From the Beach to the Boutique... Shopping in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Where When How Turks & Caicos Islands May / June 2010
SOUVENIRS – TREASURES – KNICK – KNACKS – NECESSITIES. A SHOPPERS GUIDE TO HAPPY HUNTING!
There was a time here in the Turks and Caicos when we boasted less than a handful of shops, with only the bare necessities available in each. Sure, that’s quaint and charming, and plenty of people enjoy a holiday where shopping is forcibly removed from the itinerary; many of them men. However, if you like pretty things as much as I do, you’ll be happy to note that shopping on Providenciales has evolved from a science... to an art.
In the past couple of years Providenciales’ growing number of shops have been gradually relocating into a more concentrated retail area. This is good news for tourists and residents alike; a casual afternoon stroll allows you to hit many of the fun and trendy, or classic and elegant, stores on island.
Mama and Challis at Mama’s Gift Shop in Ports of Call.
And there’s even better news for conscientious shoppers; the absence of sales or luxury taxes in the Turks and Caicos Islands, means there are many deals to be found. 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; remember even if the ticket price of any given item is the same as it would be at home, the savings in sales tax can mean a lot!
The Turks and Caicos Islands have 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! Our galleries are adept at making sure the creation of your dreams is shipped directly to your home. There’s also a plus to buying art or other goods created within the Turks and Caicos Islands; upon returning home you won’t have to pay duty on anything you’ve purchased that is locally made, here in paradise. And doesn’t this vacation deserve to be remembered with a memento made by someone with a passion for Providenciales? Be sure to take a look at the goods of our local artisans which can be found in a variety of shops all over the island.
If you’re fortunate enough to be on Providenciales on the second Saturday of the month you should make a visit to the Grace Bay Market which takes place from 10AM til 3PM in front of the Graceway Gourmet IGA. Among the market’s regular vendors are jewelers, painters, sculptors, and skilled crafters. Gorgeous paintings, handmade silver pieces, artistically designed handbags, and very popular traditionally made Turks and Caicos goods are all on display.
The Saltmills and The Regent Village shopping areas in the heart of Grace Bay.
Some of the most intriguing things you’ll see are the woven 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 using a centuries old method, so tightly the baskets often can hold water!
In addition to those items, 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 with the use of music!
The Turks and 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 and 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.
Another treasure from the sea is actually, at least partly, manmade! 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!
Just a few of the hats and T–shirts found at Caicos Adventures.
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 your love will love. 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, 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 many places on Providenciales to satisfy your shopping needs!
The Saltmills
The Saltmills can’t be missed on Grace Bay Road. Gleaming white and Caribbean blue, the plaza is home to the new Grace Bay branch of First Caribbean Bank as well as several stores, restaurants and services. Here are just a few of the many shops and businesses you will find…
Tennis wear and yoga separates found at Island Sportique.
Passion for Fashion is The Saltmills’ newest addition and my newest favourite place to fritter away an afternoon! My overwhelming weakness in terms of shopping happens to be bags and wallets and this is one store that packs quite a punch in the world of accessories! Carrying Tiffany’s, Coach, Prada, Dooney and Bourke, to name just a few, at more than fair prices they also sell kitschy and fun souvenirs, unique and beautiful costume jewellery, gorgeous shoes, sandals, designer thong sandals and even hair accessories. It’s easy to kill some time here and staff are eager to help and able to answer any questions you might have.
Around the corner from Yoshi’s Sushi, Treasure S + S is a wonderful little gift shop that carries a huge variety of light and airy beach wear, breezy cotton skirts, cute shoes and a cornucopia of souvenirs! Prices are reasonable and selection is endless, take your time and you’re sure to find that perfect beach skirt you’ve been dreaming of! Hair braiding is also available so if dealing with your hairdryer on holiday has got you down, braids are the way to go!
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!
INSIDER TIP: Inter Decor: Don’t miss the endless supply of aromatic candles that are sure to remind you of the Turks and Caicos!
At Dive Provo find T–shirts, polka dot bikinis, flip–flops to match any outfit, a wide selection of snorkel gear, rash guards and a beaded flamingo!
Very popular with the fashionably sporty set on Providenciales, Blue is a first stop to find hip and casual clothes and accessories for both men and women. Carrying lines like Billabong, O’Neill, Reef, Roxy, Ripcurl, Quicksilver, NPX, Reef Redemption, Oakley, and Dakine, they also stock swimwear by Body Glove. Wetsuits and rash guards are available; as are bags, wallets, sunglasses, sandals and kite equipment.
INSIDER TIP: Blue: Carries a great selection of designer sunglasses and bags for the outdoor enthusiast. Be sure to check out the Oakley polarized glasses for some of the best eye protection available; Dakine backpacks and sling bags are great for packing the necessities of a Caribbean adventure, and they look great too.
Bambarra Rum and T–shirts found at the Wine Cellar | Discount Liquors.
The Regent Village
Home to restaurants and services as well as plenty of shopping, The Regent Village, is also situated in “the Heart of Grace Bay” on Grace Bay Road directly across from The Saltmills.
Jai’s Duty Free is a contemporary jewellery lover’s delight! Carrying several distinctive designer jewellery collections, including the stunning black diamond collection from Gemoro, perfumes, designer sunglasses and watch brands including Rolex, Tag Heuer, Bulgari, Breitling, Hublot 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. If you or someone you love collects charms, Jai’s has what you need including the Thomas Sabo line. 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!
Jai’s Duty Free is the authorized Rolex dealer in Turks and Caicos.
INSIDER TIP: Jai’s: Don’t miss his special designs featuring 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!
Wine and Spirits has a huge selection of... you guessed it... wines and spirits! The store is easily accessible to any Grace Bay Beach hotel or resort and the service is impeccable. The shop also carries cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos and chilled non–alcoholic beverages and mixes.
If you want to take home a very special reminder of your time in the Turks and Caicos Islands, consider a piece of handmade art from Art Provo. 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. If you’re looking to bring a little of the ‘Caribbean Vibe’ home with you there are many artists who have been inspired by the beauty of our islands and way of life in the Caribbean.
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 and Caicos themed T–Shirt, beach bag, or shorts you’re sure to find a hit at Caicos Adventures. In the same store you can also find Caicos Wear, a fabulous place to buy resort wear. They carry a variety of beach chic and pool party ready clothes that are popular with tourists and residents alike.
If you’re normally a devoted gym rat but somehow running shorts didn’t make the packing list, don’t worry! Island Sportique located in The Regent Village 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 buy or rent tennis gear if you’d like to play a couple of sets but didn’t bring your racket!
INSIDER TIP: Island Sportique: Carries a line of organic cotton activewear by a company called avani that must be worn to be believed! Flattering to the figure and extremely comfortable.
Paintings and locally made souvenirs at Art Provo.
Ports of Call
The original large scale shopping plaza on island, Ports of Call, helped to establish the heart of Grace Bay as the shopping and dining destination on Providenciales. Two floors of restaurants, bars and shops can be found here; including...
If you’re looking for Turks and Caicos Island souvenirs you really must drop by Mama’s Gift Shop at Ports of Call! In fact, if you haven’t shopped at Mama’s you really haven’t had a proper Provo vacation! In her newly expanded location, 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.
INSIDER TIP: Mama’s: Has Conch shells already polished in a variety of sizes, you can buy your shells here; don’t forget to keep your receipt to prove you bought your shells in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
If you’re looking for a juicy beach read or an edge–of–your–seat page turner you can while away your time with a good book from Unicorn Bookstore’s well stocked shelves. Entertaining the little ones once the sun goes down can be a challenge, so check out their game selection for some family fun. Unicorn has a larger location on Leeward Highway near the main IGA in Graceway Plaza. If you are struck with a sudden desire to be an artist 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.
Dive Provo can hook you up with an awesome 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 attractive souvenir maps of the Turks and Caicos Islands, beach glass jewellery, key chains and more.
INSIDER TIP: Dive Provo: It’s their 20th Anniversary this June so make sure you wish them a Happy Birthday and find out about any special events and promotions they’re doing to celebrate!
Sporting souvenirs at The Provo Golf Club Pro Shop.
Caicos Café Plaza
This little plaza across from Ocean Club West is home to Caicos Café and Maxime Le Salon and the exciting shopping experience of 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.” This shop is on the radar and there are plenty of cool finds that you’ll have a difficult time giving away. Island famous for unique jewellery, stylish purses, incense burners, beach cover–ups, and scarves; if you’re buying souvenirs for a stylish and hard to buy for loved one, you’re sure to find something to fit the bill here.
Walking Distance to Grace Bay
If you’re staying in the Grace Bay area you also have some fun shopping options within easy walking distance.
The Graceway Gourmet is located just a short stroll south on Sand Castle Drive adjacent to the Scotiabank. Here you can meet all your grocery needs and grab a tasty lunch or dinner from their café. Weekly specials are posted and the chef always makes sure there are a variety of things to choose from. There’s also a decent selection of beer and wine in store.
Grace Bay Pharmacy, if the unthinkable should happen and you find yourself a little under the weather while on vacation, there is a full service pharmacy located at Neptune Plaza on Sand Castle Drive just beyond the Scotiabank and Graceway Gourmet. From headaches to blisters on your feet, the knowledgeable 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. If you can’t find what you need at Grace Bay Pharmacy you can check out Island Pharmacy, our other full–service pharmacy, located at the Associated Medical Building on Leeward Highway.
Also located in Neptune Plaza just beyond Grace Bay Pharmacy you will find Paradise Arts. A great gallery with lots of local art to view or purchase, Paradise Arts is also a potter’s haven; this little shop can teach you to throw a bowl, paint a bowl or heck…you can just buy a bowl if you aren’t artistically inclined. If you are looking to put your creative cap on though, something you made with your own two hands on an island holiday is a pretty cool souvenir.
Just a short walk east of Caicos Café Plaza and across from Sunshine Nursery in Grace Bay Court you will find Framing Grace, Providenciales’ newest art gallery. A showcase for local talent you are sure to be able to find something here to inspire. Paintings, jewellery and design pieces. They carry a wide selection of small and beautifully framed art that will neatly fit in any suitcase.
Provo Turtle Divers have two Grace Bay locations, one at Ocean Club West and one at the original Ocean Club East. Each location carries t–shirts, snorkelling gear, hats and souvenirs. They have a third location at Turtle Cove Marina behind the Tiki Hut restaurant where you can also choose from a selection of great merchandise.
The Provo Golf Club is a bit of a longer walk, or a nice bike ride east on Governors Road across from Ocean Club East Resort. 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 Provo Golf Club Pro–Shop a nice place to while away a little time between beach adventures and rounds of golf! There are plenty of golf accessories to choose from and a variety of clothing choices as well. Head back to your home course sporting a Provo Golf Club shirt, or take one home to your resident pro.
INSIDER TIP: Provo Golf Club Pro–Shop: Go there and pick up one of their neat insulated “market bags”. They make for a convenient lunch tote while out on the course, and a very stylish way to get your sandwich to work back in the real world!
Worth A Car Ride
There’s plenty to see and do at Turtle Cove Marina including a stop at Island Furniture and Design. If you’re planning to furnish a new vacation home, feel like sprucing up the old place (or are in the market for a thank–you gift for that spare bedroom you’ve been sleeping in) there are plenty of unique and lovely finds at this store located just across the parking lot from Video Waves. In addition to the furniture and décor showroom, upstairs there’s a large collection of small appliances; everything from Panini makers to crock pots and all points between; brand names range from Cuisinart and KitchenAid to Mikasa. Treasures like sushi sets, pretty placements, and napkin rings are also in stock.
Nautique Sports – Get outfitted for your extreme watersports at Nautique! Or at least look the part with the rash vests, board shorts and shoes required to carry it off. Nautique also carries a variety of watersports equipment and great souvenir items for those at home not lucky enough to hang with the serious watersports enthusiasts!
S. Walkin and 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 local marine charts at S. Walkin and 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!
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!
Located on the Leeward Highway The Wine Cellar | Discount Liquors 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 and 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.
INSIDER TIP: The Wine Cellar | Discount Liquors: A great souvenir is a Bambarra Rum T–Shirt which you can find at this store on Leeward Highway.
Located at the Central Square on Leeward Highway, Greensleeves has long been a favourite and beloved shopping destination for 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.
Lend a Helping Paw: Our islands are home to a very special breed of dog, called Potcakes. They grow in numbers faster than we can get them adopted out to loving families all over the world. In order to help these special animals several stores have agreed to be home to “Potcake Corner” where you are invited to “Paws and make a difference. ” Pick up a special souvenir for your best friend back home and the proceeds go directly to helping these amazing dogs. Six locations throughout the islands – including one at the airport departure lounge. For more information please see advertisement on page 122.
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 Provo. 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 2010 Where When How - Turks & Caicos Islands.
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