Posted on August - 21 - 2010

Turks and Caicos Testimonial for Pelican Vista and our in-home dining service!

I was cc’d this testimonial from the fabulous Simpson family who stayed at Pelican Vista for two weeks this August.  We look forward to their returning to visit us soon!

_________________________________________________________

We just got back from our fabulous vacation and would certainly
recommend Pelican Vista to your other clients. The house the pool and
the beach (including schools of fish for snorkeling meters off the
shore) were terrific - the kids had a blast !

I would also like to thank you for your recommendation to use Kalua -
she was a great addition to our vacation not only cooking terrific
meals but as a source of local knowledge and entertainment for the
kids ! I know things are pretty slow on the island right now so any
further recommendations by you or your company to use Kalua’s services
will no doubt be greatly received by her. We can certainly provide you
with our highest recommendation on her services which were always
delivered to a very high quality, on time and with great cheer ! We
are looking forward to cooking for Kalua ourselves the next time she
visits Toronto (which I hear is roughly once ever 11 years!)

Thanks so much, The Simpson family”

Posted on June - 30 - 2010

Basia’s suggestions for not-to-be missed dining experiences

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!

Posted on June - 28 - 2010

Turks & Caicos Travel information - A Caribbean Family Holiday Destination

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

Posted on June - 28 - 2010

Turks and Caicos - the Best Undiscovered Caribbean Destination - says Caribbean Travel & Life

Everyone says it, so it’s no wonder Caribbean Travel & Life called Turks and Caicos the “Best Undiscovered Caribbean Destination .”  And Conde Nast Traveler readers voted Grace Bay on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos the “best beach of all tropical islands in the world.”

Turks & Caicos has become one of the hottest destinations in the Caribbean, with direct flights from major cities. The Turks and Caicos Islands are only an hour and a half flight from Miami. Part of the British Crown, the Turks and Caicos Islands are comprised of a number of islands, including Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, West Caicos, and Grand Turk.

Providenciales, also known as “Provo”, is the most developed of the Turks & Caicos Islands, and has become a top tourist destination for vacations and holidays because of its gorgeous turquoise waters, powder white sand, excellent restaurants, and tropical breezes.

For more info on Turks & Caicos,  and amazing villa and townhouse rental on Providenciales, visit our website and blog.

The Tranquility team looks forward to welcoming you ‘home’!

Posted on June - 27 - 2010

The Tranquility Promise: One-on-one Villa Vacation Planning

At Tranquility, our goal is to find a Turks and Caicos villa rental that’s perfect for you. And once you’ve found it, we will take care of all the arrangements - from Pre-Stocking, In-Home Dining, In-Home Poolside Massages, Fishing Trips, Boating Excursions, planning a Whale Watching Excursion,  or assisting you in planing the Perfect Party or Perfect Beach Wedding.

Put your plans in our experienced hands!

Renting a villa in Providenciales is the epitome of relaxed elegance; simple and sleek, with a tranquil atmosphere that all travelers can enjoy. Turks and Caicos remains a destination that has yet to be discovered in many ways; with our swaths of coral reef and the sweep of our white fine sand beaches that are essentially untouched.

Ideal for romance, family holidays and adventure seekers, Turks and Caicos entices guests to discover the ultimate luxury villa experience.

The experienced vacation guides at Tranquility look forward to assisting you in planning the Perfect Caribbean Vacation of a Lifetime!

Posted on June - 20 - 2010

Providenciales is named the 2010 World’s Top Beach and Sun Destination!!

To celebrate the island of Providenciales being named the 2010 World’s Top Beach and Sun Destination by travel website TripAdvisor,  Tranquility Property Management is offering great deals on summer rentals. Promotions include free night offers, special summer and fall rates!

In TripAdvisor’s 2010 reader survey, the island of Providenciales, the main hub of tourism in the 40-island chain, was voted the number one beach and sun destination. Readers cited the powdery white sands, mesmerizing aquamarine waters and plethora of water sports activities as top reasons this destination is the ultimate tropical island experience.

TripAdvisor readers also voted Providenciales in the top ten in several other categories, including World’s Top Relaxation and Spa Destination (#8), Caribbean Family Destination (#3), and Caribbean Romance Destination (#3).

“The secret is out of the bag,” said Val Kalliecharan, Managing Director of DiscoverTCI. “Turks and Caicos is no longer a hidden gem, instead it is rising in popularity thanks in part to our fantastic beaches, mesmerizing ocean, convenient location, diverse range of accommodations, and wide variety of attractions, restaurants and spas. And now, with our special offers and discounts, the Turks and Caicos is an even more appealing getaway for savvy travelers.”

Posted on June - 18 - 2010

Mother’s Pizza - Home of the Original Turks and Caicos CONCH PIZZA

www.enews.tc - Image ad

Posted on May - 06 - 2010

Inside the Turks & Caicos

The beautiful islands of the Turks and Caicos are just east of the Bahamas and north of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Although its neighbors are in Caribbean waters, Turks and Caicos actually calls the Atlantic Ocean home. But, don’t worry, its islands offer the best of the Caribbean, like one of the longest coral reefs in the world, 230 miles of white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. With temperatures ranging between 80 and 95ºF throughout the seasons, Turks and Caicos is a year-round destination, although hurricane season (July to October) can bring severe weather.

Turks and Caicos is comprised of eight major islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, East Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, West Caicos and Providenciales (nicknamed “Provo”). The islands are relatively flat but, depending on the island, the terrain varies from sand dunes to lush green vegetation.

The people on the islands are known for their friendliness, although East Caicos and West Caicos are uninhabited. Whichever island you choose, you’ll be far from the madding crowd, amid tranquility instead of glitz.

From TripAdvisor.com

Posted on May - 06 - 2010

Providenciales: An Introduction

Providenciales is the urban centre of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Familiarly known as “Provo,” the island offers all the modern conveniences one could desire while remaining a superior vacation destination for one who wants an escape from stress and overpopulated cities. Provo has an 18 hole golf course, shopping centres, three marinas, a growing number of of bars and excellent restaurants. Provo is also a divers’ and water lovers’ paradise.

Beautiful beaches are scattered on all sides of Providenciales, the most spectacular of which is a 12 mile stretch located on Grace Bay, which is protected by a healthy barrier reef.

Situated on the west side of the Caicos archipelago, Providenciales has an area of 38 square miles. Prior to 1960, the island had a population of 500. Today, it has the largest population and contains the largest native and nonnative population in Turks & Caicos. Development of Providenciales began in 1966 when the Turks and Caicos Government and the British Government made a lease-purchase agreement with Provident Ltd. allowing them to lease 4000 acres of Crown Land.

The south part of the island faces the Caicos Bank. The Caicos Bank is a shallow, pale turquoise sea and is partly composed of swamp and tidal flats, filled with an abundant resource of conch and lobster.

Natural island formations offer safe mooring for sailors. Sapodilla Bay is a popular mooring for yachts traveling through the Turks and Caicos Islands. On the opposite end of Providenciales, the deep channel of Leeward Going Through makes a natural and safe harbour on the northeast end of the island.

Historical points of interest include the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill Plantation ruins. Stones engraved by shipwrecked sailors are found on a hill overlooking Sapodilla Bay.

The “Hole” at Long Bay is a deep and wide limestone chimney with a mysterious depth of salt water at the bottom.

Provo is home to the only Conch farm in the world. These mollusks with their beautiful pink shells take five years to grow to their adult size. The Conch farm is open for tours during the winter months.

The Tiki Hut village at Northwest Point is another sight to see. Years ago, these Tiki Huts were built for a French gameshow but have since been removed. This is one of the most beautiful beach on the island.

From TripAdvisor.com

Posted on May - 06 - 2010

Providenciales: Culture

The English speaking population of 19,500 are dispersed over the eight main islands, the native people are descendants from African slaves who were originally brought over to grow cotton on the island of Providenciales. The natives are very kind and friendly people and are also very religious. The “expat” community of British, American, French, Canadian and Scandinavian gives the islands some European influence. The people of the islands have a very relaxed attitude that helps to create a perfect environment for you to unwind.

From TripAdvisor.com