The Turks and Caicos Islands are two groups of islands in an archipelago of eight islands (50 plus islands in total with only eight inhabited) and about 40 cays located 39 miles southeast of the Bahamas chain, 575 miles southeast of Miami and 100 miles north of the island of Hispaniola.

The population of the Turks and Caicos Islands is 14,600 people dispersed over the eight islands.

The island relies on tourism and offshore financial services. Providenciales is home to the world's only Conch (pronouced "conk") farm, a large mollusk farmed for its meat and shell.

Local cuisine on Providenciales features variations of Conch such as chowders, spicy fritters and fingers. You can also sample a variety of grilled fish dishes such as wahoo and tuna. And no trip to the Caribbean would be complete without some spicy jerk marinade on grilled meats and fish.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are on Eastern Standard Time.

Casual dress is most common on the island. For example, summer dresses for ladies and for men short sleeve shirts and casual pants or dress shorts are perfectly acceptible attire for dining out.

Banks are open 8:30 AM-2:30 PM Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM and 2:30-4:30 PM Friday (Barclays Bank); 8:30 AM-–2:30 PM Monday–Thursday and 8:30 AM-4:30 PM Friday (Scotia Bank). Office hours are generally 8 AM-1 PM and 2–4:30 PM Monday–Friday.

No trip to a tropical paradise would be complete without swimsuits, as well as, healthy amounts of sunscreen. Bring wash and wear cotton and cotton blend clothing, which includes shorts and t-shirts, short sleeve button-down shirts, casual pants for men and summer dresses for ladies. Wide brim hats, baseball caps and sunglasses are a must to keep the sun out of your eyes. Remember your walking shoes and sandals to keep your feet aired. A light cardigan may be necessary for night walks on the beach depending on the season. Beach towels are provided by the resort and each suite is equipped with a washer and dryer (not available in Studio Courtyards).

The international telephone code is 649 and no city codes are needed. If you want to place an international call from Providenciales, dial 01, plus the country code and number. For local and international directory assistance, dial 118. Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Temperatures range from 75° to 85° F (24° to 29° C) from November to May, spiraling up to the high 90°s F (30°s C) in June through October. The average year-round temperature is 83° F (28° C).

The Islands' currency is U.S. Dollars. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Travellers Cheques are widely accepted on the Island and the banks will accept all forms of currency for conversion.

Each suite at The Sands at Grace Bay includes luxury air conditioning, television with cable, clock radio, telephone, internet access, ceiling fans, in-room safe, iron and ironing board, washer and dryer (except Studio Courtyards), hair dryer, and amenity basket.

With a valid drivers license you may rent a car at a car rental shop. You will be charged a small fee for a driving license valid for travel on the island. You may also rent scooters on the island.

Both long distance calling and fax services are available at The Sands at Grace Bay.

No, tipping is reserved to the discretion of the patron and it is customary to tip restaurant servers approximately 15 percent.

Hemingway's is popular with locals and tourists alike, particularly on nights when live music is featured, and we recommend dinner reservations to avoid disappointment.

Providenciales is renowned for its world class diving and snorkeling. There are many points of interest for the sightseer. Watersports abound with waterskiing, jet skiing, boating adventures, and parasailing and can be arranged by contacting the resort. Then again, a leisurely stroll along the powdery white beach at Grace Bay watching the sunset at the end of another beautiful Caribbean day maybe just what the doctor ordered.