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Turks Caicos Information

Christmas in Turks and Caicos: Maskanoo Festival

providenciales maskanoo christmas event

Maskanoo is an annual event in the Turks and Caicos and is held “Boxing Day”, the day after Christmas (a holiday in Commonwealth countries like TCI).

Maskanoo has its roots in the ‘Masses’, a masquerade tradition that fuses traditional African culture with costumed balls held in the colonial era. On Provo, Maskanoo originated with workers brought by the Bermudian salt rakers to work the salt ponds of  Salt Cay, and South Caicos two hundred years ago.

David Bowen here on Providenciales has worked to promote Maskanoo as a national cultural event. Bowen was the driving force between the first Maskanoo event in 2009 that has revised this tradition to become a regular annual event.

Learn more about the history of Maskanoo here in this excellent blog post.

On Provo, Maskanoo follows a route along Grace Bay Road between the Regent Village and Salt Mills Plaza. Grace Bay Road is closed to traffic for this event.

Food, drink and souvenirs are widely available from local vendors, and visitors can enjoy a street parade, local music, island food, arts, & entertainment.

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Announcements

The Sands at Grace Bay Unveils 2014 Babymoon Package

Memorable Turks & Caicos Vacation Package Pampers “Expecting” Couples in Paradise

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos (December 2013) – The Sands at Grace Bay has partnered with several exceptional local vendors to offer a 2014 Babymoon get-away package featuring special inclusions to help expecting couples relax and cherish quality time together in Turks & Caicos. To make their “pre-baby” trip memorable, The Sands at Grace Bay’s 2014 Babymoon package boasts a professional one-hour couples photoshoot, an in-room pre-natal pilates & yoga class “for two”, a babymoon spa package for the “mom-to-be”, and a $25 restaurant gift certificate. In addition to a ten percent room rate discount, expectant couples will enjoy a “Babymoon Essentials” gift basket and pre-stocked “baby cravings snacks” in their room upon arrival.

The 2014 Babymoon vacation package rates start from $1,690 for a three-night minimum stay at The Sands at Grace Bay, based on double occupancy, and the rate includes all of the following:

  • A 10 percent discount off a 3-night minimum resort stay, including resort taxes and fees (not combinable with other offers).
  • A professional couples portrait session offered by Paradise Photography that includes a one-hour photoshoot (shot on-site at the resort) and a $50 credit when ordering photos.
  • One in-room Pre-natal Pilates & Yoga class offered by Studio 90 Degrees, consisting of a private 60-minute exercise session for “two” to help stretch, strengthen and tone the muscles used to carry a growing baby as well as reduce pregnancy back and hip pain.
  • A “Pickles & Ice cream” Babymoon spa package offered by Spa Tropique includes one Fabulous Facial, Spa Manicure and Full Scalp Massage for the “mom-to-be.”
  • A $25 gift certificate to the island’s beachfront Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar, is ideal for celebratory cocktails for the dad and non-alcoholic mocktails for the mom “to-be.”
  • A “Babymoon Essentials” Gift Basket includes a celebratory cigar for dad, a bottle of sparkling cider, and a baby’s first rattle gift.
  • The following four “Baby-Cravings” snacks will be pre-stocked in the couples kitchen prior to their arrival: Ice cream, cranberry juice, pretzels and pickles.

Recently named one of the Top Resorts in the Atlantic by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards, The Sands at Grace Bay is the ideal place for expectant couples to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy a “pre-baby” retreat in tropical paradise. Located on world-famous Grace Bay Beach, the resort boasts spacious studio and suite accommodations that feature all the comforts of home – complete with dining and living room areas, screened-in balconies, washer & dryers (in most units), in-suite kitchens with modern appliances, comfy couches and much more. The Sands at Grace Bay also provides guests with the following freebies during their stay: complimentary use of watersports equipment; free bicycle use for island exploration; a Tuesday Manager’s cocktail party; three free-form swimming pools, tennis courts, and much more.

The “starting from” Babymoon package price of $1,690 is based on a three-night stay in a Studio Courtyard accommodation for travel this December 21st through April 20, 2014. Package prices vary based on the room category booked, the length of stay, and the 2014 travel period. This package cannot be combined with any other resort offer and it is not applicable for groups. The package inclusions are not transferable or redeemable for cash and no refunds will be issued for unused portions of the package. Guests can book the resort’s 2014 Babymoon Package by calling toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327; or contacting a travel agent for reservations. More information can be found at the resort website: www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com.

About The Sands at Grace Bay

The Sands at Grace Bay is situated on the world-renowned 12-mile crescent of powdery white sand known as Grace Bay Beach. Named one of the, “Top 15 Resorts in the Atlantic” by the Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards, this gracious, family-friendly 114-room resort offers accommodations in studios and 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 square feet, all of which combine comfort-focused amenities and spectacular natural surroundings. Suites also come with fully equipped kitchens appointed with stainless appliances, dining and living room areas, private balconies, washer/dryers and more. The Sands at Grace Bay is the home of Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar – a legendary beach-side venue and local favorite – where guests can enjoy gourmet selections and island specialties seven days a week. Spa treatments by Spa Tropique are also available by appointment.

Media Contact:
Cassie Dittrich, (802) 522-0714,

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Turks Caicos Information

Tips For Taking Spectacular Photos On Your Turks & Caicos Vacation

Paradise Photography here in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos has offered resort guests staying at The Sands at Grace Bay the following tips for taking terrific and memorable photos during your Turks & Caicos vacation:

Tip 1: Subject Placement:

Placing your subject directly in the center of the image often produces a weak composition.  An image with strong composition will take the viewer on a journey throughout the image.  By placing your subject off center, the rest of the composition is available to highlight the secondary elements that help support the main subject. Capture more of the beautiful lush gardens, beaches, sunsets, and tropical scenery that Turks & Caicos offers by posing people “off-center.”

Cortrina-200

Tip 2: Twilight, the Other Sweet Light:

Sunset is the usual favored time of day to take photographs in the tropics.  However, it is also a very challenging time to balance your lighting and get great shots because of the high contrast conditions.  Alternatively, twilight, which is the 20-minute period after the sun has set and before the sky turns completely dark, is a more forgiving and potentially more dramatic time to take photos. It is also easier to record the ambient light from artificially lit objects like buildings and foliage that also create a “pop” of contrast and color in your image background. The Sands’ lit poolside area offers a romantic setting for couples to take amazing twilight shots.

141 Caldeira 6399

Tip 3:  Leading Lines:

Leading lines are elements in a scene that can help to create a powerful  composition because they force the viewer to move throughout the image.  By placing your subject directly in the center of the frame without leading lines, your viewer will tend to start and stop directly in the center of the image, and the rest of the composition will essentially be wasted space. Try capturing the footsteps in the sand that lead to the subjects in your photo, for this “leading line” effect during your Turks & Caicos trip.

Footprints_in_the_Sand

Tip 4:  Child Portraiture:

Taking photos of children on the beach can be challenging for a number of reasons.  Most notable is the fact that the child is often free to run and play.  This type of shooting condition makes it difficult for the photographer to control his or her subject.  By having the child play with a heavy or semi-fixed object like a toy, build a sand castle, or, in the case of the image below, a large piece of sheer fabric, the child is forced to stay in a small isolated shooting area. The pristine white-sand of Grace Bay Beach and the turquoise waters beyond, offers a stunning backdrop to any child portrait.

Debbie & Rosina-143

Paradise Photography is a full service boutique photography company located in Providenciales that offers a variety of different photography, videography and portrait package options for those visiting the Turks & Caicos Islands. The Master and Certified Professional Photographers offer a variety of custom photography services including weddings, creative family or couple portrait sessions, events, and more. For more information, visit www.MyParadisePhoto.com or call 202-494-0639.

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Beach Weddings Turks Caicos

Planning Weddings on Provo, “Where Hearts Come Together”

Providenciales wedding planning

This is a guest blog post by Diane Grever who operates Island Harmony, destination wedding planners in the Turks and Caicos.

What makes Providenciales such a special place for weddings?  

Our island is so special for many reasons.  When my husband and I were married here on Provo we fell in love with the island – the warm air, the white sand beaches, and the quiet, back to nature feel, of the island.

I also love that Providenciales is not commercialized like every other Caribbean island seems to be now.

We have given Provo the nickname of El Corazon, “the place where hearts come together.”

You can plan a wedding anywhere.  But Turks and Caicos is a place where you can create lifelong memories.

 Providenciales wedding planner

Do you have any favorite spots on the island couples should consider for wedding photos?  

Any place on the island is perfect for a photo.

But if you ask me my favorites:

The piers on Grace Bay and Blue Hills provide a great backdrop, and the bluffs of Leeward and Malcom Beach are spectacular.

If you want to best sunset and blue water on the island, go to the Chalk Sound and watch the sunset there.

WOW, you will be amazed at the view!  It’s the greatest secret on the island!

What are some other ideas for a beach wedding on Provo?   

Get married on a boat at sunset, then come back to the beach for your reception, dancing and a bonfire on the beach!

We’ve had brides do everything for their beach wedding from elegant and tuxedos, to casual and shorts, beach BBQ’s to 5 star restaurant receptions to everything in between.

It doesn’t matter the style of your wedding, what matters is that on this special day, you’ve had the time of your life, no stress, and wonderful memories, surrounded by family and friends.

How long have you been based in the Turks and Caicos?  

We founded Island Harmony in 2005 in Miami, Florida, and we’ve been based in Turks and Caicos since 2007.

Island Harmony came into existence when we wanted to offer a better service to people coming to Providenciales to be married.

I have been blessed with a gift of helping other people make their wedding day special and stress-free. I can’t think of any better job in life than this one!

Learn more about Diane Grever and Island Harmony, destination wedding planners in the Turks and Caicos.

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Turks Caicos Information

Hemingway’s Wins Big At The 10th Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival

Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar Named “Best In Show” For Serving Up The Tastiest Conch Dishes at The 10th Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival!

On November 30th, the 10th Annual Conch Festival and Food Competition took place in Blue Hills, Providenciales. For this annual cooking “conch-etition” – the island’s best chefs from over 25 restaurants served up their tastiest conch dishes to compete in the following categories: Best Conch Salad, Best Conch Chowder, Best Specialty Conch and Best in Show. The creative conch dishes were then judged by a panel of experts as well as Festival attendees.

Our very own Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar took home the biggest award of the competition – and was named “Best in Show” and the Festival’s Grand Champion for cooking up its delicious and popular Conch Empanadas.  

Hemingway’s also took the 1st place title for the festival’s Annual Mojito Competition sponsored by Bacardi, where the island’s best bartenders competed by displaying their creative twists on this classic Cuban cocktail.

And finally, Hemingway’s was the 2nd place winner of the Festival’s “Best Conch Chowder” category.

For more information on the island’s legendary Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar, including a downloadable menu with the restaurant’s award-winning conch dishes, visit the following site: http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/the-resort/dining/

Hemingway's Is Grand Champion of Conch Festival