Turks & Caicos Beat

Getting Up To Speed on T&C

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:07:00 +0000

The Chicago Tribune has a lengthy article ("Stargazing in the Turks & Caicos: With Oprah and JoJo in hiding, the glow worms steal the show") on what basically amounts to a trip recap by one of its writers. However, it's a good read especially if you're looking for activities to do during your stay in Provo. The article talks about everything from JoJo to trained conches to glow worm mating to real estate development to celebrity sitings and more. Interestingly, the one thing that is missing is any mention of the beach, which I imagine was deliberate.

Sleep in Christie Brinkley's Bed

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:27:00 +0000

Ok, so i knew that Bruce Willis has a villa on Parrot Cay where Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner got married. Donna Karin also has a place there. And then there is the resort loved by the rich and famous (and only affordable to them, of course). But if that isn't enough for you, you can always hang out at Christie Brinkley's place when she's not there. Apparently she has a three-bedroom there that rents for $4000-$9000 a night. It's like VRBO for the rich and famous! So all you Wall Streeters who don't know what to do with all your bonus money because you're on a waiting list for a Ferrari, why not stay here for a month or three!

A Potcake in NY

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 18:33:00 +0000

"Potcake" is the name used for the many stray dogs that can be found roaming around Provo. The dogs are cute and smart and places like Potcake Place make it a hassle free process to adopt one whether or not you are down there. They take care of vaccinations, provide them a home and organize the health certificate for travel. Since there are so many strays, not all of them can be helped so adopting one is equivalent to rescuing another. What could be a better gift for the holidays?

Recently, a potcake was featured in the New York Post when author Paul Conway adopted a pup who she's named Marley.

"I was in Turks & Caicos, and I came home with sunburn and a potcake," explains Paula Conway, co-author of "The Beauty Buyble"

Read more about her adventures with Marley when she returned to the city.

Helpful links:
Potcake Foundation
Potcake Place

Don't Forget Your Passport!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 20:13:00 +0000

The first time i went down to Provo a few years back, I almost panicked because it was after 9/11 and the gov't had started tightening up its rules about passports to the Caribbean. My passport had recently expired and i started looking into passport emergency services. Apparently i wasn't the only one, as the gov't gave us a reprieve and chose to extend the policy (allowing Birth Certificates and other valid documentation) ... until now.

Per the US State Department website: "In January 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document."

The LA Times reports that this is going to be a crushing blow to tourism in the Caribbean with the notable exception of "high-end" islands like the Turks & Caicos where travelers tend to already have passports. Nevertheless, that will hardly be any consolation if you forget to renew your passport.

Conch Festival Set for Nov. 25

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 03:38:00 +0000

Everyone knows that conch is synonymous with the Turks & Caicos - it's even present on its flag. Where else is a visit to the Conch Farm considered an integral part of a vist? So it you're going to be down there at the end of this month you won't want to miss the 3rd annual Conch Festival featuring chefs from the island competing for the best recipe, live music, a mojito making contest and much more.

The festivities kick off at noon and run until 7 in the Blue Hills section. If anyone snaps photos, please send them to me!

Here's the full press release.

Guster, Barenaked Ladies & TCI

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 03:14:00 +0000

I've been a big fan of Guster since I heard them last summer in Central Park with Ben Folds - the singer I actually went to see. They are truly amazing live. And most people know who the Barenaked Ladies are although perhaps it conjures up different images in the context of the tropics. So this sounds like a pretty fun cruise combining one of my favorite bands with a stopover at one of my favorite places.

If you're interested in listening to some Guster songs, there are a bunch on You Tube.

Photos from Provo : Film Fest Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 02:34:00 +0000

Well, odd as it may sound I've been taking a break from dreaming about TCI by um, working. I know, that sounds pathetic - who am i to argue but thanks to some prodding i'm back! As i mentioned in an earlier post, my sister was down last month and so i'm using her photos for this edition of "Photos from Provo." Ignore the several construction photos at the beginning - i asked her to take those for me to get an idea of what's going on down on the island :-) Check out the photos.

Here's a wrapup story about the fest.

Film Fest in Full Force

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 21:44:00 +0000

The first Turks & Caicos Intl. Film Fest began on Oct. 17th and my sister is currently staying at our condo at the Alexandra. It turns out that the Alexandra also happens to be the host hotel for the film festival so she's a happy camper indeed. She has promised to get me photos from the event but in the meantime, a nugget of news from Variety Magazine says that they "will honor composer John Debney and the late Tupac Shakur." Shakur's mother will be onhand to accept the honor on behalf of her son.

Photos and news as it comes....

Previous postings are here, here and here. The website for the film festival is turksandcaicosfilmfestival.com

Provo Beach Tops Again

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 21:13:00 +0000

For those who have been spoiled for years by the beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water surroung the Turks & Caicos Islands, it will probably come as no surprise that Providenciales (Grace Bay) has been voted the Best Beach in the world for the second year in a row at the World Travel Awards. Usually when i read about someone declaring them the best of anything, I naturally (cynically, some would say) assume the award was handed out by a bunch of guys sitting in a small basement room to promote themselves. In this case, it's a real honor. Voting is done by travel agents in over 200 countries and they get hundreds of thousands of votes. This year, the Awards were held at Provo's own Beaches Resort.

So the next time it's snowing and freezing cold outside and you're bragging to your cube mates about where you're going that weekend. Tell them "To the Best Beach in the World." They won't be able to top that!

A Tale of Two Islands?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 21:25:00 +0000

I ran across two articles today, both in Florida newspapers, that reflect two completely different ways the Turks & Caicos Islands is marketing itself. On the one hand, the Miami Herald has an article Caribbean shifts toward high-end tourism which talks a lot about the upcoming Ritz Carlton Molasses Reef resort on West Caicos and quotes Premier Michael Misick saying "We are not interested in quantity, we are interested in quality. If you can't afford it, the Turks and Caicos is not for you. That may sound snobbish, but we've made a strategic decision to pursue up-market tourism." Yes, Mr. Misick, that is pretty snobbish, but I guess you get credit for saying it as it is.

Meanwhile the Orlando Sentinel in Grand Turk beckons visitors talks about the onslaught of tourists at the TCI capital. "This tiny island once received perhaps 10,000 visitors a year. It's now welcoming an estimated 300,000." The Grand Turk cruise facility was built by Carnival, a decidedly non-upscale cruise line.

Update 9/18: Here's another article about the cruise ship dock at Grand Turk. This ones goes in a bit more depth about the excursions available. Plus here's an interesting tidbit:

Its position makes it a safe berth, Ellis said, a contingency port in bad weather, with a two-ship pier engineered to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. "The rest of the island might blow away," Ellis said, "but the pier won't."

So where does that leave Provo? I guess it's for us folk who aren't swimming in money and cannot (or do not want to) afford a multi-million dollar place in the middle of a wildlife sanctuary but at same time don't like the crowds of a cruise destination. We call Provo: "just right".

TCI 1st International Boxing Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 20:00:00 +0000

Not content to have the best beach in the world, Provo wants to also be well known for .... boxing. Well, I jest. But according to this article in the Nassau Guardian, Gary Lightbourne has been trying to establish their own federation for over a year now, culminating in this inaugural event which will be held from September 7-10. The last thing I want to do when I head to Provo is see a boxing match, but then again that's pretty much the last thing i want to do here in the States too. But i put this information out there for those who might be fans :-). Ticket and venue information can be found here.

Labor day is just right around the corner. Which means, now is the time to reallly start thinking about spending more time down in the islands.

The Music Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 18:08:00 +0000

Well, as you know i've been searching far and wide for information about what was supposed to be the summer's big event and finally i found a decent writeup. It sounds like the hurricane (moreso the threat of Hurricane Chris) dampened things (no pun intended) but still sounded like a good time.

"This year the proceedings were blessed to have the first true hurricane of the season, Hurricane Chris, just glance off to the northeast, stirring up a few strong winds and a couple of thunder showers. But the outdoor music festival, set up on a dockside stage at the Turtle Cove Marina, proceeded without incident, though the shows usually began late and went on until 2, 3, and 4 in the morning!"

All I know, hurricane or not, i would rather have been down there than sitting at my office scavenging for reports!

T&C Film Festival Chicago Launch Party

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 21:18:00 +0000

Looks like they're making the rounds. First it was LA, then it was NY, now it's Chicago. The party is tonight from 8-12 at the China Grill. If you happen to be in Chicago, you get to hobnob with Chief Minister Michael Misick and his model wife LisaRaye as well as the directors of the Fest, Jasmine Guy and and Terrence Duckette. Check back here for photos of the festivities (if we can locate some).

Previous posts about the fest on this blog can be found here and here. The website for the film festival is turksandcaicosfilmfestival.com

Hurricane Chris

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 18:04:00 +0000

Well, the first "big" one was supposed to hit today but so far it's just a "Normal Day in Sunny TCI" according to Edgar Howell, reporting from the Islands. It looks like Provo will be spared (once again).

Meanwhile, the Turks & Caicos Music Festival is supposed to be going on. I blogged about it earlier and I thought it might get some foot traffic but so far reports are not so good. In the words of a local "yeah, no on I know is going to it, not even the tourist board people!" And nary a news story about it either. Here's hoping the TCI Film Festival will find more success....

Traveler's Tips: Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:11:00 +0000

No matter how safe a destination it's always best to use some common senese when traveling. Provo is very safe but it's not without its problems. Here are some tips that every traveler should find handy:

Leave expensive jewelry, unnecessary credit cards, and anything you would hate to lose at home.
Use a concealed money pouch or belt for passports, cash, and other valuables.
To facilitate replacing a lost or stolen passport, carry two extra passport photos and a photocopy of your passport information page and other identity documents with you in a separate place from those items.
Do not take valuables to the beach. When possible, use the hotel safe when you go to the beach or into town.
Do not dive into unknown bodies of water because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.

And finally a great tip from Barb:

Never lock your car door and always leave the windows open so that way if someone is tempted to go snooping all they have to do is poke their head in (instead of smashing in the windows). They don't want to steal your car.... Really... how far would they get? And obviously don't leave something tempting like your passport and diamonds in the car.

Many of these tips are from the US State Departments Tips For Travelers to the Caribbean. I know, TCI is not officially in the Caribbean, but there's plenty of other good, relevant information on their site.

Where is that dang resort?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 18:00:00 +0000

We got a question today asking where on Grace Bay Alex 3303 (Alexandra Resort) is located and truth be told we get this question a lot and not just for our condo. If you go to any of the resort websites they just list "Grace Bay" as the location and presumably any taxi will know where to take you - after all Grace Bay isn't that big. But if you're walking, where you're staying actually can make a big difference. So here's one of the few maps available on the web that will show you the locations of most if not all the resorts. We don't know the realtors behind this map nor do we endorse them but we sure appreciate the legwork they put into this map!

Update 9/18: Thanks to Provoman and Sea_King_Bill from the Tripadvisor forums, who respectively pointed out that hotels were missing from the map (since the original was created by a realtor) and added the missing hotels onto the map. If you need a pdf, click here.

"O" My

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 18:25:00 +0000

Well, here's another private island retreat that I will never be able to vist until I win Powerball. Vienna-based O Property Collection recently launched a $1 billion hotel and villa project on Dellis Island, a roughly 2 square mile island 20 minutes from Provo. According to their website, "the focus will be on creating an upscale, exclusive, private island serving the needs of affluent travelers." They plan to open 2008. Parrot Cay watch out! This photo is from their website where there isn't a whole lot of information but plenty of pretty pictures.

Photos from Provo : Inaugural Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 21:45:00 +0000

There's nothing like staring at the beauty of Provo especially when you're cooped up in some air conditioned office somewhere. So I thought i'd start a somewhat regular feature from regular folk called "Photos from Provo" to showcase photo galleries that people have taken through the years. Thanks to Barbara from Charlton, MA for the kickoff edition. She's being going down for 14 years and has a timeshare at the Alexandra. Back then there were only 4 resorts. People talk about having their own private piece of paradise now - one can only imagine what it must've been like back then! Thanks for sharing Barb! Click here or on the photo to view her gallery.

If anyone has photos (recent or past) they'd like to share in future editions, please send me the link to your gallery and tell me a little bit about yourself.

The Birth of a Nation

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 20:47:00 +0000

This week's issue of Newsweek picked up on the appeal of the Turks & Caicos' appeal for those looking for an "Island of their own" specifically focusing on the Ritz Carlton:

The Turks and Caicos archipelago contains eight inhabited islands out of 40 in all. Ritz-Carlton's new Molasses Reef Resort on the uninhabited island of West Caicos, which opens in 2008, will include 60 villas and a 125-suite hotel and spa (ritzcarlton.com). The resort is named for the nearby reef where Columbus's Pinta is said to have sunk.

It's the last sentence that piqued my interest however because it turns out that a pair of marine archaeologists are going on a dive to search for a slave ship called the Trouvadore that sunk in 1800 and "created a nation."

"If it turns out that this is the Trouvadore, it would be huge for the nation itself," said Jason Burns, one of the two archaeologists making the trip. "Pretty much anyone on the island can trace their lineage back to the wreck."

If you have any interest in the history of TCI, how could you not continue reading this article?

Update on the expedition: It's now complete and you can read about it in Slave ship expedition yields murky answers.

Club Med: Worth A Look?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 17:00:00 +0000

Let's face it. Staying down in Provo is expensive and eating out is just as bad. That's why many people go there with suitcases packed full of PB&J. But there are two all-inclusives. Beaches and Club Med Turkoise that offer a somewhat more affordable option. I've never been to Club Med, but to myself and many other people it sometimes conjures up less than desirable images. This is why I thought this article by respected travel writer Po Bronson was a great read. Bronson spent a week at Club Med going down with a full dose of skepticism but leaving with a much different sense. Here's his "Executive summary":

"Med vacation: it’s sorta like watching *Melrose Place*. You don’t want to think of yourself as the kind of person who likes it, because it preys upon your most base impulses, both sexual and slothful. You’re embarrassed that it appeals to you, so you participate for awhile with a mindset that is somewhere between *heckler* and *lowbrow camp.* But eventually the calming endorphins kick in. Acceptance occurs. Then, you are hooked, and you will go back."

It's a long article but an interesting read. Keep in mind that even if you don't want to stay there, they do offer day passes and it just might be a good place to check out for a day or two if you're looking for some activities. And heck, they discovered Grace Bay long before the other resorts so they must be doing something right.

Random Bits

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 20:12:00 +0000

Asked by Harper's Bazaar what she was going to do on her 20th birthday, Lindsay Lohan said "I'm going to go away, out of the country...Do something fun and different. [Photographers] won't find me... No one can get a picture of you on Turks and Caicos. I go there with my family, and it's the perfect place to go with a guy." It's July's cover story if you're so inclined to go to the newsstand. Now we know how cool we really are that LL shares our love with the island.

In other news more info out of the TCI Film Festival. Apparently its emphasis is going to be on films that "best marry music to cinema."

"I have felt for a long time that film and music are inseparable in creating an impactful on-screen experience" explains Exec Director Jasmie Guy. "This is a great opportunity to celebrate that fusion, and to embrace films and filmmakers from around the globe." More here and in my earlier post.

Resort Deals Roundup

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 17:36:00 +0000

Well, this is my first posting of specials at the resorts on Provo so suggestions are welcome on how best to do this. I decided to only list resorts that are offering special discounts for the summer/fall. All resorts have package deals but those rarely change so aren't listed here. All deals were available as of today but you should visit the respective websites for more information:

Alexandra
- Stay 14, Pay 11; Stay 7 pay 5; Stay 5 pay 4;

Club Med
- 7 for the price of 3; 9/2 - 11/3; starting at $870
- 50% off second guest; until 9/1

Coral Gardens
- "Suite Deal" - fifth and seventh night free - 9/3 - 11/3

Le Vele
- 10% senior citizen and AAA discount; restricted time periods

Ocean Club Resorts
- Stay 7, Pay 5; 9/1 - 10/31
- 7 night packages sale - $50 off
- Diver's Special - 9 and 10/1-14; Buy 1 double-tank Dive and 2nd day of diving is free.

Point Grace
- Summer Escape; 7 nights for 6; July; starting at $2850

Sibonne
- Summer Specials; 4/19-12/20; Discounts across all rooms; Value rooms $99, normally $110; Ocean Views $145, normally $165

The Palms
- 7th night free; 5/29 - 12/20

The Sands
- One "Suite" Deal: 7th night free 11/1-12/20
- Second "Suite" Deal: 6th and 7th nights free; until 10/31

Turks and Caicos Club
- 7 nights for 5 and 14 nights for 11: until 8/31 and 10/1-11/15

World Cup Crazy in T&C?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 19:10:00 +0000

Probably not. Although the Turks & Caicos Islands are a member of FIFA, they are ranked 204th ...out of 205 teams. American Samoa holds the title for world's lowest ranked team and has the dubious honor of suffering the worst defeat in history (31-0) against Australia. Last World Cup, FIFA scheduled a match against the two worst ranked teams (Bhutan and Montserrat) right before the Final match but alas, there are no plans to do it again this year.

More about the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association. Unfortunately most of the links don't work....

Boston Globe raves about Provo

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:06:00 +0000

This is not the first time the Boston Globe has written about the Turks & Caicos. This time the headline is "Prime Time in the Caribbean." Bonny Tsui writes "the Turks and Caicos have long been off the radar for many Americans. But with their magnificent white-sand beaches -- and recently stepped-up air service, including seasonal nonstop flights from Boston and New York -- the destination is growing more popular."

The subheading is "Turks and Caicos Islands are not too crowded -- yet" which I concur with. It's always one of the first things that returning travelelers point out (except if they stayed at Beaches!). I think it's startling to a lot of people that they can go to some place that is so beautiful and yet not be bombared with crowds, people trying to sell stuff and other peace-destroyers.

Back to the article, the places mentioned include Amanyara, Parrot Cay and Grace Bay Club. It wraps up with a bit of talk about the Grand Turks. Great read for those looking to learn more about TCI.

Update: The Boston Herald covers Carnival's entry into Grand Turk. Must be Boston coverage of T&C day or something!

Update 2: Thanks to alert reader Jane from the UK for pointing out this article in the The Sunday Times. It discusses, (surprise, surprise) Amanyara and Parrot Cay. Whoever does their PR is earning their keep!

No Need to Go To T&C For T&C Conch

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 04:13:00 +0000

If you happen to be on Sunset Blvd in LA, here's a little tidbit for you from the LA Times (scroll down to "Specialty Fork" or read below). This is not particularly newsworthy but i found it amusing....

Conch escargot-style

Turks and Caicos conch served escargot-style turns out to be conch served in four pretty shells lined up in a row on four porcelain plates. Each shell holds a few bites of meaty conch, which you have to tease out with your long, narrow fork. The new Moroccan Room at Social Hollywood, the revamped Hollywood Athletic Club, is all about looks and presentation. The menu is global—hence the dolled-up conch, but the décor is the romantic Morocco of Rick's Café Americain in "Casablanca." The Moroccan Room at Social Hollywood, 6525 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; (323) 462-5222.

But Seriously...

Visit the Caicos Conch Farm website for more information about tours while you're down in Provo. It's actually one of the nicest websites i've seen originating out of TCI!

Here's a little nugget of information:
"Explore the only conch farm in the world, yes where Caribbean Queen conchs are raised from veliger to adult. Here you can watch how the process is done, enjoy a show with the two trained and very friendly conchs, see conch pearls and even purchase fresh conch for a fabulous conch salad."

Who says you don't learn things on this blog on slow news days?