Turks and Caicos anyone?

[rosa727]

DH and I are considering a trip to Turks and Caicos for our 5 year anniversary. Our anniversary is in July, but we would probably go in September or October. I was wondering whether anyone had experiences with these islands and where you stayed, what you liked or didn't, etc. Any recommendations would be great!

[ManteoChik]

I've been. We were in Provo (Providenciales) and it was very pretty. I will say, the Turks are pretty expensive from what I understand. Rates are usually cheapest June 1st - October 31st.

SO's job requires lots of travel (he's the captain of a sportfish boat) and I go along whenever I have the time. Because he works for a private owner its usually just him/us with the owner/wife. When we travel, they take care of all the expenses so its not often that I see how much the dinner bills are. Also, we are usually staying on the boat in the marina but from what I've heard some people say that its pricey.

There are several places to stay, and if you are interested in all-inclusive there are two on Provo - Beaches (by Sandles) and Club Meb although I don't know anyone who has stayed there.

I hear the Grace Bay Club (www.gracebayclub.com) and The Turks and Caicos Club (www.turksandcaicosclub.com) are VERY nice 31st. Both of those places also offer 5day/4night packages.

This is what I found at the Turks and Caicos Club website:
MANTIC ESCAPE BY THE SEA
6/1/07-12/20/07
4 nights / 5 days $2,395*
each additional night $395*
Named one of the most romantic places by Travel + Leisure, the Turks & Caicos Club is pleased to offer a luxurious “Romantic Escape by the Sea” package.
Package includes:

-Beautifully appointed one bedroom oceanfront suite with sweeping views of white powdery sand and turquoise waters.
-Chilled champagne and fruit upon arrival.
-Luxurious de-stressing one-half hour in room massage for two.
-A romantic dinner for two by Simba.**
-Full Daily American Breakfast
-Choice of: half-day Sunset Cruise including sailing, Iguana Island and snorkeling OR a Sunset Cruise with wine and cheese***
-Guests have full use of all the resort’s amenities including Hobie cat, sea kayaks, windsurfer, snorkeling equipment (one of the island’s best snorkeling reefs is just steps away), bicycles and fully equipped air conditioned fitness center and fresh water pool. Twice daily maid service and room service provided.
-Complimentary high speed internet access for those guest who bring laptops
*Price quoted: Per suite for 4 nights and subject to availability. Exclusive of government tax and service charge. In US$

**Dinner at Simba includes: starter, entree, dessert, soda and a house bottle of wine. Tax included. Gratuity NOT included. Additional beverages can be charged to suite account.

***The choice will depend on the day of the week and the weather. Subject to change and availability. Complete snorkeling gear and life jackets will be provided on board. Rum punch, soft drinks, drinking water and snacks are complimentary.

Number of persons: Maximum number of person is 2

Packages cannot be combined with any other discounts or specials.

50% deposit is required to secure package reservations.

Obviously, this doesn't include airfare or the costs of food, ect.

Here are a few helpful website.
http://www.turksandcaicos.tc/
http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/
http://www.beaches.com/main/tc/tc-home.cfm

The duty-free shopping was good, even in the airport..lol. There were some FABULOUS restaurants, and the fishing is fantastic. We were actually there for the billfishing (because that's SO's job) so we spent a lot of time on the water. There is also snorkling, scuba, and general water activites.

[rosa727]

ManteoChik: Thanks for the help! I will look into those resorts. I was actually looking at the Turks and Caicos Club before. We are thinking of going in the off season, so that will make things a bit more affordable, luckily. And since we are only going for 4 nights, we don't mind spending a bit more per night than we normally would. It will be our first big trip alone since I was first pregnant and a 5 year anniversary celebration, so we want to go all-out.

[bunny nose]

We went there for our honeymoon. I loved it, it is beautiful! We stayed on Provo at the Alexandra Resort. It is a time share resort. All-inclusives on that Island are Beaches, Club Med and Allegro.

If you stay on Provo do not waste your money at the Italian restaurant. It is expensive and horrible. We decided to make one night out a "nice" night and go to a fancy place. It was our worst night.

Iguana Island is great- they are everywhere and you just walk around and look at them. Snorkeling is unbelieveable because you can see down to forever in the waters. And the waters are so calm.

Also, on Provo- go to the opposite side of the Island from the resorts. The view is just gorgeous. If you like Conch- they have a conch farm where you can go on a tour and then pick your own conch.

It is a British territory, so you drive on the left side of the road. American money is accepted and the locals are so friendly.

And yes it is pretty expensive there- we were told it is a 30% mark up from the states. WOW!

If I get time later I will post some pictures for you. I have to scan them first. Any other questions just ask away.

Karen

[AmyE]

DH and I have been to Provo twice for diving, and stayed at the Allegro. The Grace Bay beach is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. There isn't a lot to see on Provo, so it's really a great place to hang out at the beach, pool, or scuba dive (but there isn't anything else...)

There is an Irish pub that was a lot of fun, too. And yes, everything is expensive.

[BethIrish]

DH and I went there for our honeymoon. It was gorgeous! We stayed at the Allegro all inclusive...which was okay, but nothing spectacular. We got a great price on it which is why we chose it. The Beaches there had a horribly small beach, just FYI!! IIRC, the island was pretty expensive.

I will say that while I would go back, I don't know that I would go for more than a long weekend. There isn't a *whole* lot to do on the island besides relax and swim - which was just what we needed at the time - but by the 10th day we were getting a little bored :o

eta: I just read that you are only going for 4 nights...I definitlely recommend it - I'm jealous!

[bunny nose]

I found a few pics for you. Hope you enjoy!

A pic of our hotel
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g198/photoogirl15/Nicky-2.jpg

Iguana Island
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g198/photoogirl15/Nicky001.jpg


And a view of the beach
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g198/photoogirl15/Nicky002.jpg


I was hoping to go angain this year for our 5 year anniversary. But not going to happen. I am so envious of you if you are able to make it.

[rosa727]

I can't see the pictures, and I really want to! :(

[villanelle75]

We stayed at the Allegro as well. I heard a rumor that it is no longer there, but don't know if that is true.

We thought it was nice. I wouldn't rave endlessly about it, but it was nice and very affordable. For the price, I think it was an excellent choice.

In addition to just beach lounging, there is great snorkeling and pretty good scuba diving, if you are certified. I can't remember if we did any tours or anything else off-resort.