favoured destination by clientele from around the world. Not so long ago this sleepy little island nation offered but a few options to the more adventuresome individual, but has since risen to the challenge of meeting the needs of a wide variety of discerning travellers over the past decade while still maintaining the country's ultimate draw, Beautiful by Nature. Meticulous care has been taken to retain every angle of this nation's porcelain splendor.The islands are surrounded by pristine clear aquamarine. The enchanted deep Cimmerian waters, home to the grace and elegance of the larger pelagics, are only minutes from shore. A seemingly endless fringing reef magically protects the Islands along their north shores while offering a buffer of peace and quiet from that outside world. To the south is the Caicos Banks, a vast shallow water shoal where the horizon seems to disappear where water meets sky. Breathtaking. It is in these waters that one can experience diving rated as one of the top in the world or choose to snorkel with turtles, rays, a world famous dolphin - amidst a sea of colour just steps away from your hotel. Fabulous deep sea, reef, bottom, and bone fishing are also enjoyed here with the addition of diving for conch and lobster when in season.
All Islands in the archipelago, both large and small, inhabited or not, are ringed with stretches of silky smooth white sand beaches for those that wish to indulge in the sensations of pleasure. Stretches of red mangroves, ironshore and saltwater inlets offer the wilder side through organized eco-tours or individual enthusiasm.
Inland is where the many Islands differ in character. Providenciales, the hub of tourism, has astonishingly kept the balance between nature and the many demands placed upon it through its ever-growing tourism industry. All within 38 square miles, one can find a myriad of contrasts. One may 5-star fine dine or enjoy an afternoon at a quaint beach bar alternative. There's necessity shopping to duty free, horseback riding and kayaks to yacht and speed boat rentals. There's something for everyone. And this includes accommodation on the island as well. From a variety of luxury condominium hotels with an array of services on site making it possible to simply sit back and enjoy for the duration of your stay to comfortable smaller inns that offer the convenience of location and affordability, anyone can enjoy the beauty of Providenciales.
For those that have visited Providenciales over the years, behind the dunes along famous Grace Bay Beach appears to be what at first might be considered a mirage. Within a relatively short period of time, majestic resorts have appeared along the skyline, offering the very best in accommodation. Several include shopping, spas, fitness facilities and a restaurant or restaurants on site for the convenience of their guests.
Situated prominently centre stage is The Palms, reminiscent of period elegance set amidst a 12-acre lushly landscaped "estate." Five separate Barbadian coral stone clad buildings house eight extraordinary penthouse residences with private elevator access, 72 two and three-bedroom luxurious guest residences, as well as a number of additional deluxe guest rooms. At the centre of the guest residences lies a large serpentine infinity pool, centre hot tub island, and Plunge, the pool bar and restaurant encouraging eclectic al fresco dining. The heart of The Palms is their social hub, The Mansion, featuring their signature dining room, Parallel 23, a 2000 square foot second floor ballroom able to seat up to 130 guests, and the concierge services. Along an esplanade skirting the formal gardens is a selection of boutiques featuring elegant resort wear, bathing attire and sundries. In addition to this is their one-of-a-kind 15,000 square foot spa. Spread over a gloriously defined acre site are stand alone treatment rooms surrounded by water, tent cabanas for island-inspired herbal therapies, private plunge pools, as well as a yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi studio, full service salon, barber shop, fitness centre, and more. You can expect a truly memorable experience staying at The Palms from as little as $300 per night, up to $7000 per night for true decadence.
With the same indulgent intent in mind, Point Grace is also for the discriminating traveller. Set out front mid bay, Point Grace heralds unobstructed views like none other can, and was so aptly named after Grace Hutchings who chose this point of land as the most deliriously beautiful spot along the sweeping graceful bay in which to spend her honeymoon in 1892. The property was inspired by classic turn of the century British Colonial architecture, keeping its very essence close to the heart, with exotic West Indian flair of days gone by pervading. Two grand oceanfront buildings are home to one, two, three, and four bedroom luxury suites and penthouses. Several beautiful one-bedroom cottage suites are settled in behind around the property's splendid central pool and bar, still maintaining ocean views. It is here that guests may enjoy a peaceful and relaxing courtyard breakfast or lunch while evening dining is reserved for something special. Grace's Cottage offers classic Island flavours with a contemporary flair under starlit skies amidst a romantic garden setting. An on-site full service European style Thalasso Spa takes advantage of breath taking views of the Princess Alexandra Marine Park; its white washed buildings with billowy cotton sheers catch in the fresh sea breezes. Rated on the Cond&Mac218; Nast Traveler's Gold List for the past two years, Point Grace has successfully provided the refined and exotic soul of the location. Rates range from $395 through $7000 a night.
Slightly smaller, but not for long, is one of the most romantic Small Luxury Hotels ranked also by Cond&Mac218; Nast as one of the top 10 in the Caribbean. The Grace Bay Club is an exclusive luxury boutique hotel, architecturally styled with a Spanish-Mediterranean influence. Currently there are 21 elegant suites ranging from junior to one or two bedrooms, all overlooking the turquoise waters. The hotel offers an air-conditioned business centre with free internet access. Sorry, individuals under 13 cannot stay at this time. Its entire ambience is directed at solely adult clientele only. Throughout the fall and winter of 2005/2006, however, guests may anticipate the opening of 38 additional luxury condominiums, a new Anani Spa, and an additional beachside pool. And with the opening of the Villas at Grace Bay, families may at last enjoy this Caribbean favourite together, separate from the Hotel at Grace Bay Club. In fact, The Villas at Grace Bay welcomes children with open arms including their launching of a kid's Eco Club so that they may experience nature at its best. In addition to Anacaona, their ultimately romantic fine dining restaurant settled ocean side under exotic palapas, will be an additional casual all-day bistro-style oceanfront restaurant. The current bar and lounge will be restored and refurbished, reopening as the Captain's Bar with the widest array of rums and rare selection of cigars. The Lounge will remain a contemporary option for tapas, music, and relaxed conversation. Rates currently range from $425 to $1645 per night. Once the Villas open, families can opt into three and four bedroom suites with rates up to $7700 for a fabulous 4800 square foot penthouse including its very own library, media room, double terrace with personal plunge pool, and private elevator access to ensure total privacy. Simply the best of the best.
Coral Gardens is another intimate all-suite resort, elegantly furnished and set amidst lush gardens with sparkling pools. While staying at Coral Gardens you are encouraged to fine dine at the acclaimed Coyaba Restaurant with its casually eclectic yet authentically Caribbean pleasures, set romantically amidst lush tropical foliage with garden and Gazebo style dining options. The resort's superb location includes direct access to one spot where the fringing reef comes in to gently touch the shore, making it an excellent choice for avid snorkellers. Daily rates range between $210 to $1490.
Next door, on the western end of Grace Bay, one can find the Turks & Caicos Club, a small intimate 21-suite luxury resort, inspired by Caribbean Colonial architecture. Each one and two-bedroom suite comes complete with a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, a private porch, and a host of upscale amenities including watersports equipment and fitness facility. An oversized freshwater pool is situated in a central courtyard with the resort's fine dining restaurant, Simba, offering a blend of international cuisine alongside, while each stay includes a daily American breakfast, access to bikes, and twice daily maid service. Visitors to the Turks & Caicos Club may also request their in-room chef service. Rates range from $445 to $1495 per night.
The Sands at Grace Bay is architecturally defined by long unobstructed terraces and lush central gardens enhancing a spectacular central pool, cleverly designed with several private sitting areas and meandering pathways throughout the heart of the resort. This six-building complex is comprised of 116 spacious suites, which offer a choice of studio, one, two, or three bedroom accommodations. There is even a deluxe suite including a private Jacuzzi and 900 square foot wrap around deck, the perfect honeymoon haven. Guests may enjoy a number of services, including complimentary watersports equipment and instruction, mountain bikes for island exploration, a flood-lit tennis court, full fitness centre, and tour desk on site, and the very popular Hemingway's Bar and Restaurant offering oceanside dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Rates begin at $165 for a studio to $1250 for the three bedroom deluxe
At the far eastern end of the bay sits Ocean Club and Ocean Club West, two other full service resorts along Grace Bay. The success of the original Ocean Club instigated the development of the more recent Ocean Club version, slightly west along the beach. Between the two clubs there are just over 200 studio, one, two, three and four bedroom suites, all carefully decorated in a relaxed contemporary Caribbean style. As sister properties, guests at either are allowed to enjoy the services of both resorts. Lovely central gardens, both with meandering freshwater pools offer somewhat secluded poolside privacy nooks and crannies. Casual beachside cabana bars are great for mid day meals while Ocean Club West's Seaside Caf&Mac218; transforms into quite a romantic spot for evening dining. Water sports options, fitness facilities, and spa treatments offered by Spa Tropique are also found on both sites. Ocean Club West offers flood lit tennis courts on site, while the original Ocean Club's convenient proximity to the Provo Golf and Country Club makes it a first choice by many land sport enthusiasts. The original resort is unique in that it features on-site shops and the resort's main restaurant, Gecko Grille, where one can opt into finer dining outdoors under the stars or inside in a somewhat casual ambience. Guests can enjoy their stay at an Ocean Club resort from $180 to $910 per night.
Between the two Ocean Clubs is the Royal West Indies Resort of British Colonial design, stunningly decorated with Central American and Caribbean influences. Each and every suite has either a spectacular sea view or looks onto the resort's breathtaking island foliage landscaping. Amidst the resort lies an elongated freshwater pool crossed by a magical bridge perfect for holiday photos that leads to a pleasant garden gazebo. Mango Reef also sits alongside, perfect for breakfast, lunch or a romantic evening meal. Its bar offers a relaxed ambience for friends to sit and visit at, or a chance to meet new ones. Rates at the Royal West Indies range from $160 in their studio deluxe with botanical view to $785 for the two-bedroom deluxe oceanfront suite.
The Alexandra Resort and Spa is a premier luxury resort/hotel offering beautifully decorated studio, one or two bedroom suites all featuring stunning ocean views and staggered balconies ensuring privacy in one of two buildings. When considering The Alexandra, your choices include The Chelsea, the island's only RCI affiliated timeshare property operating on the island, or the Pavillions, a more upscale version with larger more spacious rooms. The Orchid Bar and Restaurant offers great casual dining with unobstructed ocean views on one side and the Alexandra's glorious oversized freeform pool on the other. A swim-up bar is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, a cooling respite from the Caribbean sun. On the property, rates range from $225 to $625 and up for the deluxe four-bedroom four-bath penthouse condominium.
Two additional luxury properties exist currently along Grace Bay, however neither have the full compliment of services that the others do. For some, this option is an attractive one, offering a more tranquil atmosphere throughout the property without the comings and goings of off-property guests. With the excellent variety of dining and activity options along Grace Bay, no longer is it imperative that these are included on location.
"Simple luxury" is how Le Vele is described. 22 elegant uncluttered units are divided between two very modern buildings, water flows over the unadorned pool's sides while lazing between the residences and reception hall. Each beautifully furnished unit is fully equipped with state of the art kitchens, en-suite private safes, cable TV with HBO and sports package, while the facility offers a fully equipped fitness centre. Guests are treated to a boxed continental breakfast daily delivered to their suite. The property is gated with 24/7 security. Le Vele's rates begin at $250 for the studio to $2125 for the three-bedroom pent house.
Villa Renaissance offers a choice of 28 British Colonial luxury one, two and three bedroom suites, and a two bedroom penthouse, each with a semi-private elevator. Additionally eight charming cottages frame an elegant and inviting mosaic pool. Along with numerous amenities they offer complementary access to their on-site tennis court, a fitness centre, and a weekly cocktail reception. Villa Renaissance is a stunning resort that makes the relaxation and privacy of each and every guest its priority. Rates range from $285 to $1295 per night.
The Somerset on Grace Bay is one we must watch for this upcoming winter season, as the four Somerset Water's Edge Estate buildings are due to open in time for Christmas. The entire project, set on four and a half acres of oceanfront paradise, brings the ocean to your doorstep. With one residence per floor and boasting a minimum of 3500 square feet of marble flooring, granite countertops, mahogany doors and windows, top of the line appliances and whirlpool tubs in more than just the master bedroom calls for absolute top end privacy. This is a special spot. It is a "residential masterpiece." By Christmas, the development team plans to have this first phase ready for their discerning guests, complete with manicured gardens, cascading fountains, and the infinity edge pool.
The other option along Grace Bay for visitors to Providenciales is the all-inclusive. Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa has a total of 462 rooms and suites, a variety of options catering to singles, couples, families, and groups of friends travelling together. On site is a spectacular variety of restaurants with an array of world cuisine, numerous freshwater pools, full range of watersport facilities, beach volleyball, tennis courts, a whirlpool, fabulous spa with full fitness components, duty free shopping and scheduled entertainment. One area within the whole is the French Village, where everything including the 4000 square foot swimming pool and 166 stunningly decorated rooms are all carefully designed with the theme in mind. Parents may relax while children take advantage of Pirates Island, a unique kid-oriented area featuring a SEGA Centre, basketball court, waterpark, and a diner serving all the favourite foods of kids including burgers, shakes and pizza. At night, Pirates Island transforms into a teen-only disco with dancing and a snack bar. All this makes it one resort that many return to time and time again in order to fully appreciate all it has to offer. A stay at Beaches includes absolutely everything, with rates between approximately $300 to $1600 per night per adult. Of course there are always promotions to take advantage of as long as you are a little flexible in your schedule. Plan ahead!
Vacationers looking for more of a singles or "party-oriented" spot may want to head to Club Med Turkoise, also along Grace Bay. This adult-only resort features a buffet style restaurant with varied nightly themes, gift shops, a fitness centre, massage centre, nightly entertainment, a beach bar, beach volleyball, variety of watersports, large swimming pool, a trapeze, and many other sporting options. Provo Golf and Country Club is just down the road, with alternate boutiques and restaurants close by. It's the perfect place for those looking for a social holiday. Rates at Club Turkoise begin at $1215 per adult per week for land only all-inclusive.
Opposite in nature, Grace Bay also has a couple of smaller inns available for those looking for something a little more intimate, a little less expensive. Located directly on the shores of central Grace Bay, so close to the rhythmic lapping that a relaxing swing in the poolside hammock is sure to relax just about anyone, is Sibonne Beach Hotel. One of the original hotels along the strip, Sibonne is nestled in a myriad of stunning bougainvillea, zebra plants, palms, and other flowering plants. On site is its own Bay Bistro, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering exceptional dining set just behind the dune along the beach. It's a favourite of many. This inn provides a choice of 26 spacious rooms as well as an oceanfront apartment specially designed with a family in mind, all of which are air-conditioned and have been refurbished offering a cheerful Caribbean style. Daily rates range from $99 to $395 - understandably rated as the best hotel value on Grace Bay Beach, especially since all guests receive a complimentary breakfast as well!
Recommended by Frommer's Travel Guide, The Caribbean Paradise Inn is another excellent option within this category. Located just back off the beach, a simple 2-minute walk past Grace Bay Club, the inn is another perfect little spot full of Caribbean influence. Bright colours and scrolling adorn the outside, palm trees and flora including oleander, bougainvillea and hibiscus surround the central pool and covered courtyard. The 16 rooms of this quaint inn have either ocean view or pool views, with either a private patio or balcony. All rooms are air-conditioned, and with every stay a lovely breakfast buffet awaits. This particular option is popular with dive enthusiasts and those looking for a quiet little get away in the warmth of the tropical sun. Rates begin at $135 and go up to $270 per night. An excellent value.
Of course, Grace Bay is not the only area that draws tourists to Providenciales. Turtle Cove offers the ideal location for those utilizing the marina as a base for water activities like diving, fishing or snorkelling adventures. The Turtle Cove Inn is conveniently located near six restaurants, a car rental agency, liquor store and a dive shop. Several deep sea fishing boats and dive boats dock nearby. The inn's 30 rooms are all fully air-conditioned with a private balcony or patio that overlooks the marina with its magnificent array of yachts moored within or the central circular pool set amongst beautiful mature foliage in the open-air courtyard. Rates run from $75 a night for the very popular "Value Room" to $270 a night for the one-bedroom fully equipped Marina Suite with kitchen. Again, excellent island value.
The popularity in Turtle Cove continues to build with the new Queen Angel Resort under construction overlooking the marina. When completed, just under 60 studio, one and two bedroom units, all with ocean views, will be only minutes walking distance away from the conveniences of Turtle Cove. An additional restaurant will be added to the areas dining options. Check their web site for current information on opening dates.
Of course, the rates listed throughout the article encompass from low to high season, from the simplest of units to the most elaborate within the resort or hotel. Individuals interested in staying at any of the aforementioned should note that "low season"rates are to be had in the islandÕs summer and fall months, from late April through early December. During these times, some establishments even include one free night for every so many paid. "High season" includes the winter months from December to early April. Special "holiday rates" include such times as American Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and Easter. If you have a specific holiday budget but a flexible schedule, taking advantage of resort promotions throughout the year may not only enable you to upgrade within an establishment, but may even allow you to book in to a resort that you may have felt was not within your reach. Dreams can come true! Be sure to check the options.
Most establishments on island also provide special vacation packages throughout the year including romantic getaways, wedding, honeymoon, diving, golf, or spa. You will find that even though room or suite rates may not be reduced, the overall cost of your holiday may be significantly reduced through other reductions or services thrown in that might otherwise be paid for. Imagine having a wedding coordinator gratis to look after your special day when the wedding party stays in house or have all your dive arrangements dealt with ahead of time making your holiday planning much more simplified. Sometimes package arrangements add those special touches that one may not think of when booking a holiday or just seem like an impossible idea from a distance. These thoughts and gestures cannot be quantified. It is recommended, therefore, that visitors should make such inquiries at the various establishments or on line before making a decision as to where to stay.
< size="-1" face="Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular">And, of course, development here in TCI continues. With this, an even wider variety of options become available as they have over the last decade. New resorts with unique niches in mind are underway here on Providenciales such as Seven Stars Luxury Residences, the Tuscany beachfront condominium villas, The Estates at Grace Bay Club, the Veranda, Mandalay, The Regent Grand, Windsong, Toscana, Lucaya, Leeward Marina Resort & Spa and West Bay Club - on North Caicos the St. Charles and Royal Reef Resort. Vacationers will soon be able to choose from internationally renowned five-star eco friendly alternatives to new, world-class hotels set on private cays in addition to the already present full service condominium hotels, boutique hotels, budget oriented accommodation and villa rentals nation wide. The Turks & Caicos Islands are definitely worth visiting over and over again in order to appreciate their unique beauty and soul from a number of different avenues and angles for years to come. Enjoy.
