Retail Therapy Hits the Island!
Where When How Turks & Caicos Islands May / June 2009
Where to Find Souvenirs & Treasures
The opportunities for a day of retail therapy on Providenciales have come a very long way in recent years; we now have fully stocked grocery stores, a wine selection to rival any major destination, stores selling designer clothing and accessories and art galleries carrying works by internationally renowned artists. These advancements, more perhaps even than the easy availability of healthcare and transportation, have made life for residents easier... not to mention tastier and infinitely more beautiful! And no one benefits more than happy holidaymakers. So fear not, if you’re looking for something special for yourself or to appease the jealousy of those left behind to battle the realities of life at home, you’re sure to find just the thing.
In the Turks & Caicos Islands there are no sales taxes, and no luxury taxes. Items such as jewellery, watches, cameras, perfumes, crystal, china, cigars and liquor are available to visitors duty–free at selected locations. This represents a huge buying opportunity, even if the ticket price of any given item is the same as it would be at home, remember the savings in sales tax can mean a lot!
Great T-Shirt selection at Caicos Adventures in La Petite Place.
Upon returning home (Oh, but try not to think about having to go home too much, it’ll only make it worse!) you won’t have to pay duty on anything you have purchased that is made in the Turks & Caicos Islands. A vacation like you’re having here deserves to be remembered with a memento made by someone who understands how hard it is to have to leave this place! Be sure to take a look at the goods of our local artisans which can be found in a variety of shops all over Providenciales. The history of the islands has developed a rich tradition of music and art among the local population, many of whom have succeeded in their chosen craft on the world stage. We also benefit from an infusion of creative energy by many fortunate and grateful expatriates who have made these islands their home over the years. If you fall hopelessly in love with a piece of art that won’t fit in your luggage, don’t give it a second thought! All of our galleries are adept at making sure the creation of your dreams is shipped directly to your home.
Some of the most intriguing things you’ll see are the traditionally made simple hats, handbags, trays and baskets made from white top and silver top palms or Fanner grass, found in the wetlands of Provo, Middle and North Caicos. The grass is dried and then woven so tightly the baskets often can hold water! Don’t forget to look for CDs produced by local musicians, there’s no better way to recall the memories of a place and time than to use music!
The Turks & Caicos Islands are also one of the very few places in the world where you can take home souvenir conch shells! Conch are endangered in much of the world, and are a protected species. Still plentiful in the Turks & Caicos, their large and lovely white and pink shells make pretty additions to any room. You can take up to three, be sure to have a receipt proving they were purchased on these islands.
Jai’s Duty Free is the authorized Rolex dealer in Turks and Caicos.
Another treasure from the sea is actually, at least partly, man made! Beach glass, shards of glass tossed and shaped by the sea and sand, is used to create stunning jewellery. In every colour you can imagine beach glass can be found on many of our shores, but you have to be patient and have an eagle eye! If you prefer to do things the easy way, you can browse our shops and purchase this undeniable evidence of mother nature’s ability to take something made by human hands and turn it into something so totally divine!
If glass is not really your style but you still like shiny baubles there’s something here for you too! Providenciales is practically dripping with diamonds, and as far as I know they’re still a girl’s best friend! Not to mention rubies, emeralds, sapphires and many many more precious and semi precious stones! Set in gold, white gold, silver, and of course, platinum, these stones are available in enough designs and pieces to make it a snap to find something that will cause the frosting lover in your life to swoon. And for you single ladies and gents...remember you should never wait for someone else to buy you that ring or watch you love!
In addition to the fabulous boutiques and gift shops you’ll find at many of our resorts and hotels, there are a wide variety of independent stores located across the island. Grace Bay Road boasts many shops: The Saltmills Plaza, The Regent Village, Ports of Call, La Petite Place, and Caicos Plaza are all located on this busy strip. You’ll also find many special buys at shops located a little farther inland at the Graceway Plaza and Central Square or Downtown.
To get you started here is a list of just some of the great places on Providenciales to satisfy your shopping needs!
Designer clothing and accessories at Fashion Cay.
Fashion Cay – Oh the hours of pleasure that can be derived from a visit to Fashion Cay at The Regent Village! If I could only tell you one thing about this store this would be a paragraph devoted entirely to Chloe handbags. Try not to drool on them, please. (I’m still planning to buy that silver toned Paddington Satchel and I don’t want you ruining it!) But there are clothes and shoes and belts for men and women that may make that difficult to control. And, just for the men, an amazing array of ties – gorgeous ties! Plus I have to make room to tell you about the Armani, the Jean Paul Gautier and the Valentino. Go forth and indulge, it’s your holiday, you deserve something special!
Caicos Wear – A favourite place for locals and residents to shop for chic casual clothing for both men and women, this terrific little shop located in La Petite Place also carries a variety of swimsuits, a large selection of unique handbags and lots of amazing gift ideas for the folks at home. The staff are always friendly and helpful with an eye for fashion! My personal favourite line of clothing for feeling and looking cool on island is Elan, and Caicos Wear always has a good selection of their merchandise in store.
Ventura Boutique – Located at Saltmills Plaza this delightful little shop carries some favourite designer labels. Fresh Produce sportswear and Jams World as well as some very cool men’s Rum Reggae wear to name a few. If you like a touch of glamour at the beach or by the pool you can achieve it at Ventura’s. Bathing suits, beach cover ups, and cute co–ordinates are all easily accessorized here as well! Shelves of truly unique handmade jewellery, movie star worthy floppy hats, sweet handbags, belts and shoes are all begging for you to take them home.
Ambiance – located in the Saltmills Plaza this boutique carries some heavy hitting name brands! French Connection, Tommy Bahamas, 7 For All Mankind (And yes, designer jeans really do make a difference, trust us! Or better yet just try some on!) and many many more. These brands are available at comparable prices to big name department stores in the US but, remember, NO TAXES! Everything from denim shorts and bikinis to formal dresses, and all the accessories to complete any outfit can be found on the racks and shelves in this sweet little shop!
Island Sportique – If you’re normally a devoted gym rat but somehow your running shorts didn’t make the packing list, don’t worry! Island Sportique located in both the Ports of Call and at the Graceway Plaza near IGA carries everything you need to make a splash at the gym! From footwear to headbands, the store is well stocked and carries brand names like Adidas and Nike, just to name a couple. You can also rent tennis gear if you’d like to play a couple of sets but didn’t bring your racket!
Caicos Adventures – The largest selection of T–Shirts on island! Caicos Adventures carries so many styles of shirts, flip–flops, sandals, beach wear, board shorts and more that it’s impossible to mention everything you can find in this jam packed store! If you’re looking for a Providenciales or Turks & Caicos themed T–Shirt, beach bag, or shorts you’re sure to find a selection at Caicos Adventures.
Unique shellwork gifts and accessories at Rumeurs in Caicos Cafe Plaza.
Rumeurs – Nearly every resident you ask will tell you “If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a friend, you’ll find it at Rumeurs,” Or maybe I have gotten that answer so many times because my friends want me to shop for them there! Either way it’s clear this shop is on the radar. Island style jewellery, shells, exotic Asian themed pieces, flattering tunics and gift ideas. According to one local shopaholic “It’s the place to shop for unique jewellery, not to mention stylish purses, incense burners and fantastic patio furniture. There is always new merchandise to admire! I know because I’m there all the time.”
Treasure S & S – Located in the Saltmills Plaza this wonderful little gift shop carries a huge variety of light and airy beach wear, breezy cotton skirts, cute shoes and a cornucopia of souvenirs! Hair braiding is also available so if dealing with your hairdryer on holiday has got you down, braids are the way to go!
Mama’s Gift Shop – If you’re looking for Turks & Caicos Island souvenirs you really must drop by Mama’s at Ports of Call! In fact, if you haven’t shopped at Mama’s you really haven’t had a proper Provo vacation! If there’s a collectible you can imagine Mama will have it in stock! There’s a lot to see and plenty of fun characters to meet at Mama’s so take your time! If you’re dying to return home with a new look, be sure to ask about island style hair braiding.
Beaded jewellery at Greensleeves in Central Square.
Greensleeves – Located in Central Square, and long a favourite and beloved shopping destination of locals and residents alike, this is truly a shop like nothing you’ll see at home! Greensleeves carries local art, stunning beaded jewellery creations, hand–painted glassware and unique and distinctive souvenirs. Many a resident and visitor alike has fallen in love with something at Greensleeves. A store with a conscience, Greensleeves is also home to The Potcake Foundation’s ‘Potcake Corner’ where you are invited to “paws and make a difference” as all the proceeds from the locally made ‘potcake inspired’ gifts for you and for your ‘best friend’ go to make a better life for all of Provo’s potcakes.
Exclusive design Conch Pearl and diamond jewellery at Jai’s Duty Free.
Jai’s Duty Free – Located at the Regent Village Jai’s is a contemporary jewellery lover’s delight! Carrying several distinctive designer jewellery collections, perfumes, designer sunglasses and watch brands including Rolex and Cartier the store also carries Jai’s personally designed creations. If you’ve been looking for that perfect piece of jewellery and have yet to find it, speak to Jai and he can make it for you. Maybe you can even include in the design one of our cherished and rare conch pearls! Jai currently has several pieces of jewellery featuring this special pearl, and you will definitely want to stop in and have a look around! If you or someone you love collects charms, Jai’s has what you need! And if you find yourself at the airport departure lounge regretting not making a jewellery purchase, you’re in luck: for the last minute shopper Jai’s has a second location at the airport!
S. Walkin & Sons Marine – If you’re just looking for something special to take home to your fishing or water sports enthusiast but a new boat is a bit out of your price range and a hand tied fly simply isn’t going to cut it, check out the super–cool marine charts at S. Walkin & Sons Marine, a very unique souvenir and one worthy of framing. If the new boat IS on the list, however, located on Blue Hills Road in Downtown Providenciales this one stop shop can get you set up with a new Boston Whaler, a shiny Evinrude engine and, possibly most importantly, some fishing gear!
Gifts for the home at Inter Decor in The Saltmills.
Inter Decor – Everyone on island knows when you need a housewarming gift you’re sure to find something fabulous at Inter Decor! If you’re someone who enjoys aromas you will be enthralled by the island themed oils and incenses available. The store also carries an amazing selection of candles, cushions, throws, towels, and lovely furnishings! Basically any home accessory your heart desires can be found here. My absolute favourite things though are their spectacular range of vases and pots. Lots to look at and thousands of ideas to inspire your decor at home! Not to mention the many items that will tuck nicely inside your suitcase!
Paintings and locally made souvenirs at Art Provo.
Art Provo – If you want to take home a very special reminder of your time in the Turks & Caicos Islands consider a piece of handmade art from Art Provo located at the Regent Village. Paintings, blown glass, jewellery and much more. Drop in purely to admire the gallery in between trips to the beach but come prepared to lose your heart to something unexpected. Art Provo carries many outstanding local artists as well as well–known artists the world over. Dwight Outten of Middle Caicos is a best selling local artist whose paintings of beach scenes and Turks & Caicos Island buildings are popular both on and off island.
Anna’s Art Gallery – An awesome place to find paintings of the islands themselves! Breathtaking representations of the beach are plentiful in watercolour, oil and acrylic as are locally designed and created jewellery and lots of other unique treasures. You’ll be astounded by the gorgeous silk paintings of the gallery’s owner, Anna Bourne. In fact, there’s no way to be disappointed by a trip to Anna’s where virtually every piece of art in the gallery – whether it hangs on a wall, sits on a table, or adorns your neck – is inspired in some way by these islands.
Sunshine Nursery – For locals and residents Sunshine Nursery located on Grace Bay Road is where we go when we want to bring a little of the “Beautiful by Nature” Turks & Caicos Islands inside our homes. Although visitors can’t take island flora home with them, you still have a good opportunity to view all the plants and trees those who live here are blessed to admire year round. But don’t go without your wallet! There are still lots of things to take home from Sunshine Nursery, ceramics and art are also available and the gardener in your group is sure to find something pretty to remind them of their holiday.
Unicorn Bookstore – Aside from the obvious, if you are struck with a sudden desire to be an artist (and who isn’t when they’re somewhere as gorgeous as Providenciales) you can stop by Unicorn Books’ location at the Graceway Plaza to stock up on art supplies. Paints, canvas, pastels, sketch books and more are available. If you don’t find your inner Picasso, don’t feel too sad – you can while away your time with a great book from their well stocked shelves or even a game for some family fun – both of which can be found at either the Graceway Plaza location or their second store conveniently located at Ports of Call on Grace Bay.
Building Materials Do It Center – If you’re planning an all day at the beach you should really stop first at Building Materials Do It Center! In addition to building supplies, furniture, housewares, cleaning supplies, appliances and hardware the Building Materials Do It Center carries lots of fun things for the beach! Coolers, beach chairs, floatation devices and everything you’d need to build the perfect, immense sandcastle of your child’s (or inner child’s) dreams are all under one roof!
Dive Provo Boutique – Located in the Ports of Call, Dive Provo can hook you up with a great day of diving and can also outfit you in style! Whether you’re an extreme water sports enthusiast or just want to go home looking like one there are plenty of options! Lots of cool T–shirts, board shorts, rash vests, masks, snorkels, fins, and diving accessories are available! Dive Provo also carries some unique gift items including great souvenir maps of the Turks & Caicos Islands, beach glass jewellery, key chains and more.
The Wine Cellar at Discount Liquors on Leeward Highway.
Discount Liquors Wine Cellar – Located on the Leeward Highway Discount Liquors Wine Cellar has the most extensive selection of wines on the island. Wines for dinner, wines for lunch, wines to sip on the beach, by the pool or from the bath! Wine really goes well with most occasions, and The Wine Cellar can help you find just the bottle for whatever your plans. They also carry ice cold beer and a wide variety of spirits including Bambarra Rum, the Spirit of the Turks & Caicos! Bambarra is a smoothly blended sugar cane rum and takes its name from the historical Bambarra settlement on Middle Caicos. Take some home with you to recreate your vacation with some tasty rum punch or cocktails.
Wine & Spirits Liquor Store – This great little liquor store at the Regent Village also has a great selection of wines and spirits and is easily accessible to any Grace Bay Beach hotel or resort. The shop carries cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos. Not to mention a satisfying range of mixes, snacks and staple food items. If you need to stock your room with a little convenience food, and a maybe a lot of convenience beverage, this is a great pit stop to make on arrival at Grace Bay Beach.
Sporting souvenirs at The Provo Golf Club Pro Shop.
Provo Golf Club Pro Shop – Golf is the name of the game here on Provo. Our award winning 18 hole golf course is often considered the hub of social activity on island, if you missed out on the local news you can probably pick it up by eavesdropping around the clubhouse! That makes the Pro–Shop is a great place to while away a little time between beach adventures and rounds of golf! (Or, as I prefer to call it: Whack! Dang!) There are plenty of golf accessories to choose from and a variety of clothing choices as well, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike, J Lindeberg and Ashworth. Head back to your home course sporting a Provo Golf Club shirt, or take one home to your resident pro.
Grace Bay Pharmacy – If the unthinkable should happen and you find youself a little under the weather while on vacation there is a full service pharmacy located at Neptune Plaza on Dolphin Drive, just next to the new Graceway Gourmet. From headaches to blisters on your feet, the knowledgable pharmacist will be able to sort you out with exactly what you need to get feeling better in no time. The pharmacy also stocks toiletries, magazines, sunscreens, snacks and cold drinks. You can also check out Island Pharmacy, another full–service pharmacy, located at the Associated Medical Building on Leeward Highway.
The Saltmills Market – On the second Saturday of every month there’s something special brewing at Saltmills Cafe, and it’s more than just their fabulous coffee! On the patio you will find a variety of tables selling art, crafts and produce created and grown locally. There are unique handsewn hobo bags, stunning silver with island themes, and tasty fresh and organic veggies. Pick up a painting by an undiscovered talented locally based artist or snag a hat or basket from a Middle Caicos craftsperson. Whatever you fancy, you’ll find something to make your heart sing!
With so many excellent stores to choose from, it might be best to take a list when you head out for the day to make sure you don’t miss anything critical! Whatever your heart desires, especially with a little help from those in the know, you can find it on Providenciales. So get out there, savvy shoppers, and happy hunting!
Care was taken to ensure correctness of information at press time. Information is subject to change without notice. Ad Vantage Ltd. accepts no responsibility for such alterations or for typographical errors or omissions. Entire contents of this page may not be reproduced in any manner without written permission of Ad Vantage Ltd. © May / June 2009 Where When How - Turks & Caicos Islands.
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