The Regent Grand Turks & Caicos - Free Nights & Free Golf! 

> Stay for 4 nights and pay for 3
> Stay for 7 nights and pay for 5
> Stay 5 nights or more and get 1 night in-suite chef service (oceanfront suites only)

Amazing Free Golf Offer!  Get 1 round of golf for every room-night booked (so book a one bedroom suite and get 1 round of golf per day of your stay, but book at 2 bedroom suite and get 2 rounds of golf for ever day of your stay!).  A round of golf costs $160 per round, add in the free airport transfers and continental breakfast… what could be better Added Value than this!!  (minimum 3 night stay)

Golf one of the Caribbean’s very best! 

The Clubhouse is one of Provo’s signature buildings. Designed by island architects, SWA Ltd, it follows a Colonial style true to the heritage of the region and provides a great environment in which to chat over the highs and lows of your round.

The building was constructed in 1992 when the island was a very different place, making it one of the more ‘historic’ buildings on Provo! The Pro Shop and Fairways Bar and Grill are on the spectacular upper level, with locker rooms and bag storage below. The vaulted ceiling is adorned with golf course flags from around the world, which provide an interesting diversion while enjoying a drink at the bar.

Views out to the terrace are prominent from anywhere inside the main Clubhouse bar area, through 8ft high french windows, leading to the terrace. The bar/restaurant terrace itself overlooks both practice putting and chipping areas, plus the 10th tee, 18th fairway and 18th green.

A central part of many member’s and Caribbean golf club resident’s social life, The Clubhouse also plays host to various island parties and functions, including its own Christmas Party for members and guests.

Please note that all golfers are required to check into the Pro Shop prior to their round.

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!

Provo Golf and Country Club is delighted to be the host venue of this years’ 53rd Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship.

Bordier International Bank & Trust Ltd. has signed on to be the headline sponsor of this very prestigious event, which is to be contested from the 3rd to the 8th August 2009.

The Caribbean Amateur Open began in 1957 and at that time only included 2 countries, throughout the years it has evolved into the largest annual golf event in the region. The tournament is contested by ten nations in the Caribbean; Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, OECS, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands and US Virgin Islands. (Note: OECS represents all the small island nations of the eastern Caribbean including St. Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, BVI and many others.)

The 14 person teams will be competing over the 4 days of competitive golf in 5 separate divisions.

Each country sends teams to compete for the following divisions:
Hoerman Cup  -  Team of Five Men
George Teale Memorial Trophy  -  Team of Three Women
Ramon Baez Trophy  -  Team of Two Mid Amateur Men (35 and over)
Francis Steele Perkins Trophy  -  Team of Two Senior Men (50 and over)
Higgs and Higgs Trophy  -  Team of Two Super Senior Men (60 and over)

The 2009 Amateur Open will see Puerto Rico looking to retain their title they won last year in the Cayman Islands.

Spectators will be welcomed at the Provo Golf Club during the competition, so come on out and cheer on the Turks & Caicos National Golf Team and see some great golf during the week.   

To find out more details on past history and the formulation of this event, please visit www.cgagolfnet.com

For details of last year’s competition, please check out the website from the Cayman Islands at www.caycompass.com/golf.

THE TURKS AND CAICOS GOLF ASSOCIATION

The TCIGA is very pleased to be involved, as this is a fabulous opportunity to showcase the country and the TCI’s very supportive corporate community.

Ten years ago, the 43rd Annual Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship was held here in the Turks & Caicos in 1999 and thanks to the support of our community was touted as one of the best championships ever hosted by a member country.

Now the time has come for the Turks and Caicos to host this competition again, and as the host country it must act in accordance with the standards laid out under the Constitution of the Caribbean Golf Association and must provide the following minimum facilities:

Accommodation for all visiting teams
Golf course for six days
Transportation to and from airport and to and from golf course each day
Breakfast and dinner for all players
Opening Ceremony, Flag Raising and Dinner
Prize giving and closing party

Therefore the host country must raise a considerable sum, mainly through sponsorship, to undertake the hosting of the event.  Bordier Bank has already signed on as the main sponsor, but they are still a long way to go, and sponsorship packages are available to suit any budget.  Every sponsor will be included in the advertising and media packages.
If you could help out in any way then please contact John Phillips (Tournament Director) at claymore@tciway.tc or by phone at 231 0296 for further information or to answer any questions you might have.

When I first moved to Turks and Caicos more than a decade ago, I was dismayed to find out that living in paradise came with a price. 

While my new home had everything a girl could ever want: sugar-fine beaches, perfect turquoise waters, consistently sunny weather and a ratio of five men to every woman (not that that last point mattered to me I was and am happily married), it was impossible to get a decent glass of wine!  I moved to Turks and Caicos from California, so limiting my wine intake was a bit like telling a retriever not to fetch!  If and when I did find wine on a menu, the reds were usually served too cold and the whites too warm.   I compensated by preserving my wine drinking for when I traveled and stuck to the safe stuff here - Corona with lime.

Fortunately, times have changed dramatically and now getting a decent glass of wine is the least of my worries.  Most restaurants here have great wine lists and proper wine fridges! And, now we have our very own Wine Bar to add to our list of dining options.

You can imagine my excitement when Vino Tiempo finally opened its doors this past weekend. Located in the Regent Plaza in the heart of Grace Bay, Vino Teimpo is - yes you guessed it - everything a girl could ever want in wine bar.  First off, it’s central location in the shopping district makes it very convenient (it is the same complex as Jai’s - the best jewelry store on the island - IMHO).   It is easily accessible from most of the resorts in Grace Bay and it stays open late so you can pop in for an after dinner night cap or after a tough afternoon of shopping!

The decor is fresh, fun and alluring - just like the name (inspired by Italy the home of all things alluring and attractive!).  When you enter, the first thing you notice is the half-moon shaped bar that takes center stage and is dotted with cool lighting and stocked with a full-bar and extensive wine list (of course).  I like how the curved shape of the bar makes it easy to talk to others sitting there - especially if you are with a group of three or more. The way the bar is laid out, it is easy for everyone to be part of the conversation. 

Then there is the menu, which was effectively designed to compliment the wines but it also surprises and delights.  While I haven’t sampled everything yet, I can recommend the Garam Marsala Oxtail springrolls…trust me it works!  There is also a flat bread with artichokes and spicy tuna that is pretty remarkable and the hummus is smooth as silk (we had to have seconds).   Once you’ve explored the creative food options by chef Peter, you’ll want to dig into the wine. You have two choices.   You can order as you’d expect – from the bartender and have your choice of wines by the glass or bottle.  Or, you can experience the self serve wine machine, where you purchase a wine card and then get to select from four whites and four reds how big of a glass you want.   You can get a taste– and by this they definitely mean taste as not much more than an ounce is dispensed in this mode or you can go up from there for a half glass or a full one.   The pricing for a taste starts at $2 and the money is just deduced from the card as the liquid is dispensed from the machine.   If you’ve never had wine from a machine, this can be fun, and it can only be  handy to have a wine card with “credit” on it.   However, like my friend pointed out, the odds of not using all the credit are really slim – especially when you see what they call a glass of wine!

One of the things I liked the most about Vino Tiemp is its atmosphere.   Complementing the modern colors and décor, there is a soft, nice, sophisticated feel to the place.   Aside from the bar, the seating options include cozy cocktail tables and cushy chairs and sofas, which work great for an intimate date as well as a gathering of friends. This is one place I see myself spending a lot of time and worth checking out on your next visit here.

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.

Thought I’d share my personal experience of this past weekend where some friends of ours had a private party on the beach.  The party was held just in front of Sibonne hotel right on the beach and was a blast!

Joan and the rest of her awesome team at Kissing Fish Catering got everything setup including some large tents right on the sand, some delicious food, and lots of drinks to go around.  Our friends who put on the party was able to bring their own iPod with a pre-done playlist, so fav tunes were rocking all night long. 

It was really nice being able to catch up with some old friends and make a few new ones, all in a beautiful setting under the stars on the beach.  Good food, good friends, good music, good drinks!  To top it all off, there was a firepit where a bunch of us starting roasting marshmellows and making smores (chocolate was everywhere!); we ended up leaving a tad early, but heard the next morning that the dancing went on until the wee hours.

All in all, this is what Provo is all about, and the reason why so many people from around the world really love living and working here.

My hats off to Joan and Kissing Fish for putting on a smashing evening!

p.s. anyone from the party reading this blog entry really needs to send me more pictures!

We are proud to announce the newest addition to our resort family here in Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands, The Sands at Grace Bay. 

FEATURED SPECIALS & OFFERS AT THE SANDS TURKS AND CAICOS (call us toll free in the Turks & Caicos at 1-877-774-5486 for more info or to check availability)

> One Suite Deal Offer
Get your 7th night for free from May 2 - May 31, and November 1st - December 20th, 2009.  No extra charge for additional persons!

> Second Suite Deal Offer
Get your 6th and 7th night for free from Jun 2 -October 31, and November 1st - December 20th, 2009.  No extra charge for additional persons!

The Sands at Grace Bay Turks and Caicos Resort feels like a world away with the perfect beach, spectacular views, and spacious and beautifully appointed suites. This makes for the perfect combination of seclusion and sophistication. Within a Caribbean Plantation style setting, The Sands at Grace Bay Resort comprises 114 suites in six, three story buildings embraced by lush tropical landscaping. The location of the resort is spectacular - on the shores of the famous Grace Bay Beach Turks and Caicos with more than 12 miles of white powdered sand and dazzling transparent turquoise waters.

Best spots for casual hangout in Providenciales

Danny Buoys - Irish pub. Sports. Fun crowd. Live music once or twice a week Ports of Call - Calico Jack’s upstairs. Jimmy’s Dive Bar downstairs. Live music on Fridays.

Salt Mills Diner - Live music on Fridays. Decent food at big bar.

Sharkbite. On the marina - casual sports bar. Live music occasionally.  Eat/drink on patio on the water.

Da Conch Shack and Horse Eyed Jacks. Next door to each other on the beach in Blue Hills (transportation needed). Live music from time to time (Fri and Sat nights). Fun outdoor bars. Watch them catch the conch right off shore.

Nikki Beach - up tempo spot. Outdoor bar and pool bar. Killer techno style DJ. Lively. Late night Fri/Sat and Sunday afts.

Hemingway’s at The Sands. Beach restaurant and bar. Fun spot to hang on the beach during the day. Live music Tues, Thrs. Fri. Not open too too late.

Club Med - all inclusive resort but night passes can be purchased for dinner, after dinner show and nightclub. Can be fun. Has a late night bar on the beach (Sharky’s).

Bar at Grace Bar Club - Infiniti Bar on the beach. Fire pits and cool music.  Upscale. Next to Anacaona Restaurant.

It does actually sound a bit too good to be true, but it is.  One of the newest beachfront resorts on the award-winning Grace Bay in Provo called Regent Grand has an unbelievable offer. 

They’re offering free nights and free golf! 

> Stay for 4 nights and pay for 3
> Stay for 7 nights and pay for 5
> Stay 5 nights or more and get 1 night in-suite chef service (oceanfront suites only)

Amazing Free Golf Offer!  Get 1 round of golf for every room-night booked (so book a one bedroom suite and get 1 round of golf per day of your stay, but book at 2 bedroom suite and get 2 rounds of golf for ever day of your stay!).  A round of golf costs $160 per round, add in the free airport transfers and continental breakfast… what could be better Added Value than this!!  (minimum 3 night stay).  Call 1-877-774-5486 for more info.

Click to view more information and details on Regent Grand Turks and Caicos