Tantalizing views of the turquoise waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands await the guests of Leeward Resort, one of the newest luxury beachfront accommodations in Providenciales. Also, its idyllic location means a wide range of water activities and eco-adventures are just steps away.

Today one of the newest resorts in Turks and Caicos announced its summer special and promo.  Leeward Resort - located on the tip of the island facing Parrot Cay - announced it is cutting its rates up to 50% for summer.  This is a great excuse to experience the peace, tranquility and natural beauty of Turks and Caicos.  

The resort has its own private beach and is a short, five-minute drive to the “action” of Grace Bay.   Steps from the resort there are so many things to do in Turks and Caicos -  you can take an eco-adventure from Big Blue or visit the endangered rock iguanas on Little Water Cay.  If you have been considering a visit to Turks and Caicos between April and December of this year - you should check out Leeward Resort!

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.

By BARBARA WALKIN, Senior FN Reporter, barbara@nasguard.com

Moving toward fulfilling their aim to provide service throughout the Caribbean and the world, executives of Sky Bahamas invited a delegation of business persons and media pesonnel from Grand Bahama and New Providence to accompany them on a familiarization trip to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Wednesday morning.

During a press conference at the Provo International Airport, Randy Butler, president and CEO of the country’s newest airline, said that while the carrier is awaiting final approval of its applications to make regular trips to TCI, he had the idea to host this one-day event to give the relevant persons an idea of what Sky Bahamas and TCI has to offer.

Butler noted that expanding daily flight services throughout the Caribbean is Sky Bahamas’ ultimate goal.

“So this trip is not only timely, but it is a much needed route,” he added.

“So, today we bought along a number of persons, including media personal, Chamber of Commerce representatives, tour operators and a cross section of businessmen to experience this location with us and hopefully pass their experience on to their counterparts.”

Butler is hopeful that within the next two weeks all of the paperwork would be completed and Sky Bahamas will be granted its final approval to provide regular service between Grand Bahama and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We are hoping to very soon begin flying into Provo with direct flights from Grand Bahama,” he reiterated. Currently, Sky Bahamas flies to Bimini, Abaco, Free-port, Cat Island and Exuma.

Butler noted that the carrier is also working on opening service into Haiti.

“We are not coming into this community to take anything away, we want to add and contribute to TCI,” said Butler. “We want to partner with Turks Islanders to advance their islands, contribute to youth projects, education and other areas.”

Businessman Hadley Forb-es, a native of TCI, who made the trip was excited about the prospect of a direct flight from Grand Bahama to TCI.

“This would be an excellent venture, not only for Sky Bahamas, but for residents and business persons in Grand Bahama and residents and business persons in Provo,” said Forbes.

He noted that currently, unless it is a charter flight, individuals travelling to TCI must go through Nassau. “But, when Sky Bahamas’ service comes on stream that extra flight and cost will be alleviated.”

“So I am very encouraged about this step that Sky Bahamas is taking,” added Forbes.

Sky Bahamas’ Chairman of the Board Peter Turnquest, confirmed that with this inaugural and familiarization flight Sky Bahamas is hoping to expand its services.

“I believe that in this business if you are not expanding you are not growing, and if you are not growing, you’re dying. So we see this connection between Freeport and Providenciales as a natural one, because our communities are so interrelated,” said Turnquest.

He pointed out that there is a large population of Turks Islanders and their descendants in Grand Bahama, and a large population of Bahamians now residing in Turks and Caicos. “So we are hoping to provide a bridge for ease of travel.”

Turnquest noted that with this expansion Sky Bahamas is also hoping to be able to do its part in facilitating the commerce between the two locations. “We think that there is a lot to offer coming from Grand Bahama, as well as the touristic environment they have here in Turks and Caicos.

“And so we think that we will be able to do our part to facilitate that kind of exchange,” he added.

Questioned as to the pricing of tickets, Turnquest simply said, “we are still working that part out, but I can assure potential customers that the prices will be very competitive.”

Sky Bahamas’ SAAB 340, a 32-seater, provided its passengers with a smooth two-hour flight into Provo, leaving Grand Bahama at 11:45 a.m.

The friendly flight crew made the journey even more comfortable, while providing on-board refreshments and snacks.

The flight landed in Provo at 2:00 p.m. and following a press conference at Provo International Airport, the group was taken on a tour of the island, which boasts of being beautiful by nature, had lunch at Seven Stars Resort, before boarding for the return flight to Grand Bahama at 6:05 p.m.

Link to article:  http://freeport.nassauguardian.net/national_local/319721309415629.php 

West Bay Club offers a luxurious retreat on the tranquil shores of Grace Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos. With an architecture and style that gracefully blends Caribbean charm with modern chic, West Bay Club features luxuriously appointed ocean front suites and a boutique range of amenities.

Our ocean front suites feature breathtaking views of the amazing beach and water that is just steps from your door. Enjoy the cooling breezes from large outdoor terraces or relax in the comfort of the finely appointed living areas. West Bay Club suites include fully equipped kitchens with premium appliances. The intimate 47-room resort features a full service restaurant and bar, a complete fitness center and professional spa services. Our signature pool sprawls throughout a lush and luxurious landscape with spacious sunning areas and opens up to the truly remarkable beach that is your front yard.

Specials at this glorious beachfront gem includes a 4th night for free, or 2 nights for free with a 7 night stay.  Also complimentary are return airport transfers, European breakfast each morning (continental with one hot item) and $50 in credits at the bar to get your Turks and Caicos beachfront resort vacation started!

Check out more information at www.thewestbayclub.com

World class resorts are common place on Turks and Caicos, with several having won prestigious awards for service and amenities from leading travel authorities and publications.

Generally, resorts in the Turks and Caicos are intimate and offer a personal touch, with most having fewer than 100 rooms. You will find a full range of amenities, including restaurants, spas, water activities, shops and boutiques, business centers, fitness areas and many other attractions and conveniences. Poolside bars and restaurants, many just steps from the beach, enrich the true island experience. Some offer group meeting facilities and most all of them offer wedding and special events services as well.

The rooms offered by resorts in the Turks & Caicos spare no expense in terms of comfort, luxury and convenience. Equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and furnishings, your Turks & Caicos resorts are tastefully decorated and offer ample living space for families and friends. Many offer up to 4 bedroom suites.

Your stay at the typical Turks & Caicos resort will feature friendly service, with local staffs attentive to your every need. Welcome rum punch, daily newspaper service and personalized turn down service are just some of the touches you can expect at the best resorts. Concierge services can help you plan activities such as scuba diving, fishing, golf, island hopping trips and tours, and other fun adventures.

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!

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.

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).

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.