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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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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.com” into your mobile web browsers, you will now be redirected to the resort’s new mobile-optimized webpage “m.thesandstc.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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Turks Caicos Information

10 Active Adventures in Turks & Caicos Islands

Through a special relationship with local water sports provider, Ocean Vibes Scuba & Watersports, The Sands at Grace Bay is able to offer guests numerous ways to stay active outdoors and explore the Turks & Caicos Islands with a long list of exciting adventures. For outdoor adventurers and sun-seeking guests, The Sands at Grace Bay provides free use of bikes, kayaks, windsurfing equipment, snorkel gear and Hobie Cats.  For visitors seeking off-site adventure, below is a list of 10 exciting Turks & Caicos Island excursions that The Sands at Grace Bay can help guests arrange on their next visit:

1. SCUBA Diving: Day trips, night dives and customized SCUBA  charters to the islands’ best dive sites. Not Scuba certified? Ocean Vibes can have you underwater in a matter of hours!

2. SNUBA Excursions: SNUBA allows guests to go beyond snorkeling and more fully experience the wonders of the underwater world. SNUBA is a unique, shallow water diving system that bridges the gap between snorkeling and Scuba diving allowing you to go 20 feet below the water’s surface – it’s safe, easy and does not require certification!

3. SAILING: sailing aboard a custom-made catamaran with SCUBA/snorkeling stops at the world-famous North East shore of Providenciales, Iguana Island and beautiful uninhabited desert cays.

4. PARASAILING: Single or tandem parasailing offers guests the most breath-taking views of the islands from high in the sky.

5. SPELUNKING ON MIDDLE CAICOS: This adventure begins with a scenic boat ride from Provo to North Caicos, where you’ll stop along the way to snorkel on the barrier reef, and then you will set off to explore the conch bar caves and venture deep inside the earth with your native guide to view stalactites & stalagmites, bats, white owls and incredible limestone formations.

6. CATAMARAN SAILING: A popular and romantic option for adults is the 2-hour CHAMPAGNE SUNSET CRUISE – where you will have time to snorkel, visit Iguana Island, sip champagne and enjoy finger foods while sailing off into the sunset with a guest.

7. FISHING: Bone Fishing on the flats (spin rods included, fly rods available); bottom fishing for snapper, grouper and barracuda; and deep sea fishing (trolling) for tuna, wahoo, marlin and mahi-mahi are incredible day trips for both experienced and novice anglers!

8. SNORKELING TRIPS: Half and full-day snorkel trips and private snorkel charters enable guests to experience some of the best spots that make the Turks & Caicos Islands a world-famous snorkeling destination. On the half-day snorkel trip you’ll visit Iguana Island, snorkel along the barrier reef, dive for conch and watch the crew prepare a fresh conch salad and enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks and rum punch!

9. PRIVATE ISLAND ESCAPE/BOAT RENTAL:  Want to set your own schedule and enjoy a private island escape with your family or loved one? We can offer you our 24-foot boat rental for Iguana Island trips, snorkeling or just cruising the beautiful waters of Grace Bay and the North Side of Providenciales. Beach pick-up, drinks, and snacks are provided!

10. HORSEBACK RIDING: horseback riding along the secluded beaches at Long Bay is a truly unforgettable experience. We allow proficient equestrians to ride along the beach, and trained professionals can assist riders of all abilities.

In addition to this sampling of excursions, guests can also design their own out-island excursions, ATV along the beach and partake in a Glow Worm Cruise, Kayak Tour and much more. With Ocean Vibes’ concierge desk located just a couple of steps the resort’s main pool and beach access – guests can simply charge these services right to their room and book everything in a bathing suit.  Visitour website for the list of excursions offered by The Sands at Grace Bay and Ocean Vibes, as well as for pricing and additional information.

 

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Turks Caicos Information

Introducing the Sands, a Turks & Caicos Luxury Resort

Located only 80 minutes by air from Miami, The Sands at Grace Bay – a Turks & Caicos luxury resort - feels like a different planet – a planet devoted to luxury, relaxation, and beautiful beaches. Our perfect white sand beach, spectacular views, and superb suites make The Sands at Grace Bay the perfect combination of seclusion and sophistication (or so we like to think).

Where we’re located

We’re located about thirty minutes by car up the Leeward Highway from the airport at Providenciales (or Provo), a bustling hub that has really come into its own over the past decade. Provo offers everything from shopping to nightlife, plus plenty of great beaches. What we offer though, is utter seclusion and a taste of the “true Caribbean”, with easy access to the amenities of Provo.

The white, white sands of Grace Bay Beach

The Sands resort sits along world-famous Grace Bay Beach, voted the #1 Beach and Sun Destination in the World by Trip Advisor’s ‘Traveler’s Choice’ Awards. The beach itself is lined with palm trees, and is an easy hop, skip and a jump from the Sands resort itself, which also features private

Close by, there is world-class diving, a variety of water sports, golfing or day cruises to secluded islands. Providenciales also offers many quaint boutiques for fun shopping excursions and a number of historical attractions worth visiting.

Relax by the pool

We also have a free-form swimming pools that’s close to the beach, perfect for families with kids, or honeymooners looking for a secluded spot to relax away from prying eyes.

At the end of the day, why not grab a drink or something to eat at Hemingway’s, a beachfront restaurant. Or, if you want, make the short drive down the Leeward Highway to Provo, where a world of nightlife and restaurants await you.

Creating a home away from home

Our goal is to help families, friends and couples create unforgettable vacation experiences by making our guests feel like they are “home away from home” during their stay. Our friendly and beautiful suites and pristine ocean-front location set alongside Grace Bay in Providenciales are just a few reasons why travelers continue to return to our resort year after year.

The Sands at Grace Bay is a Turks & Caicos Luxury Resort

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Turks Caicos Information

Turks & Caicos Restaurants Go Crazy For Conch!

Thanksgiving in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos is all about the Conch! This is the time of year when the Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival occurs, usually over Thanksgiving weekend. This year’s 8th annual event takes place from November 25-26th, 2011 and features a weekend full of fun activities including a conch tasting competition where 25 local restaurants will compete for the most “delicious” conch in several categories that range from the Best Conch Salad, Best Conch Chowder and the ultimate prize – the Best In Show.

The Caribbean Queen conch is the native mollusk and number one export for the Turks & Caicos Islands. In addition to celebrating conch with an annual festival, the island is also home to the world’s only Conch Farm. Those who visit Providenciales can take a tour of the island’s Caicos Conch Farm, which is the only place in the world where conch are commercially grown and raised from veliger to adult. The breeding techniques in this conch farm actually help save the wild conch from extinction and over exploitation – while supplying food too many, as conch continues to be one of the major protein sources in the Caribbean diet.

The local Caribbean Queen conch is served in many Turks & Caicos restaurants including our very own Hemingway’s beachside restaurant at The Sands at Grace Bay. The “Conch Served The Way You Like It” menu option offered at Hemingway’s is a great way to experience the taste of our Caicos conch in a variety of ways, as you can choose amongst conch fritters, conch fingers or a fresh conch salad.  These are all delicious and refreshing after a full day of fun under the sun. Another restaurant specialty is the chef’s conch chowder, which is a traditional spicy island recipe that is also made with fresh local conch.

Only a few minutes away from The Sands at Grace Bay is another popular beachside Turks & Caicos restaurant venue called “Da Conch Shack” – which is a laid-back, open-air restaurant and bar overlooking the ocean that specializes in conch cooked nearly every way possible – from cracked conch and conch salad or ceviche, to conch creole and even a coconut conch stew.

It’s easy to see that Turks & Caicos restaurants and locals are simply crazy for conch. Come stay with us at The Sands at Grace Bay and you’ll be sure to get hooked on this tasty island treat as well!

Check out our main website for more information on dining in Turks & Caicos at The Sands.

 

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Turks Caicos Information

5 reasons to visit a Turks and Caicos resort

How much do you know about the Turks and Caicos? How much will it take to persuade you to come here for a visit?Here are our top 5 reasons to visit:

1. The Caribbean’s best weather

Grace Bay Beach is never too hot – and it’s never ever cold! Thanks to trade winds and cool offshore breezes, the temperature remains in the 70s and 80s throughout the islands, with the winter months remaining cooler. The cool winter months are the busiest time of year in the Turks and Caicos, and we receive the most visitors from mid-December to the beginning of April. The rainiest season lasts from April to July.

2. We accept the dollar

We accept the American greenback! This means all you have to do is pack your bag, hop on a plane, and begin your vacation. You never have to worry about changing money, or making sure you are getting the best exchange rate.

3. The Turks and Caicos islands are different

In all modesty, we’re a Caribbean paradise that hs cultivated a reputation for elegance, refinement and surprise – we’re more than just a tour destination. Instead, we offer exclusive resort vacations, that provide truly unique opportunities to explore the rich natural history of the Caribbean. There are many intact ecosystems located throughout our islands that represent a natural history and diversity that all but disappeared in other parts of the Caribbean.

Come to the Turks and Caicos and take a trip back in time by exploring caves and coral reefs. Encounter rare animal populations by kayak or by sailboat, right from your beachfront hotel.

4. We’re not too big, not too small

Only about 200,000 people visit these islands each year, compared to the millions that visit other tropical destinations in the Caribbean. It’s also easy to get around by car, and it’s easy to travel throughout the islands by boat.

5. We’re safe

The Turks and Caicos belong to the Commonwealth, and possesses a stable, elected parliamentary government. There is a strong emphasis on peace, order and good government, which means travelers can relax and worry about the finer things in life, such as when the pool opens at a hotel, or deciding which beach to visit in the morning, and which beach to visit in the evening.

The Sands at Grace Bay is a Turks and Caicos resort.

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Turks Caicos Information

Awesome Instagram Photos of Kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos

Image Courtesy Visit TCI
Image Courtesy Visit TCI

The 9th Annual Windvibes Watersports Tournament was held Sunday 5th July 2015 on Long Bay Beach, right here on our beautiful island of Providenciales in the Turks Caicos.

In the world of kiteboarding and windsurfing, Long Bay Beach is truly an undiscovered gem. Lying on the southern, windward side of the island of Providenciales, Long Bay Beach is blasted by regular and predictable winds.

The annual tournament is brainchild of local pro rider and homegrown hero, Hope LeVin. Still in her early twenties, Hope has been kiteboarding for half her life, and has helped transform Providenciales into an upcoming kiteboarding hotspot.

The annual event is not limited to kiteboarding, but also includes kiteboarding, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, windsurfing and swimming. Spectators can even try out paddle boarding and kayaking during the day.

Combine the winds with the amazing turquoise waters and powdery white sand of the Turks and Caicos and you have a paradise for windsurfers on Long Bay Beach.

The turquoise waters seem to stretch out to infinity, making Long Bay Beach appear to be paradise on Earth.

The stunning blue hues of the seas around Providenciales are often called “unearthly.” Photographs alone don’t really convey the incredible beauty of the Turks and Caicos.

Thanks to the steady, predictable winds, kiteboarders at Long Bay Beach are never disappointed, and can catch a lot of air.

Cesca Pierce is one of the top women’s kiteboarders.

Kaja Kajkowska came in third during the day.

Some kiteboarder demonstrated some amazing tricks.

The day wasn’t limited just to kiteboarding. There was also a kayaking competition.

 

The event appealed to a wide range of spectators.

A large contingent of windsurfers also showed up to participate in the annual event at Long Bay Beach.

But, even after the event is over, the kiteboarders and windsurfers can still be found on Long Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos.