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Tag: The Sands At Grace Bay

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Things To Do In The Caribbean

3 Beach Travel Caribbean Vacation Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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Turks Caicos Information

Grace Bay Beach Travel Tips: Ways to Protect Your Tech

About.com’s Caribbean Travel Expert, Robert Curley, recently featured some beach travel tips and cool gadgets on his Caribbean Travel blog that can help keep your technology safe and secure when you take it to the beach. Here are some of the protective gear recommendations that would be perfect to pack in your suitcase before your next trip to Turks & Caicos and stay at The Sands at Grace Bay beach:

  1. Travelon Waterproof Smartphone Case – this is a waterproof pouch that can protect your smartphone from the sand and water, that includes a foam insert so your case will float if it happens to fall in the ocean. Your phone can still be operated while its stored in the bag. Travelon Waterproof Smartphone Case
  1. LugSlider 15-inch Laptop Pouch – This laptop bag is made from water-repellant material to help you keep the moisture and sand far away from your computer, and features a convenient carry handle so you can slip it on your arm while carrying your beach bags, chairs and other beach day essentials. LugSlider Laptop Pouch
  1. Outdoor Research Sensor Dry Pocket Tablet – This waterproof case is the perfect size to safely carry your iPad, Kindle or tablet-sized laptop or electronic reading device around the beach. It also comes with Velcro straps, making it easy to attach to your beach chair. Outdoor Research Sensor Dry Pocket Tablet

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For the complete article, visit: http://gocaribbean.about.com/od/caribbeantravelgear/tp/Protect-Your-Tech-at-the-Beach.htm

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Beach Weddings Turks Caicos Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Affordable Turks and Caicos Destination Weddings

Located on Providenciales, Turks & Caicos’ pristine stretch of Grace Bay Beach, there may be no better place in the world to plan Caribbean beach destination weddings than at The Sands at Grace Bay. Our two intimate and affordable beach wedding ceremony packages for 2015 are both under $5,000, and allow couples to plan their dream beach wedding that is within their budget in the increasingly popular Caribbean wedding destination of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos – named the #1 Island In The World by TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Our customizable packages provide couples with the basic elements for an elegant beach wedding ceremony for up to ten people, with the ability to invite additional wedding guests and based on your ceremony and reception desires. We have partnered with the very best local vendors – including Brilliant by Tropical Imaging, one of the top 5 Photography Studios in the Caribbean (also responsible for these incredible wedding photos that were recently taken at a wedding held at The Sands) – to offer special packages and pricing for couples to select from a variety of wedding day “extras” – including wedding photography packages, reception dining and rehearsal dinner packages, florists, entertainers, island excursions, hair and makeup artist and much more.

Our “Let’s Say I Do” Package is from $1,895 Per Couple and includes:

  • 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

Our “Let’s Go For It” package, from $4,750 Per Couple, includes all the offerings from the “Let’s Say I Do” package, with the following additions:

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

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Our wedding package prices are based on a 10 person wedding and do not include room accommodations or the resort’s 10% service charge and 12% government tax. For each additional wedding guest (up to 20 persons) an additional $25 per person charge will be applied to the total package price. For groups over 20, customized package pricing will apply.

For more information on our affordable wedding packages and for more information on weddings in Turks & Caicos, visit www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/weddings/ or call toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637 and ask to speak with our wedding coordinator.

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Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Private Turks and Caicos Tours With Caicos Dream Tours

Plan Your Perfect Day In Providenciales

Caicos Dream Tours offers some of the best Turks and Caicos tours. Private charters give resort guests of The Sands at Grace Bay the option to choose from their impressive fleet of power boats and catamarans to reserve for a half or full day. With boats that can accommodate up to 12 guests, there are plenty of sights to see and things you can do during your private charter excursion including snorkeling the Barrier Reef, bottom fishing, exploring secluded islands and private beaches, sightseeing around the cays, tubing, conch diving and more. Caicos Dream Tours will help you customize your perfect half or full day trip based on your specific interests and group size. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for two, a family reunion, a wedding party or a fun trip with friends, the fully equipped boats and professional Caicos Dream Tours staff and boat captains will help make your special occasion even more spectacular.

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Half-Day Private Charters:

Half-day charters are offered for a 4-hour reservation time period with both morning (9:00am) and afternoon (1:30pm) departure options. The charter includes complimentary gourmet sandwiches, freshly grilled fish and lobster (when in season), conch salad and light snacks and refreshments including beer, rum punch, soft drinks and water. The private half-day charter costs $1,100 for up to 12 guests, with an additional charge of $89 per person for groups of more than 12 people.

Full-Day Private Charters:

Full-day charters may be reserved for an 8-hour time period, with 9:00am departure times. The full day charters include a beach BBQ complete with chicken and freshly grilled fish and lobster (when in season), conch salad and light snacks and refreshments including beer, rum punch, soft drinks and water. The full-day charter costs $2,200 for up to 12 guests, with an additional charge of $179 per person for groups of more than 12 people.

FAQ’s:

Guests of all ages and abilities are welcome on this tour. Children under two years of age are complimentary. Persons with limited mobilities are welcome but please provide Caicos Dream Tours with prior notice so they may arrange special transport to the marina and provide extra assistance and/or accommodations as needed. For cancellations or to reschedule a tour: call a minimum of 24 hours prior to your tour to avoid cancellation charges. Credit card information is required to reserve your spot on this excursion but guests will not be charged until after the excursion takes place.

For more information, visit: http://www.caicosdreamtours.com/excursions/private-charters-full-day/ 

 

 

 

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Turks Caicos Information

New Graceway Smart Supermarket Opens in Providenciales

Providenciales’ new Graceway Smart Supermarket kicked off its grand opening weekend on March 28th and is now open for business. Located in the Town Center Mall in downtown Provo, the new grocery store is only a 3 minute ride from the airport so guests who have just landed may wish to make a stop at this store on their way to our resort to stock their kitchens with some meal and snack time essentials.

The new Graceway Smart store carries more of Graceway’s affordable in-store brand essentials, while the IGA Graceway Supermarket on the Leeward Highway and the Graceway Gourmet Store in the heart of Grace Bay offer a greater selection of brand name and more specialty food items. All three Graceway supermarkets offer guests a complete selection of food, drinks, delis, bakeries, beverages, toiletry items and more – and are easily accessible from The Sands at Grace Bay via a short cab ride.

One of the benefits of staying at The Sands at Grace Bay is our guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen and/or kitchenette in our spacious studio and suite accommodations, that feature modern cooking appliances, dinnerware and cutlery. This allows you and your friends and loved ones to cut down on the costs of eating out for every meal, and enjoy a home cooked meal and your favorite vacation snacks and beverages from the comfort of your room, or on your spacious screened in balcony while enjoying the warm ocean breezes.

For more information on the Graceway Supermarkets in Providenciales, visit: http://www.gracewaysupermarkets.com.

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Things To Do In The Caribbean

Snorkel and Conch Cruise: A Fun Family Tour In Turks Caicos

One of the most popular excursions offered by Caicos Dream Tours provides a terrific way for our resort guests to experience the third largest coral reef system in the world, that surrounds the island of Providenciales. This memorable four-hour snorkel and conch cruise excursion offers twice daily departures (9:00am and 1:30pm), seven days a week. You will be conveniently picked up in our resort lobby where you will be shuttled to the Caicos Dream Tours marina, just three minutes away from the Sands at Grace Bay. In a fully shaded power catamaran, you will be whisked away to some of the most stunning barrier reef formations that are abundant with underwater wildlife. With snorkel equipment included, the captain will first make a stop to snorkel along the Caicos Bank where you may also dive for conch, the island’s native mollusk and local delicacy. You will then depart to Half Moon Bay, an uninhabited island where you can relax on the white-sand beach and snorkel in the crystal clear waters just offshore while the staff prepares you a light lunch that includes a freshly made conch salad from the conch that you dove for earlier in the day. This is a terrific excursion option for families and couples looking for a half-day snorkeling adventure that offers breathtaking sights both above and below water and four hours of pure fun.

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Inclusions:

Resort transportation, snorkeling gear (fins, mask, vest), complimentary snacks and refreshments including gourmet sandwiches and conch salad, rum punch, beer, and assorted soft drinks are all included in the excursion price.

Cost:

The snorkel & conch cruise excursion costs $89 per adult and $44.50 for kids under 10 years old. Gratuities are not included in the tour cost. For more information or to book this excursion, contact us or visit the following site: http://www.caicosdreamtours.com/sign-up.

Departures:

Twice daily departures are available 7 days per week: 9:00am – 1:00pm and 1:30-5:30pm

FAQ’s:

Guests of all ages and abilities are welcome on this tour. Children under two years of age are complimentary. Persons with limited mobilities are welcome but please provide Caicos Dream Tours with prior notice so they may arrange special transport to the marina and provide extra assistance and/or accommodations as needed. For cancellations or to reschedule a tour: call a minimum of 24 hours prior to your tour to avoid cancellation charges. Credit card information is required to reserve your spot on this excursion but guests will not be charged until after the excursion takes place.

For more information about exciting optional excursions available to guests staying at The Sands at Grace Bay, visit:http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/excursions/overview/ 

 

 

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Things To Do In The Caribbean

5 Fun Activities In Turks and Caicos

A Luxury Travel Blog featured 5 experiences not to miss in Provo and we wanted to share these recommendations with our resort guests, as fun and optional day activities during your stay at The Sands at Grace Bay:

  1. Watch Mermaids Swim: The Undersea Explorer offers semi-submarine tours that allow kids to see a real life “Bella the Mermaid” – a free diver who swims in a mermaid suit for all to experience during this underwater excursion adventure.
  1. Snuba: This cross between snorkeling and scuba diving allows travelers (8 years and older) to stay underwater for long periods of time and see the gorgeous underwater sights of Provo without the hassle of wearing a scuba tank or taking scuba dive lessons. Enjoy the gorgeous barrier reef with bright corals and abundant marine life by booking a Snuba excursion on your next trip to Turks & Caicos.
  1. Visit Iguana Island: Endangered Turks & Caicos native Rock Iguanas have made “Iguana Island” their home. Just a short boat ride away from Provo, this uninhabited and protected island allows visitors to view friendly and harmless Rock Iguanas sunning themselves on the beach and rocks and is a favorite day trip for families. Island tour and excursion providers including Caicos Dream Tours offer snorkeling adventure excursions that include stops to Iguana Island for a truly fun family outing. Caicos_Dream_Tours_DG_0118
  1. Good Ship Atabeyra: Offering sunset cruises and glow worm tours, this ship used to be a trading schooner that ferried commodities between the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Turks & Caicos.
  1. Island’s Weekly Fish Fry: Experience the island’s weekly Thursday night Fish Fry and celebration, that boasts freshly caught fish and seafood, local bands and entertainment, dancers and much more. This celebration brings together tourists and locals for a fun night of everything “Turks & Caicos.”

To checkout the blog article, visit the following link: http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/2014/10/07/5-experiences-not-to-miss-on-the-turks-caicos-provo/

For an extensive list of Turks & Caicos excursions and activities in Providenciales, visit our enhanced “excursions” page at the following link:http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/excursions/overview/.  

 

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Beach Weddings Turks Caicos

An Extraordinary Turks and Caicos Wedding… In The Rain

We had the pleasure of recently hosting the wedding of Lisa & Kevin Owens. Their wedding day was far from ordinary – in fact, it was extraordinary.

On the day of their Grace Bay Beach wedding ceremony that was held at our resort, it was a picture perfect day here in Turks & Caicos complete with sunny and clear skies.

As the beach ceremony began, the weather took a sudden turn for the worse and the skies opened to pouring rain – not something that the bride and groom had ever expected would happen during their beautiful beach wedding ceremony. However, Lisa and Kevin were as determined as ever to say their “I Do’s” even in the midst of the pouring rain. Our resort staff worked quickly to provide umbrellas and beach towels to the soaked wedding guests, while the ceremony continued.

While most couples fear rain on their wedding day, Lisa and Kevin’s positive outlook, humor and extraordinarily memorable wedding experience that they graciously shared with us below, will hopefully reduce the fears of unexpected weather to future brides and grooms who are worried that rain may damper their special day:

“Lidra Barranco at The Sands was my contact for planning the wedding ceremony (and Ri-ann helped her to execute everything the day of the wedding). She was very helpful and responsive to my 8 months-worth of email communications to her. The ceremony package we had through The Sands included the officiant & marriage documents, the beach arch, chairs with white covers, bouquets & boutonnieres for our wedding party, a steel drum player, and the wedding cake – which meant less planning for me! They handled all the details! The ceremony was set up on the far side of Grace Bay beach at The Sands where the huts ended. Everything looked beautiful and went smoothly, until the skies opened up out of nowhere and it started pouring, soaking everyone. The staff provided umbrellas and towels as quickly as they could to try to dry people off. The ceremony kept going – we all had some good laughs – and we envision the pictures will be pretty entertaining!

All in all, our wedding day was perfect and we couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out. We heard a ton of “best wedding ever” and “best trip ever” comments from our guests, which made us so happy since everyone had traveled so far to celebrate with us. It was slightly nerve-wracking planning a destination wedding sight unseen, having never been to the island before, and not using a hired wedding planner. Meeting with all of the vendors/staff the week leading up to the wedding put my nerves at ease – they know what they are doing and they are great at it!

Thank you, Sands, for a wonderful wedding ceremony, honeymoon, and memories that will last forever. We can’t wait to return to the island and hopefully see some of the wonderful people we met again.”
– Lisa & Kevin Owens

In the end, Lisa and Kevin enjoyed a beautiful rainbow as the tropical Turks & Caicos rainstorm subsided following their wet wedding ceremony. They still made memories of a lifetime and have taken away incredible photos and stories from their beach wedding ceremony – that was filled with lots of laughter and love.

 

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Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean

Holiday Turks and Caicos Travel Tips For Families

The Sands at Grace Bay is delighted to be named a “2014 Family Favorite Hotel” by TripAdvisor’s Family Travel Site, Family Vacation Critic. Family Vacation Critic recently compiled a helpful list of tips for families that are planning to travel over the busy holiday travel season, from the help of their readers. These tips are great for families planning a holiday or winter trip to Turks & Caicos and The Sands at Grace Bay. Here is a summary of three of these top holiday travel tips compiled by Family Vacation Critic’s Amanda Geronikos:

1. Plan in Advance: Reserve your flight and airline seats early, to ensure the entire family can sit together. It can be hard enough for families to make it through a flight with young children, so skip the hassle of having to ask people to switch their assigned seats so your family members can sit together by reserving your airline seats well in advance.

2. Download Travel Apps: Family Vacation Critic shared a few of their favorite apps that are helpful for families, but we especially liked their “TSA Await” app recommendation – because this app calculates how much time you may spend waiting in the airport security lines. Those traveling with kids may wish to check this app when planning their airport arrival times, to ensure that the family gets through the security check in lines without having to rush or fearing a missed flight.

3. Pack Snacks & Activities: Never underestimate the power of preparing an “activity bag” to keep children busy during a long flight. Great children activities for a flight may include crayons and coloring books, joke books and crossword puzzles, a journal and paper for writing, and DVD’s. You would also be wise to pack a favorite pillow and blanket for kids to sleep more soundly during their travels.

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The Sands at Grace Bay resort is an increasingly popular choice for families looking for a luxurious yet still affordable Turks & Caicos getaway. Families enjoy the resort’s spacious studio and suite accommodations that feature all the comforts of home, complete with modern kitchens, dining and living room areas, screened-in balconies and much more – just steps away from Grace Bay Beach. Guests also enjoy the array of complimentary guest amenities and offerings during their stay, including the following freebies: use of watersports equipment – including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkeling gear and Hobie Cats; bicycles for island exploration; a Tuesday Manager’s cocktail party; three swimming pools; a tennis/basketball court, and more.

The Sands at Grace Bay still has availability during the upcoming Caribbean high-season, but travelers will need to reserve their winter stay soon as space is limited.For winter bookings, families can check resort availability online at www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com or call toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; or from Canada (800) 567-5327.