The annual South Caicos Regatta is the oldest native festival in the Turks & Caicos Islands

The family friendly event lineup includes a little miss pageant, junkanoo, domino contests and maypoles.

Our friends at TCI Ferry are offering ferry service from Providenciales to South Caicos for the event with complimentary rum punch during the ride over! Ferry reservations can be made by calling 231 4191 or emailing reservations@tciferry.com.

Here’s the ferry schedule for the weekend of the 25th to 28th May 2012:

The full event schedule:

Wednesday, May 23, at 4:00 p.m. ~ FLOAT PARADE and SASHING by SPONSORS

Thursday, May 24, at 8:00 p.m. ~ LITTLE MISS REGATTA CULTURAL SHOW

Friday, May 25, at 8:00 p.m. ~ FASHION, TALENT AND COMEDY SHOW with a CULTURAL FLAVOUR MUSIC AND DANCING

Saturday, May 26,

5:30 a.m. ~ JUMP – UP – “WE FUNK JUNKANOO BAND”

10:00 a.m. ~ OPENING CEREMONY

11:00 a.m. ~ WE FUNK JUNKANOO BAND, TRIATHLON (A TEAM OF THREE), KITE FLYING, DOMINOES

2:00 p.m. ~ UNCLE ARCHIE’S DIVE

3:00 p.m. ~ BOAT RACES, 3 GROUPS JUNKANOO CONTEST, TUG-A-WAR, BICYCLING BALANCING, MAY POLE

Sunday, May 27 ~ GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA

See you there!

Turks & Caicos Islands - the perfect vacation experience for the entire family

Every year the Turks and Caicos Islands welcome visitors from all over the world who come down to get away and enjoy a nice family vacation.

We’re often asked by callers “what’s there for the kids to do?” here’s our list of favourites:

Undersea Explorer Semi Submarine
The semi submarine experience is one that every child would love. The adventure starts in the Turtle Cover Marina and then over to the Princes Alexandra National Park to see massive and colorful coral reef systems. The tour guide will point out types of fishes and other sea creatures and you’ll be entertained with trivia and a fun and quirky lesson on Turks & Caicos marine life.

Provo Ponies
Horseback riding is an exhilarating experience and perfect for families with children. Whether the riders are beginners or experienced they will enjoy a beachside ride on the beautiful Leeward beach. Reserve this in advance as spaces usually fill quickly!

Kids Camp
Resorts such as the Veranda Resort and Grace Bay Club offer kids camps that are available to children that are not guests at the resort for a fee. Local organizations also offer day camps during the summer months and welcome tourists as well. The day camp will include inside organized activities and also some beach time and kiddie outside games. As parents you won’t have to worry about feeling guilty since the kids will have a chance to make friends on vacation, keep busy while having fun and will be in the capable hands of child care professionals.

Day Pass to Beaches Resort
Beaches Resort has the only water park on Providenciales, 16 restaurants, Pirate’s Island activity center including an X-Box game room, a 50s style diner with self-serve ice cream stations, Sesame Street characters and swim up “bars” – what more could a kid want? Purchase a day pass to the all-inclusive resort and you will have access to the property excluding the kid’s camps. It will be a full day of fun and activity that children of all ages will enjoy.

Half Day Cruise
The entire family will enjoy a half day on the water snorkeling, stopping off at small cays to search for sea shells and sand dollars and beach combing. Some excursions take you to Iguana Island which is an island sanctuary for the endangered Rock Iguana or take you to a shallow spot to find conch and prepare conch salad on board. If you’re really lucky you may spot dolphins in the clear waters. A fishing trip or an eco-kayak excursion is also a way for the family to bond and spend quality time together on the water.

Call, chat or email our on island Reservation Agents for more information on these and other options for family friendly fun in Turks & Caicos!

After gathering in the relaxation area, we were led to our treatment rooms and each experienced a glorious Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow treatment.

After our therapeutic sessions we all agreed that it was just what we needed for rejuvenation and de-stress. We had lunch at the beachside Grill Rouge and feasted on jerk chicken, shrimp tacos and ham burgers – all delicious!

We left the Grace Bay Club feeling our best and impressed with the exceptional service we experienced throughout the day.

Here’s to rest and relaxation!

Turks & Caicos Reservations agents were pampered at the Anani Spa at the luxurious Grace Bay Club

This year’s project was a great success, the many smiles you see when handing them out makes all the effort worthwhile, and I’m already looking forward to start getting things organized for next year’s handouts.  Get more information on the Rotary Club of Providenciales by visiting http://www.rotary.tc

Rotarian Val gets a picture snapped while handing out Dictionaries across the country to Grade 3's

Escape to paradise in the off season to benefit from amazing discounts and promotions at resorts in Turks & Caicos

1. Best deals for the year! At Turks & Caicos Reservations we offer secret deals all year round for booking directly with us. The deals get sweeter during the low season when hotels and resorts offer special promotions and discounts including free nights, price cutting and at Northwest Point Resort and Leeward Resort a car rental included. Villa Del Mar resort is offering the 4th and 7th night free and also include complimentary breakfast. This is the best time of year to travel for penny pinchers and those who would prefer to pay less for accommodations in a popular and exclusive destination.

2. More privacy, rest and relaxation. Travel in the off season also provides the best atmosphere for rest and relaxation as hotel occupancy will be lower, the beaches will be less occupied and you may even get a complimentary upgrade to a better room category depending on occupancy levels at the hotel or resort. You will enjoy more exclusivity, be able to secure the lower rates on car rentals which typically sell out faster and the departure process will run more smoothly with less passengers.

3. Get deeper in local culture and the people. A Turks & Caicos vacation during the off season is the perfect time to see the islands as the locals do. You’ll find that you will experience more local color and flair and a more relaxed atmosphere than when the island is overwhelmed with tourists.

4. Native festivals and the opening of lobster season. One of my favorite things about the slow season is the start of crab season and later, lobster season. This occasion is typically celebrated with festivals where tourists and residents partake of crab and lobster dishes made in a variety of ways. This time of year is also popular for other festivals and concerts. The South Caicos Regatta, Middle Caicos Day and the Provo Summer Festival all take place during the summer months. These native festivals are perfect for a family outing to experience the culture in its truest form.

5. The weather is not as bad as you may think. One of the main reasons persons are hesitant to travel in the off season is related to weather concerns. Our weather page can assist you in accessing what kind of weather you can expect during that time. On average there are highs of 88 degrees and lows of 80 degrees with the average rainfall being just over 1 inch. While the threat of a hurricane is a possibly, it is indeed not as great as you would imagine. The Turks & Caicos has been fortunate enough to have been spared from many active storms and all hotels and resort have hurricane policies to cover your stay if you are unable to make it down to the islands or have to depart sooner than expected. While the uncertainty is a risk, you may find that the benefits outweigh them.

Our on island agents at Turks & Caicos Reservations will help you to learn about all the amazing off-peak promotions and deals available. Call, email or live chat for more details.

Athelete Delano Williams has put Turks & Caicos on the map in the world of sports.

A Turks and Caicos athlete may help put Turks and Caicos on the map for more than just our great beaches!   Our own Delano Williams will be flying to Britain to try to qualify for a spot in the 200 meters in the London Olympics.

He’s hoping to compete in the Olympics as a British citizen because Turks and Caicos has an unrecognised olympic committee.  But, regardless of which team he is running on – he’ll make all of Turks and Caicos proud. Read more on this story here and watch Delano in action in the video below.

On average, a new swim race is created every day somewhere on the planet. And there are now over 4000 open water swim races every year.

One of those is right here on Provo in the beautiful turquoise waters of Grace Bay. The third annual Turks & Caicos “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim is set for Saturday July 7, 2012 on the beach in front of the Flamingo Cafe.

Founded and organized by TCI residents Ben Stubenberg and Chloe Zimmermann, the race features a 1 mile and a 2.4 mile event, as well as a 100 meter children’s swim for youngsters 12 and under.

The race has attracted some international super stars in open water swimming, including Marcos Diaz from the Dominican Republic. Marcos, who was voted Male World Open Water Swimmer of the Year 2010, has won both the mile and 2.4 mile events for the past two years.

Even though top swimmers compete for conch trophies, the race warmly welcomes all swimmers in a very collegial and friendly environment, including those who are getting into the sport for the first time. The race has received many compliments for organization, safety, and inclusive spirit.

And there is hardly a place on the globe better suited to open water swim competition than Grace Bay in the summer time.

Swimmers from all over the world compete in "Race for the Conch" - a 1 mile and 2.4 mile Eco-seaswim July 7, 2012

Funds raised from sponsors and registration fees go support local charities, such as the Provo Children’s Home, Salvation Army’s Feed the Children program, and a fund to protect the reefs around the Turks & Caicos.

So, if you are a swimmer, consider combining a great race with a vacation and bring your family and friends to cheer you on.

Now is the time to start getting ready. July 7 is just 4 months away! For more information on the race and on-line registration, log on to: www.ecoseaswim.com Or come by Marco Travel at Graceway House near the big IGA to register. See you on the beach!

On our super easy-to-use villa site, you can browse villas by location, number of bedrooms or search by property name

1. The most important thing when booking a villa in the Turks and Caicos is to choose the right agent. There are many travel agencies and booking with a reputable company is ideal. Turks & Caicos Reservations is an excellent choice to book a villa because our reservation agents live on the island, we know the properties personally and can provide local insider information that can make a significant difference in your decision making. While reading reviews and ratings help, it’s great to have the option of speaking directly with persons who are familiar with the villas and islands. You can also utilize our local knowledge to find out about hidden gems and other minor details that could make a major difference in your decision.

2. Get familiar with the requirements and policies for each villa you are interested in. This includes the property’s policy on pets, the amount required for a deposit, taxes and the check in and check out days and times, amenities included, maximum number of persons allowed, cancellation policy, cleaning services offered, among other things. Ensure that you fully understand all the terms and that they meet your expectations. Don’t hold back on asking questions.

3. Location, location, location! Before booking you should know the exact location of your villa and how close it will be to the beach, restaurants, entertainment and shopping. There are villas located all over the country in areas that are more exclusive or that are right in the heart of the tourist strip. Villas located in the Grace Bay or Leeward area are closer to the main resort strip. Villas in Chalk Sound, Taylor Bay and Silly Creek are on the south end of the island where the more exclusive beaches are situated. For the family island experience, there are villas on North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Salt Cay and Grand Turk. Check out our Villa Location Guide for help in selecting the right location for your vacation in Turks & Caicos.

4. Timing is everything. Reserving your vacation villa in Turks and Caicos is a meticulous process and a very important part of that is timing. Most villas are booked up to six months in advance especially for peak season and holiday dates. To ensure you have the most selections to choose from, begin your search early and be prepared to book your villa well in advance of your stay.

5. During your search for the perfect vacation villa, ensure that the villa you consider has the amenities that meet your needs. Whether it is having a pool, BBQ, internet access, laundry facilities and cable television. You want to be comfortable and feel right at home and while typical resort features may not be available, there are some amenities that you may be unwilling to compromise on.  Just as there are villas to match every budget, there are also villas to meet most, if not every need. If there is a need for handicap access, be forthcoming with your request for a villa that will ensure that every member of your party is accommodated comfortably. Decide early which amenities are “must-haves” and include them in your inquiry so that the most suitable villas are recommended to you first.

6. Prices are seasonal. When considering the time of year to travel, also keep in mind that prices for most villas are seasonal. During the peak and holiday seasons prices will be higher. During these seasons there may also be minimum length of stay requirements.

7. Pick the right concierge service. One of the special advantages of renting a villa is the option to self-cater and personalize your vacation your way. You can arrange nanny and babysitting services, private chef, tours and excursions, rental cars, dinner reservations, grocery shopping and other delivery services. Ask our reservation agent what extras are available to enhance your vacation and also request any other special requests you may have. We can recommend the best people in the business to handle your concierge services.

As we strive to make your Turks & Caicos travel plans a bit easier for visitors, we’ll explain in depth how important the right location is to your trip planning.

Gorgeous views of Silly Creek from Villa Alamandra

Silly Creek is located on the south western are of Providenciales, the tourism center of the island chain. On that tip of the island, there are panoramic views of the ocean. The area is home to many high end luxury homes and villas and is just a short distance to the beautiful Taylor Bay which is a shallow sandy beach. From the airport this area is about 10 minutes away. From the main Grace Bay area where the main resort strip and golf course is located, it is about a 15 minute drive. This exclusive area is home to our favorites Villa Alamandra (4 bedrooms), Ponte Del Sogno (4 bedrooms), Tropical Shores Villa (3 bedrooms) and Villa Sublime (1-3 bedrooms).

Also on the south west side of Providenciales is Chalk Sound. The National Park offers magnificent views of the ocean and its scattered little cays. The area is also a high end residential area with many luxury homes and villas in the neighborhood. The nearby beach called Sapodilla Bay is a bit difficult to find but it is very calm, peaceful and also a shallow which makes it perfect for children. Our favorite villas in Chalk Sound include Bahia Mar (4 bedrooms), Villa Blue Heaven (3 bedrooms), Breezy Palms (4bedrooms), Emerald Shores (3-9 bedrooms), Etoile de Mer (3-4 bedrooms), Villa Seacliff (5 bedrooms) and Sunset Point Villa (4 bedooms).

On the northern end of the island is an area known as Turtle Tail. Villas in Turtle Tail enjoy gorgeous private beaches and views. The distance to the main Grace Bay area is only about 7 minutes and the airport is 10 minutes away. Our favorite villas in Turtle Tail include Bajacu (2-5 bedrooms) and Villa Balinese (3 bedrooms).

The beautiful 2 bedroom Acacia Villa in Leeward, Providenciales

Leeward is a high end residential community on the north east side of the island and features beach and canal front villas. The beaches of Leeward are private and often secluded. The beaches access are easy to find and are perfect for picnics. Our top picks in Leeward are Acacia Villa (2 bedrooms) and Channel House (4 bedroom). The airport is just 20 minutes away and the main Grace Bay area is only 5 minutes away.

Neighboring Leeward is the area known as Long Bay on the southeast shore of Providenciales. This is also a popular residential area which beautiful white sandy beaches to enjoy. It is 5 minutes away from the main Grace Bay strip and the airport is 20 minutes away. The pristine beach is approximately 3 miles long. Ranking highly in Long Bay are Breezy Villa (3 bedrooms), Casa Varnishkes (4-9 bedrooms), Villa Shambhala (4-5 bedrooms) and Long Bay House (5-6 bedrooms).

Sapodilla Bay on the south western side of Providenciales is a luxurious residential community beside Chalk Sound. The bay here is known for its calmness and beautiful views. Even you are staying in other parts of the idea this is a “must-visit” beach. With many options to choose from in this area, our favorites are Casa Ananas (3 bedrooms) and La Koubba (3-6 bedrooms).

Just a few miles from Sapodilla Bay is Taylor Bay on the south western end of Providenciales. It is also known as Sunset Bay for the majestic sunsets to be seen on the Bay. The villas in Taylor Bay are either ocean front or offer ocean views. Our favorite villas in Taylor Bay are Five Turtles (4 bedrooms), Tre Desideri (2-4 bedrooms) and Place de la Sol (1-3 bedrooms).

The infamous Grace Bay is home to the award winning Grace Bay beach and is where many of the major resorts, hotels and condominiums. This is also where the main shopping plazas, spas, golf course and a casino. The Grace Bay area is the most sought after location and our favorite villas include Serenity House on Grace Bay (6 bedrooms) and Villa Sounion (5 bedrooms).

Our family islands also have a great selection of vacation villas. You can escape the more popular island of Providenciales for the unspoiled, quaint and historic experience in the “green” island North Caicos, the nation’s capital Grand Turk or the whale watching hub Salt Cay. Our favorite family island villa is Whitby Beach Cottage (3 bedrooms) in North Caicos.

Helpful images showing you where the many beachfront villas are located

This information will help you to successfully narrow down the locations where you would prefer your vacation villa in Turks & Caicos. Consult with our Destination Experts to decide the best location and island to reserve a vacation villa today!