedding

“Let’s Go For It”: $4,750 Per Couple

*The “Let’s Go For It” package includes all of the offerings from the “Let’s Say I Do” package, with the following additions:

  • Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Photograph Package, which includes:
    • A 2-hour shoot
    • Beautiful 10×10 Turks & Caicos book with 30 pages
    • All Digital Files
  • Spa Tropique’s “I Do” Bride & Groom Spa Package that includes the following His & Her Treatments:
    • 70-Minute Swedish Massages
    • Delicious Full-Scalp Massages
    • Fabulous Foot Massages

In addition to the resort’s affordable rates and luxurious studio and suite accommodations along Grace Bay Beach, couples also benefit from the following added-value amenities during their stay: complimentary use of watersports equipment – including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkel gear and Hobie Cats; bicycles for island exploration; a Tuesday Manager’s cocktail party; three free-form swimming pools, a tennis/basketball court, and more.

The 2016 wedding and romance package rates exclude the price of room accommodations, resort taxes and service charges. The wedding package prices are based on a 10 person wedding: for each additional wedding guest (up to 20 persons) an additional $25 per person charge will be applied to the total package price and for groups over 20, customized package pricing will apply. For more info, visit:Turks & Caicos Packages.

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Turks & Caicos Humpback Whale Watching Etiquette

Every year from January through the beginning of April thousands of North Atlantic humpback whales migrate through the Turks Head passage that separates South Caicos and Grand Turk, towards the Dominican Republic for birthing. During this time of year, the whales can be seen and heard all over the Turks & Caicos Islands and can even be spotted right off of Grace Bay Beach beyond our reef. Whale watching tours are now offered from Grand Turks and Salt Cay and are popular excursions taken by many tourists visiting our Islands each year. For information on the various whale watching tours and excursions offered in Turks & Caicos, you visit the following website: http://turksandcaicostourism.com/salt-cay-turks-and-caicos/salt-cay-tours-activities/

humpback_whale

Tourists play a big role in helping to protect our Turks & Caicos whale population, as they often seek to experience these magnificent creatures during their Turks & Caicos trips. To ensure our Humpback Whales continue to return to our Turks & Caicos Islands, here are some points to consider from the Turks & Caicos Department of Environment & Maritime Affairs that can help keep these whales safe on their journey through our waters:

  1. During the Turks & Caicos whale migration season, boats and vessels should approach slowly, carefully and quietly (keeping engine noise to a minimum). Maintaining a respectful distance ensures that the will not be stressed or feel threatened.
  2. Avoid “fencing in” the whales by blocking them between boats, too close to shore/shallow water, cutting off their direction of travel, or chasing after them.
  3. If whales change their direction 3-5 times, it means they are feeling hassled and stressed. Simply maintain your distance and allow their space. Disturbed whales will swim away and your viewing could be unfortunately cut short.
  4. When operating a vessel, move parallel to the whales to avoid approaching them head-on, as this may give the whales the impression that they are being chased. Surprised whales may show aggression and become very dangerous given their size.
  5. Mothers and calves are tired and are more likely to be “spooked.” They need extra consideration of the above.
  6. Remember: whales are much bigger than people and most whale watching vessels. Safety is always a priority, for both the whales and the viewers. Approaching them with caution ensures the whales stay happy and you will get the most out of your experience.

 

 

 

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

New Year and New Menu at Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar!

The menu at Hemingway’s restaurant menu has been updated

Happy New Year! We are looking forward to warmly welcoming both new and return guests this year and we’re excited for you to have the chance to experience our incredible and world renowned Grace Bay Beach location in 2016!

Not only is our resort idyllically situated on a pristine stretch of Grace Bay, but so is our resort’s award-winning Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar – a legendary island favorite that is a casually elegant open-air restaurant with a gorgeous deck overlooking the incredible beach and ocean views. Hemingway’s is open daily from 8am till 10pm for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features live music and deliciously prepared fresh island fare.

The restaurant menu has recently been updated and we invite you to explore the delectable offerings that you can enjoy this year just steps away from The Sands at Grace Bay by downloading the restaurant menus at the following link: http://thesandstc.com/the-resort/dining/.

Bursts of tropical flavors tempt all palates at Hemingway’s…like the cinnamon raisin French toast or Huevos Rancheros La Tequila for breakfast, Caribbean jerk marinated chicken sandwich or soft fish tacos with sweet mango chutney for lunch, the South Caicos lobster tail or blackened porthouse pork chop with Mango Papaya salad for dinner, and sweet fried ice cream served in a sweet tortilla basket or homemade Bacardi rum cake served with ice cream for a dessert. A kids menu is also featured for all meals to please the palates of our younger visitors.

restaurant

Hemingway's Restaurant at The Sands at Grace Bay

The-Expeditioners-Photos-221-200x300

 

 

Categories
Announcements Things To Do In The Caribbean

Tis the season to help others: win a Turks and Caicos Trip!

Enter for a chance to win a Turks and Caicos trip

Stan Hartling, CEO of The Hartling Group – the developers of three award- winning Turks & Caicos properties including The Sands at Grace Bay – is the Honorary Chairperson for this year’s Salvation Army Kettle Drive in Turks & Caicos.

The Sands at Grace Bay is delighted to join The Hartling Group properties in this year’s goal of raising $50,000 for the Salvation Army, to support families in need this holiday season.

Wait…there’s another way the Hartling Group is spreading holiday cheer: for ALL those who donate at least $25 towards this cause, you will be entered for a chance to win a one-week Turks & Caicos vacation at our sister property – The Palms Turks & Caicos! The Palms Turks & Caicos luxury resort is a 72-suite resort also situated on world-famous Grace Bay beach in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos and this one-week vacation giveaway is valued at over $7,000. The more that you donate, the more that you will be entered to win The Palms vacation prize:

  • Donate $25 and receive 1 prize entry
  • Donate $50 and receive 3 prize entries
  • Donate $100 and receive 8 prize entries
  • Donate $250 and receive 25 prize entries

To donate towards this great cause online and for contest details, please visit www.TCIKettle.com. Resort guests who wish to donate may also simply contact the Front Desk and one of our guest service representatives will be pleased to apply the donation you wish to make to your account. The prize winner will be drawn on December 23, 2015.

Please join in our mission of helping others and giving back this holiday season. Every donation, no matter how large or small, will be gratefully received!

Help make the Holidays Happier for those in need.

 

win a turks and caicos tripScreen Shot 2015-12-08 at 8.21.15 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Turks and Caicos Conch Festival Returns for 12th Year

The Sands at Grace Bay resort offers an affordable and convenient option for travelers in town for the island’s 12th annual Turks and Caicos Conch Festival – a popular weekend event that celebrates the island’s most famous delicacy, unofficial mascot, and chief exporting product.

Located on Providenciales’ world-famous Grace Bay Beach, The Sands at Grace Bay is offering incredible savings for fall travelers now through December 19th including a 4th Night Free offer, low-season rates starting from only $195 per night, and an array of free amenities including watersports, bicycles, a weekly cocktail party and much more.

Screen Shot 2015-04-06 at 6.58.10 PM

Kicking off on Saturday, November 28th, the 12th Annual Turks & Cacios Conch Festival will take place in Blue Hills, Providenciales. This year’s line-up of family-friendly events includes tasting tents where local restaurants compete for the best Conch dishes, live local music and entertainment, and plenty of children’s activities. The hallmark “conch-etition” conch tasting event showcases over 25 local restaurants that compete in several culinary categories including the Best Conch Salad, Best Conch Chowder and Best in Show. A Bacardi Mojito challenge is a mojito making competition that features the island’s best bartenders, including the resort’s first place reigning champion Hemingway’s Restaurant. The line-up of children’s activities includes a special kids’ area that will feature traditional island games including tug of war, sack race, and egg and spoon races, as well as an appearance made by Henry the Conch. For more information on the Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival, visit http://www.conchfestival.com/.

The resort’s 4th Night FREE promotion is valid for new bookings made on all room categories at The Sands at Grace Bay, for consecutive stays of four nights or more started and completed now through December 19th, 2015More information on this 4th Night Free 2015 offer can be found online at www.thesandstc.com – or by calling toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637 or from Canada (800) 567-5327.

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Providenciales (Turks and Caicos) Golf Club – Jewel of the Caribbean

turks and caicos golf club

Just a short drive away from The Sands at Grace Bay, The Provo Golf Club is a top-rated Caribbean golf course that has received a 4-star rating from Golf Digest and was listed as one of the “Top 10 Courses for Golf in the Caribbean” by Travel & Leisure.

The course is known for its rugged layout and beautifully maintained playing surfaces, surrounded by 7 lakes with abundant birdlife, over 1000 palm trees and the natural flora and fauna of the Turks & Caicos Islands. The club has a fully stocked pro-shop, premium Taylor Made club rentals, a short range warm-up area, and practice chipping and putting areas. There’s also a Fairways bar & grill for dining before or after your game and optional golf instruction programs and lessons are also offered for those interested in enhancing their game.

Screen Shot 2015-08-13 at 11.32.26 AM

Rate options include a per person/per round rack rate, a “twilight” afternoon special, 3 and 5 round passes, and two week or monthly unlimited passes. For the current golfing green fees and rates at the Provo Golf Club visit: http://www.provogolfclub.com/course/rates-and-green-fees

Screen Shot 2015-08-13 at 11.31.33 AM

About our Caribbean Resort

Experience an earthly wonder of sand and sea at our 114-suite luxury resort on Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies.

Family-friendly, yet ideally suited for romantic getaways and wedding celebrations, The Sands at Grace Bay offers a harmonious balance of home comforts and sublime Caribbean elegance – as well as a picture perfect location on the sparkling shores of Grace Bay Beach.

If you are dreaming of a beach holiday in the Caribbean that gives you the flexibility of having your own fully-equipped suite while enticing you with fine dining, pristine grounds and sigh-inducing vistas, we look forward to welcoming you to The Sands at Grace Bay.

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean

3 Beach Travel Caribbean Vacation Accessories

Packable pail image

Travel Weekly recently featured a “Great Beach Accessories” article with some terrific and functional travel products that are terrific for those heading to a Caribbean beach destination this fall or winter. Here are a few of the recommendations that we loved, that may be great optional accessories to bring with you to your Turks & Caicos stay at The Sands at Grace Bay:

Fivesse Beach Tote: This is a family-friendly water resistant bag that has interior pockets reserved for everything you need to bring or collect during your day at the beach including pockets for collecting seashells and souveniers, carrying books, cell phones, credit and room key cards, sunscreen, water bottles and more. http://www.fivesse.com/Beach-Bags-s/1844.htm

Packable Pail: This is a collapsible beach pail that looks just like a full size beach pail but it will conveniently fit into your suitcase and beach bag. Enjoy building sand castles and having fun with the family along Grace Bay Beach with this washable, foldable and durable pail that also includes a sand shovel. www.packablepails.com.

Real X Cooling Cap: This “cool” hat is activated by dunking it in water and will become 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature as it evaporates slowly. This is a quick and easy way for you to cool off from the heat and protect your face from the sun during a day at the beach or while exploring the island and resort. Just dunk it, wring it and wear it to stay cool while out in the sun! This company also makes cooling shirts and towels as well as misting gear. http://realxgear.com/product/realxgear-cooling-cap/

For more beach travel gear and accessory ideas, visit our resort Pinterest page: Caribbean Beach Travel Gear

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Pamper Yourself at Our Turks & Caicos Spa

From sipping pina coladas along our incredible stretch of world-famous Grace Bay Beach and three pools to relaxing on our lush landscaped resort property that offers shaded areas with hammocks strung between coconut trees, travelers will enjoy plenty of coconut experiences during their visit to our Turks & Caicos spa and stay at The Sands at Grace Bay.

However, resort guests may not be aware that our Spa Tropique offers tropical coconut and island-inspired spa services including a popular “Kookoo for Coconuts” kiwi and coconut body scrub treatment that was recently featured in a USA Today travel article and leaves your skin silky smooth with a radiant glow.

Screen Shot 2015-09-04 at 11.48.24 AM

Screen Shot 2015-09-04 at 11.48.34 AM

 

Spa Tropique’s $80 ‘Koo-Koo for Coconuts’ body scrub treatment is a custom blend of organic essential oils, therapeutic herbs, exotic botanical extracts, vitamins and minerals to deliver optimal health benefits. The ‘Koo-Koo for Coconuts’ scrub uses Bali sea salts and edible coconut to leave skin glowing and silky smooth. Coconut hydrates and boosts your immune system while Kiwi, a well-known anti-oxidant, brightens the skin to give it a more youthful, healthier look.

The scrub is high in Vitamins A, C and E and helps to promote the absorption of iron. This aromatic salt glow formula is perfect for all skin types and leaves the skin absolutely lustrous.

Spa Tropique also offers an array of unique body treatment spa services that are inspired by fresh and local ingredients found around the tropical Turks & Caicos Islands, such as the “Caribbean Wrapsody” Papaya-Pineapple hydrating body wrap, the “Caicos Roll” detoxifying seaweed wrap, or the “Smooth Operator Sugar Scrub” complete with mango, passion fruit and loaded with antioxidants.

For more information on Turks and Caicos Spa Tropique’s services or to make an appointment during your next stay at The Sands at Grace Bay, visit: http://www.spatropique.com

About the Sands at Grace Bay

Experience an earthly wonder of sand and sea at our 114-suite luxury resort on Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies.

Family-friendly, yet ideally suited for romantic getaways and wedding celebrations, The Sands at Grace Bay offers a harmonious balance of home comforts and sublime Caribbean elegance – as well as a picture perfect location on the sparkling shores of Grace Bay Beach.

If you are dreaming of a beach holiday in the Caribbean that gives you the flexibility of having your own fully-equipped suite while enticing you with fine dining, pristine grounds and sigh-inducing vistas, we look forward to welcoming you to The Sands at Grace Bay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

July 4th: Race for the Conch On Grace Bay Beach

On Saturday, July 4th the 5th annual open water Race for the Conch happens right here off of Grace Bay Beach, and has been named, “one of the world’s most gorgeous Swim Races.” Olympic gold medalist and US Masters Swim champion Rowdy Gaines as well as world-class marathon swimmer, Yuko Matsuzaki, will be participating in this year’s race!

SwimConch090

 

Open to all competitive and recreational swimmers, the race options include 2.4 Mile (Ironman swim), 1 Mile, and half-mile distances. For those wanting an extra challenge, the 2.4 mile and 1 mile swim events may be done back-to-back. There is also a 100 meters children’s “Race for the Conch” for swimmers eleven years and younger and all children may participate in this race for free. Parents can sign up their children on the day of the race between 8:00 AM and 8:15 AM. There’s also a half-mile stand-up paddleboard race happening at 11:30am, following the swim events.

SwimConch109

SwimConch017

Here are other swim-related events leading up to the July 4th races:

On the morning of July 2, Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines will conduct a pool swim clinic for a limited number of swimmers. Cost: $120.

On July 2 at 7 pm, the Turks & Caicos Islands Swim Federation will hold a fundraiser at the Beach House, and Rowdy will be the main speaker. Cost: $60 pre-purchased / $70 at door.

On July 3 at 5 pm, world-class marathon swimmer, Yuko Matsuzaki, will provide an open water swim technique practice session at the race start/finish area in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe. It will be open to all swimmers who have registered for one of the races at no charge.

July 4th SWIM RACE START TIMES

  • 2.4 mile race starts at 8:00 am; Mandatory safety briefing at 7:30 am
  • 
1/2 mile races starts at 9:45 am; 
Mandatory safety briefing at 9:30 am
  • 
1 mile race starts 10:15 am; 
Mandatory safety briefing at 9:30 am
  • The 100 meters Children’s “Race for the Conch”
for swimmers 11 & younger starts at 9:15am. Beach Signup.
  • 1/2 mile Stand-up paddle board (SUP) race starts at 11:30 am. Beach sign-up

For more information and sign-up for these activities, please contact Ben Stubenberg, Co-Race Director, at [email protected].

For more information on the race, visit: http://www.ecoseaswim.com.