Category: Turks Caicos Information

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!

 

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!

As October draws to a close, Providenciales is gearing up for the start of the holiday season. Soon the island will be filled with many tourists trading the cold and the snow for warm and powdery white sands. Turks and Caicos Family Resort News is a rundown of what’s currently trending in our beautiful islands.

Southwest Airlines Announces New Flights to Turks and Caicos

Popular low-cost air carrier Southwest Airlines has announced a new direct flight between Baltimore/Washington D.C. and Provo, set to begin March 8, 2020. This is in addition to the non-stop flight between Fort Lauderdale and Provo announced in 2017. This new flight is part of Southwest’s broad expansion into the Caribbean and reservations for both direct flights are already available on the company’s website.

You can read more about Southwest’s new direct flight to Provo here.

Turks and Caicos Plays Host to the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival

The island is gearing up to host to one of the Caribbean’s hottest culinary events. For nine years, the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival has brought together local and global culinary geniuses to celebrate food and drink. The event is set to take place October 31th to November 3^rd.

This year’s featured guests are Chef Ryan McCaskey of Chicago eatery Arcadia and Chef Atul Kochhar. Rounding out the special guests are Alberto Chiarlo of Michele Chiarlo Winery and Michael Polenske of the Bespoke Collection. Buy your tickets now before they sell out!

Read more about the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival.

Turks and Caicos Film Festival Celebrates the Environment

The island is set to host its inaugural international film festival next month. The festival’s theme for this year is “Green & Blue” and all share an environmental focus. Opening night will feature producer Ru Mahoney’s conservation film Sea of Shadows.

Featured guests include Red Nose Day co-creators Emma Freud and Richard Curtiss and BBC Natural History Unit Producer Jonny Keeling. The festival is set to take place November 15-17.  Guests will be treated to open-air viewings of these films on Grace Bay beach.

Read more about the Turks and Caicos International Film Festival.

An Expert Guide to Lotus-Eating in Grand Turk

The Telegraph’s Robin McKelvie describes Grand Turk as a “bijou” island that offers cruise ship visitors a relaxing island experience. For the curious, bijou is a British term meaning small and elegant.  McKelvie describes the small and elegant Grand Turk as a great place for lotus eating or taking it easy.

The travel writer offers a guide to making the most of a visit to Grand Turk and includes guides for four hour and eight hour island stays. Recommended activities in Grand Turk include snorkeling, walks across the beach or simply spending time in the Grand Turk Cruise Center.

Read McKelvie’s expert guide to Grand Turk.

Plan Your Getaway to Turks and Caicos This Holiday Season

What do you think? Ready to enjoy trade the cold for warm temps in Provo? Let the Sands help you plan your perfect Turks and Caicos vacation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us!

Dreaming of a tropical Christmas? Consider spending the most wonderful time of the year in beautiful Turks and Caicos. The island enjoys warm, balmy weather year-round. Trade the cold and the snow for warm, white sands and crystal-clear waters. Here are a few ways you can celebrate the holidays in style in Turks and Caicos.

Christmas in Providenciales

The holiday season lasts from late November to New Year’s Day and is a festive time on the Island. Visitors are treated the dazzling Christmas displays all over Grace Bay Beach. It is not uncommon for a resort to have a glowing Christmas tree in the main hall or decorations in your hotel room.  In the spirit of the season, some restaurants offer a special Christmas dinner service.

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Maskanoo Street Festival

Maskanoo is an annual street festival traditionally held on December 26th (Boxing Day). The event features colorful masks and heart-pounding rhythms. A fusion of masquerade balls and traditional African culture, Maskanoo is loved by both locals and tourists. Drink and be merry with live music and delicious food sold by local vendors.

The parade takes place on Grace Bay road between Regent Village and Salt Mills Plaza. Please be advised, as Grace Bay road is closed between these location for the duration of the event.

Post-Christmas Beach Party

Still in a festive mood? The Post-Christmas Beach Party on December 28^th is right up your alley. Enjoy sailboat and kayak races while noshing on local dishes offered by restaurant vendors. Listen to live music while checking our local artisan wares for the perfect souvenir.

Old Year’s Night

Old Year’s Night occurs on New Year’s Eve.  The event features Christian (mostly Catholic) locals attend late night church services. After the service, churches and attendees ring out the old year with bells. This done to encourage good luck and prosperity for the new year.

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Jump Up Junkanoo

The Junkanoo festival starts right at the stroke of midnight when revelers take to the streets to celebrate the new year. Junkanoo has its origins in the 16th century, when enslaved workers tending to the salt ponds of Salt Bay and South Caicos were allowed one day off during the Christmas season. Like Maskanoo, the event is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Junkanoo is a colorful festival of sights and sounds as groups compete against each other in wild, outlandish costumes. Enjoy traditional African music and dance until the wee hours of the morning. There are Junkanoo events happening all over Turks and Caicos.

Plan Early for Your Christmas Vacation to Turks and Caicos

Ready to escape the cold? There is no time like the present to start planning for your holiday vacation to Turks and Caicos. With temperatures averaging around 80F, Provo is the best place to escape the dead of winter.

If you have questions or would like to get started planning, please contact us!

Turks and Caicos restaurants have recently gained a reputation as top Caribbean culinary attractions. Local chefs create dishes that are a tantalizing fusion of land and sea and marry local staples with international flavor.

If you are looking for a way to enjoy the best in gourmet Caribbean cuisine, look no further than the annual Caribbean Food and Wine Festival from October 31 to November 3, 2019.

About the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival

The Caribbean Food and Wine Festival was established in 2011 and is considered to be the island’s “culinary event of the year”. The festival, now its ninth year, celebrates the culinary creativity of both local and international chefs.  Every event during the festival pairs food and wine together to highlight the island’s sublime gourmet cuisine.

Featured Ambassadors of Food and Wine

In addition to highlighting local culinary talent, the festival also welcomes four honoree ambassadors of food and wine. All festival events will feature wine selections from the Bespoke Collection and Michele Chiarlo Winery.

This year’s event will host two award-winning international chefs. Chef Ryan McCaskey, chef and proprietor of the Chicago eatery Acadia, describes his cuisine as both “classic and contemporary”. Michelin- Star Chef Atul Kochhar marries Indian flavor with British ingredients to create a modern take on Indian cuisine.

Featured Providenciales Restaurants

There are several local restaurants participating in this year’s Food and Wine Festival. The following is a small list of restaurants where events will take place.

Parallel23 at the Palms Resort

The Palms Resort is home of fine dining restaurant Parallel23. Lead by Executive Chef Lauren Gallighan, Parallel23 marries Caribbean flavor with elegant ambiance. The restaurant’s hi-tech display kitchen allows diners to partake in the spectacle of their food being prepared.

Cobaya Restaurant

Cobaya has offered fine dining in Providenciales for over nineteen years. The restaurant fuses European influences with Caribbean fruits, spices, and seafood to create a unique fusion of flavors. The restaurant’s Signature menu is always changing, keeping things fresh and exciting.

Solana Restaurant

Solana offer a refreshing culinary experience with views overlooking the ocean and the pool. The restaurant offers creative culinary experience in a relaxed environment. In addition to fine dining fare, Solana offers teppanyaki (grill-cooked meals) and sushi.

 

Don’t Miss The Caribbean’s Prime Culinary Event!

The Caribbean Food and Wine Festival takes place October 31 – November 3, 2019 and tickets are on-sale now. Tickets are purchased individually for each event, meaning you can pick and choose events to attend. Be sure to buy as soon as possible, as tickets sell out fast!

As your trip to winds down, it’s time to start thinking about souvenirs. Instead of buying the usual touristy t-shirt, why not consider handmade jewelry, clothing or even a painting? Shopping in Turks and Caicos means exploring the creations of local artisans who offer unique, one-of-a-kind items.

As a result, there are plenty of opportunities to buy the perfect souvenir. Here is a guide to shopping for the best gifts in Turks and Caicos.

Fine Arts Gift Ideas

Photographs are lovely mementos, but what about a painting? There is a wide variety of art galleries in Providenciales, including Anna’s Art Gallery and Brilliant Studios Gallery. These galleries feature oil and watercolor paintings that showcase various aspects of island life. Of course, the island’s signature crystal clear waters and powdery white sands are always on display. In addition to being unique souvenir, a painting is a fabulous way to remember your trip to the island.

Local Artisan Offer Unique Souvenirs

Provo has a vibrant community of local artisans who sell their wares in local gift shops and boutiques.  Need a souvenir that screams “authentic”? Handwoven crafts such as baskets, mats and dolls are your best bet. For foodies, Provo offers a fine selection of edible souvenirs, including caramels topped with salt from Salt Cay, Turk’s Head Beer and island-roasted coffee.

Designer Clothing Gift Ideas

Need a gift for the fashionista in your life? Boutiques such as Sea Sage and Femme Apparel offer island-inspired fashion. Gift suggestions include silk and printed scarves, dresses and swim wear. If your heart is set on buying a t-shirt, consider picking up a t-shirt from popular island brand Konk Apparel.

Where to Shop in Turks and Caicos

Ready to shop? Shopping for gifts in Providenciales is as easy as taking a leisurely stroll.  Most gift shops and boutiques are located steps away from resort areas, including the Sands Resort.

The Salt Mills Plaza

The Salt Mills Plaza is a very popular shopping complex in the Grace Bay Tourism area. It is conveniently located within walking distance of Sands Resort. With restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, and clothing stores all in one place, it’s the perfect place for a shopping trip.

The Regent Village

The Regent Village, located near Salt Mills, is another great place for shopping in Providenciales. Home of the Provo Golf Club, Regent Village is also home to various shops and restaurants. There is no sales tax on purchases, so there is ample opportunity to buy fine jewelry, liquor and designer clothing at discounted prices.

Thursday Island Fish Fry

The Thursday Fish Fry at the Bight Children’s Park is an exciting way to get some shopping done in Provo.  Sample the best in Island cuisine while perusing the wares of local artisans.

The Bight is some distance from the Sands resort, so families are encouraged to book transportation to the festivities. Ask our concierge for more information.

Let Us Help You Plan the Perfect Stay in Turks and Caicos

What do you think? We would happy to help you plan the perfect vacation to Turks and Caicos. Please contact us and we’ll help you get started!