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.

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/

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.

It’s February, so romance is in the air.   If you’re fortunate enough to be spending Valentine’s Day in Turks and Caicos then you’ll have a wide range of romantic dining options to choose from.  Even if you’re not here during the special holiday for lovers – when you do visit, these spots are sure to bring out the romantic in you.

But, before we present some of our favorite romantic restaurants, we want to point out that in no way is this list exhaustive.  Almost all the restaurants you’ll find in Turks and Caicos have something special to offer - whether it’s a signature dish, a unique setting or a special cocktail.   This list is just a sampling of the spots we think provide a romantic setting and excellent cuisine. 

Anacona in the Grace Bay Resort is the only gourmet restaurant located on the beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands.   It’s open-air setting, right on Grace Bay Beach, provides both a dramatic and romantic ambiance.  Sometimes there is live music and when there isn’t, the sounds of the ocean fill in.   The menu emphasizes fresh ingredients with a modern presentation. 

The restaurant at the Amanyara Resort also offers a gourmet experience in a spectacular and serene setting.  Although the journey to the restaurant can be an adventure and reservations in advance are required, once you arrive you’ll be instantly impressed.  The restaurant is spread out around the tranquility pool with stunning ocean views, creating a zen-like effect.  The menu is filled with fresh seafood and prime cuts of meat, all prepared with a Mediterranean-Asian-Fusion influence.  If peace and quiet are top on your list - this place is heaven.

At Beach House the chef’s surprise tasting menu will whisk you away into the world of Chef Eric Vernice who will prepare a 5-course ‘farm-to-table’ menu for you. The French contemporary menu has a distinct twist of Turks and Caicos and offers a wide variety of dishes for culinary lovers.

Coyaba Restaurant is an eclectic, sophisticated and award-winning gourmet restaurant located in the heart of Grace Bay, next to the Caribbean Paradise Inn.   An elegantly-appointed gazebo style tropical garden serves as the dining room, where guests peruse the daily-changing creative menu of Chef Paul Newman.   Paul’s dishes have a strong European influence but always with an inventive touch. 

Set within the largest palm grove on the island, Coco Bistro is a food lover’s fantasy in a one-of-a-kind setting.   Located in Grace Bay next to Sunshine Nursery and within walking distance from many resorts, Coco Bistro serves fresh local cuisine under a sea of stars and swaying coconut palms.  The restaurant has a reputation for consistently creating, fresh, flavorful Caribbean cuisine as well as delivering an exceptional dining experience.

Grace’s Cottage in the Point Grace Resort is probably one of the prettiest dining settings on Providenciales.   The restaurant has a relaxing charm with an inviting mahogany bar located in the Victorian-styled cottage and candlelit tables on the patio and terrace.   The food here is as delectable as the ambiance it is served in  - and the fact that they can only accommodate a total of 62 guests at a time ensures a level of intimacy as well.

Perhaps the most romantic place to dine is right on Grace Bay Beach itself.   The Mango Reef restaurant at the Alexandra Resort can arrange for a romantic barefoot dinner for you on the world’s best beach - it doesn’t get much more romantic than that!

Beach Dining at Mango Reef

The Alexandra Resort, on world acclaimed Grace Bay Beach, has introduced a new kids club called the Pelican Club, as well as more family focused guest services just in time for the winter season.

Using a Facebook contest initiative, the new kid’s club was named for the national bird of the Turks & Caicos. Well over a hundred Alexandra Resort Facebook followers sent in their favorites and the ‘Pelican Club’ was

selected as the winner by the management team. We thank all our fans for their avid support. The winning submission has been rewarded with a 3 night stay at Alexandra. The Pelican Club offers young resort guests a great range of activities for an affordable fee of $25/day/child. Children (ages 4-10) will enjoy supervised beach activities, pool time, crafts and games.  Lunch and drinks will be included in the $25/day rate.  The kid's club will be open on weekdays from 9am until 1pm.
 
Another boost for family vacation time is the introduction of an affordable B&B package.  For an additional cost of $15/adult/day and $8/child/day (taxes not included), resort guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast at the resort's highly popular Mango Reef Restaurant.

Mango Reef now also offers room service.  Families can now borrow a DVD from the reception center and enjoy a meal and movie in the comfort of their suite.  

The Alexandra Resort features family-friendly suites, all equipped with housekeeping facilities, flat screen TV's, free WIFI and large decks or patios.  Complimentary roll-aways and cribs are offered, subject to availability.  In addition, there is a large free form swimming pool, complimentary non-motorized water sports, and tennis courts.

Great winter getaway specials are now available. For more information visit http://alexandraresort.com/resort_experience/family_fun.html.

Even though it is hot most of the time in Turks and Caicos, a good cup of coffee is always appreciated - whether it is to start the day or to meet up with a friend or just to savor and contemplate life, drinking a good cup of coffee can many any day even better. 

While we encourage our guests at the Alexandra Resort and Spa to enjoy meals on our beach terrace or by the pool and our own Mango Reef Restaurant serves a mean cup of java, we also know that getting out and about can be enjoyable and fun. So, we thought we’d share with you the places we go to enjoy a nice cup of coffee and watch the world go by.

Caicos Bakery

This is Provo’s only French Bakery and we have to admit - one of the reasons this is a good place to enjoy a cup of coffee is because it has THE BEST French pastries.   What’s a cup of coffee without a croissant?   Also, the location is good as it is in a small shopping plaza that includes a few nice shops, a great Italian restaurant and a European-style hair salon and spa.   You could actually spend the better part of the day here if you wanted!

Caicos Bakery is located in Caicos Café Plaza in Grace Bay. The shop opens at 7 AM and closes at 4:30 PM, daily except Sunday.  Get there early for the freshly baked bread.

Beach House Turks and Caicos – Western Grace Bay Beach

The restaurant at Beach House recently introduced the newest thing in European coffee houses, where time still stands still in our busy lives: the ‘Café Gourmand’. They serve a delicious cup of espresso, latté or macchiato paired with several sweet delicacies made by Chef Eric Vernice and his team.  Served between 12 noon and 4pm every day. Also ask for the Ice cream Sundays if you prefer something cold.

Flowers by Environmental Arts - across from the Salt Mills Plaza

This is a small café located on the main strip in Grace Bay.  Since it doubles as a flower shop the sensory experience is almost as good as the coffee.  While the shop is small, the offerings are varied and the setting is convenient.   The location is walking distance from the majority of hotels in Grace Bay and there are many shops around too, so after a quick coffee you can bring a nice bouquet back to your room or pick up some souvenirs for those you left behind.

Fresh Bakery

Along with a good cup of coffee at Fresh Bakery you can get a full lunch and/or a wide range of delicious desserts and pastries.   Inside the place is decorated with a clean, modern/European feel.   One thing we like about this place are the pint-sized pastries you can get to accompany your coffee with all of the flavor and half the guilt!   This shop was recently moved to the Atrium Resort in the community of Leeward.

Graceway Gourmet IGA

This is like the central hub of Grace Bay because it is the main grocery store for the area.   While the setting isn’t as relaxing as the others we mention, the Gourmet makes our list because it is convenient, quick and offers good value.  The coffee shop is next to the grocery store and it has tables in front of the store. However the tables are all in a shaded covered area and there’s a good buzz with all the comings and goings of island residents and tourists.  Plus, the coffee is really good too.   Best thing about this place is you can zip in and zip out in a jiffy and catch up on all the latest news and island gossip.

Island Scoops

IslandScoops is a favored ice-cream shop by tourists and residents alike but don’t let the name fool you- they have great coffee too.   Here you will find a wide variety of coffee concoctions as well as locally-made ice cream and other sweet treats.  The décor is fun and funky.   You can sit outside in overstuffed sofas or at tall tables just across the street from Grace Bay beach.   It’s a great spot for kids here as there are an abundance of outside toys, a sand pit, soft armchairs, and a wide selection of milkshakes as well as ice creams and other treats kids old and young enjoy.

Angela’s Top of the Cove Delicatessen & Catering Services

Angela’s is located on the Leeward Highway in a more industrial part of town, but not far from Turtle Cove.   Tourists that venture here are more likely to encounter residents and will be treated to some fantastic soups and lunch specials and well as a pretty decent cup of coffee.

The menu here is varied and tasty and even offers gluten free options.   While there isn’t much to speak of in terms of sights or views, the establishment is one of the islands’ “institutions” having been around for a very long time - and it is one of the few places that has its air conditioning on year round.  Angela’s Deli is located in between NAPA auto parts and April’s Place (hair salon) and is open daily from 6:30 am serving breakfast, lunch and dinners to go.

Green Bean – located near Turtle Cove Marina

Enjoy a nice salad or sandwich along with a good cup of Joe at the Green Bean. Friendly staff make the experience memorable and you are just a few steps away from Smith’s Reef. At the ‘Bean’ you can rent snorkel gear and head straight over there before or after your caffeine infusion.

Maskanoo is an annual cultural event organised by the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) and the Cultural & Arts Commission (CAC). It is an event that will showcase the best of the islands' cultural heritage, mixing Junkanoo (taken from TCI's Bahamian heritage) with Masquerade to create "Maskanoo". The third annual Maskanoo event will be held on Wednesday December 26, 2012 (National Holiday). The event will once again be held in the tourist capital of Providenciales, following a route along Grace Bay road between the Regent Village and the Salt Mills Plaza. Persons attending the event will enjoy a street parade, local music, island food, cultural items on sale, arts, entertainment as well as a street jump-up at the end of the event.

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.