Most people would say that the mesmerizing marine blue waters and crystal-fine sand are what make Turks and Caicos special - and they are correct.  We are proud of our pristine landscape and know that this is an essential component to enjoying that perfect - yet often elusive - Caribbean vacation.   However, there’s more to Turks and Caicos than just a pretty beach. Fuzzy cacti, endangered reptiles, a friendly dolphin and slightly-spicy rum are just some of the one-of-a-kind treats that will make your visit to our islands unique. 

One of the stories behind how the Turks and Caicos Islands got its name involves a cactus that grows wild and in abundance here.   The distinctive Turks Head cactus has a spiny red cap that resembles a fez - the iconic hats that were worn by the Ottomans in Turkey.  Hence its name - Turks Head.   These hardy plants are found only in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Along with the cacti, rock iguanas used to be pervasive on all the islands in the Turks and Caicos.  These miniature dinosaur-like creatures were the first true islanders.  When livestock and domesticated animals arrived on the islands, these gentle creatures became prey and their population decreased dramatically.  Now, they are confined to small, uninhabited cays and the species found here is critically endangered.   

The Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana is one of nine species of lizard and can be found nowhere else in the world except for here. It’s estimated that between 2000 and 3000 of these animals live on Little Water Cay -just off the tip of Providenciales.   To help protect them, Little Water Cay has been designated as a nature preserve and is managed by the Turks and Caicos National Trust.  If you’d like to encounter these friendly, harmless creatures in their natural habitat and support preservation efforts it’s easy to book a trip to see them.   All the local diving companies offer excursions such as Big Blue Unlimited, which includes a visit to Little Water Cay in its Princess Alexandra Kayak Adventure and as part of its half or full day private boat charter.

Another potential nature encounter exists just off the shores of Grace Bay beach.  JoJo is a unique Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin who has been living and playing in the Turks and Caicos Islands since 1980.  He is one of the few dolphins around the world that voluntarily interacts with humans in his own natural habitat.  JoJo likes to swim in the shallow waters of Grace Bay beach.   So, if you stay at the Alexandra Resort you may be lucky to get a glimpse of him, as he is often spotted during dawn or dusk cruising along Grace Bay beach.   Look for a slightly-bent dorsal fin on your next beach walk, especially if there is a small watercraft nearby (JoJo has a special affinity for boat motors).   Or, if you really want to increase your chances of a siting, book a trip with Caicos Dream Tours and you may be able to post similar pictures of JoJo on TripAdvisor!   The full story on JoJo and his connection to the Turks and Caicos has been well-documented on various websites and in numerous articles.   But, the best way to learn about JoJo is by visiting him in his home here.   Many tourists have had the excitement of meeting him and they all say it’s an experience to savor. 

Speaking of savoring moments, what Caribbean vacation is complete without a sip of local rum to seal in the memories?   Bambarra Rum is as unique as the Turks and Caicos Islands.  Named after the picturesque beach in Middle Caicos, where an African slave ship (Trouvadore) made landfall accidentally in 1841, Bambarra Rum is blended and bottled by hand, here in Turks and Caicos. The Bambarra collection includes four varieties - from a sweet Coconut flavor to the well-balanced 15-year old reserve - all of which capture the quality and heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands in a bottle.   

To bring home some of the flavors of the Turks and Caicos Islands be sure to visit FOTTAC in the Regent Plaza shopping center.  Along with Bambarra Rum, you will find a variety of related products like rum cakes, and condiments such as hot sauces, jerk rubs, jellies and jams, that can only be purchased in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Now you know that there are more just great beaches waiting for you in the Turks and Caicos Islands.   We hope our one-of-a-kind experiences will entice you to come for a visit.

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

Family Fun in the Sun in Turks and Caicos just in Time for Easter

The Turks and Caicos Islands was recently named one of the top ten family vacation destinations for 2013 by Family Vacation Critic, an online family travel planning guide.   According to the travel resource, January is the peak month for family vacation planning, with spring break and Easter just around the corner and summer following quickly. 

With families doing their research and planning now, we thought we’d highlight some of our favorite family things to do in Turks and Caicos.   (This is just a partial list - to see a more comprehensive overview of things to do with kids, check out our June 2012 blog.)

Chill out on the world-famous Grace Bay Beach - the beautiful soft sand and calm clear waters of Grace Bay Beach are the perfect setting for family fun in the sun.   The Alexandra Resort has a prime location in the heart of Grace Bay and the Princess Alexandra National Park.  In addition to these wonderful natural attractions, the Alexandra Resort offers its guests an expanded set of family services, including the new Pelican Kids’ Club, which offers supervised beach activities, pool time, crafts, games and lunch at Mango Reef.   If you want to really enjoy the surroundings consider our luxury, oceanfront four-bedroom penthouse suite.   With 3,840 square feet of living space and unobstructed beachfront views, this can be an ideal option for larger families that want to stay together without compromising on space or the views!  And just for Easter, the resort is offering their Hip Hop Special with savings up to 35% along with complimentary Easter Egg hunt and baskets plus kite making workshop.  Details on http://alexandraresort.com/rates_packages/specials.html.

Glow with the worms – this unique phenomenon happens every month approximately three to five nights after a full moon and is fun for all ages.  It’s a mating ritual of the marine worms - each worm glows near the surface of the water producing a light show that lasts about 15 minutes.  The best way to see the event is onboard a glow worm cruise, which generally start a half hour before the sunset.   Our favorite glow worm excursion is on the Atabeyra, a 77’, traditionally rigged trading schooner.  Visit www.suncharters.tc to learn more.

Scout for Iguanas - no visit to Turks and Caicos is complete without a trip to Iguana Island, otherwise known as Little Water Cay.   The Turks and Caicos rock iguana is a critically endangered species of lizard and Turks and Caicos is the only place in the world you can see one!  These funky animals resemble mini-dinosaurs and are the only inhabitants of the Little Water Cay.  You have to take a boat to go see them and there is a small entrance fee that is well worth it.  You can walk along the decked path and see the rock iguanas in their natural habitat.   They like to hang out in shallow burrows and blend in with their setting so spotting them is a kind of sport - you’ll enjoy seeing who can find the most. 

Giggle at Giggles - One of the islands’ most popular spots for a refreshing ice cream or sweet treat is Giggles, located in the Ports of Call shopping center.  With barrels full of loose candy that you can buy by the pound and various flavors of hard and soft ice cream as well as a range of topping options, Giggles is heaven for most kids and a fun and refreshing stop while searching for souvenirs or after lunch or dinner.

Scuba dive without getting wet - See the sea under the sea in a semi-submarine.  The Undersea Explorer from Caicos Tours allows you to get down below the waves and see stingrays, turtles, exotic tropical fish, sharks and spectacular coral formations while still being able to talk and stay dry.  If you get really lucky you might even spot JoJo - the local resident dolphin.

Beach bonfire - Eating on the beach can be a fun treat if it’s executed properly.  Every Friday night Pelican Bay Restaurant hosts a beach pig roast from 5pm until 10 pm so you can enjoy the fun setting, some good food and not have to worry about packing up at the end.   The night always includes a beach bonfire, which makes it even more exciting.  The kids will love toasting marshmallows over the open fire and parents will appreciate the $5 Bambarra rum drinks.

Go fly a kite - The wide flat beaches and gentle trade winds that are characteristic of our beaches make it a great place to fly a kite.  Every year in April there’s a kite flying competition put on by the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board.   Typically the event is held on Easter Monday - so if you are planning to come to Turks and Caicos around Easter, be sure to bring your kite.   Only hand-made kites can be entered in the competition. There’s a full day of family fun activities and prizes are awarded for the largest kite, smallest kite, most artistic kit and best overall.

We hope this short list entices you to come to our islands with your family.    Spring, summer, winter and fall are all good times to visit, so check your schedule and start planning.

Since Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos has been voted the world’s number one beach by readers of Conde Nast and users of TripAdvisor, it’s not surprising that beach-walking is one of the most popular things to do here.  Fortunately, the Alexandra Resort and Spa is located on a particularly beautiful and expansive stretch of the world-renown Grace Bay Beach.  So, this activity is a frequent occurrence for our guests and one we highly recommend.

The beach in front of the Alexandra Resort is part of the Princess Alexandra National Park, which runs along the north coast of the island of Providenciales and includes the turquoise blue waters, which are protected by a long reef and filled with vibrant sea life.  This means you are not allowed to remove anything from the national park such as live sea life, coral, etc.   

Taking a beach walk along Grace Bay Beach will always delight you.  The sand is silky smooth and soft beneath your feet and you can always find isolated patches that make you feel the beach is all your own. 

Depending on the time of day, the tide and how lucky you  are - your blissful beach walk will also treat you to a variety of neat things to see.   Here are five things you may see on your next stroll along Grace Bay Beach:

1)     Starfish.   Because of the clarity of the water and the tides- it is very possible to see starfish dotting the ocean floor.   These deep clay-orange colored creatures are alluring and almost look fake.  It’s tempting to pick one up and hold it in your hand - but you have to remember to put it back gently as it’s a living creature and part of the national park.

2)     The Green Flash.   Legend has it - and first-hand accounts concur - that when the temperatures are high and the sun is at a certain point in the sky - just before it descends over the horizon - a green flash appears for a split second.   You have to be looking at the horizon with an unobstructed view right at dusk.    The best place to see this green flash is on a beach walk.

3)     Sand dollars.   These “cousins” of the starfish are not easy to find along Grace Bay Beach but if you are walking around low-tide you have a good chance to do so.  The live ones will be partially buried in the sand or inching slowly along the water’s edge.   Sand dollars that are white in color are dead - the ones that have a grayish tint are not and are protected as part of the Princes Alexandra National Park, which means you cannot remove them and need to replace them back where you found them.  If you really want to see sand dollars it is a good idea to book an outing with Caicos Dream Tours - they can take you to Sand Dollar Point on one of their excursions.

4)     JoJo the dolphin!   JoJo is a unique Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin who has been living and playing in the shallow waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands since 1980. He is one of the few dolphins around the world that voluntarily interacts with humans in his own natural habitat.  JoJo has become something like the mascot of Turks and Caicos and is known for having an affinity for boat engines!    He also likes to swim up close to the shoreline, so it’s good to keep an eye out for him on your beach walk.   If you don’t happen to see him on a beach walk - your odds are greatly improved if you are out on the water.  Again by booking a boat trip with Caicos Dream Tours, your chances of a JoJo encounter increase exponentially.

5)     50 shades of blue.  “The shades of blue these waters possess are like a painter’s palette - azure, celeste, maya, sky, shifting and changing with the weather.”  These were the words Joe Belanger used in his feature story on Turks and Caicos from the Toronto Sun on April 25, 2012.   The New York Times said:  “The beach gently slopes into the ocean, which reveals bands of blue and green that are so brilliant no postcard could do them justice.”  The turquoise waters of Grace Bay Beach have been described and photographed countless times and make a remarkable impression.  However, photos and words don’t do them justice.  The waters surrounding the beaches of Turks and Caicos sparkle and glisten and change their hue, resulting in 50 shades of unforgettable, mesmerizing blue.  But, the only way to experience them is in person - on a beach walk or better yet a helicopter ride!

Whatever time of year you come to Turks and Caicos the beach will be an integral part of your trip.   You’ll find that simple beach walks can be the highlight of the trip.  As you walk along the beach look out for miniature conch shells that get washed up on sand.   They make a great decoration and serve as a reminder of the trip when you are back home.   Another good idea is to collect a little sand and put it in a glass bottle to keep it on your office desk or coffee table.   It will give you a daily reminder of when you walked the world’s best beach and bragging rights for your work colleagues and/or neighbors.

Picture this - you, a good book, miles of pristine powder-like sand and brilliant turquoise waters lapping lightly on the shoreline.  This is what awaits you when you stay at the Alexandra Resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands.   

Located on world acclaimed Grace Bay Beach, the Alexandra Resort has a prime location on a stretch of coastline that has won many accolades for its natural beauty.

The Alexandra Resort’s location on Grace Bay Beach is one of its biggest assets and we take it seriously to make sure our guests get the full experience. 

First we start with our idyllic setting - 620 feet of sugar white sand framed by clear, sparkling waters.   Then we’ve added ample chaise lounge chairs and beach umbrellas so everyone can

easily find their own space to comfortably enjoy the surroundings.  Next we add a full-service restaurant - Mango Reef - serving gourmet food at affordable prices on the beach and/or on the expanded beach deck.    Almost every craving you can anticipate can be fulfilled without having to barely move a muscle.   Our beach attendants are ready to serve and ensure you are getting the full Grace Bay Experience.  Whether it is a cold bottle of water, a fresh towel or help arranging water sport activities, our staff is happy to help. 

For the more adventurous - we provide free beach toys and non motorized water sports equipment.   Maybe you want to spend the afternoon snorkeling face-down with the fish or skimming the surface aboard a hobie cat. Whatever your preferences are, we are here to meet and exceed them.   You can fill out our on-line Activities Planner before you arrive so we can have everything ready for you! http://www.alexandraresort.com/resort_experience/activities_planner.html.

Tourists and visitors alike converge each year at Children’s Park along Provo’s renowned Grace Bay Beach for a day of family fun at the annual Fool’s Regatta. Initially an April Fool’s Day event, the regatta is now held each year in June. This year it’s scheduled for June 16.

The Fool’s Regatta is a fantastical display of sailing, an important legacy in the Turks & Caicos. The day’s highlight is undoubtedly the Great Raft Race, where teams paddle furiously aboard hilariously patched-together vessels in hopes of claiming victory. There’s also a Hobie Cat race, and iconic island sloops compete in the Caicos Sloop races.

Even if you aren’t a boatie, there’s plenty of land-based fun at this regatta, including entertainment like live steel pan performances, tug-o-war, and plenty of local food and drink. If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Provo, this is the time to be there, and The Alexandra Resort is just minutes away from all the action.

Grace Bay is so beautiful, it's hard to pull yourself away, but if you are ready to explore some other scenic parts of the island, head to Chalk Sound.  This stunning area is home to many lovely residences, and a beach called Sapodilla Bay.  Here you can enjoy calm, shallow, crystal clear water and wade 'way out" to search for starfish or other marine life.  Kids just love this beach.  And when you have had enough of sun and sand, head over to Las Brisas Restaurant for lunch on the patio.  Las Brisas offers an extensive menu, exceptionally clean facilities and attentive service.  We love going there for Sunday Brunch.  This family owned and operated restaurant also offers non motorized boat rentals.  They also feature a terrific two hour boat cruise on Chalk Sound.  Highlights include snorkelling and viewing a sunken airplane, and visiting a small island to feed the iguanas.  The day we were there, we fed the iguanas watermelon.  It makes for a great day in the lovely Chalk Sound area.

The Alexandra Resort and Spa now offers dedicated beach attendants to assist guests with chaise lounges on the beach and accessing non motorized water sport equipment.  Over 100 new chaise lounges and 50 umbrellas were recently purchased to ensure there is always an adequate supply of sun beds on the beach.  

The resort is also pleased to announce that Mango Reef Restaurant now offers a food and beverage service on the beach.  Guests can enjoy cocktails and lunch at their chaise.