Attention golfers!  Two great events are hosted at Provo Golf Club in the fall.  You can play in the events and help local charities at the same time.  The Soccer Scramble, which raises funds for the local football league, was held on September 25, and the Rotary Scramble is coming up on December 4.  The Alexandra Resort is located just a short drive from the golf club.  Discounted green fees are available for afternoon and twilight play, so plan your golf getaway now.  For more information visit www.provogolfclub.com.

If the first half of 2011 is any indication of how busy the winter season may be this year in Turks & Caicos Islands, now is the time to book your winter vacation!  Arrivals to Turks & Caicos from January - June 2011 (compared to January to June 2010) increased by 10% from Canada, 28% from the United States and a whopping 42% from other countries around the globe.

For vacationers, this means reservations should be made now at the Alexandra Resort while our early booking discount offers are in effect and our best inventory is still available.

For potential property hunters, the increase in the number of visitors to the island is good news and bad news.  It's good news because if you own or plan to purchase a condo, you will have the potential to generate some great rental income when you are not using your unit.  The bad news is that with the increasing number of people continuing to discover Providenciales, the bargain prices for properties here won't last much longer.  There are still some amazing condo deals available at the Alexandra Resort, so contact us now for more information.

One of the most popular restaurants in the Turks and Caicos is now located at the Alexandra Resort and Spa. Mango Reef offers exceptional value and entertainment, as well as a menu that will please even the most discerning patrons.  From a casual lunch to a romantic dinner by Grace Bay Beach, Mango Reef promises to deliver an exceptional dining experience.  The restaurant replaces the Sunset Deck and the Orchid Restaurant that were formerly located at the resort.

The 3rd Annual Chrysalis Fitness Fun Run is around the corner on Oct. 23, it’s time to start preparing your body and mind for the 5-kilometre or 10-kilometre run or walk. Contact Leslie at Chrysalis Fitness at leslie@chrysalisfitness.com or 649-232-8633.

With so many wonderful fine dining facilities in Provo, there are many opportunities to enjoy a fabulous lobster dinner. The TCI lobster industry is centered mainly in South Caicos, although also available on all the other islands. The Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) grows to about 60 centimeters in length but lacks the large pinching claws of their Maine lobster relatives.  The Caribbean Spiny lobster is also a healthy treat, with only 143 calories and 1.9 grams of fat per 3.5-ounce cooked serving. Enjoy it while it lasts. Lobster season ends March 31, 2012.

Here is a list of the cities and countries from where direct flights to Provo, TCI originate:

U.S.

• Boston
• New York
• Newark
• Philadelphia
• Charlotte
• Atlanta
• Miami

Canada

• Toronto
• Montreal
• Ottawa
• Halifax

Caribbean

• Bahamas
• Haiti
• Jamaica
• Dominican Republic

These major airlines service Provo (PLS):

• Air Canada
• West Jet
• Jet Blue
• American Airlines
• Continental
• Delta

For more details, visit the Provo Airport website http://www.turksandcaicos.tc/airlines/index.htm.

Watch for announcements later this fall regarding direct flights from Europe for the first time in Provo's history!!

Imagine owning your own piece of paradise on one of the top ranked beaches in the world.  Despite its reputation for being an exclusive destination, property ownership in Turks & Caicos can be surprisingly affordable.  Fully furnished and equipped condos at The Alexandra start from just $225,000.  There are no property taxes, no capital gains taxes and no inheritance taxes in Turks & Caicos.   For more information, visit ownalexandra.com.

Be sure to pack your binoculars when visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands and prepare for an interesting day of birdwatching.

Birds live and traverse the nation's islands and cays, and provide interested watchers an eyeful of nature at its colorful, feathered best. Visitors will not find the Turks and Caicos Islands listed in most bird watching guides, yet there is a cornucopia of birding delights to be found around every corner.

Over 190 species can be found at varying intervals, and 52 of these species are known to breed locally.

For more information on birdwatching contact the Turks and Caicos National Trust on (649) 941-5710 or email tc.nattrust@tciway.tc

Are you getting married in 2012?  Consider a destination wedding in beautiful Turks & Caicos.  Book your 2012 wedding at the Alexandra Resort by December 31, 2011 and receive: 

·         Free manicure for the bride and groom from Spa Sanay

 ·         Free airport pick-up for bride and groom 

 ·         Free in-room champagne upon arrival

 ·         Free breakfast in bed from Mango Reef the morning after your wedding

Room rates are discounted up to 25% when at least 5 rooms are booked for a minimum three-night stay. PLUS!  For every 25 room nights booked for the wedding party, the bride and groom get one night free in a luxury one-bedroom unit to enjoy on a future visit (perfect to celebrate your first anniversary!)

*Black out periods apply.  Discounted rates vary by season and may not always be available for all room categories.

The Turks & Caicos is emerging as a leading Caribbean culinary destination.  The annual TCI Restaurant Week will once again be held in November and feature 3 course prix fixe lunches for $25 and 3 course prix fixe dinners for $50.  Come find out what the buzz is all about!  For more information visit www.turksandcaicoshta.com.