Tranquility Travel BlogTurks & Caicos Property Management and Vacation Villa Rentals

Living in paradise, one would think that each of us wakes up every morning, thrilling to eternal sunshine, glorious sugar-fine white sand and azure blue waters lapping at our shores.  Alas no.  Just like folks who live next to a train station (not that this is a great comparison!), we eventually become inured to our environment.  Too often, we forget to ’smell the roses’.  When surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature on a daily basis, one can start taking ‘Her’ for granted.

Yesterday, my best friend of some 40 years, arrived on Provo for the first time.  And Amber, being a flamingo enthusiast (well, that’s somewhat of an understand because she loves flamingos in any shape or size, whether real, stuffed or plastic sitting on your lawn) wanted to know about the famed flamingos of the Turks & Caicos Islands.  Sadly, I had to advise her that this was not the season to see them. (And just so you’ll know, I live on Flamingo Lake, where flamingos flock in the winter season, right in front of my home, to partake of their favorite repast…those teeny tiny shrimp that provide them with their outstanding and outlandish pink/orange hues!)

This morning, however, barely awake, I received a text from a wonderful island friend, Caren, advising me that the flamingos were in front of my house.  What?  Flamingos?  I rushed outside, camera in hand, determined to get pictures for my BFF Amber and her beautiful partner Lisette.

So, now that my morning flurry of photographic activity has ceased and I have settled in to my chair to blog, I am captivated by this series of coincidences.  Amber, who asks for flamingos.  Caren, who texts me about them, today of all days.  And our incredibly flamboyant flamingos - some 50 of them this time - coming back to the lake.  And now that they’re here, they’ll stay awhile.  So Amber, a NY film producer and director, will be able to memorialize her beloved flamingos. Oh, how the fates have conspired!

But did the fates indeed conspire? Perhaps it was Amber, throwing together some magic to make events coalesce, while mentally nudging Caren to let me know the flamingos were back. Or was it simply that they have been here regularly and I have  become inured to their sight?  Be that as it may, whether magic or the fates aligning, I am reminded that I do indeed live in paradise, surrounded by beauty.  But more importantly, time must be taken to not only enjoy, but honor its magnificence!

I am so often queried about the extremely popular and exciting sport of bonefishing here in TCI, that I decided to put “pen to paper” in my blog.

For those of you not in ‘the know’, Captain Barr Gardiner describes bonefish this way:

“The elusive bonefish is wily, nervous, skeptical, extremely “spookable”, with a reputation as saltwater’s most “fighting fish,” pound for pound.” And he goes on to add:  “A 4 pound bonefish can tear away 200 yards of line on the first run. Eight-pounders can take an hour to land. All will run 5 to 10 times before you finally win.”

So, if this is an experience that you’re looking to enjoy while vacationing in the Turks & Caicos Islands, or you’re coming back to do it again, here are some links you’ll probably enjoy:

http://www.turksandcaicosbonefishing.com

http://www.silverdeep.com/fishing/bonefishing.htm

Whomever you chose to book with, get ready for a fishin’ fight!!

 (Captain Darin with a bonefish)

ECOTOURISM IN TCI
By Sara J. Kaufmann

Eco-tourism is participating in ecologically sustainable activities, which ideally bring benefit to the local ecosystem. Turks and Caicos Islands has set aside over 33% of its entire land and sea regions for preservation purposes: National Parks, Natures Reserves, Sanctuaries and Protected Areas. The world’s largest biodiversity saltwater wetland reserve - the Ramsar Site - accounts for of 1/3 of East Caicos, ½ of Middle Caicos and ¼ of North Caicos and provides a breeding ground for myriad birds. By preserving these areas, the Turks and Caicos Islands have taken a stand to ensure future generations may still enjoy the natural wonders of this tiny island country.

Although it may seem odd to pair ecotourism and convenience in a sentence, the simple access to unspoiled nature in Turks & Caicos Islands is indeed convenient - both getting to the country and getting to pristine sites once here. This is a tiny country, of forty individual islands - of which only a dozen are inhabited. The archipelago formed by the islands creates a circle, nestled within which we find a wide variety of lifestyles, culture and natural habitats.

The reef is the major feature here in Turks & Caicos, with spectacular walls of coral disappearing into the ocean depths - and TCI is noted as one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations. The protection of the reef is paramount, with dive boat anchor buoys set up, dive etiquette taught to all and knowledgeable dive operators strictly licensed. The health and vibrancy of the TCI reefs is glorious and the experience of drifting gently as an underwater visitor quite awesome. Best yet, for those not inclined to the complexity of scuba diving, the experience of the reef is available by pattering along the surface with a mask and snorkels, lazily watching the myriad small darts of colour, as fish dart in and out of the coral heads.

Kayaking is another special venture here. Sitting on the water, moving through the waves and exploring the mangroves that provide habitat for thousands of birds and nurture the early sea life…. Channels of sand open into quiet bays, tide shifts and dry land becomes covered again - a constant flow that is mesmerizing and fascinating. Kayaking trips are offered on all islands and allow you to commune at your own pace with the sparkling world where the seas meets the shore.

The inner banks are miles of shallow sand set apart from the deep ocean beyond the reef by the circle of islands, and it here that the bonefish cluster. One of the fisherman’s most respected challenges, bone fishing in TCI is a catch and release sport, full of excitement as the bonefish expertly dive and defy the skills of the cast lines. Their bright silver bodies twist and sparkle in the tussle and if caught, they are returned to the sea. A glorious day on the banks leaves you tired and exhilarated, yet pleased to have had your fun in an ecologically viable way.
Hiking is another way to enjoy the beauty of Turks & Caicos Islands, stretching your legs while the fantastic scenery fills your eyes. Miles of pristine beach, pathways to old colonial ruins and trails along the cliffs all await for you to explore. The tough indigenous vegetation colours the land with green, and while surprising yellow or orange leaps up from cactus and flowering shrubs. Take a local guide and listen to the tales of bush medicine made form a wide variety of the plants, good for most ailments. Mountain bikes offer another route through the landscape, and stops at local houses where a warm welcome awaits add to your day.

Most visitors to TCI stay on Providenciales, the main developed island but eco -tourist excursions to the other islands provide a welcome contrast, and take you into the island culture in a fascinating way.

The local residents on the ‘family islands” live a life far removed from the bustle of international tourism on Providenciales, maintaining a dignity and traditional lifestyle that is well worth a visit. The handcrafts produced on many islands by the resident’s use raw materials gathered form the land, grasses and palmtops cleaned, dried, cut and sewn into baskets, hats, brushes, brooms and bags for all uses. A stop to the Middle Caicos Co-op outlet in Blue Hills on Providenciales will introduce you to this traditional art, and your purchases directly support the local residents. This is sustainable ecotourism at its best.

A quick outline of the many islands and excursion alternatives is offered below:

Little Water Cay: A short boat trip from Providenciales you can explore the Turks and Caicos rock iguana preserve, and visit with these fascinating prehistoric wee beasties.
North Caicos: Spend the day exploring a world gone by…strolling through the pastures of former plantation Wade’s Green whose ruins depict island life long ago. Find the natural splendors at Cottage Pond, a bottomless center in the limestone rock, and see the protected pink flamingos in their natural habitat. Kayak in Bottle Creek to the east bay islands reserve…sand islands lost offshore, or ride a bicycle through the winding roadways of Kew. Meet the residents and stop for a taste of local food in a variety of local establishments along the way.

Middle Caicos: A day trip to the most undeveloped island of all…with 300 residents, three villages and five churches. Hike an historic trail along the cliffs, a trail used by natives of long ago to cross between North and Middle Caicos. From the village of Conch Bar, up over the spectacular cliffs at Mudjin Harbour, following the shore to Blowing Hole and all the way to the Crossing Place. The trail is marked with beautiful ceramic cameos and is an inspiration to hike.

A picnic and swim at Mudjin Harbour is truly spectacular, and walk to the Dragon Cay set just offshore at the end of a sands pit. A challenging mountain bike trip along the King’s Road, a handcraft demonstration and a lunch in local home is another great day activity on Middle Caicos. The Conch Bar Caves National Park is famous throughout the Caribbean and guided tours easily arranged.

South Caicos : This island is well known as the fishing capital of TCI. Its placement near the deep Columbus Passage, dividing the Turks and the Caicos island banks, allowed for easy deep water access, but the plethora of small cays nearby allowed for safe plentiful fishing grounds nearby.

Cockburn Town was the original seat of government in colonial times. It is an island of huge variety as the salt pans are circled by high ridges, which offer truly astounding. In some ways, it is the only real town in the country, as the settlement has stayed relatively focused on the harbour - whereas most villages and towns in TCI are rather indistinct and spread out. The international School for Field Studies has been on South Caicos for decades, doing important marine research and working closely with the TCI government to enable best practices to keep the fishing industry viable.

Salt Cay: A day trip via airplane or an overnight exploration, Salt Cay is a very tiny island with a very active history. Walking tours through Balfour Town, echoing the days of the salt merchants and salt rakers who made this island thrive in the 1800’s, are informative and fun. Whale watching from January to March is awe-inspiring, as each year the pregnant whales pass by and frolic on their way. Simply flying over to Salt Cay is a fabulous chance to observe this island country from a new perspective.

Grand Turk: A day trip via airplane or an overnight exploration to the capital of country takes you to a world of colonial architecture and pallet of pastels that make up this island. Take time to visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum which features Taino treasures, messages found at sea in bottles, as well as some momentos recovered from old ship wrecks. Grand Turk has charm if its own, and its history is tangible in the buildings, saltpans, and narrow streets. Although now boasting a modern cruise ship terminal and destination, this island still retains its own identity to explore.

I am often asked by potential renters what the difference is between Tranquility and the other agencies offering the villas listed on my website?

The major difference is that the Tranquility team actually lives in the Turks and Caicos Islands, on the island of Providenciales.

The second difference is that we are the on-island managers of these villas and know each one intimately.

The final  difference?  Our team, with over 45 combined years of experience in these islands, will be the ones greeting you on arrival and caring for you until the day you depart.

I hope this has helped! 

Villa del Sol: “More like a Second Home than a Vacation Rental…I Plan to Return Every Year!”

“I absolutely loved this property. The home is beautiful and located right on …gorgeous Grace Bay. I very much liked the privacy of it. The accommodations were excellent and far exceeded our expectations. We loved having the beach to ourselves and this property accommodated my family of six perfectly…furnished beautifully…This is the only rental property that I have ever stayed at whose kitchen was fully stocked with every item/appliance needed.

This is more like a second home than like a vacation rental…and the owners and property management company give great attention to details. It had every amenity that we could have ever wanted. The patio has two wonderfully covered and furnished terraces, a large pool, a volleyball net, hammocks…The beach is literally steps away [and] loved having an outdoor shower too! … many restaurants and resorts nearby and the food is fabulous. I plan to return to this property every year! I highly recommend this vacation rental to anyone!”   by Annette Shellow, July 18-25 2010

Potcake Pups No Longer Beach Bums

BY KATIE LEAVITT | THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2010 6:10 AM ET

Thanks to an entire network of volunteers, one organization rescues dogs from the streets of the Caribbean and places them with families in other countries.

Anyone who has traveled to the Caribbean can attest to the numerous stray dogs wandering the streets and beaches. They are often injured or sick, and always begging for food. Locals call them potcake pups because islanders have taken to feeding them the bits of food that remain caked on the bottom of their cooking pots.

Finally, Jane Parker-Rauw of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, couldn’t stand seeing so many dogs battle life in the way these dogs do; starving, sick, exposed to the elements and shot or poisoned by police who think they are a nuisance to the tourist-heavy islands.

That’s when Potcake Place was born, and in 2005, it became an official nonprofit organization.

Initially, Parker-Rauw began taking in the pups herself. She quickly ran out of space and resources, but she eventually she gathered volunteers around the island to take in some of the dogs she rescued. Still, there are just to many potcake pups and not enough people to care for them.

“We are probably slightly crazy people that can’t say no,” Parker-Rauw told the Today Show. “When you’ve met one of these pups, you’ll understand. I’ve had about 3,000 to 4,000 through my door now, and I remember pretty much every single one. They are just the most loyal, loving, intelligent dogs. They know they’ve been saved.”

Parker-Rauw knew there was simply no more space left on the islands for the dogs. So, her next move was to transfer them to loving homes in other countries. Obviously, though, she could not fly each pup to their new family, so she turned to the Internet.

Now, through the Potcake Place website and Facebookpage, Parker-Rauw connects with adoptive parents. She also connects with vacationers who don’t mind being couriers, taking the dog with them on their flight home for the new owner to pick up.

The new parents will need to pay the pup’s airline fee, but there is no other cost to adopting a pet. In fact, Potcake Place has no budget at all, and Parker-Rauw and her volunteers take on the expenses themselves. While only the airline fee is necessary, Potcake Place does accept, and is in need of, donations.

“Collars, pee-pee pads, squeaky toys, leashes, towels, treats … anything related to bringing up puppies, we need,” Parker-Rauw said. “That’s how we survive. We can’t just get in the car and drive to Target to pick up supplies. We don’t have supplies like that here. It’s a small island with no chain stores, no department stores, nothing.”

She also has connected Potcake Place with animal welfare and humane societies in the Caribbean and beyond, which help to relocate and place these dogs.

“It’s very, very special,” said Sherry Silk, executive director of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in Tampa, Fla. ”They don’t even have a budget. They spend all of their own money to do this … and they do a great job.”

While I am blessed to meet many incredible people as the owner of Tranquility, every once in a while, I’ll meet a family that touches my heart forever!

Such was the case with the Gurican family, who recently stayed at Windrose Beach House.  Not only were they wonderful, but proved to be big hearted as well.

While visiting beaches in the Chalk Sound area, the family found a wee lost pup.  They not only rescued him,  but adopted him as well.  His name is Caicos and he is now a proud North American!

On behalf of lucky Caicos,  the Tranquility team and the TCSPCA offer heartfelt thanks to each of you!

Come back ‘home’ to us soon, and bring Caicos to visit!!

Nick and Vanessa, along with Mom Lee and Dad Jay, all regular New Jersey visitors to Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos, decided that it would be great fun to SNUBA with Jody.

A fabulous time was had by all…well, I can’t speak for the shark, but the kids LOVED it!!

So often, I am asked to suggest restaurants that should not be missed.  Finally, here’s my guide:

Lemon Cafe - The Village at Grace Bay - info@lemoncafe.tc - 9414059 - Mediterranean/Moroccan cuisine.

If you’re on island the first Saturday of any month, don’t miss their fab Arabian Nights party, with live belly-dancing, music and flame throwing!!

Coyaba - off Grace Bay Road - 946-5186 - Contemporary Caribbean Cuisine.

Caicos Cafe - Caicos Plaze, Grace Bay Road - 946-5278 - French/Caribbean Cuisine

CoCo Bistro - off Grace Bay Road - 946-5369 - a unique dining experience

Grace’s Cottage - Point Grace Resort - 946-5096 - Gourmet Caribbean Cuisine

Yoshi’s Japanese Restaurant - Salt Mills Plaza, Grace Bay - 941-3374 - Sushi+

Vix - Regent Street, The Regent Village, Grace Bay - Contemporary Caribbean

Da Conch Shack - Blue Hills - Conch in every shape and form and fresh local Specialities.

Don’t miss their Thursday night live music parties

Bagatelle Bistro - Wymara Resort, Lower Bight Road - 946-5746 - Mediterranean Neighborhood Bistro

Bay Bistro - On the beach, across the road from The Somerset Resort - 946-5396 - Contemporary Caribbean with a focus on seafood.

Sunday Brunch’s are a must do; Feast of the Full Moon Beach Party every full moon

O’Soliel - The Somerset, Grace Bay - 956-5900 - Globally influenced menu with attention to exotic Caribbean tastes

Weekly Friday night Happy Hours with live music by NaDa and Tuesdays on the beach to savor “Mad About Lobsters” (during lobster season only)

Smokey’s On The Beach - Blue Hills Road - great local food enjoyed right on the beach

Thai Orchid - The Regent Village - 946-4491 - Thai food from regular spices to smokin’ hot!!

Tiki Hut - Turtle C0ve  -941-5341 -  well known for their Colorado Angus steaks but especially for the Chicken or Ribs Night on Wednesday’s, King Crab night on Thursday’s, and Steak Night on Friday nights

Somewhere Cafe  & Lounge - directly on beach at Coral Gardens, Grace Bay - Tex Mex

Cuervo On The Rocks Margarita Monday’s  - $5 all day; Thursday nights enjoy live music by Nada  at 7 pm

And for you nibblers:

Vino Tiempo - Regent Street at The Regent Village, Grace Bay -  features 20 wines that change weekly, combined with tapas, snacks and desserts

Ladies night , Wednesday’s, 30% off champagne

Happy Dining!

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a spectacular holiday location for those who wish to get away from it all. It’s been suggested that this island was the  first stop Columbus made in 1492. The oldest known European ship found around Caicos is the wreck on Molasses Reef, dates back to the 16th century. It was discovered on the edge of the Caicos Bank.

One of the biggest Turks and Caicos travel draws are their white sandy beaches, fringed by azure blue warm waters. There are numerous nature preserves, sanctuaries, national parks and historical sites. The beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands are just 1000 miles from Miami.

The islands have a coral reef system that is the third largest in the world. Activities include some of the best  beaches, diving, snorkelling and other watersports. An ideal location for romance, family holidays, ecotourism and adventure holidaymakers.

The main island of Providenciales is the entry point for visitors, and is the center of tourism in the  island chain, while Grand Turk is the capital.  While TCI is a British dependent territory, Caribbean culture pervades the islands really making for a holiday atmosphere.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a holiday paradise for trips such as beach cruising, snorkelling, sailing, kite boarding, sailing, Para-sailing, waterskiing, scuba and many other sorts of water sports activities.  Go fishing the out in the Atlantic Ocean for blue marlin, wahoo, snapper, tuna and grouper or experience bone fishing. Golf on a championship 18 hole golf course, have a Spa day, go duty free shopping or simply relax, stroll the beach and enjoy a romantic walk and watch the sun go down.

Most visitors head to Provo, which has the major hotels and restaurants. Even if you plan to stay there you should still go on an excursion to one or more of the other islands. Particularly recommended are Grand Turk, a tranquil, easy-going place and only thirty-minute flight away. It is most renowned for its great colonial architecture, fantastic diving and beaches and Museum. Why not take a boat trip around the stunning Caicos Cays to Middle or North Caicos. Here you can see caves or the remains of an old plantation house.

Holiday destination climate

The Turks & Caicos Islands enjoy continuing sunshine. With constant trade winds presenting cooling breezes, temperatures remain very enjoyable year round. Winter temperatures average 77°F. Summer months average 88°F.

Passport and Visa requirement; information for Turks and Caicos.

Visitors from North America may enter with a birth certificate and one photo ID card. All other visitors need a valid passport. An onward or return ticket is also required

Departure Tax - An airport tax of $30 is levied on persons 2 years of age and older upon departure.

What language do the locals speak in resort?

English is the local language.

What currency is used used in resort?

Currency - The U.S. Dollar

Trading exchange rates available at XE.com, this is not what you will get on the high street but is the trading rate. It will give you some bargaining power!

Use the links to go to all of the luxury holiday villas we have.

Turks and Caicos Villa Holiday Rental

What voltage is used at this location?

Electricity - 110 volt/60 cycle, suitable for U.S. appliances.

Can I drink the water on holiday?

The Turks and Caicos islands try hard to conserve water. Please bear this in mind when visiting. Bottled water is the safest to drink.

What is the time difference to this holiday resort?

Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5), with observance of DST

Booking. When booking our villas to the Caribbean we would like to provide you with personal attention so do be sure to contact us. We do personal and not package here at VIPvillas.com. You can contact us on the number above or email us at Bookings@VIPvillas.com