Our friends at Brilliant started a new tradition here in the islands - cruising around to a bunch of different companies to video and shoot the team(s) dancing around in Santa Hats - this was as much fun to do as it is to watch.  Check out the DiscoverTCI team (under company name Wired Island - close to the beginning).

Dancing Santa Hats in the Turks & Caicos Islands from Brilliant by Tropical Imaging on Vimeo.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands - (Business Wire) Villa del Mar, a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of world-renowned Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos Islands, has announced special rates for December and January, and a two-free-nights special for February through April 2010. For the entire month of December, all room rates are available at 25% off published rates and in January the savings get even better with 50% off all deluxe studio rooms. Starting in February through April, visitors who book a 7-night stay receive two nights free.

The December 25% off special applies to all room types – deluxe studio, luxury one- and two-bedrooms, and the top-floor 1,800-foot two-bedroom ocean view penthouses.

The January 50% discount begins January 2, 2010 and applies to Villa del Mar’s deluxe studio rooms only. These 680 square foot rooms feature outdoor terraces, pool views, a bedroom with king-size bed, plus a queen-size sofa in the living area and a small kitchenette.

No minimum stay is required for either of these specials and reservations can be made any time prior to stay. Specials cannot be combined with other offers or promotions, or be applied to existing reservations. Discounts are based on availability of rooms.

The two-night free offer is for bookings made by December 31, 2009 for 7-night stays from February 1 - April 30, 2010 and is available for all room types.

Complete information on all offers is available at www.yourvilladelmar.com or by calling 1-877-209-0506.

Villa del Mar is celebrating it first year in operation in Providenciales, the tourism center of the Turks and Caicos. Located just footsteps from the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the finely-appointed 42-room property features deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom suites with den, and breathtaking penthouse suites, all of which have been meticulously designed for an ideal tropical getaway. Offering exceptional island views from each balcony, the Villa del Mar experience includes a spacious central courtyard, exercise pavilion, and large pool and sun deck, among other amenities.

The full-service concierge desk at Villa del Mar is available to assist guests with activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, water sports, island hopping, golfing, dining, spa services, island tours and other activities. The resorts features an exclusive beach service, with lounge chairs, towels, water cold packs, beach toys and bar service available to guests as they enjoy the powdery white sands and calm, aquamarine waters of Grace Bay Beach. It is within walking distance to most of the island’s top restaurants, shopping, casino, nightlife, and other attractions.

About the Turks & Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos are a small, upscale island destination located just over an hour’s flight from Miami. The island chain, a UK Territory, consists of more than 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited. It is world renowned for its pristine and uncrowded white sandy beaches – ranked the Best in the World; crystal clear waters that attract scuba divers, fishermen and water sport enthusiasts; and a friendly, relaxed and safe environment for enjoying a true Caribbean getaway vacation. Regularly scheduled air service is available from major gateway cites on American Airlines (Miami, JFK, Boston), US Airways (Charlotte, Philadelphia, Boston); Delta (Atlanta); Air Canada (Toronto, Montreal) and British Airways (London Heathrow).

6TH ANNUAL TURKS & CAICOS CONCH FESTIVAL A KNOCKOUT:
DRAWS RECORD CROWDS, CROWNS NEW CHAMPIONS
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands – December 2, 2009 – The Sixth Annual Turks and Caicos Conch Festival attracted record crowds of conch lovers and fun seekers to its scenic Blue Hills venue Saturday November 28. The event featured a variety of music, live entertainment, a celebrity appearance by world heavyweight boxing champ Michael Moorer, conch contests and the showcase event – the restaurant conch-e-tition, which saw 25 restaurants compete and some new champions crowned in the competition to come up with the tastiest and most creative conch dishes.

The Saturday afternoon festivities were part of an event-filled weekend, including a special Conch Festival pre-party at The Somerset on Friday evening that featured a special Jazz on the Lawn concert. Sunday morning, nearly 100 runners took to the streets of Provo in the first annual Wrigthfully Fit Charity Run, with proceeds going to the Provo Children’s Home.

“It was a great Conch Festival and a great weekend. The weather cooperated, people showed up in record numbers, and we had tremendous support from all the restaurants, hotels and local businesses.   This is becoming a true community event that we can all be proud of,” said Conch Festival president Mike Sottak. “The mix of people and the energy were both at an all time high, and it’s great to see how the whole weekend is really becoming a signature event for the Turks and Caicos for both tourists and residents. ”

Entertainment highlights included the Haitian Brass Marching Band kicking of the festivities, followed by The Five Cays Under The Tree Ripsaw Band.  An appearance by three-time world heavyweight boxing champ Michael Moorer thrilled the crowds, and things reached a fever pitch during the conch knocking contest that pitted the island’s best conch fishermen in a head to head battle.  Tanker’s Junk-a-Noo then revved up the on-lookers with their high-octane rush, as festival goers danced merrily in the streets of Blue Hills.

And the winners are…

As always, conch culinary creations were at the center of the Festival’s main tent. Winning the overall Best in Festival prize, as determined by popular vote, was Bay Bistro Restaurant, with the delectable conch crepes.  They impressed the majority of the voters who cast ballots at the festive event, and Clive Whent and his team will hold on to the coveted trophy for another year.

In the category competitions, the following were deemed tops in the TCI by a team of guest judges (see list of judges below):

Best Conch Salad
1st Place Joyride (Eleuthrera. Bahamas)
2nd Place    tie Froggie’s
                        O’Soleil (The Somerset)
3rd Place  Bay Bistro (Sibonne)

Best Conch Chowder
1st Place  Salt Mills Diner
2nd Place  Hole in the Wall
3rd Place  Opus

Best Specialty Conch
1st Place  Seaside (Ocean Club) Conch Burgers
2nd Place  Caicos Dishes  Butter/Pepper conch
3rd Place      tie Bay Bistro  Conch Wontons
   Simba   Conch Hash

In the always popular Bacardi Mojito making contest, three mixologists rose to the top:

1st Place  Kamario Smith   (Ocean Club)
2nd Place  Norywn Guthrie    (The Somerset)
3rd Place  Mario Kidd   (Grace Bay Club)

Head of TCI Culture David Bowen officiated the conch blowing and conch knocking contests with the result as follows:

Conch Blowing Contest
Longest Blow:  Dan Petrovitch
Best  Melody:  Phil Robinson Jr.

Conch Knocking Contest
1st Place:  Latran Handfield
2nd Place:  Handee “Gubby” Joseph

More information and can be found on www.conchfestival.com and additional information is below.

 
The Judges

Jim Baker
President, Caicos Pride Seafood, South Caicos

Wesley Clerveaux
Director, Dept of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR), Providenciales

Clay Conley
Head Chef, Azul (Mandarin Oriental Hotel), Miami, Fla.

James Dean
Legendary boat builder and fisherman. Blue Hills, TCI

Jason Francis
Fisherman. Restauranteur. Providenciales

Dean James Max
Owner/chef, 3030 Ocean Restaurant, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Michael Moorer
Three-time world heavyweight boxing champion. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Art Pickering
Owner, After Five Concierge Services, Providenciales

Previous Grand Champions

2004 – Nikki of South Caicos
2005 – Hole in the Wall
2006 – Aqua
2007 – Aqua
2008 – Aqua
2009 –  Bay Bistro
The 2009 Restaurant Competitors

Grace Bay Resorts Joyride   Salt Mills
Anchorage Las Brisas  Graceway Gourmet 
Kissing Fish Seaside (Ocean Club)
Bagatelle Caicos Dishes  Harbour Kitchen Orchid  Seven Stars
Bay Bistro Danny Buoy’s  Hemingay’s  
Opus  Simba
Beaches  Froggie’s   
Hole in the Wall  
O’Soleil  TC Hotel School      Parallel 23
 
Recap of Events
Time   Main Stage    Beach/Kids Area

12:00   Main Tasting Tent Opens

12:30   Tempest TCI Marching Brass Band
   Parade of Queens 
        
1:30   The Five Cays Under the Tree Rip Saw Band    
             
2:45   Conch Blowing Contest       

3:00   Bacardi Mojito Contest

3:45   Conch Knocking Contest

4:00   Bambarra Rum Junk A Noo Rush  Santa Claus   

4:30   Lee Forbes & The Force    

5:30   Tasting closes

6:00   Announce Festival Winners
Pot of Gold Draw

Announcing the opening of Leeward Resort, in Leeward, Providenciales, just minutes drive to Grace Bay!

Leeward Resort offers unique luxury beachfront accommodations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Nestled in a quiet corner of the island of Providenciales, this intimate 50-unit property offers spacious and elegantly designed king, 1- and 2-bedroom suites, all with breath taking views of the spectacular turquoise waters at your doorstep.

You’ll enjoy our waterfront setting, complete with a sprawling white sand beach, free form infinity pool, authentic beach volleyball court and comfortable lounging areas. Inside your room you’ll relax in ultimate comfort and luxury, with roomy sitting areas and outdoor patios, as well as finely appointed fixtures and state of the art appliances throughout.  

Leeward Resort features a private, secluded environment, but is within close proximity to all that Providenciales has to offer – including world class dining, water sports, golf, spas, casinos and shopping.

Indulge yourself with the beauty and luxury of our private getaway, offering a memorable and relaxing vacation experience in the Turks and Caicos.

Contact for info & reservations 1-877-407-6197 or visit www.leewardresorttci.com

Get ready for Gourmet Safari 2009 in Provo!

On December 19th don’t miss a culinary showcase from celebrated and talented Executive Chefs and their award-winning culinary teams in the Turks and Caicos. Various different restaurants will be participating in this year’s Gourmet Safari 2009 including:

5:30pm - 6:30pm            
Open Reception: hors d’oeuvres & cocktails at Grace Bay Club

6:30pm - 7:30pm            
First Course at Coyaba

7:30pm - 8:30pm            
Second Course: Fish at O’Soleil at The Somerset

8:30pm - 9:30pm            
Main Course at Lemon Café

9:30pm-10:30pm            
Dessert and Cigars at Bagatelle at the Gansevoort

$250 per person.  Contact Nicole Neumister at Grace Bay Club for reservations and information. Tel: 946-5050 Ext. 1021

New Years’s Eve festivities in Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.

There should be a nice one at Hemmingway’s Restaurant (at Sands Resort, just an 8 minute drive) which has junkanoo parade at midnight and fireworks.  A few resorts do beach parties and bonfires and I think there may be a kind of an impromptu one either by Royal West Indies Resort or or by Ricky’s (both just minutes drive away).
 
Bay Bistro does dinner on the beach with bonfire - real nice.
 
Grace Bay Club, Regent Palms and Somerset will also do more expensive ones, and on the less expensive end, Ports of Call and Danny Buoy’s PUB usually have bands.
 
Most restaurants run New year’s Even specials - fixed price menus with champagne and favors…

Mike,

We were very happy with our decision stay at Northwest Point Resort.  As a matter of fact, I took quite a few pictures of the resort  and  posted them to an album on Facebook to allow easy viewing by my friends and family.  

We were very pleased with having access to a gas grill, snorkel gear, workout room and kayaks.  We found the resort always clean and tidy–a big plus.  The buildings’ court yards and grounds are nicely landscaped and very attractive all around–another plus.  We especially valued the remoteness of the resort–the peace and quiet of the location strongly contributed to our having a very peaceful, restful vacation.  Occasionally, we did journey to the eastern half of the island for various activities, but we always enjoyed returning to North Point Resort for a quiet, peaceful evening.  The quiet certainly added to the pleasure of taking a moonlit walk on beach or just watching the waves break on the beach from our deck.  The Resort’s quiet beauty and remote location are very much to our liking.   We certainly hope to return (every year would be sweet). 

Cheers,
John

The Villas at Blue Mountain, is a Caribbean oceanfront community for those who desire a more private expression of tropical island life. This secluded, yet central private hillside community is 5 minutes from the airport or shopping, and is just a short drive to Provo’s world class Golf Club. The Villas at Blue Mountain boasts the most enviable amenity to be found on Provo, its own secluded beach. The Villas at Blue Mountain focus on preserving the area’s natural beauty and incorporate all that the indigenous surroundings have to offer.

View pictures of the brand new Villa #7 at our Villa resort community!

At DiscoverTCI, we always get the question on the phones, so where is a great place to go and get some local Turks and Caicos food?

Here are our suggestions:  Three Queen’s for sure and the best part is trying to get Dick, the bar owner, to smile. Seriously, it’s a great place and worth the ride through the scenic and authentic Blue Hills area. Also, home of the Conch Festival: www.conchfestival.com on Nov 28 of this year. Hole in the Wall gets high marks for authentic island style food. Ricky’s (Flamingo’s), Club Sodax and Caribbean Delight also right up there. Middle Caicos Cafe in Back of the Veranda and also rocks.

Conch Shack http://www.conchshack.tc is a classic and must-do down here, favourites include the Curry Conch (wonderful flavours including a lovely blend of coconut milk and spicy curry), Conch Fritters and Cracked Conch.

Wondering what Cracked Conch is?  Have a look at this video clip for how they make it!