A lot of people come to Turks and Caicos seeking an authentic Caribbean experience.  Guests at the Alexandra Resort get to enjoy what’s been named one of the best beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach, when they stay at the resort.   In addition, we provide easy access to a host of amenities and activities - everything you’d expect in a Caribbean vacation.   From water based activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, to fun on the ground such as golf, tennis, spa indulgences and fine dining, there is plenty to do and see right here in Grace Bay.  However, if you choose to venture off the beaten path, you’ll be hugely rewarded. 

Turks and Caicos is made up of more than 40 islands and cays. Eight of them are inhabited and the rest left as nature intended.   Exploring some of the other islands can give you an exciting, memorable and unique vacation experience. 

Caicos Dream Tours, located at Alexandra Resort, offers excursions that take you away from Providenciales and enable you to enjoy the untouched sea and sand on some other magnificent islands and cays.  Every Thursday Caicos Dream Tours embark on a Dreamday Getaway - an all-day adventure with a beach BBQ lunch on Fort George Cay (see photo).  They also offer snorkeling, bottom fishing excursions, and private charters. 

Fort George Cay, Turks & Caicos

If you prefer to go further off the beaten path we highly recommend taking a day trip to North Caicos and Middle Caicos. 

Convenient and cost-effective ferry services, such as Caribbean Crusin, will take you from Providenciales to North Caicos.  Once you arrive on North Caicos it’s easy to rent a car from rental car agents at the ferry dock and explore both islands, since they are connected via a causeway. It’s easy to drive on North and Middle Caicos because the roads are wide, well-paved and less crowded.   There is also an abundance of things to do - something for everyone.

For Beach Bums

If you appreciate good beaches, you’ll be blown away by what awaits you on North and Middle.   

The beaches on North Caicos run for 8.5 miles along the north coast. The ferry from Providenciales arrives at Sandy Point.  From there, eastward, you’ll find the island’s most spectacular beaches:  Three Mary’s Cay, which has fantastic snorkeling spots; Pumpkin Bluff (see photo), a scenic, rocky beach with coves and remains of a freighter ship off-shore; Whitby Beach, a great spot for swimming and Horsestable Beach, which offers wide, expansive stretches of powder-fine sand and some nice snorkeling close to shore.   

Just across the causeway you’ll find the beach gems of Middle Caicos.  First is Mudjin Harbor, a three-mile-long section of coastline on the north side of Middle Caicos. 

This is a particularly picturesque beach set in a cove and framed by natural limestone caves.  The setting is strikingly impressive.  Next is Bambarra Beach, named for the slaves that arrived in Middle Caicos by accident en route from Africa to America.  Turks & Caicos’ Bambarra Rum shares the same name.  This beach has a shallow pitch and plenty of shade, which makes it great for swimming and families.    

For Nature Enthusiasts:

North and Middle Caicos are islands of abundant natural beauty.  One of the UK’s largest Ramsar sites fo

r protected wetlands runs through a good portion of North, Middle and East Caicos, resulting in approximately 210 square miles of uninhabited and unspoiled marine and terrestrial ecosystem. Protected under international treaty, these areas host a variety of native and migrant bird species such as the rare whistling duck to sandpipers, plovers, osprey and pink flamingos.  In fact, North Caicos boasts the largest flock of flamingos in the Turks and Caicos Islands at the aptly named "Flamingo Pond Nature Reserve" (see photo) where the pastel-colored birds frolic in their natural habitat.  

For Adventurists:

Big Blue Unlimited has an Eco-Adventure base at Major Hill on North Caicos, where they can take you on guided eco-tours via kayaks, mountain bikes and/or by boat.   

On Middle Caicos you won’t want to miss the largest network of above-ground caves in the Northern Caribbean.  Formed from the erosion of limestone, the caves feature stalactites, stalagmites, bats, owls and salt lakes that link to the sea.  Tours through the caves with local guides are arranged by contacting Middle Caicos Co-op (649-941-7639). If you do plan to visit the caves be sure to wear sturdy shoes, not just sandals, and bring flashlights. (see photo)

Of course all the water sports you’d expect from a Caribbean island are also available here, including kiteboarding, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and whale watching, depending on the time of year you visit. 

For Historians:

A significant part of the history of North Caicos dates back to the late 1700’s when England offered the soil of the Turks and Caicos Islands to British Loyalists in the United States.   In 1789, Loyalist Wade Stubbs was granted more than 800 acres by King George III on the island of North Caicos as compensation for loss of his land in Florida after the U.S. won independence from the U.K.  Wade, and later his brother Thomas, developed plantations and grew “sea island cotton,” creating an industry for the island and surrounding area.  Today, this rich history is on display at Wade’s Green Plantation.  In addition to touring the site, you can climb the look-out tower for a 360 degree view that goes for miles.   

The recently excavated Middle Caicos Crossing Place Trail, which leads along the coastline to North Caicos, enables visitors to enjoy the natural and historic environment at the same time. This magnificent five mile coastal trail was the same place the early plantation pioneers of this land waited for the tides to subside so that they could cross-over the sandbars to the island of North Caicos for trade and education.  It’s believed that the Lucayans first utilized these coastal trails as early as the 1400’s.    

For Foodies:

While there are not many restaurants in North or Middle and many of them are closed on Sunday, if you do choose to dine at one you’ll have an authentic experience and get to taste the true flavors of the Turks & Caicos Islands.  Many of the restaurants offer fresh seafood and locally grown vegetables. 

On North Caicos, the Silver Palm restaurant is a good place to take a mid-day break.  Located on Whitby Beach, flocks of pink flamingos are often observed right in front of the restaurant. 

On Middle Caicos, Daniels Café is a well-known and beloved stop for a bite and refreshing drink.  Located in Conch Bar, the main village of Middle Caicos, this is also where you’ll find the Middle Caicos Co-op, a studio and outlet for traditional Turks & Caicos handcrafts, where over 40 local artisans crafts are on display and for sale.  The Blue Horizon Resort also recently added a restaurant to their portfolio that should not be missed. 

North and Middle Caicos will be sure to delight and surprise you.  With amazing beaches, historic ruins and pristine natural environments, these islands have something for everyone and give you a sense of what the Caribbean used to be like before development and the Internet. 

Helpful Links

Caicu Naniki LTD: http://caicunaniki.com/Island-Safari-Cave-Beach-Exploring

Caribbean Cruisin: http://www.tciferry.com/

Everything North Caicos: http://oceanbeach.tc/?page_id=189

Middle Caicos Coop: http://middlecaicos.biz/

Pelican Beach Hotel and Restaurant North Caicos: http://www.pelicanbeach.tc/

Amphibious Adventures: http://www.amphibious.tc/

Shimmering white sand and warm turquoise waters were cited as some of the aspects that make Grace Bay Beach one of the best in the world.   

Once again, the 12-mile stretch of sand was named the number one beach in the Caribbean and the second best beach in the world by the millions of travelers who participated in the TripAdvisor 2013 Travelers Choice Beach Awards, which were announced last week. 

This latest recognition should provide inspiration for those planning their summer vacations, spring break trips, or just looking for a weekend escape to the sun.    And if that doesn’t, the special offers at the Alexandra Resort should.    Our Hip Hop Easter special offers discounts and bonuses over the Easter holiday and we have a Super Summer Savings promotion where you can get two nights free on a seven night vacation, free access to the Pelican Kids’ Club and discounts on spa services and beach excursions.  

Our all-suite resort sits on 620 feet of Grace Bay Beach.  The Alexandra Resort is designed so that almost every room offers a direct or partial ocean view.   In addition, our guests can take advantage of a range of complimentary beach services including non-motorized water sports, comfortable chaise lounges and umbrellas, beach attendant service and cold drinking water. 

The Travelers' Choice Beaches Awards are based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor gathered over a 12-month period. According to TripAdvisor, this year’s program represented its biggest-ever Travelers' Choice campaign. This year 276 winning beaches were named from around the world.

Come experience the Caribbean’s best beach. With endorsements from millions of travelers and fantastic deals from the Alexandra Resort, there have never been more reasons to come to Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos Islands.

Everyone has a wish list - and for travelers seeking luxury, the Turks & Caicos Islands are top on their list.   The Turks & Caicos Islands have been identified as “the hottest new jewel to emerge from the turquoise sea,” according to a new survey by Resonance Consultancy, a leading global travel and tourism consulting firm that monitors travel and leisure trends.

The study, conducted in conjunction with the Luxury Institute in New York, surveyed more than 1,200 individuals from households with incomes of $150,000 and higher.  More than a quarter of American luxury travelers that were surveyed cited the Turks & Caicos Islands as the Caribbean destination they would most like to visit. 

At the Alexandra Resort we’re not surprised by any of this.  The fact that Grace Bay Beach is consistently recognized as one of the best in the world is reason enough to attract visitors. And, since 600 feet of this precious beach is dedicated to our guests, the Alexandra Resort is a logical choice for discerning travelers who want to experience the best of Turks & Caicos.  

Along with easy access to one of the world’s most amazing beaches, the Alexandra Resort provides a wide range of amenities including:  a full-service restaurant located on Grace Bay Beach; complimentary non-motorized water sports including paddle boats, kayaks and snorkeling equipment; a large free-form swimming pool with a swim-up bar; tennis courts illuminated for night play; a well-equipped fitness room; the Pelican Kids’ Club; an on-site excursion desk staffed by Caicos Dream Tours;  free WIFI access throughout the property; dedicated beach attendants;  spa services provide by Spa Sanay; a weekly manager’s cocktail party and concierge services such as arranging babysitting and grocery shopping. 

We basically have everything a “luxury traveler” or any traveler needs when it comes to seeking a Caribbean vacation.  And now with our Stay Longer Save More special there is an added incentive to visit.   Your stay in our one-bedroom ocean view suite will be discounted from 5% to 35% - depending on how you stay, and you’ll save 20% on Spa Sanay services and Caicos Dream Tour excursions.   This special offer must be booked by March 31 and has a travel window of March 1 to June 15, 2013 - so don’t hesitate.  

The Turks & Caicos Islands provide a wonderful playground for all types of travelers - not just those seeking luxury. From bone fishing to kite boarding to scuba diving and everything in between, our brilliant turquoise waters provides endless hours of entertainment, relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Where is Turks & Caicos on your wish list?  

Turquoise Waters of Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos

The sea and the sand are what people come to see when they vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands and guests at the Alexandra Resort are in for a real treat as this resort boasts one of the best beach locations on Grace Bay.  Not only is the resort situated on one of the world’s best beaches, but it is also in close walking distance to shops and restaurants.

However, if you’re adventurous and curious to see more than just the ocean and beach on our doorstep, it would be worthwhile to rent a car for a few days.   Renting a car will give you the freedom to see more of Providenciales and really get a feel for the unique personality of the destination and the characters that make this place so special. 

Below you will find a list of companies that rent cars, buggies, pedal bikes and more. You’ll see that your options are abundant.   Renting a car is something that can be done easily either prior to arrival or once you are in Providenciales. Many rental companies offer special services such as a free cell phone and pick up at the airport.  Prices can range from $30 to $80 a day so it is worth doing some research for the best deals.   Also, there’s a wide range of vehicles available - from open-top jeeps painted with Zebra stripes to traditional SUVs and everything in between.

But, before you decide to book a car, there are a few things you should know about driving in Turks and Caicos.

Drive on the Left

The number one thing to remember is that we drive on the left side.   This is something that you may have to keep telling yourself under your breath or even out loud.   We find this is most often needed when turning into a parking lot or driveway or entering a roundabout - REMEMBER TO STAY ON THE LEFT!  

Buckle Up!

It’s not so much that there are seatbelt laws here - which there are - but the fact is that on any given day there are new drivers on the road (new to driving on the left that is), so it is especially important that you wear your seat belt and stay safe.    This also means refraining from using a cell phone and other distractions.  

Navigating the Roundabouts

There are no traffic lights on the island but there are many roundabouts, which essentially help manage the flow of traffic.  For those not very familiar with driving in roundabouts, it is worth pointing out that the cars in the roundabout have the right of way (not the cars entering it!).   This means if you are approaching a roundabout and a car is in it, you must slow down to allow it to pass.     

There’s No Hurry

The maximum speed allowed on any road is 40 mph, and on most of the smaller roads the speed li

mit drops to 20 mph.  This is also a very important rule to follow.  Many of the older roads are not in the best condition and may be bumpy or hard to drive on - so keeping it slow helps.  Also, schools and homes are located near the roads and it is common for people to walk along the highway, so following the speed limit is especially important for pedestrian safety.  The fact that there is so much foot traffic on the lower roads is one reason there are speed bumps.  However, the speed bumps aren’t always well marked so they can sneak up on you, especially at night in the Bight area. Please also check the speedometer on the rental car.  Some models feature speedometers in kilometers, and others in miles.  If you are driving a car with a speedometer in kilometers, multiply the kilometer by 0.6 to convert kilometers to miles.  For instance, if the speedometer says 60, that means you are driving at 36 miles per hour. 

Fueling Up

Another aspect to driving here is how you’ll fuel the vehicle.  First you’ll want to make sure to have cash with you.  Most stations don’t take credit cards or foreign checks. Some vehicles require diesel instead of gas so be careful what pump you use.   The price of gas is almost $6.00 USD per gallon - but the good news is you probably won’t need to fill up much since the island is small and accordingly you won’t be travelling long distances. Also, when you do you wont’ have pump your own gas as most of the service stations are full service!    One last thing to note is that service stations are not open all night so it’s best to plan on fueling up during regular working hours (and most are cash only).   

Car Seats

If you need car or booster seats for your children, reserve these prior to arrival with the car rental agency as these items are in limited supply with most rental agencies, particularly in peak season.

GPS

GPS systems will not cover most of the roads in Providenciales, so if it has been a while since you have used a map instead of a GPS system, be prepared!  Fortunately, it is easy to get around the island and local people will always be happy to provide directions.

Driver’s License Requirements

Unlike some other Caribbean destinations, international visitors staying less than 90 days do not need to purchase a local driver’s license, provided the driver’s license they are carrying is valid and has not expired.

Requirements to rent a car:

• A valid Driver’s License
• A major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discovery, and/or American Express)

 Safety Tips

• Buckle up for safety and avoid a traffic ticket
• Drive on the left hand side of the road
• Observe the maximum speed limit of 40 mph on the highway and 20 mph on the smaller roads

Rental Car Providers

• Avis - Three pickup locations on Providenciales
• Website: http://www.avis.tc/home?menu
• Local Phone:  Airport location:  (649) 946-4705 
• Local Phone:  Grace Bay: (649) 941-7557
• Local Phone:  Leeward Highway: (649) 946-8570 

Bayside Car Rentals

• Website:  http://baysidecarrentals.com/
• Local Phone: (649) 941-9010

Budget - Two locations on Providenciales

• Website: http://www.provo.net/Budget/
• Local Phone:  (649) 946-4079
• Toll Free #:  800-527-0700

Caicos Wheels - One location on Providenciales

• Website:  http://www.caicoswheels.com/
• Local Phone: (649) 946-8302

Grace Bay Car Rentals - Two locations on Providenciales (Grace Bay and Leeward Highway)

• Website:  http://www.gracebaycarrentals.com/
• Local Phone:  (649) 941-8500

Hertz  - One location on Providenciales

• Website:  http://www.hertztci.com/
• Local Phone:   (649) 941-3910
• Toll Free #:   800-654-3131

KK and T’s Auto Rentals - One location on Providenciales

• Website: http://kkntsautorentals.com/
• Local Phone: (649) 941-8377

Scooter Bob’s Island Rentals - One location on Providenciales (Turtle Cove)

• Website:  http://www.scooterbobstci.com/
• Local Phone:  (649) 946-4684

Tony’s Rentals - One location on Grand Turk

• Website:  http://www.tonyscarrental.com/
• Local Phone:   (649) 231-1806

Tropical Auto Rentals - One location on Providenciales (Grace Bay)

• Website:  http://www.tropicalautorentaltci.com/
• Local Phone:  (649) 946- 5300

Rent-A-Buggy - One location on Providenciales

• Website:  http://www.rentabuggy.tc/
• Local Phone:  (649) 946-4158