The Turks and Caicos Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean to the east of the Bahamas, and about forty minutes by plane from Miami and the North American mainland.
The archipelago of 40 cays and islets sits on a sea mount called the Caicos Bank, which rises up from the Atlantic Ocean. Each cay is unique and provides a glimpse of life in the Caribbean in times gone by. And all around is a spectacular shallow turquoise sea of the Caicos Bank.
By Flickr user Rian Castillo. (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A String of 40 Islands and Cays
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays (pronounced keys) that rise above the submerged Caicos Bank, including our own island of Providenciales, or Provo. Provo is one of the Caicos islands. Middle and East Caicos can be reached fairly easily from Providenciales. Salt Cay, in the southeast corner of the Caicos Bank, is harder to reach. To the east of the Caicos Islands, across the Caicos Channel, lies island of Grand Turk.
Exploring the Caicos Islands Chain
While Grand Turk is an interesting place, if you’re staying on Providenciales it’s easiest to plan an adventure to isolated spots on the Caicos Bank, to visit the Caicos Islands.
The Caicos islands are:
Providenciales
Middle Caicos
North Caicos
South Caicos
East Caicos
West Caicos
Each has its own unique character, and provides a glimpse of the Caribbean of days gone by.
Providenciales
The Sands at Grace Bay is located on the calmer, leeward side of Providenciales. Grace Bay Beach is protected from strong trade winds that power the large breakers which are very popular with surfers and kiteboarders on other parts of the island.
Island tours can be arranged from Providenciales, typically by ferry or by plane. The ferry to Middle Caicos leaves from Blue Haven Marina on Leeward, while flights to other cays depart from Providenciales Airport.
North Caicos
After landing on North Caicos you will set off to explore the conch bar caves and venture deep inside the earth with your native guide to view stalactites and stalagmites, bats, white owls and incredible limestone formations.
Middle Caicos
However, now that you’re on North Caicos, continuing to travel on to Middle Caicos is well-worth the effort. A narrow sandy causeway connects the two islands. While it is possible to walk the trail to reach Middle Caicos, it would take far too long.
Caving on Middle Caicos
This adventure begins with a scenic boat ride from Provo to North Caicos—you can most easily get to the caves of Middle Caicos from North Caicos—where you’ll stop along the way to snorkel on the barrier reef.
Middle Caicos itself is home to just 300 full-time residents. It’s a wonderful day trip by boat from Provo.
East Caicos
East Caicos is an uninhabited island but is large in size being 18 square miles. Swamps and mangroves inundate a majority of the island, you can find the highest point of the islands here. There is a splendid 17 mile beach on the northcoast of the island, this is usually only used by sea turtles to lay their eggs because of the large mosquito population.
South Caicos
Located to the southeast of Middle Caicos, South Caicos is not a day trip. Instead South Caicos is a destination in its own right. It can be accessed by water taxi, but it’s far easier to fly there.
Island Hopping in the Turks and Caicos
Full Day Caicos Bank Cruise (Dream Day Getaway)
If you want to truly experience the wild, natural beauty of the Turks and Caicos, a full-day trip up the Caicos Bank to the east of Grace Bay and the Leeward side of Providenciales is the way to do it.
As its name suggests, Caicos Bank is notable for its shallow, crystal-clear water and white sands.
The full day excursion makes a stop at Leeward Reef for snorkeling right from the boat. Leeward reef is located off the northeastern, leeward tip of Providenciales and has been left relatively untouched by development.
The tour also explores some of the more remote cays that most visitors never get to see. One of these small islands is Fort George Cay, less than an hour by boat to the east of our resort.
Fort George Cay is an uninhabited island that once was home to a small fort that protected the Caicos islands from pirates. Some of the gun emplacements still remain, which makes for an incredible beachcombing experience.
As part of its full-day excursion, Caicos Dream Tours provides a delicious BBQ feast.
After lunch the tour resumes with snorkeling at the spectacular coral beds off Pine Cay and exploration stop at Half Moon Bay.
Private Tours to North and Middle Caicos
North and Middle Caicos are the two largest islands in the country. They lie to the east of Providenciales and are connected by a sandbar. Few people live on these islands, and they offer a chance to get a glimpse of the Caribbean of the past.
Both cays feature some fantastic scenery and equally fantastic beaches. Middle Caicos is famous for Mudjin Harbour’s beautiful beach, located on the northern shore of the island and the spectacular Conch Bar Caves.
Plan Your Excursion
The excursions may be conveniently booked by guests of The Sands at Grace Bay at our Tour Desk, located by our main swimming pool. Learn more here.
For guests of The Sands at Grace Bay or Providenciales visitors looking to explore the nearby Turks & Caicos Islands for a fun day trip, Caribbean Cruisin’ conveniently offers a twice-weekly 75-minute ferry service from Providenciales to South Caicos Island which departs on Friday and Sunday.
Things to do in South Caicos:
South Caicos offers world class snorkeling and diving ‘off the beach’ or a short boat ride away. There’s even an amazing 7000ft reef wall for scuba divers to explore with a few wrecks.??You can wander around the sleepy town of Cockburn Harbor and because South Caicos has a thriving fishing, conch and lobster industry, enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the local restaurants to enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood. There are many points of interest to explore including Flamingo Pond, Wades Green Loyalist Plantation, Cottage Pond and Horse Stable Beach
Other attractions for visitors in South Caicos include:
Kayaking & stand up paddle boarding through the mangroves
Bone fishing and deep sea fishing are popular as South Caicos is known as the fishing center of the Islands
Visit Long Cay to see the Iguanas
Trek along the North shore or just relax on one of the many beautiful deserted beaches.
The island also hosts the annual BIG SOUTH Regatta held in May each year.
Explore the Conch Bar caves or hike across the Crossing Place Trail
For guests of The Sands at Grace Bay looking to explore the nearby Turks & Caicos Islands for a fun day trip, Caribbean Cruisin’ conveniently offers daily ferry service from Providenciales to North Caicos and South Caicos Islands. The 25-minute ferry ride from Providenciales to North Caicos is offered several times throughout the day, every Monday through Sunday.
Three Mary’s Cay, North Caicos
Here are some fun things to do and attractions to see in North Caicos:
Things to do in North Caicos:
Snorkelers enjoy the shallow clear waters and various coral heads along the North shore. The beaches along the North shore are gently sloping and the waves are minimal as the shoreline is protected by the barrier reef, about 1 mile from the coast.
North Caicos is home to some of the following attractions:
Three Mary’s Cays Sanctuary – a breathtaking beach known for snorkeling and its serenity
Whitby Beach – a 7 mile stretch of white sand beach that is famous for its snorkeling
Protected nature reserves – home to West Indian Flamingos
Eco-Adventure tours – guided kayak, mountain bike and boat tours are a great way to explore this island
Provindenciales in Turks and Caicos is regularly recognized as one of the best islands in the world. It’s a nice place to visit, and an even nicer place to live.
Anyone who has ever visited our island can tell you why: perfect weather, friendly people and a relaxed island vibe all combine to make Providenciales a perfect place to visit.
Grace Bay Beach and the Bight Reef, near the Sands on Grace Bay
While tourism has rebounded dramatically following the economic downturn of 2007, Providenciales and the Turks and Caicos are only just starting to be considered as a retirement destination.
Over the past decade major infrastructure projects such as a revitalized airport have led to more frequent direct flights to Providencials (PLS).
And, the recovery of the global economy has meant an increase in construction projects on Providenciales aimed at boosting the islands relatively small stock of retirement villas.
If you have considered retiring on Providenciales we have created this short guide to help get you started.
Who Lives In Turks and Caicos?
The islands are home to roughly 30,000 full time residents, and welcome more than 200,000 tourist annually.
The Turks and Caicos is home to a multi-ethnic and international population. People come here from all over the Caribbean and all over the world to work in the tourism sector.
The Turks and Caicos is also a port of call for many adventurers and dreamers who have come here searching for a simpler way of life and a chance to experience the Caribbean of days gone by.
Still, there is a strong and proud local culture here of “Belongers.”
The majority of the “Belonger” population are descendents of Africans who were brought to the Caribbean with Bermudians in the 1700’s to work on the salt pans and later with Loyalists to work on cotton plantations.
But thanks to the charm and beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands there is also a growing number of “expatriate” residents of North American, European and Asian descent who discovered the magic of
Why Relocate to Turks and Caicos?
Providenciales and Grace Bay Beach are routinely ranked as the world’s best places to visit.
Anyone who ever comes here raves about the sublime beauty of Grace Bay Beach’s powdery white sand and crystal-clear water.
By Flickr user Daniel Ross . (CC BY-SA 2.0)
However, Providenciales is more than a place to visit. There is a rich island culture here. There is also delicious food at some of the most sophisticated restaurants in the Caribbean.
If you like sailing, scuba diving or fishing, there are also 40 islands and cays to explore all across the shallow Caicos Bank.
And the weather is sunny and warm for almost the entire year.
The average temperature ranges between 85 and 90 degrees (29-32 degrees celsius) from June to October, sometimes reaching the mid 90’s in August and early September.
By Flickr user Daniel Ross. (CC BY-SA 2.0)
From November to May the average temperature averages an even more pleasant 80 to 84 degrees (27-29 degrees Celsius).
A constant trade wind keeps the climate at a very comfortable level.
Where else would you want to spend the rest of your days?
Where Are the Turks and Caicos?
The Turks and Caicos Islands is an archipelago of 40 cays and islets located about an hour by air from Miami, and about 3 hours by air from New York.
The Turks and Caicos sit atop the Caicos Bank. It’s a massive underwater seamount rising up from the deeps of the ocean floor. Just offshore to the north of the Caicos islands run barrier reefs. To the south lies the shallow waters of the Caicos Bank.
Its 40 islands and cays are perfect for exploring.
By Flickr user Rian Castillo. (CC BY-SA 2.0)
While Grand Turk in the east, across the Caicos Channel, is the capital of the territory, Providenciales on the western end is the most populated of all the islands. The main airport is located on Providenciales, as well as many of the resorts and real estate developments.
Besides world-class restaurants and fine dining, Providenciales is also home to convenient, well-stocked shops such as the Graceway grocery chain.
Providenciales
While Providenciales is home to major luxury resorts, the island still retains much of the atmosphere of the old Caribbean.
The main urban center of the island is the Bight Settlement. Besides being close to shopping and services, the Bight is also the location of the Bight Reef, a coral reef within wading distance from the shore of Grace Bay.
Like the Bight, the settlement of Blue Hills is built around a supply of fresh water. Both the Bight and Blue Hills give a real feeling of Caribbean villages. In the Down Town section, near the airport there are retail shops, business offices and banks.
Chalk Sound. By Flickr user Tim Sackton. (CC BY-SA 2.0)
On the southwestern end of Providenciales, about ten minutes by car from Down Town, lies Chalk Sound. It’s a large lake with striking turquoise water and an array of small cays.
For shopping, many locals depend on IGA’s Graceway chain of supermarkets. Grace Bay, the main tourist area of Providenciales, features Graceway Gourmet, an upscale grocery store with fine, natural and organic foods.
Photo by Tobias Linman, Flickr
Windward or Leeward on Providenciales?
Generally speaking, when people talk about Providenciales they refer to “windward side” or “leeward side.” Leeward stretches along the northeast coast of Providenciales.
The placid waters of beautiful Grace Bay Beach is on Leeward. The water is so calm on Grace Bay Beach because it is in the “lee” of the wind, and is protected from the easterly trade winds that come in off the Atlantic.
Leeward end is also the location of shallow mangrove swamps. It’s the perfect place to go kayaking or paddle-boarding.
Long Bay Beach. By Flickr user Jussi Ollila. (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The opposite side of the island receives constant trade winds year-round. Thanks to these winds, Long Bay Beach on Providenciales is known as one of the best kite surfing locations on the island.
Long Bay Beach is also famous for its pony rides. It’s one of the wilder and less-developed corners of Providenciales.
Amazing Food
If you travel to the Turks and Caicos today you’ll be able to choose from almost every cuisine on earth.
This is because, as the islands have become more popular as a tourist destination, people have been attracted from all over the world to live and work here.
The island of Providenciales in particular offers everything from sushi and high-end fusion cuisine to Indian and Chinese food.
Conch fritters, the quintessential Turks and Caicos dish.
Of course, everyone who travels to the Turks and Caicos will want to eat seafood, which includes local delicacies such as mahi mahi, tuna, rock lobster and the ever-present conch.
Drought-resistant maize (a kind of corn) does well in the semi-arid conditions of the Turks and Caicos.
As a result, hominy grits are a popular part of traditional local cuisine.
By Flickr user Tim Sackton. (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Traditional dishes include conch and hominy, cod fish cakes and corn bread. Steamed conch, stewed conch, and stewed fish and grits.
Crab and rice, which features the blue crab common to the islands, is also a local comfort food.
How Easy is It to Travel Here?
There are direct flights between Providenciales Airport (PLS) and many cities throughout North America and Canada, including New York, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto and Montreal.
New InterCaribbean air service also up and running
InterCaribbean Airways has also introduced new flights from their home base on Providenciales, connecting Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to Antigua and Barbuda. Read more.
What About the Government?
The Turks & Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory. A Governor is appointed by the Queen and presides over an Executive Council formed by an elected local self-government.
Government offices are located in Grand Turk, with branches on other islands. The legal system is based on English Common Law.
The Islands’ currency is US Dollars. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Travellers Cheques are widely accepted on Providenciales. Banks will accept all forms of currency for conversion.
Immigration and Visas
For tourist stays up to 30 days, U.S. citizens need a passport, naturalization certificate, or original certified birth certificate as well as photo identification, onward or return tickets, and sufficient funds for their stay.
By Flickr user Daniel Ross . (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Working in Turks and Caicos
A work permit entitles a person to work for one employer which applies for and endorses the employee. Spouses and children can be endorsed on work permits for skilled workers. Learn more.
Temporary Residence Permits (TRP)
A TRP can be obtained by the Immigration department for those interested in residing in the islands without the right to work for a limited period of time, generally up to one-year.
Changeover from a TPR to a work permit is not permitted. Children up to age 18 and spouses can be endorsed on a TRP. Learn more.
Stamp duty ranges from 6.5-percent to 10-percent. This is a one-time land transfer tax, based on price and location of the property. There are no capital gains or estate taxes on real estate.
Exploring the Turks and Caicos
Forty islands and cays offer almost unlimited opportunities for exploring for long-term residents. If you love sailing you can visit isolated cays where once pirates roamed. Or you can take day trips to sparsely populated Middle Caicos and North Caicos. Explore further out into the Caicos Bight and reach South Caicos.
Everywhere around you will be surrounded by the shallow crystal-clear waters that have made the Turks and Caicos so famous.
Much of the northern coastline is protected by a long barrier reef, which drops a thousand meters down to the bottom of the Atlantic. The currents and upflows of nutrients make the reefs of the Turks and Caicos perfect for diving.
What’s Healthcare Like on Providenciales?
Providenciales is home to a state-of-the art medical center, Chesire Hall.
Health services provided at the center includes emergency care, dental, dialysis, internal medicine, surgical, orthopedic, obstetric and endoscopic procedures, physiotherapy and diagnostic imaging.
Fay to day healthcare and emergency services are handled by private clinics. There is also a hospital, Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, which many of the services that one would find in the USA or Canada.
If you are not a resident of the Turks and Caicos and do not have an employer, you must sign up for private medical insurance before coming to the island.
A Truly Beautiful Place
Chalk Sound. By Flickr user Tim Sackton. (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Turks and Caicos is a safe, pleasant and utterly beautiful place to visit or come to live. While it may not be easy to set up residency, many people do successfully plan long-term stays here. If you have any questions about moving to Turks and Caicos, please leave us a comment below.
Thanks to all our guests who participated in our March #SandsSelfie photos – the photos you submitted on our Facebook & Instagram pages were simply outstanding and we loved seeing all your smiling faces! The results of our March #SandsSelfie Turks & Caicos photo contest are finally in – and we’re excited to announce the winning photo submission that will be awarded a gift certificate for a 3-Night Stay in a luxurious one-bedroom oceanview suite at The Sands:
Here’s the Winning #SandsSelfie photo that was posted onto our Facebook wall by Erin Katsman-Lesynski:
This photo captures one of the many reasons why families continue to come stay with us at our top-rated Providenciales resort and why we were named a “2015 Family Favorite Hotel” by Family Vacation Critic. Not only are we situated on Provo’s world-famous Grace Bay Beach (recently named #1 beach in the world by TripAdvisor), but we offer a plethora of family friendly free amenities for guests to have even more fun under the sun during their Turks & Caicos trip including watersports equipment, snorkeling gear, bicycles, 3 swimming pools and more – in addition to offering affordable rates for spacious studio and suite accommodations that are complete with all the comforts of home.
Congratulations and thank you for sharing this terrific family photo with us, Erin!
We encourage all our guests to continue to share their #SandsSelfie photos with us through our resort’s Facebook Page, Instagram and Pinterest pages. We now have convenient Sands at Grace Bay “Selfie frames” that you can use for even more photo taking fun – and the frames are also a great way to capture your incredible memories during your stay with us.
Still haven’t planned your summer vacation? We’re offering a 4th Night Free special offer for spring and summer travel beginning this May and it’s valid on ALL room categories – so hurry to book your summer stay for LESS! Contact us today or make your reservations online.
The Turks and Caicos Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean to the east of the Bahamas, and about forty minutes by plane from Miami and the North American mainland.
The archipelago of 40 cays and islets sits on a sea mount rising up from the Atlantic Ocean. Each cay is unique and provides a glimpse of life in the Caribbean in times gone by.
Image from Wikipedia
If you can ever drag yourself away from beautiful Grace Bay Beach, an entire world is awaiting you here to explore in the Turks and Caicos.
Here are some easy day trips from The Sands at Grace Bay.
Caving on Middle Caicos
This adventure begins with a scenic boat ride from Provo to North Caicos—you can most easily get to the caves of Middle Caicos from North Caicos—where you’ll stop along the way to snorkel on the barrier reef.
Middle Caicos itself is home to just 300 full-time residents. It’s a wonderful day trip by boat from Provo.
North Caicos
After landing on North Caicos you will set off to explore the conch bar caves and venture deep inside the earth with your native guide to view stalactites and stalagmites, bats, white owls and incredible limestone formations.
North Caicos. Image by Flickr user kanu101. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
North Caicos itself is largely undeveloped. Visiting the island offers a look at Turks and Caicos the way it used to be. The trip to North Caicos can and makes for an interesting day trip from Providenciales.
However, now that you’re on North Caicos, continuing to travel on to Middle Caicos is well-worth the effort. A narrow sandy causeway connects the two islands. While it is possible to walk the trail to reach Middle Caicos, it would take far too long.
Image by Flickr user Ali West
Instead, rent or arrange transport to take you to Middle Caicos and its caves.
Mudjin Harbor, Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. Image by Flickr user Tim Sackton. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
The caves of Middle Caicos are located close to Mudjin Harbour. The limestone bluffs offer some truly unforgettable views of spectacular seascapes here.
Middle Caicos. Image by Flicker user Ali West. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
Besides awe-inspiring views Mudjin Harbour features some truly gorgeous beaches.
Dragon Cay, a small limestone cay, is accessible from the beach at low tide.
Image by Flickr user Tim Sackton. Mudjin Harbor, Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
But even if the tide does not cooperate, the beach at Mudjin Harbour provides a unique place to splash in the sea and relax on the beautiful white sand.
Middle Caicos Caves
The Turks and Caicos are famous for having the largest above-ground cave network in the entire Caribbean and a private tour is just the way to explore it. Some of the most striking caves are found on Middle Caicos.
Image by Ali West. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
The caves, since they’re above ground, can be explored easily by anyone (with the proper footwear), and offer an interesting glimpse at the natural history and cultural heritage of the Caribbean.
Only recently rediscovered, the caves were once the home of Lucayan Indians, and it’s thought they sheltered in the caves during hurricanes. The Village Caves and the Conch Bar are the most frequently visited caves on Middle Caicos.
Located to the southeast of Middle Caicos, South Caicos is not a day trip. Instead South Caicos is a destination in its own right. It can be accessed by water taxi, but it’s far easier to fly there.
Image by Flickr user spezz. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
South Caicos is a private island. There is accommodation there, but the island is best known for being the location of summer homes and villas of movie stars.
Image by Flickr user Brian Brake. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
Most of the activities on South Caicos involve the water: windsurfing, kiteboarding, snorkeling and scuba diving and even some fishing.
Image by Flickr user Brian Brake. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
South Caicos is surrounded by shallow shoals and flats—perfect for bonefishing. Airboats are available to take anglers out to the best bonefishing spots.
Exploring Providenciales
Even if you don’t have time to do a day trip to explore more of the Turks and Caicos, our very own island of Providenciales.
Leeward Beach, Provo
Leeward Beach, on the northeast end of Provo, provides a secluded, spectacular beach to explore.
Image by Flickr user Christine Jackowski. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
Leeward is a fantastic place to watch the sunset. Leeward is also close to Mangrove Cay, a nature reserve.
Image by Flickr user Daniel Ross. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
Mangrove Cay provides an excellent place to explore by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
SUP is a popular activity in the Turks and Caicos. Our own stretch of Grace Bay Beach on the leeward side of Providenciales is perfect for it.
Providenciale’s Iguana Island (aka Little Water Cay)
Just off the northeast, leeward tip of Providenciales Little Water Cay, better known as “Iguana Island.”
The cay is a wildlife preserve for iguanas. It can be reached by water taxi from Blue Haven Marina in Leeward and is the perfect family day trip in Turks and Caicos.
Image by Flickr user Andy Atzert. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
Little Water Cay is indeed inhabited by a colony of friendly iguanas. They are herbivores (the iguanas eat plants) and are quite friendly and sociable.
Tim Sackton. The Turks and Caicos rock iguana (Cyclura carinata). License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
Get Help Planning a Day Trip in Turks and Caicos
If taking a day trip with your family to explore the Turks and Caicos sounds interesting, here are three trips put on by Caicos Dream Tours that pick you up right in front of The Sands at Grace Bay and fantastic exploration in some of the Turks and Caicos’ must-see spots.
Plan Your Excursion
The excursions may be conveniently booked by guests of The Sands at Grace Bay at our Tour Desk, located by our main swimming pool. Learn more here.
Located on Providenciales’ Grace Bay Beach – recently named the World’s #1 Beach by TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travelers’ Choice Awards – The Sands at Grace Bay is tempting spring and summer travelers with its 4th Night Free offer and reduced low-season rates starting from only $195 per night. Named one of the, “Best Hotels in Turks & Caicos” for 2016 by the U.S. News & World Report, a “2015 Family Favorite Hotel” from Family Vacation Critic and a recipient of WeddingWire.com’s “2015 Couples Choice Award”, our resort is leading choice amongst travelers of all ages seeking an affordable yet luxurious stay in one of the Caribbean’s most sought after beach vacation destinations.
In addition to offering some of the most affordable rates along Provo’s world-famous Grace Bay Beach, guests also benefit from the following free resort 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.
Our reduced low-season rates that start from only $195 per night are available for travel beginning April 9th through December 23rd, 2016. The resort-wide 4th Night FREE Deal is valid for new bookings of three nights or more, for travel between May 1st through December 23rd. The free night is not transferable or redeemable for cash, and is not applicable for groups. More resort information may be found online at www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com – or by calling toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637 or from Canada (800) 567-5327. Travel agents receive a ten percent commission for all bookings made 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
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.flywheelstaging.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.
Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos has just been named the World’s #1 Beach by TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travelers’ Choice Awards! Of course, this comes as no surprise to those who have stayed with us at The Sands at Grace Bay and had the opportunity to enjoy our resort’s pristine stretch of Grace Bay Beach during their Turks & Caicos vacation. Not only does our world-famous beach boast unbelievably clear water, with hundreds of shades of blue and green and white sugar sand, but our ocean water is surprisingly warm. In the summer, a dip in the surf at Grace Bay Beach may feel a lot like taking a warm bath – with ocean water temperatures ranging between 82 to 84 degrees (28-29 degrees Celsius). The winter water temperature is a bit cooler but still incredibly comfortable, ranging from 74 to 78 degrees (23-26 degrees Celsius).
Now that the word is out that we’re located on the world’s very best beach, we encourage you to take advantage of our low-season spring rates and our Spring and Summer 4th Night Free deal before our resort occupancy is full. More and more travelers from around the world are making reservations with us to enjoy our idyllic beach destination, so now is the best time to book an affordable spring getaway to The Sands at Grace Bay.
This spring and summer you’ll enjoy our affordable low-season rates plus you’ll have endless fun in the sun with our array of free amenities including three swimming pools, ocean watersports equipment, bicycles and more. Plus, our spacious and luxurious studios and suites are ideal for families, groups of friends, and couples and come equipped with all the comforts of home.
The Sands’ low-season spring and summer rates kick off on April 7th and the resort’s 4th Night Free Deal begins May 1st, 2016. BOOK NOW: http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com.
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.
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:
Brilliantby 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.
