We were excited when so many Sands employees were nominated to receive Star Awards earlier this year.
So, to give our friends and guests with an inside look at how “locals” spend their free time our island in the Caribbean, we’re profiling our “superstar” staff and learn what they love about life on Provo.
This month we introduce Star Awards winner Mona Beeson, General Manager at The Sands on Grace Bay.
Mona is originally from California, and has lived on Provo for seven years.
How do you like to spend your free time in Provo?
I like to explore beaches around Providenciales. Grace Bay Beach is truly wonderful and so vast, nice snorkeling sights all up and down the beach. I also enjoy the exquisite Taylor Beach for its privacy and calm bay, Northwest Point beaches for a lot of little hideaways, and Long Bay Beach for its breezes and great views.
In Provo, I also enjoy hitting my favorite restaurant spots for drinks and dinner or a nice afternoon brunch with friends and family.
What is one “must-do” or “must-see” attraction for tourists to experience in Provo?
Explore Middle Caicos! A big must, and so close by. It’s a great day trip.
To get there, take a short trip on the ferry to North Caicos.
Next, rent a car at North Caicos to drive to Middle Caicos and take in the sights along the way (and be sure to ask at the Ferry Office for a map beforehand).
On the drive from North to Middle Caicos, there is a lot to see including the Flamingo Pond view point. It’s a great place to take a rest and watch the gorgeous birds.
At Middle Caicos, explore the caves and cliffs at Blue Horizon Resort. But don’t forget to drive further down to the Indian Caves.
After that, Bambarra Beach is a great stretch of white sand beach, and is the perfect place to take a nice picnic basket and spend the day swimming in that lovely turquoise water.
Take a picnic lunch – it is perfect for this kind of trip. Or stop by one of the restaurants for local flavor, drinks and fantastic service and incredible ocean views.
Are there any favorite places you can recommend for families?
Bugaloo’s in Five Cays is one of my favorite places, great fun for families, and offers delicious local foods, good service and plenty of music to dance to. The restaurant is right on the beach, and is very kid friendly, so you can relax in the restaurant itself or, if the kids get bored and restless they can play on the beach while you sit and relax since seating is also right on the beach.
Sundays are busy from lunch to dinner – it is a local favorite.
What kind of local Turks & Caicos food or drinks would you recommend that Provo visitors try?
Anyone who ever visits the Turks and Caicos has to try conch salad and conch fritters at least once – these local “comfort foods” are very delicious. Fried snapper is also one of my favorites. Snapper is caught fresh here in TCI and used in most restaurants. And, try the Jerk Chicken and Pork, served at most local restaurants, though my favorite spot for jerk is at Chinson’s up on the hill off Leeward Highway.
A cold Turks Head beer hits the spot, and Bambarra reserve rum is smooth and delicious.
The FOTTAC (Flavors Of The Turks And Caicos) store is at the Regent Village, and has all the Bambarra products available to take home. From rum, to wines, gifts and souvenirs, rum cakes, and hot sauces to hand made soaps and baskets from the Islands.
Besides Hemingway’s, are there any other island restaurants that you like?
Las Brisas, which overlooks Chalk Sound National Park has a very nice menu, with a romantic atmosphere and cool breezes. It’s a bit of a drive from Grace Bay, but it’s worth it.