For centuries, the orchid has been a symbol of love, luxury and beauty - some of the same characteristics often attributed to the Turks & Caicos Islands.  It’s only fitting that orchids grow wild here and complement the destination’s reputation for romance, luxury and beauty.

The Alexandra Resort pays homage to the symbolism of the orchid and its connection to the Turks & Caicos Islands as well.  Each accommodation building at the resort is named after an orchid that grows wild in Turks & Caicos; Marilyn, Chelsea, Lady Rose and Prima Donna.

Whether you are a devoted botanist or simply enjoy exploring the beauty of the islands, take time on your visit to discover these gorgeous blooms in their natural environment. Have fun determining if the ancient Greeks were right in their belief that the orchid represented virility, or if, as the Chinese suggested, orchids are, "the plant of the king's fragrance." Or perhaps orchid fans from the Middle Ages were right, and the local flowers are actually an aphrodisiac that can be used in love potions. Whatever you conclude, your research will help you see yet another beautiful part of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

For more information on orchids in the Turks & Caicos Islands, contact the Turks & Caicos Museum at www.tcmuseum.org.  The museum hosts an orchid “living collection” every December and January, and also offers additional information and resources to learn more about the flora on the islands.

Wild Orchids Found in Turks & Caicos

Once again Turks & Caicos is in the news.   And, once again the islands are being recognized for their natural beauty and unique environment.  TripAdvisor recently announced the winners of its inaugural Travelers' Choice Islands awards.  Based on millions of valuable traveler reviews and opinions, the awards recognize more than 100 islands across the globe, including dedicated lists for Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, the South Pacific, and the United States.     

Providenciales has been voted the third best island in the Caribbean and received enthusiastic reviews and feedback from travelers’ postings on TripAdvisor.   Visitors pointed to the wide range of activities available here as well as our picture-perfect coastline.   Tranquility, diversity, beauty and charm - these are the reasons people come to Turks & Caicos, and the reasons they keep coming back.

This endorsement from the world’s largest travel web site reinforces what guests at the Alexandra Resort already know.  If this doesn’t tempt you to book your next vacation here maybe our Stay Longer, Save More promotion will.   Not only will you save up to 35% on your booking but you’ll get discounts on spa treatments and excursions with Caicos Dream Tours.   Please contact the resort for more details at 1-888-695-7591.

The Picture Perfect Coastline of Grace Bay Beach

For families, Turks & Caicos is a great vacation choice.   The destination is quick and easy to reach from major cities in North America, and it’s a safe place to visit.  Modern grocery stores, clean drinking water, state-of-the-art medical facilities and reliable communications services take some of the travel safety worries away for parents.

The Alexandra Resort is a great property for families. In addition to offering spacious and  comfortably appointed suites that include kitchen facilities, we have our Pelican Kids club, an awesome freeform swimming pool and the resort is situated in one of the best areas of Grace Bay - right on the beach and in close proximity to many restaurants and shops.

If your idea of a great family vacation includes escaping the routine and spending quality time together, you’ll be looking for family-friendly dining options.  Fortunately, you won’t have to look very hard here.  There are a number of great restaurants on Providenciales that are sure to make everyone in the family happy.  Here are some of our favorite places for value-oriented family dining experiences:

The Tiki Hut Island Eatery - Dockside at Turtle Cove Marina

This casual dining spot has a consistent track record for serving good quality food at reasonable  prices.  It offers a relaxed atmosphere that makes dining with families and/or larger groups a breeze - literally!  The Tiki Hut is located on the docks at Turtle Cove Marina. This open-air restaurant has been an island establishment since 1992.   They are famous for their Wednesday Chicken and Rib Night, which always delivers a lively atmosphere and delicious grilled specials in addition to their normal menu.   It’s open for lunch and dinner weekdays, and also for breakfast on the weekends.   Reservations are recommended for six or more.  Phone (649) 941-5341.

Baci Ristorante

Also located in Turtle Cove, Baci is an Italian restaurant that has been feeding locals and visitors for the past decade.   The place has a beautiful yet relaxed ambiance with an indoor dining room that spills out to an open-air terrace directly on the water.   The menu features fresh pastas, seafood, veal and brick-oven pizzas that can be enjoyed at the table or to go.    The long bar at the entrance usually serves as a meeting spot for locals who gather after work.  It is open Monday through Saturday nights and weekdays for lunch.   Reservations are recommended:  (649) 941-3044. 

Mango Reef

Our own Mango Reef Restaurant located at the Alexandra Resort on Grace Bay is always a great choice for families. With a wide variety of menu options and an extensive kids’ menu, the food here is always good and the setting is fun.  Kids love the beach terrace, which is a great spot to dine while the sun sets.   Plenty of outdoor seating on the beach terrace means you’ll always get a great table. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, and live music is featured on Tuesday and Friday evenings.   Mango Reef also provides the lunch for children attending Pelican Kids’ Club at Mango Reef.  Guests staying at the Alexandra Resort can also enjoy the convenience of ordering room service from Mango Reef.  For reservations or carry-out service:  (649) 946-8200.

Hemingway’s

If you are looking for a bit more elegance but in a relaxed atmosphere with a menu that will please everyone in the family, you should go to Hemingway’s at The Sands Resort.   Some of the seating area is covered and the rest is on the beachside terrace.   It’s open from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.    The terrace has a JoJo Bell that people can ring when they catch a glimpse of the famous dolphin swimming by.   The great thing about this place is the menu has gourmet choices such as its juicy filet mignon or fresh grouper, as well as kid-friendly options such as chicken fingers and the brownie sundae for dessert.   For more information or reservations: (649) 941-8408.

Giggles

When the formalities of dinner are done or if you are just looking for a fun outing for you and the kids, you can head to Giggles in the Ports of Call shopping complex.  This little shop is a sweet delight - with soft-serve ice cream and an abundance of loose candy and other treats.    It is basically an ice cream shop and candy store rolled into one!  The phone is (649) 941-7370.

Be sure to call The Alexandra Resort for your next family vacation 1-800-284-0699!

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.

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

Fresh seafood, exotic conch dishes and a little bit of spice are generally what people expect when they visit the Caribbean.   In Turks and Caicos we are fortunate to have many great restaurants that showcase the fresh, local ingredients -

especially at Mango Reef, the on-site restaurant located at the Alexandra Resort.   Mango Reef serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and offers a diverse menu, consistently good service and an outstanding beachfront setting. 

This is always a convenient and delicious choice.   However, if you stay in Turks & Caicos Islands for longer than a few days you may want to branch out and experience some different types of cuisine - beyond conch and island fare.  

We are fortunate to have a number of international dining options that offer intriguing flavors and interesting dining experiences.   When you’re ready to explore, consider these excellent, international options:

The Beach House (Cuisine: contemporary French; location: Lower Bight Road)

While you might expect a restaurant called the Beach House to serve burgers and fries, the cuisine here is far from ordinary.  This is one of the newest restaurants to open on Providenciales and its début has created a stir in the dining scene.  Already, it has climbed to one of the top spots on Trip Advisor for restaurants in Turks and Caicos.  The reason for all the fuss is the creative and sophisticated menu created by Chef Eric Vernice. With an emphasis on freshness and harmony among flavors, the dishes coming from Chef Eric’s kitchen are truly a culinary celebration.   

Yoshi’s Sushi Bar and Japanese Restaurant (Cuisine: Japanese/Sushi; Location: Salt Mills Plaza in Grace Bay)

This is more than a sushi restaurant - it is a gathering place.  With its black and red modern décor, the inside dining room of Yoshi’s Sushi buzzes at lunchtime and in the evenings.   The food here is fresh and flavorful, and the atmosphere is fun and relaxed.   In addition to having bento boxes where you can sample a bit of tempura, sushi, salad and soups, Yoshi’s menu also includes meals like salmon teriyaki or Japanese curry beef.

Garam Marsala (Cuisine: Indian;  Location: Regent Village)

Flavor is the name of the game here, in fact the menu describes the restaurant as “an aromatic affaire with Indian Cuisine.”   The restaurant is under new management but the recipes are old-school and feature authentic, traditional Indian dishes.  This is one of the few restaurants to offer air-conditioned indoor dining as well as an open air lounge and dining area, making it a good choice no matter the weather or season. While the Garam Marsala official website is under construction, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and is popular with visitors and residents alike.  Recently, it has had a professionally-designed interior revamp that adds to the ambience.

Thai Orchid (Cuisine: Thai; Location: Regent Village)

Smooth coconut soup with shrimp, sweet and savory crab rangoons, and spicy Thai green chili - these are just some of the more than 60 different delectable dishes served from this small Thai restaurant located in the Regent Village in Grace Bay.   The restaurant is open seven days a week and even late nights with a small amount of indoor and outdoor seating.  The consistently busy take-out business is proof of the restaurant’s popularity.   Owned and run by a local resident who was born and raised in Bangkok, the food here is genuine and unique - just like him.   If you enjoy Thai cuisine - a visit to the Thai Orchid is not to be missed.   

Lemon Café (Cuisine: Moroccan;  Location: The Village at Grace Bay)

For a fun night out and some delicious Mediterranean dishes, head to Lemon Café in the Village at Grace Bay.   The hummus and homemade pitas are mouth-watering and the lantern-lit patio and dining room draped in rich fabrics make you feel like you’re in Morocco instead of Providenciales.   In addition to fresh, flavorful Mediterranean dishes that please both meat lovers and vegetarians, the restaurant hosts monthly parties that go on until late, and usually feature DJs, belly dancers and occasionally even fire spinning!

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.

It’s the perfect beginner’s alternative to surfing.

IN THE 1960S, surfing instructors in Hawaii discovered a great way to increase tips: While their tourist-students lay prone on boards trying to catch waves, the instructors would hang cameras on their necks, stand upright on surfboards, and use long canoe paddles to maneuver out to take photos of clients in the surf, creating the perfect souvenir. “Stand-up paddling,” as this mode of transit became known, remained a surf culture oddity until about 10 years ago, when a handful of professional surfers began using the technique to train. In the past few years, the sport has spread beyond surfers — and become wildly popular. “Everyone has a fantasy to be a surfer, [and] stand-up paddling makes it easier,” says Rob Casey, author of Stand Up Paddling: Flatwater to Surf and Rivers and an instructor in Washington state. “The learning curve is relatively easy and gear requirements are minimal.” And while stand-up boards are more expensive than kayaks — beginner boards, which are wider and heavier than traditional surfboards, start at around $700 — Casey says they’re easier to store and carry and provide better exercise, particularly for the core muscles.

To find out whether stand-up paddling is as easy as advertised, in mid-September I signed up for a private lesson. “I’ve given lessons to people from 4 years old to 70 years old, and I’ve never had someone not be able to stand up,” instructor Dan Cox told me, as he helped me into a life jacket. After a quick dockside intro to the equipment and basic techniques, Cox had me kneel on the board, paddle a few yards into the river, and creep up into a standing position. (Yes, it’s really that simple: Beginner boards are designed to be super stable.) For 90 minutes Cox showed me different stroke techniques. I’d worn a swimsuit and had dreaded the thought of plunging into the Charles on a cool fall day, but I stayed upright and dry through the lesson.

Part of the sport’s popularity comes from the fact that, unlike surfing, you can do it nearly anywhere: Rivers, lakes, and oceans all make suitable grounds for “SUP,” the acronym by which the sport has become known. But as fall gives way to winter and the Charles turns icy, it’s tempting to find a more hospitable climate for paddling. Here are five experts’ picks on the best places to stand-up paddle.

TURKS AND CAICOS

The big-wave surfing of Dave Kalama, a pro wind-surfer, was featured in the opening scenes of the James Bond film Die Another Day. Along with surfer Laird Hamilton, Kalama stand-up paddled the entire chain of the Hawaiian Islands, a distance he estimates at 250 miles.

WHERE TO PADDLE “I’ve been all over the world, and one place I really like for stand-up paddle boarding is Turks and Caicos. I run a paddle boarding school there on the island of Providenciales. The water is really clear, and the reefs are very alive. You’ll see stingrays and all kinds of fish. The island has trade winds, so you can do downwind paddling. It has mangroves, so you can get protection from the wind to do flat-water paddling. It’s a really versatile area.”

WHERE TO RENT GEAR OR GET A LESSON “The company I work with is called Big Blue [649-946-5034, bigblueunlimited.com]. They have kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, and diving.”

By Daniel McGinn

The Turks and Caicos Islands, a string of 40 different islands and cays located in the West Indies, are an excellent vacation spot at any time of year. These islands have beautiful weather year-round, with temperature ranging from 85 to 90 degrees between June and October and 80 to 84 degrees from November to May, and 350 days of sunshine in an average year. If you’re in an area where fall is chilly and dreary, the Turks and Caicos Islands are just the place to enjoy some beautiful weather and get away from it all for awhile. When you get there, here are a few of the fun activities you’ll be able to enjoy.

• Snorkel, SCUBA, or SNUBA. The Turks and Caicos Islands are an excellent place for snorkeling and diving. Grand Turk Island in particular is well known among divers for the coral reef wall that runs parallel to the island. West Caicos also has spectacular coral reefs and underwater rock walls. Another fascinating dive opportunity is presented by the shipwrecks, some hundreds of years old, off the shores of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Snorkelers will enjoy the government established snorkeling trails that allow snorkelers to view coral gardens and come into close contact with the area’s amazing specimens of marine life. Want something more challenging than snorkeling, but you’re not quite ready for SCUBA diving? Try SNUBA (surface nexus underwater breathing apparatus) that allows you to explore the ocean at a depth of 20 feet. SNUBA is an exciting new sport that is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
• Take a glass bottom boat tour. If you can’t or don’t want to swim, you can still explore the undersea beauty in the waters around the Turks and Caicos Islands with a glass bottom boat tour. Several companies in the Turks and Caicos Islands now offer glass bottom boat tours. This is an activity that the entire family can participate in. Non-swimmers will be able to see the coral reefs and marine life through the clear bottom of the boat, and snorkelers can hop into the water and do some exploring of their own. The tour boats provide snorkeling equipment and drinks.
• Go windsurfing or kiteboarding. Want a thrill or a challenge? Try windsurfing or kiteboarding on Providenciales. Here you can find PASA certified instructors and rental equipment that will allow you to experience flying with the wind or water. The climate and water conditions on Providenciales are perfectly suited to these exciting sports.

Traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands in the fall may also allow you to find special deals. For instance, the Alexandra Resort has several fall specials: the fourth night free offer and the Caribbean Wine and Food Festival package, but this must be booked before the end of October.  Also, Air Turks & Caicos is offering their Autumn-Matic fare sale: $20 off each way, for a total savings of $40, for any round trip ticket purchased between October 1st and November 30th.  With the great savings and the beautiful weather, fall is a perfect time to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands!

(Thank you to Ashley Bennett for the article)