One of our favorite tour operators is Kenard Cruises. Captain Kenard runs a ship-tight operation, giving guests a truly memorable experience out on the beautiful waters of the Turks & Caicos. His craft, Dream Aweigh, is a luxury 42-foot power catamaran with all the bells and whistles. If you want to feel like the rich and famous for the day, this is the perfect way to do it.

Kenard Cruises offers half and full day charters and can accommodate groups of up to 20 or so people. The Captain and his crew and a real friendly bunch and flexible with how you want to spend you day. They can customize just about any service or catering need you have and they are your beck and call during the entire cruise. The boat itself offers loads of roam to spread out, both out on the ample decks as well as in the luxury cabin areas. It’s built for comfort and luxury, for sure

The gang at Turks and Caicos Reservations decided to ‘see for ourselves’ what great service and luxury awaits on Dream Aweigh (several of us had been out with Kenard before). We chartered the boat for a half day recently, partly to celebrate the launch of our new brand and logo. The Captain didn’t disappoint (even arranging for near-perfect weather up until the last few minutes when a refreshing shower passed by).

We left Turtle Cove Marina and sailed east along Grace Bay Beach, admiring the sandy shores and luxury accommodations that we entice tourists with every day. We passed over the Leeward Cut and sailed out in front of peaceful Pine Cay, where we anchored just off the eastern tip of the beach there (a remarkable stretch of beach it is, too). We were close to the cut separating Pine Cay from Fort George Cay and there is a large sand bar there where sand dollars abound).

Captian Kenard broke out the floaty toys, including a massive 8-foot-by-8-foot raft type thing, which every one enjoyed lounging on – and ultimately negating in a game of ‘kind of the raft.’ Cold drinks, great snacks and island music highlighted a relaxing day anchored in the quiet area off the exclusive island that is home to The Meridian Club.

We headed back toward Turtle Cove Marina in Provo just as the sun was setting, reflecting on our great day at sea. It was an awesome chance to bond as a team, and get a chance to experience a superb tour option for the guests of Turks & Caicos Reservations.

When is the best time of year to visit the Turks and Caicos?

Honestly, all year round is great. We get a bit more rain in the spring (April/May) and toward the end of the year, but not enough to change vacation plans. Hurricane season is technically June to November, but ‘peak season’ is September and October. With today’s forecasting capabilities, most storms can be predicated up to a week or so in advance with decent accuracy. It’s hottest here in August and September; it’s coolest in January and February. It’s most crowded here from Christmas through Easter (although never real crowded) and the week after New Years is traditionally a slow one. It’s least crowded in September and October and in fact some resorts and other businesses close during that period. Summer is a nice time with generally calmer waters – and lower hotel rates. Some major events on our calendar are Christmas and New Years; a Summer Festival usually at the end of July, and the annual Conch Festival the last Saturday in November. Bottom line, come down any time and while we don’t have the traditional four seasons of northern climes, we do have a bit of diversity.

 

Why is stuff so expensive there?

Well, it’s not that expensive. But visitors do notice higher prices for things like gas, food and other day to day consumables. The main reason is we have to import everything so you have to consider shipping costs for everything. Plus, we don’t have income or property tax here; the main income generator for the government is import duty, which assesses a duty on just about everything that comes in. So those two additional expenses make our prices a bit higher than a ‘mainland’ city or town. Quit your bitchin’ – you’re on vacation.

 

So should I bring my own supplies?

I wouldn’t be bothered. The stores here have just about everything you need and the prices aren’t that bad (compared to the cost of checking extra luggage these days!). IGA is the supermarket mecca here and it’s just like being in a modern store back home.

 

What are you favorite restaurants?

That’s a tough one – there are so many great places, and it really depends on what you’re looking for, your budget your desired atmosphere, who you’re trying to impress, etc.

 

In no particular order we can recommend these non-hotel based restaurants: Opus, Fairways (at the golf course), Coyaba, Coco Bistro, Caicos Café, Lemon, Bella Luna, Iguana, and Baci. Add in Yoshi’s if you are hankering for sushi and Bankok Express if you want Thai.

 

Inside the resorts are great restaurants, too: Anacaona at Grace Bay Club; Mango Reef at Royal West Indies; Hemingway’s at The Sands; Parallel 23 at The Palms, Grace’s Cottage at Point Grace; O’Soleil at The Somerset; Somewhere on the Beach at Coral Gardens; Atlantic Bar & Grill at West Bay Club; and Bagatelle at Wymara/Gansevoort.

 

More casual places would be Danny Buoy’s, Sharkbite, Tiki Hut, Pizza-Pizza, Fresh, Jimmy’s Dive Bar, Salt Mills Diner, Flamingo’s (Ricky’s), Fairways.

 

Good local food can be had at Hole in the Wall, Bernie’s, Tasty Temptations, Harbour Kitchen, Da Conch Shack, Horse Eyed Jacks, Sailing in Paradise, and Three Queen’s.

 

C’mon I only have a week!

Ok, for the best fine dining: Opus, Coyaba, Coco Bistro.

 

For casual lunch or dinner: Hemingway’s (outside on the beach), Tiki Hut or Sharkbite (on Turtle Cove Marina), Salt Mills Diner (inside in a/c).

 

For a true local experience: Three Queen’s or Hole In the Wall

 

To really impress a date when the budget is not an issue: Anacaona or Grace’s Cottage.

 

What about nightlife?

TCI is not known for its wild nightlife but if you know where to go, you can have a good time. The weekend bar scene in Grace Bay consists mainly of Danny Buoy’s, Calico Jacks (Ports of Call) and Vino Tiempo – you can walk between all three. Thursday through Saturday nights are the best nights. Big games or matches – UK and American – draw good crowds at Danny Buoy’s, too.

 

The casinos are open late – Player’s Club and Casablanca (which is right in Grace Bay). Both have full bars and sports on the tube even if you’re not a gambler.

 

The bars at Mango Reef and Hemingway’s are fun to hang out at and catch up on the local gossip. They both shut down by 10 or so most nights, though.

 

Ricky’s on the beach between Club Med and Ocean Club East has live music some Sunday afternoons, and is generally a cool place to hang out during the day.

 

Try a night pass at Club Med – it includes a pretty decent buffet style meal and a show, plus a lot of party-happy guests, many of them French!

 

In Turtle Cove, Sharkbite draws a good crowd on Friday afternoons for Happy Hours, with live music. Big sports hangout, too. Tiki Hut can get going at random times, too. And is a good place to watch the boats come and go from the marina.

 

Sibonne/Bay Bistro sometimes does a full moon party on the beach.

 

The Palms has been showing concerts on the big screen on its lawn on Saturday nights. Kinda fun.

 

Occasionally big name Caribbean music acts appear at Williams Auditorium downtown. Look for signs on the highway and plan on a late night. The downtown clubs can be fun, but rowdy. Cameos and 2005 are among the most popular for those preferring a Latin influence.

 

There’s always Bingo on Sunday nights – at The Tropicana Supper Club (which also has an occasional oldie performance – recent acts include Peaches and Herb (“Reunited”) and Percy Sledge (“when a Man loves a Woman..”) .

 

Should I go to the Conch Farm? The Hole? Iguana Island? Cheshire Hall Plantation?

Yes (but call first). No. Yes (but you need a boat). Not so much.

 

What about the Morman Tabernacle Choir?

Wrong Provo.

 

Can I use my phone/ATM/laptop/drivers license/money down there?

Cell phone: yes, but beware of big roaming charges from your carrier at home. Better to buy a pre paid SIM card from a local TCI carrier if you just want to make local calls (Digicel, LIME or IslandCom). Use Skype for international phone calls – much cheaper!

 

ATM card: most will work at Scotia Bank machines (branches on Leeward Highway and Grace Bay)

 

Laptop: There are a lot of WiFi networks on the island – in bars, restaurants, and in hotels so you should be able to connect fairly easily.

 

Driver’s License: Yes, you need a valid one to drive here but you don’t need a locally issued one if you are just visiting.

 

Money – US dollar only, senor. Bring your Benjamins. Major banks will exchange major currencies. Most places take MasterCard and Visa; Discover and Amex not as much. Travelers cheques accepted widely and exchangeable at the banks.

 

Can I buy beer on Sundays?

Not officially but a few local shops will sell you a six pack to get you through the day. Bars and restaurants are open on Sunday.

 

Should I rent a car or use taxis?

Depends on where you are staying and what you want to do. If you are in the Grace Bay area and are planning on doing routine beach stuff, maybe a little diving, fishing or golfing, you can probably get away without a car. The dive shops will pick you up at your resort, as will the casinos. You can walk a lot of places here, and taxis are easy enough to get (albeit pricey if you use them every day).

 

Rent a car if you want to explore the island or if you are staying on the south side of the island, or in northwest point area.

 

Can I learn to scuba dive/water ski/kite board/windsurf when I am visiting?

Yes.

 

There are several scuba shops here which can do full certification classes (PADI) or resort certification which doesn’t get you an official C Card but is a good way to get your feet wet quickly, so to speak. Try taking your class work for full certification before you come here and just do the check out dives when you get here. Just make sure you do a PADI course at home.

 

Water Ski – Nautique Sports has everything you need to get started, including expert instructors. Fun outfit.

 

Kite boarding: For instruction and rentals try these guys: www.kiteprovo.com. By the way, the beach on Long Bay is where the cool dudes hang – and glide – these days.

 

Wind surfing: Check out: www.windsurfingprovo.tc. They do wind surfing and Hobie Cat instruction from Ocean Club.

 

 

How easy is it to get to the other islands from Provo?

Pretty easy. To get to North Caicos and Middle Caicos, there is a ferry that runs several times a day from Leeward/Walkin Marina in Provo (just past the Conch Farm) to Sandy Point in North Caicos. From there you can rent a car (suggest making reservations in advance) or grab a taxi for a tour of North and Middle, which are connected by a causeway. Another alternative is to hire a tour operator and go by private boat. Several of them will do land/sea tour of North and Middle, plus you can see Pine Cay and Fort George Cay along the way (good sea shelling and nice places for beach picnics), do some snorkeling or fishing and get an expert tour of places like Flamingo Pond in North or the caves in Middle.

 

To get to Grand Turk, South Caicos or Salt Cay, take a local flight on Air Turks and Caicos. They fly several times a day and any of these islands can be seen in a day trip.

 

West Caicos is uninhabited but a major resort is planned there (an in fact 75% complete, although looking for some financing). Right now the only reason to go there is to dive the great wall dives there, and most dive shops go there although Caicos Adventures is recommended as West Caicos specialists.

 

How is the crime situation there – is it safe to go outside my resort?

Turks and Caicos is a very safe island, but any standard. We have petty crime like anywhere else, so use your common sense when going out, or at the beach. Don’t leave valuables unattended or in an unlocked car. The Grace Bay area is safe day and night and increasingly well patrolled by local police. Resorts typically have 24 hour security. Still it’s always best, anywhere, to try to avoid dark areas and walking into unknown areas alone. TCI’s crime rate remains one of the lowest in the Caribbean.

 

What’s going on with the Government down there?

Turks and Caicos has for many years been a British Overseas Territory, similar to Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jersey and a few other remnants of the old British Empire. By and large these territories govern themselves with locally elected officials, and a London-appointed Governor oversees things at arms length.

 

However, recently the UK Government conducted an investigation (called a Commission of Inquiry) into allegations of corruption here in the TCI. The investigation resulted in a report which recommended that the UK institute direct rule for a while here. So, now the Governor is in direct control, although advised by a group of influential locals. It’s something of a controversial move but generally is seen as a way to restore good governance. This situation shouldn’t last more than two years.

 

In general this has little to no effect on visitors to Turks and Caicos. In fact, the Governor is committed to ensure an even a higher degree of security and policing for tourists visiting us here. So relax, the sun is still shining on the beach and Turks and Caicos is still the same safe, friendly Beautiful by Nature vacation spot it always has been.

The Fools Regatta in the Turks and Caicos Islands is a fun and unique Turks and Caicos tradition that celebrates a great legacy in sailing, and makes for a fun day at the beach.

The Regatta started out years ago as an April Fool’s Day event, but has since meandered around the calendar and has taken different shapes and forms. But fun and sailing are still the two hallmarks of the day. All sorts of sailing vessels will be on display, including native Turks Island sloops. And, the event is a fundraiser for the folks hoping to build a National Sailing Center in Turks and Caicos.

This is year, the event will be held June 20 at the new Children’s Park on the west end of Grace Bay Beach (next to Gansevoort Hotel). There are all sorts of game and activities, music, food and drink. The highlight of the day is always the Great Raft Race where teams compete in uniquely constructed rafts to see who can get across the finish line fastest by shear paddle power. Previous year’s rafts have been made up of all sort of exotic materials, including beer kegs and Styrofoam coolers. This year’s Great Raft Race will award prizes for best design, fastest raft and most team spirit. Proceeds benefit the TCI Volunteer Fire Department.

Tip of the cap to Dave Douglas of Sun Charters (the folks who bring you great sunset cruises on the sailing ship Atebeyra) and his team of dedicated volunteers who make the Fool’s Regatta one of the social highlights of the year in TCI.

Most visitors who come to the Turks & Caicos spend their time on Providenciales, where the majority of the hotels, restaurants and other attractions are. Even during its busiest times, Provo is an uncrowded, unhurried place. But a day trip to some of our other islands is really a way to get away from it all and enjoy a Caribbean experience you won’t find in many other places.

This past weekend, I spent some time on North Caicos, my favorite of the ‘family islands’ (and which is now connected by a causeway to Middle Caicos, another great place to visit).

First, getting there is simple: There’s a ferry service that makes runs five times a day from the eastern end of Provo that will get you to Sandy Point Marina in North Caicos in 20 minutes. It’s a safe, comfortable boat that whisks you past the scenic islands of Big & Little Water Cay (watch for Iguanas), Pine Cay, Fort George Cay, Dellis Cay,  and Parrot Cay. Round trip tickets ($40) can be purchased at the Caribbean Cruisin’ office in Walkin Marina located at the very eastern end of Leeward Highway (past the Conch Farm).

Upon arrival in North, there is taxi service available (best to book ahead - ask your Discover TCI agent how), or you can arrange for a rental car which will meet you at the dock. Either is recommended since North is a much bigger island than Provo area-wise, and if you want to make the trip to Middle, it’s an even longer walk!

North Caicos is known as the garden spot of the TCI and you’ll notice right away the green and more lush vegetation there. This is because they tend to get more rain there. You’ll also notice far fewer people, cars and shops than you see in Provo. But the people you do meet in North are the friendliest in the Caribbean, and don’t be surprised if they invite you back their home for a meal or a drink.

Make sure you stop by the Flamingo Pond to see these graceful creatures in their native habitat. Some days the area where they feed is a sea of pink.  Visit the National Heritage site of Wade’s Green Plantation, the remains of what was once the most productive plantation in all of TCI. Tour through the settlements of Kew, Whitby and Bottle Creek (the main town) and see a quieter side of life in the Caribbean. From there you can make a run over the causeway to Middle (about a 40 minute drive), where the famous caves await - great for exploring and seeing interesting creatures and rock formations.

The main attraction in North is the beach - just like Provo, it’s miles of unspoiled white sands rimming crystal clear turquoise waters - only less people. This past weekend I saw grand total of 6 people in two full days on the beach in North! It’s the perfect place to get away from it all. Tip: bring your supplies with you - water, food, sun screen, bug spray (yes, it’s a tad buggier in the outer islands).

Visiting North or Middle Caicos is bit like stepping back in time, or going to a small country town. You won’t find any big hotels or condos,  (there are a few smaller accomodations available), or fancy restaurants -  but you can’t help but relax!

Blue Hills is one of the coolest ‘off the beaten path’ areas in the Turks and Caicos. A 15-minute ride from the heart of Grace Bay, it’s world’s away from the glitz and glamour of Provo’s main strip of hotels, condos and restaurants.

As one of the original settlements on the islands, it still maintains a rustic old world Caribbean charm. Most everything you need to see or do is located right along the scenic seaside road that meanders for about 2-3 miles from the turnoff at Millenium Highway to the junction where you can go one way toward Amanyara or another way to Northwest Point.

 

Along the way you’ll see some of the original homes built on Provo, old churches and cemeteries, craft markets peddling native made goods, any number of folks set up roadside selling local food, and native sloops skipping across the surf.

 

Right near the end of the Blue Hills road (past the basketball court and old Texaco station), in an area the locals call Wheeland, Blue Hills entrepreneur Froggie Williams has opened up the most recent addition to the beachfront bar scene in TCI. No sign yet (power still comes from a well placed generator) but Froggie says the joint will be called “Froggie’s on the Da Beach” – that’ll work since his colorful wood structure and sprawling deck rest right on the sands of the Blue Hills beach.

 

Froggie’s is a nod to the rum shacks of days gone by in the ‘old’ Caribbean. Don’t look for fancy tablecloths or high priced menus. Cold beer out of an iced down cooler, local Rum, and fresh fish on the grill are the fare here. It’s a great place to catch up on local gossip, and just enjoy the sun and cool breezes that whisk across Grace Bay to provide Blue Hill’s with its ‘natural air conditioning’ all year round.

Forggie plans to move his other business – an ATV rental and touring services – to the bar’s locations. His ATV tours have become a popular way to see a truly undiscovered part of the islands.

 

Make a day of it in Blue Hills. Other notable stops are Horse Eyed Jacks, where full moon parties have been known to last an entire lunar cycle; Da Conch Shack, where you can watch the fine art of conch knocking as you wait for a delicious conch salad; Sailing in Paradise, whose colorful decks reach right out into the waters of Blue Hills; and this writer’s favorite, 3 Queens – the oldest bar in Provo, home of the TCI Conch Festival and where you can always get the latest news, great local food and a lively game of dominoes (ask for Dick and tell him I sent ya).

What’s a trip to the Caribbean without having a taste of the official drink of the region. Most islands have their own blend and style, and Turks and Caicos has a real winner of its own. Bambarra Rum, the Spirit of the Turks and Caicos, is a tasty blend that comes in gold or silver and makes a great rum punch, daiquiri or Mojito. But the true afficianados will really appreciate the 8 Year Old premium version - smooth with a sweet taste - almost vanilla, and a nice heavy oak flavored finish with a hint of spice. The perfect sipping drink as you watch the waves gently lap our golden white shores, or the sun dip over the horizon, ending another perfect day in paradise.

For even more details and reviews on Bambarra, go to the Rumelier web site.

Bambarra celebrates an important event in TCI history, too. Bambarra is the name of one of the original settlements in Middle Caicos, where survivors of the slave ship Trouvadore settled after they wrecked on the reef there in 1841 (when they landed on shore, they were granted freedom under the British law of the day). They named their village Bambarra after the village of the same name in West Africa where they came from, and they brought many of their native traditions and culture with them - some of which you still see, hear and taste today in the Turks and Caicos. Check out the TCI National Museum in Grand Turk for more on this and other parts of Turks and Caicos colorful history.

So order a Bambarra rum drink at your favorite bar or restaurant, and pick up a bottle before you leave to take home. It’s available most everywhere on the island, including The Wine Cellar on Leeward Highway and the duty free shop at the airport - a nice last minute gift idea to take back home.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the latest addition to the Grace Bay Beach area - a brand new park. Located on the western end of our famous stretch of sand (next to the Wymara/Gansevoort), the park is a product of public/private partnership in TCI.

It includes a native botanical garden, a children’s playground, voleyball court, shaded picnic areas and a crafts village. It’s a perfect place for an outing or BBQ with the whole family and its right on the beach - 950 linear fee to beachfront to be exact, and the entire park sits on six acres.

Right across the street is the TCI National Environmental Center, which is also a neat attraction to pay a visit to. The Centre has exhibits and information on all sorts of wildlife and plants that can be found in TCI, both on land and in the water.

Both the park and the Environmental Center are within walking distance of the resorts on the western end of Grace Bay Beach (Beaches, Coral Gardens, Turks & Caicos Club, West Bay Club and Wymara/Gansevoort) and a short drive from anywhere else in Grace Bay.

The Gansevoort Hotels in New York City’s Meatpacking District and Miami’s South Beach are unique types of places that combine hot and cool at the same time. For sure, they attract the beautiful people in both locations, whether it’s for restful accommodation in the sleek modernistic rooms, or to see and be seen at their trendy lobbies, bars and restaurants.

 

Now, visitors to Turks & Caicos can partake in the cool/hot ambience, as the Gansevoort by Wymara opened its doors this week. To clarify on the name issue, Wymara is the name of the development that occupies the far western end of glorious Grace Bay Beach, and the real estate available as part of that is branded as such. But late last year Gansevoort came on board as the management company for the hotel, adding to the boutique line of hotels in other cities (which will soon include Chicago and Toronto). So you can expect all the neat Gansevoort touches in terms of the service and amenities, in addition to an eye catching architectural style that the Wymara developers pulled together. It’s also part of the Preferred Hotel Group, which puts it in elite company.

 

Gansevoort offers stunning ocean view rooms of various size (up to 3 bedroom penthouses), with top of the line finishings and well appointed kitchens and spacious living areas. The 91-room property sits on a very nice stretch of Grace Bay, within walking distance to Coral Garden reef (best snorkeling on the island) as well as close to Turtle Cove Marina and The Player’s Club casino. There’s even a brand new kid’s park next door. There’s a small beach bar and the property also features as signature 7,000 square foot pool with ‘lounging islands’ that are very, well, cool.

 

Last week we had a chance to preview the Bagatelle Restaurant which offers indoor and outdoor dining by the pool and hip sunken bar. Bagatelle (which also has a restaurant next door to the NYC Gansevoort) is run by the well known One Restaurant Group, operators of several restaurant and clubs in New York. The food, service and ambience were all fantastic and it’s a great addition to the TCI dining scene even if you aren’t staying there

 

As an added attraction, the folks from Exhale Spa are operating the spa, bringing their unique style of fitness and relaxation techniques to the Gansevoort in Turks & Caicos. They have special retreat packages available with well-known trainers and instructors visiting from their more than a dozen other locations in the US.

 

Check out some of the introductory rates available for the Gansevoort and prepare to be impressed.