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Turks Caicos Information

TCI Top Model Contest 2014 (May 2)

TCI Top Model Contest

On Friday, May 2, Providenciales will once again launches the annual the TCI Top Model Contest, the fashion event of the year for the Turks and Caicos.

This 3-day event gets bigger and more exciting every year. This year, there will be appearances by Samentha Etienne, TCI Top Model 2013, the 2014 TCI Top Model Contestants, the L’ete Boutique Catwalk Competition, the second annual Salvation Army TCI Fashion Challenge, live entertainment, amazing music, prizes, surprises and more.

The TCI Top Model Contest is held over three days as contestants compete to become the face of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

As well, the TCI Top Model winner will also be a Cover Model and appear in an editorial spread of the 2012 Summer Times of the Islands magazine and be profiled in Destination: Turks & Caicos magazine.

The weekend ends on Sunday afternoon with a parade of fashion models, a Top Designer and Boutique showcase, and Top Talent perform.

Come dressed in your best – elegance is a must.

Additionally, the TCI Top Model winner will also be a Cover Model and appear in an editorial spread of the 2012 Summer Times of the Islands magazine and have a profile page their sister publication – Destination: Turks & Caicos 2013.

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Turks Caicos Information

Spring & Summer Savings In Turks & Caicos

We are excited to offer spring and summer travelers incredible savings through our 4th Night Free offer combined with our reduced low-season rates for stays between May 1st through December 20th, 2014. Not only is our resort a popular spring and summer vacation destination for all ages, but our ideal location on Grace Bay Beach simply can’t be beat: Providenciales was named the Caribbean’s #1 Island by TripAdvisor’s 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards and the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination by the 2013 World Travel Awards.

In addition to offering affordable spring and summer rates in the Caribbean’s most sought after vacation destination, travelers will benefit from a variety of added-value resort amenities during their stay at The Sands at Grace Bay. All resort guests enjoy the following freebies: complimentary use of watersports equipment – including kayaks, windsurfing equipment, stand-up paddle boards, snorkel gear and Hobie Cats; bicycles for island exploration; a Tuesday Manager’s cocktail party; three free-form swimming pools, a tennis/basketball court, and more. Plus, our luxurious studio and suite accommodations feature all the comforts of home – complete with modern kitchens and appliances, dining and living room areas, screened-in balconies, washer & dryers (in most units), free Wi-Fi and more – just steps away from world-famous Grace Bay Beach.

The 4th Night FREE promotion is valid for new bookings made on all room categories at The Sands at Grace Bay, for consecutive stays of four nights or more started and completed between May 1st through December 20th, 2014. Guests can book this offer online at www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com, using the promo code “4NF2014” – or call toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327.

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Awards

Introducing Sheena Smith, Sands April Superstar

Sheena Smith The Sands TC

We were excited when so many Sands employees were nominated to receive Star Awards in February. In order to provide our friends and guests with an inside look at what the “locals” like to do on our island in the Caribbean, we decided to profile our staff and learn what they love about life on Provo.

This month we introduce Star Awards nominee Sheena Smith, Assistant Human Resources Manager at The Sands on Grace Bay.

The Sands at Grace Bay is blessed with fantastic staff who make sure our friends and guest have a wonderful time during their stay here.

Sheena Smith, as an assistant HR manager, helps set the stage for our team’s success.

Originally from across the Turks Island Passage on the island of Grand Turk, Sheena spent several years studying in Miami before coming to live on Provo in 2007. Sheena has a beautiful smile, and hopes you’ll come over and hello if you see her when you visit our resort.

How do you like to spend your free time in Provo?

You can usually find me at the movie cinema on Leeward Highway, about ten minutes from the Sands resort. I love to laugh, and I love watching comedy movies with my friends.

What is one “must-do” or “must-see” attraction on Provo?

Chesire Hall Plantation, in Provo’s Blue Hills neighborhood, is really worth visiting. The building ruins have been carefully preserved by the National Trust and offer spectacular views of the island (Blue Hills, at 49 meters, is the highest point on Provo).

It’s an interesting feeling looking at the ruins on one side, with a view of downtown Provo on the other side.

If you like natural history, there is a lot of information about local birds and wildlife on signposts located around the attraction.

What kind of local Turks and Caicos food or drinks would you recommend that Provo visitors try?

Besides conch salad, everyone who visits TCI must try crab ‘n rice at least once.

Crab ‘n rice is yummy, especially served with a side of fried plantain. Plantain of course is related to the banana, but is starchier. Plantains are actually a staple food in many parts of the tropics.

Smokey’s, a popular restaurant near the Sands, serves crab ‘n rice with fried plantain, and the combination is delicious.

Are there any “local” restaurants that you like?

As mentioned, Smokey’s (located within walking distance from The Sands) serves good, authentic Caribbean food. Their steamed, boneless fish is marvelous, as is their peas and rice dish, and, of course, fried plantain.

If you are interested in “southern cooking” similar to that of the US, you need to check out Smokey’s – southern “soul food” wasn’t born in the American South, but has deeper roots stretching back to the Caribbean.

You might notice some aspects of Creole, Cajun, and Soul Food cuisine here. Places like the Turks and Caicos is where all these forms of American southern cuisine originate from.

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Turks Caicos Information

Direct Flights to Grace Bay Beach Enticing for Canadians

Limited-Time Direct flights from Montreal Get You On Grace Bay Beach Sooner!

Providenciales is well serviced from many North American hubs, and now with the newly-announced Air Canada Vacations direct flight from Montreal, there’s one more reason to shed the parka and slip into sandals.

Just one flight to the splendor and warmth of Grace Bay Beach…

Air Canada Vacations Direct from Montreal

Air Canada Vacations will be operating a Montreal – Providenciales direct flight on Tuesdays from May 6 – August 26, 2014.

Take advantage of our “4TH NIGHT FREE” special between May 1 -Dec 20, 2014. and enjoy some spring and summer fun in the sun!

Canadian Airlines Servicing Providenciales

Air Canada service includes (depending on season):

  • Up to 5 flights a week from Toronto arriving into Providenciales just after noon
  • 1 flight each week from Montreal arriving into Providenciales before noon
  • 1 flight each week from Ottawa arriving into Providenciales about 1pm

WestJet service includes (depending on season):

  • Up to 5 flights a week from Toronto arriving into Providenciales just after 2pm
  • 1 flight each week from Montreal arriving into Providenciales around 4pm

Located directly on beautiful 12-mile Grace Bay Beach, The Sands is a perfect retreat for families and couples. Featuring Studio units as well as 1, 2, and 3-bedroom fully-equipped suites, the resort delivers an exceptional escape from the monotony of never ending winter to the blissful sun-soaked vistas of Providenciales. Come and join us!

For more information or to check availability, Contact Us today.

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Turks Caicos Information

The Best Beaches Around Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

The Sands at Grace Bay is idyllically situated on a pristine stretch of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Grace Bay Beach, named the Best Beach in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards and the “Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination” by the 2013 World Travel Awards.

However, in addition to Grace Bay Beach, there are several stunning beaches for visitors to enjoy during their trip to Providenciales. Here’s a glimpse at some of the other beautiful beaches that can be found around Provo, during your visit to The Sands at Grace Bay:

Malcolm’s Beach – This beach is absolutely stunning and is located at the Northwest Point in Providenciales. However, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle to reach it and the beach does not have any facilities or food service so it’s recommended that you pack your own food and drinks.

Pelican Beach – Here, travelers often find empty conch shells that have washed up onshore. Visitors of this beach in Leeward Provo are mesmerized by the bright turquoise water and enjoy taking strolls along the water’s edge.

Sapodilla Bay – Located on the North of South Dock Chalk Sound, this secluded and protected beach is another favorite island spot for walking. Visitors especially like going to this beach during low tide, when tiny sandbar islands form just offshore.

Half Moon Bay – This beach that is only accessible by boat, boasts two uninhabited cays and is one of the most spectacular beaches in Turks & Caicos. It’s a great beach for exploring the sandy coves, limestone cliffs or snorkeling the small shipwreck located just offshore. Companies like Silverdeep and Caicos Dream Tours offer beach drop-off’s and excursions to Half Moon Bay, as it’s only a short boat ride away from Provo.

beaches

For stunning Grace Bay Beach photos, visit our Sands at Grace Bay Pinterest page: http://www.pinterest.com/thesandstc/grace-bay-beach/