May is a time for remembering.  Whether it is Memorial Day in the United States or National Heroes Day in Turks and Caicos Islands, both holidays celebrate heritage and heroes.

In the United States, this holiday memorializes all men and women who have died in military service for their country. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and Memorial Day weekend is traditionally considered the start of the summer season.

In Turks and Caicos, National Heroes Day commemorates the life of James Alexander George Smith (JAGS) McCartney, who served as the first Chief Minister of the country.  The event celebrates the country’s heritage of heroism and triumph.

The history of the Turks and Caicos stretches back to 1841 when a ship, the Trouvadore, set sail from Africa bound for Cuba’s sugar plantations with 300 slaves on board.  When the ship crashed into the island of East Caicos, a tragedy turned into a blessing.  Fortunately, the ship landed in a British Colony that emancipated its slaves in 1834.  So, instead of a lifetime of bondage, the Bambarra people that survived the Trouvadore shipwreck settled here as free people and became pioneers.

To celebrate this history and the heroes that enabled it, the Alexandra Resort is offering a great May booking special.  Both holidays fall on the same day this year - May 27, 2013. Book your getaway and enjoy not only a fantastic beach vacation but also a destination rich in history. 

Memorial Day is the perfect time to get away with family.

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.

First Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner did it, followed by Bruce Willis and Emma Heming, and more recently Bryan Ferry and Amanda Sheppard.   Getting married in the Turks and Caicos is becoming a trend.  But don’t worry; you do not have to tie the knot here to take advantage of the romantic setting and perfect weather.   Honeymooning in Turks and Caicos is a very popular way to enjoy the romance of island life- and for good reason.  There are a host of great things to do that will make your honeymoon special, memorable and most importantly - romantic.

First off, staying at the Alexandra Resort, located on world-acclaimed Grace Bay Beach, provides the ideal setting for romance and escape.  The spacious suites offer large decks or patios, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning ocean views.  Occupying 600 feet of frontage on Grace Bay Beach, you can enjoy leisurely walks together for miles or simply indulge yourselves in sunbathing on the beach.  Resort amenities include a large freeform swimming pool, free non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, a full-service spa, an on-site activities desk, a fitness center and a gourmet restaurant - Mango Reef - serving Caribbean/French inspired dishes on its ocean-side terrace.

Mango Reef can provide one of the most memorable honeymoon experiences.   The staff can help you arrange to have a barefoot dinner for two on the beach and be serenaded by the sounds of the ocean, with dinner service lit only by moonlight and a few tiki torches. What better way to start off married life than dining alfresco on one of the world’s best beaches?

To keep the romance theme going, you can enjoy his and her massages at an island spa or - better yet - have the treatments in the comfort of your own suite or on the beach.   In addition to the full-service spa at the Alexandra, which offers luxurious massage and beauty treatments, there are other day-spas located near by.  A deep-tissue massage might be just the thing you need after the big day.  

Later, you can dress up and head to Magnolia Restaurant & Wine Bar to watch a beautiful island sunset.  Magnolia has a terrace that faces Turtle Cove Marina and serves refreshing cocktails to go along with the magnificent view.   You can sit back and relax with an aperitif while looking for the famous green flash that sometimes appears just as the sun is sinking into the sea. 

Watching the sun setting over the brilliant turquoise waters may give you the itch to get out on the sea and enjoy some of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ greatest treasures.    There are numerous ways to enjoy our restorative waters, but one of the best for honeymooners is a private boat charter.    Kenard Cruises offers a top-of-the line experience on a luxurious yacht.  They can provide a full or half day excursion to some of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen - only accessible by boat and most likely only occupied by you.  

With all this romance, you’ll want to capture this special time to ensure your honeymoon lasts well beyond your visit to Turks and Caicos.  To do this we recommend engaging the services of a professional photographer.  There are many photographers to choose from - one we recommend is Christine Morden of Paradise Photography, whose impressive portfolio boasts shots of luminaries including President Obama, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. And, she has seen her work published in a number of renowned periodicals such as Destinations Wedding & Honeymoons, Elite Traveler, Real Life and El Diario.   You can hire her for the day, for an hour or for the afternoon and capture this special time forever.   The white sand and brilliant blue waters of the Turks and Caicos form the perfect setting for fabulous photos that will be treasured for years to come - just like the memories of your honeymoon.

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.

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.

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)

The Alexandra Resort and Spa was designed with the family in mind. Nothing better illustrates this than our spacious rooms, tastefully decorated and available in a range of configurations.  We hope you'll enjoy this brief slideshow we've prepared to help you get a better feel for the accommodations at the Alexandra Resort and Spa and maybe even a little inspiration to come to Turks and Caicos on your next vacation. 

This slideshow made with Smilebox

As the world celebrates the European win of the 39th annual Ryder Cup it’s a good time to bring to light a special golf offer in Turks and Caicos.   The Provo Golf Club, a Karl Lytton designed course located minutes away from the Alexandra Resort, is offering a kids-play-free special when they play a round with an adult after 10am.

The 18-hole championship course, which is frequently described as one of best in the Caribbean, has hosted some major regional tournaments - including the Caribbean Amateur Championships and its own version of a Ryder Cup.   Even with this international attention, playing golf often gets overshadowed as a vacation activity by the exceptional beach and watersports we have here.  With the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach at its front door, the Provo Golf Club has stiff competition for the attention of visitors.  However, those that venture onto the course are well-rewarded.

The course boasts lush fairways and immaculate greens and has a natural, rugged design that combines a great test of golf with the natural flora and fauna of the islands. The layout is excellent from beginners through low handicappers, as there are four sets of tees for all golfing levels.  The club’s full service pro-shop is equipped with premium TaylorMade golf clubs for rental as well as top-of-the-line equipment and attire for sale.   Lessons are available from the club pro and multi-round discount packages are available for adults.  

At Provo Golf Club, playing golf is a great family activity even when you are on vacation.  Golf imparts integrity, discipline, and sportsmanship, as well as providing good exercise.  In golf you are your own referee, you call your own penalties and keep your own score, which teach the importance of taking responsibility - an excellent lesson for kids of all ages.   With golf, differences in age and acumen are irrelevant.  Multiple generations can play together, enjoying the aesthetically pleasing and competitively stimulating environment.  And finally there’s the golf cart - we all know how much kids love driving golf carts.  In fact, in addition to the beautiful course, there is a putting green and chipping area on site too, which is good for people who may not want to go out on the 'real course' and gives kids a chance to learn the game in a more controlled way. 

One of the nice things about the Ryder Cup - in addition to providing three days of gripping golf where the world’s best golfers from the United States and Europe display their skills - is that there’s no monetary reward.  The competition is purely about the love of the sport, the pride of winning and being your best.  This is also a great family value to impart and share.  

With all these altruistic attributes of golf we are almost forgetting to mention the best benefit of golfing in Turks and Caicos - afterwards you can plunge into the sea just across the street with your child. Reward yourselves for a job well done on the course with a refreshing smoothie at the serviced beach at The Alexandra.

The Alexandra Resort, located on world famous Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos Islands, today launched its Indulge and Enjoy booking promotion timed around the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival to be held in Turks and Caicos from November 1 to 3, 2012. 

The second annual Caribbean Food and Wine Festival combines some of the island’s best culinary creations with leading wine makers and celebrity chefs from the United States in the luxurious, relaxing setting of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  To further entice participation in the gourmet gala, the Alexandra is offering the Indulge and Enjoy promotion, providing 25 percent off on oceanfront suites and a breakfast credit for the beachfront Mango Reef restaurant.

The second annual Caribbean Food and Wine Festival, taking place over three days in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, will include a five-course welcome dinner with wine and food pairings prepared by the participating wine makers and celebrated chefs as well as a Gourmet Safari which will have guests travel to various restaurants in Providenciales throughout the meal. New York celebrity chef John DeLucie is headlining the welcome dinner with pairings from vintners Tuck Beckstoffer, Duckpond cellars, Terlato Wines and La Sirena Wines will round off the delightful dinner with expert pairings. There will also be tasting events throughout the weekend featuring gourmet chocolates, cheeses, seafood, meats and local favorites as well as the first ever “Street Food Fair” showcasing the expert grilling and barbeque techniques of more than 15 chefs from the island.

Indulge and Enjoy Caribbean Food & Wine Festival Special from The Alexandra

The Indulge and Enjoy booking promotion is for reservations made directly with the resort for a minimum of four nights in a deluxe oceanview studio.   Guests who book this from now until October 31, 2012 will receive a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe one-bedroom oceanview suite along with a USD $10 breakfast voucher per person per day.  The resort’s complimentary concierge service will help guests organize their festival agenda.  For more information e-mail info@alexandraresort.com  or visit www.alexandraresort.com.