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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.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.

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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/

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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.

 

 

 

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Turks Caicos Information

The Sands at Grace Bay Participates In “Hello Tourist” Program

This week The Sands at Grace Bay warmly welcomed local TCI Students from the Shining Star, Ianthe Pratt and Precious Treasures schools as Tourists for the day!

The Sands was delighted to be a part of the Hello Tourist Program, a Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association initiative in conjunction with TCI Tourist Board’s Tourism Awareness month, along with other participating TCHTA hotels and Allied Members – to give our local children a taste of what it feels like to be a tourist, what tourists look for and how we appreciate our tourists who visit the Turks & Caicos Islands.

This event was part of the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board’s November celebration of “Tourism Environmental Awareness Month.”

We hope you enjoy some of the photos we took of the students experiencing The Sands at Grace Bay as “tourists” for the day!

Sands at Grace Bay

Sands at Grace Bay

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Turks Caicos Information

Where to Plan Your Destination Wedding at The Sands at Grace Bay

We offer three incredible locations for couples to select from when choosing where to wed on our Turks & Caicos oceanfront property, location on world-famous Grace Bay Beach. Here are 3 vistas that couples may consider, when planning their destination wedding at The Sands at Grace Bay:

  1. Grace Bay Beach: The Sands at Grace Bay is idyllically situated along a pristine stretch of Grace Bay Beach, and the resort boasts one of the island’s most affordable beach wedding packages for our world-famous Providenciales beach location. Experience the essence of the Caribbean as you say your vows on a powdery white sand beach overlooking turquoise waters while bathed in cooling tropical trade winds. Grace Bay Beach provides couples with the perfect ocean setting and unmatched beauty for nuptials. This location can accommodate up to 40 persons.
  1. Tropical Poolside Gazebo: Our charming poolside gazebo offers breathtaking views of our tropically landscaped pools and patio, with the beach and ocean just steps away. Perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony, this romantic island setting can accommodate up to 20 guests. Enjoy ocean breezes, and lush tropical gardens surrounding our poolside gazebo setting.
  1. Hemingway’s Beachfront Deck: On the spacious beachfront deck of the island’s award-winning Hemingway’s Restaurant, you and your guests will be captivated by a picture perfect sunset kissing the hills of Northwest Point. The moonlight glittering on the water will continue to light up your special night, as you celebrate into the evening. Spectacular ocean, Grace Bay Beach and lit pool views will be experienced from our on-site restaurant, which can accommodate groups of up to 40 persons.

For more information on our affordable beach wedding ceremony packages and for our free Turks & Caicos wedding information guide, visit: http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/weddings/introduction/

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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.

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Announcements Turks Caicos Information

New Nonstop Flights to Turks and Caicos This Winter

turks and caicos flights

Chicago residents will soon enjoy direct flights to Turks and Caicos Islands with the launch of a seasonal, nonstop United Airlines flights from December 19, 2015, through April 30,2016 – just in time for the busy winter travel season.

New Flights to Turks and Caicos

Scheduled for Saturdays, the Boeing 737-800 will be United Airlines’ first nonstop service available from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to the Providenciales International Airport (PLS).

The outbound flight will depart from Chicago Saturdays at 10:40 a.m., arriving in Providenciales at 3:40 p.m., while the return flight will depart Providenciales at 1:49 p.m. and arrive in Chicago at 5:09 p.m.

We are extremely excited to welcome more Chicago residents to The Sands at Grace Bay this winter, where they can enjoy our pristine stretch of Providenciales’ world-famous Grace Bay Beach, our free guest amenities including watersports equipment, bicycles, and three swimming pools, and our spacious and luxurious studio and suite accommodations! www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com.

Perfect harmony on Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales

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
Announcements Turks Caicos Information

New JetBlue Flights to Turks and Caicos from Fort Lauderdale

JetBlue Airways recently announced a new year-round, daily service on a new route between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Providenciales International Airport (PLS) in Turks and Caicos. The service is scheduled to begin this November, pending government approval. To celebrate its new major service, JetBlue is currently offering an introductory fare of only $99 each way between Fort-Lauderdale-Hollywood and PLS, Turks and Caicos.

JetBlue also operates flights between New York and Providenciales as well as a seasonal service out of Boston to PLS.

For more information, visit http://www.jetblue.com.

Other Turks and Caicos Flights

Direct service from so many cities makes planning a vacation to The Turks and Caicos Islands easy…and quick!

Travelers may find direct flights to Providenciales Airport (PLS) from many cities throughout North America and Canada, including New York, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto and Montreal.

There are also direct flights to Providenciales from Heathrow outside of London, England. Please view our Turks and Caicos map to find out where we are located.

For daily flight information, please consult the Turks and Caicos Airport Authority.

Below is a sampling of airlines that offer flights to Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. Please visit their websites directly, for the most recent flight and route updates, availability, and pricing:

City Airlines
NYC JetBlue, Delta Airlines, United Airlines,
Boston JetBlue, Delta Airlines, US Airways
Philadelphia Delta Airlines, US Airways
Charlotte US Airways
Atlanta Delta Airlines,
Miami American Airlines
Toronto Air Canada, WestJet
Ottawa Air Canada
Montreal Air Transat, Air Canada, WestJet
Nassau British Airways, Bahamas Air (direct daily flights)
London (Heathrow) British Airways

 

 

 

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Announcements Awards Turks Caicos Information

Top 3 Reasons Why Families Should Stay at Our Turks and Caicos Resort

With summer just a few weeks away, The Sands at Grace Bay is tempting Turks and Caicos resort for family travelers who are looking for significant resort savings in a leading vacation destination with its reduced low-season rates and 4th Night Free deal, array of family-friendly amenities and its unbeatable location on Providenciales’ world-famous Grace Bay Beach. Not only was Turks & Caicos’ Providenciales (“Provo”) named the World’s #1 Island by TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travelers’ Choice Awards, but The Sands at Grace Bay was recently named a “2015 Family Favorite Hotel” and one of the “Top 10 Caribbean Resorts for Families” by TripAdvisor’s family travel site, Family Vacation Critic.

The resort unveiled the following three reasons why families benefit from visiting The Sands at Grace Bay during the summer months:

  1. Families Receive Significant Resort Savings During Provo’s Low-Season – Summer is known as the Caribbean’s low-season and is the time of year when families can receive resort discounts and deals, reduced airfare costs, and plan a much more affordable trip to the first-class destination of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. From May 1st through December 19th, families will receive their 4th Night Free plus reduced low-season rates starting as low as $195 per night at The Sands at Grace Bay. To reduce vacation costs even further, the resort’s spacious 1, 2 and 3-bedroom suites are ideal for families who wish to share accommodations. Plus, the suites feature all the comforts of home including nicely equipped kitchens and dining areas that provide families with the convenience of preparing home-cooked meals during their stay.
  1. Free Family Friendly Events & Activities On The World’s #1 Island – Families can enjoy an array of affordable and optional day excursions during their trips to Providenciales, including snorkeling and conch cruises, horseback riding along the beach, sunset glow worm tours, semi-submarine underwater adventures, kayak nature tours and much more. There are also several free kid-friendly attractions and events that take place around the island. Provo’s weekly Thursday night Fish Fry features freshly caught fish and seafood, local bands and entertainment, dancers and much more – for a fun night that celebrates all things “Turks & Caicos.” The Turks & Caicos National Environmental Centre is a free and informative way for families to learn about the wildlife, habitats and ecosystems found throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. And finally, the world-renowned beaches surrounding Providenciales are always a family favorite activity.
  1. Free Resort Amenities Offer Endless Opportunities For Having Fun Under The Sun – One of the greatest benefits mentioned by families who stay at The Sands at Grace Bay is the array of added value amenities that guests may enjoy during their stay including free use of watersports equipment, bicycles, a weekly cocktail party, three swimming pools, a basketball/tennis court that is lit for night play and more. To fully appreciate the resort’s Grace Bay Beach location, families with older children take advantage of the resort’s kayaks, snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards and Hobie Cats. Resort bicycles offer a fun way for families to explore the island of Providenciales together. Families often bring the resort’s snorkeling gear to the nearby Coral Gardens snorkeling site, one of the most popular snorkeling areas for families in Providenciales. The shallow waters that can be accessed right from the beach, the diversity of fish, the clearly marked boundaries, and the safely roped off area make this a great spot to bring children and beginner snorkelers.

The Sands at Grace Bay’s 4th Night FREE promotion is valid for new bookings made on all room categories for travel now through December 19th, 2015. Travelers can book the resort’s 4th Night Free offer online at www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com, using the promo code “4NF2015” – or call toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327; or contact a travel agent for reservations.

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Announcements Awards Turks Caicos Information

The Sands at Grace Bay Awards: We’re a “2015 Family Favorite Hotel”

A new addition to Sands at Grace Bay Awards – TripAdvisor’s family travel site, Family Vacation Critic, has once again named The Sands at Grace Bay a “Family Vacation Critic Favorite” 2015 hotel based on expert and consumer feedback. The resort was also recently named one of the, “Top 10 Caribbean Resorts For Families” by this leading family vacation website!

The Sands at Grace Bay - A 2015 "Family Favorite Hotel" by Family Vacation Critic
The Sands at Grace Bay – A 2015 “Family Favorite Hotel” by Family Vacation Critic

To be named a Family Vacation Critic Favorite hotel, hotels and resorts must have been personally vetted and visited by a member of Family Vacation Critic’s editorial team and must have been recommended by 75% or more families who have reviewed the property, with a four- or five-star review rating.

“The Family Vacation Critic Favorite winners represent hotels that truly excel as family-friendly properties. Because awards are only given to hotels that receive a high rating from both our team of experts and family travelers who have stayed at the property, the Family Vacation Critic Favorite Hotels designation offers parents a credible stamp of approval to use when searching for the perfect hotel for their family.”

– Lissa Poirot, Editor-in-Chief, Family Vacation Critic

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There are many reasons why families continue to visit our award-winning Providenciales, Turks & Caicos resort, including:

  • Our affordable low-season summer and fall rates and 4th Night Free Deal (valid between May 1st through December 19th)
  • Our unbeatable location on Grace Bay Beach, the Caribbean’s #1 Beach according to TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travelers’ Choice Awards
  • Fun and family-friendly island attractions in Providenciales, named the World’s #1 Island by TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travelers’ Choice Awards
  • Free use of resort watersports equipment including kayaks, snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards and Hobie Cats
  • Complimentary resort bicycles available for guest use from daylight to dusk
  • 3 Free-form swimming pools that flow throughout a central garden courtyard and are connected by canals.
  • On-property dining out at the island’s legendary Hemingway’s Beachfront Restaurant that offers kid-friendly breakfast, lunch and dinners
  • The option to dine “in” using fully equipped kitchens and comfortable dining areas in our one, two, and three-bedroom suites that provide families the convenience of preparing home-cooked meals during their resort stay
  • Fun family friend excursions, ranging from snorkeling, horseback riding, semi-submarine underwater tours, glow worm sunset cruises, snuba and more

For more information on our family-friendly resort amenities, optional excursions, and island kid-friendly dining and attraction recommendations, visit our resort’s family page: http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/families/introduction/