We are thrilled to share the exciting news that a $4.5 million upgrade and refresh is well underway at the award-winning The Sands at Grace Bay resort and Hemingway’s restaurant!
Guests are sure to enjoy the transformation that will take place throughout the resort’s 114 studio and suite guest rooms. Led by interior designer Rose Kelly of Inter Décor, updates will include new furnishings evoking a casual-modern style and inspired modern-abstract artwork showcasing coastal Caribbean colors, plus custom-made patio furniture by Asmayda Furniture Group of Miami and a new luxury bedding collection designed by Atlantic Hospitality.
Enriching the resort at virtually every turn, the refresh will include new patio furniture, drapes and sheers, sofa sleepers and arm chairs, bar stools, and new lighting in living room, dining room and kitchen areas of all suites and studios. Plus, furniture hand-crafters have been commissioned to update the property’s desks, tables, and dining room furnishings to complete the overall new look of the resort’s accommodations. Once completed, the resort’s studios and suites, will offer an even more luxurious appeal with all the comforts of home.
Hemingway’s restaurant is also cooking-up some tantalizing new treats! Guests can look forward to enjoying their favorite dishes at Hemingway’s and to trying out some inspired new recipes from Chef Alix that will be offered seasonally. Vast enhancements to the restaurant’s facilities and a kitchen expansion to support the ever-increasing popularity of Hemingway’s will have guests enjoying an even greater dining experience at this award-winning culinary destination.
We invite you to be part of the excitement this fall at The Sands situated along the 2016 TripAdvisor Voted World’s Best Beach – Grace Bay Beach.
Book now for fall to stay 3 nights and get the 4th night FREE and get ready to have an even more outstanding vacation with us!
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
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.
GoCaribbean.About.com recently featured a “Cool Caribbean Beach Gear For Your Spring Getaway” article highlighting some great beach gear product recommendations that we loved! Here are 3 products featured in the article that our guests may enjoy bringing to use during their stay at The Sands at Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos:
Polk AudioSwimmer Duo – this Bluetooth speaker is perfect for hanging along one of our pool or beach chairs. It has a dirt, shock and water proof case. You can also use it in your hotel room by attaching it to a mirror with the suction cup that comes included in your purchase. It charges quickly and the battery lasts up to 8 hours.
Polk Audio
Adidas Climacool Voyager – These quick-drying, lightweight hiking shoes have a drainage system to help keep water out when you’re on wet trails. They would be great for strolls along our Grace Bay Beach as well as handy to take along on boat rides during your Turks & Caicos trip.
Adidas
Fivesse Beach Backpack – This beach bag is great for enjoying a day along our Grace Bay Beach, for biking around Providenciales or for bringing on a fun day excursion in the Turks & Caicos Islands. It has a water resistant interior, removable water-resistant bags for sunscreen or snacks, an outside towel holder, and plenty of pockets including one pocket for seashells!
Fivesse
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.
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.
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/
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mothers and calves are tired and are more likely to be “spooked.” They need extra consideration of the above.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
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
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.
We are thrilled to share the exciting news that a $4.5 million upgrade and refresh is well underway at the award-winning The Sands at Grace Bay resort and Hemingway’s restaurant!
