Posted on January - 25 - 2012

Travel insurance – should I or shouldn’t I purchase?

Clients often ask my advice on the topic of travel insurance, which provides reimbursement for canceled, interrupted or delayed trips, lost baggage, medical emergencies or evacuations, and 24/7 worldwide assistance.

Having now discovered an excellent resource, I encourage you to visit

 Travel Insurance Review,

the web’s best travel insurance resource to get answers to questions and comparative quotes.

Posted on January - 23 - 2012

Family reports their stay at Villa Del Sol on Grace Bay Beach as the ‘most perfect’ vacation they’ve had

What’s the recipe for a  great vacation? Combine amazing guests with the perfect villa!  Thanks so much to the Hallberg family for their kind words. Come home soon..we’re waiting for you!

“Should have written to you earlier but things been pretty hectic back home since we came back. Anyway I want to thank you very much for the service during our stay at the Villa del Sol Dec 26 – Jan 9th, 2012. It was the most perfect vacation we’ve had and the house was just terrific….the bureau we rented it from (called today) and I told them that (Del Sol) was absolutely perfect and also told them about the great kindness you and your guys gave us during our stay…Once again thanks for the hospitality and service and the kids (keep) asking when we’re going back.

Kindest regards from the whole Hallberg family”

Villa Del Sol, Leeward, TCI

Turks and Caicos Luxury Villa

Posted on January - 22 - 2012

Blue Whale Tours and Excursions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a ‘whale of a good time, contact Captain Dameko Dean at Blue Whale
Tours at info@bluewhaleexcursions.com or call 1-649-246-2583

Posted on January - 22 - 2012

Turks and Caicos weather link for travellers and guests

Want to know what the weather forecast is as you prepare for your Turks and Caicos vacation?

Click on the words ‘weather forecast’ above!

Weather forecast provided courtesy of AccuWeather.com

Posted on January - 22 - 2012

The allure of the Turks and Caicos Islands

grace beachScuba Diving Turks and CaicosDining in the Turks and Caicoshorseback riding

Just a short flight from Miami, the Turks and Caicos Islands are a tropical classic; a throwback in time where relaxation is inevitable and rejuvenation ensured.

For those of you who enjoy sunshine, pristine sugar-fine sandy beaches and shimmering crystal-clear azure-blue waters , the Turks and Caicos Islands are a spectacular getaway destination. And it’s no secret that TCI is one of the best places for diving our world-renowned reefs or for kiteboarding in the shallow waters of the Caicos Bank.

Providenciales is not only home to the famed and award-winning Grace Bay Beach, rated as one of the most beautiful and pristine white sandy beaches in the world, but it is also home to other equally spectacular beaches, such as Taylor Bay and Long Bay to name a few. As well, the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to numerous national parks, nature preserves and historical sites.

But whether on land or in the water, you’ll soon be relaxing in the unique serenity, beauty, and hospitality of this, our breath-taking island home.

While the Turks and Caicos Islands is an archipelago of 40 different islands and cays, only 8 are inhabited. From the main tourist center of Providenciales to the quiet and tranquil islands of North and Middle Caicos, the historic capital island and cruise port of Grand Turk  or whale watching off Salt Cay, each island has its own unique character while offering diverse experiences. But you can be sure that all share a year round warm climate, magnificent beaches, as well as unforgettable underwater activities.

Courtesy of WhereWhenHow Magazine

Since the only way to truly experience  the warm hospitality and stunning beauty of the Turks and Caicos is to visit each island in the chain, it’s no surprise that  Tranquility clients have become our friends as they regularly return, honouring us with a rebooking rate of over 41%.

And so, to each of our amazing clients – such as the Mumford family who cannot resist the allure of the Turks and Caicos Islands – we thank you for your patronage.

And as for friends not yet made, we look forward to welcoming you ‘home’ while you create lasting memories of a lifetime.


The Mumford Clan at Windrose Estate, Christmas/New Year 2012.  

Photos Courtesy of Provo Pictures, Owner, Steve Passmore

 

Posted on January - 22 - 2012

Located in Chalk Sound, South Seas villa rated “wonderful” by guests

“Thanks for the wonderful service.

We were talking on the way to the airport about how nice it was to have someone greet you at the airport and take you to the place.

South Seas was wonderful.

Loved the design and decorated so very nicely.

At first I was concerned that we were so far away from  the main area.  At the end, we all agreed the area was the best and we felt very safe and secure and loved the privacy.”

Robinson party, January 9 -18, 2012

Posted on January - 21 - 2012

Bird Watching in TCI

Bird Watching
The salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. Search for Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, Osprey and Pelicans alongside Egrets, Terns, Frigates, Boobies and other water birds.As part of the National Parks system more than twelve small cays have been set aside and protected for breeding grounds. 170 species of bird can be found in the Turks and Caicos Islands from Pelicans and Flamingos to Osprey and Cuban Crows. The variety is staggering and the photographs that have been taken here have been published across the world.

On North Caicos in particular, the tidal flats on the South side of the island attract scores of birds including wild Pink Flamingos that regularly inhabit the aptly named Flamingo Pond.

Turks and Caicos also is home to the West Indian Whistling-Duck, a rare bird that gets its name from a distinctive whistling call.

Courtesy of TCI Tourism

http://www.turksandcaicosbirdwatching.com/
Providenciales, North Caicos

Posted on January - 21 - 2012

Renowned Canadian Restaurant critic; Anne Desbrisay’s Guide to the best of Turks and Caicos Dining

BY ANNE DESBRISAY, OTTAWA CITIZEN SPECIAL 
 
As a restaurant critic, I tend to travel with a Canadian passport and a destination dining guide. On this holiday to Turks and Caicos, other than an outing to Blue Hills, we wanted to dine within walking and biking distance of our resort at Grace Bay, Providenciales.

Restaurants that must import most ingredients tend to be pricey places and “Provo” is no exception. Expect to pay about what you’d spend at an expensive restaurant in Ottawa (“E”: main dishes in the $25-$35 range) with the exception of the ones I’ve suggested are more “budget” (B) or more mid-range in price (M). Most of these restaurants post menus, and costs, online.

Here’s what we liked:

Caicos Café: (M/E)

An easy walk from our resort, located on an upper deck framed with fairy lights, its menu has a new Italian direction, and we had a memorable conch chowder splashed with island Bambarra rum, a lobster salad with mango and fennel, and a bowl of homemade pasta with a conch and lobster sauce. Admirable wine list. – www.caicoscafe.com

Coco Bistro: (E)

Growing up on skates in Canada (and now coaching and playing Monday night floor hockey in Provo), chef Stuart Gray began his culinary apprenticeship at The Windsor Arms Hotel in Toronto. Coco Bistro is a magical restaurant. The al fresco tables wrap around a harissa-coloured building, beneath a roof of towering coconut palms beautifully lit. Must try: herbed ravioli of conch and grilled peppers in a spicy rose sauce with arugula leaves and pesto, shavings of parmesan and crispy fried leeks. Save room for coconut cream pie. Delightful service. – www.cocobistro.tc

Coyaba Restaurant: (E)

When he’s not in Toronto competing in (and winning!) the Iron Chef, Hot and Spicy contest, Paul Newman is chef and owner of the gazebo-style restaurant Coyaba (Arawak word for “heavenly”). Our meal started off with a worryingly dreary amuse, but then astonished us with a series of brilliantly executed, conceptually exciting dishes. Particularly notable are the scallop ceviche with ginger, and the conch Bolognese on a creamy timbale of linguine. -www.coyabarestaurant.com

Da Conch Shack & RumBar: (B)

Thought this would be a tourist trap, but it was such fun, very pretty, and with great beach food and drink, featuring island beer and rum, and fresh-from-the-water-right-there conch, harvested, tenderized and served up as fritters, salads, ceviche, chowder, stew, jerked, stir fried . – www.conchshack.tc

Fairways Steakhouse, Provo Golf Club: (E)

Newfoundland-born Lauren Callighen is the new chef at Fairways, in the octagonal clubhouse of vaulted ceilings strung with hundreds of golf course flags from all parts of the world. Callighen’s in-house, 34-day dry-aged rib eye is spectacular meat. Good too the ahi tuna tartare with avocado chips. – www.provogolfclub.com

Hemingway’s on the Beach The Sands at Grace Bay: (M)

Home of the Conch Cup for 2011, Hemingway’s won the competition for the best conch dish with its empanadas. Oceanside deck a great spot for sunsets! – www.thesandstc.com

Middle Caicos Café, Lower Bight Road: (B)

Fresh, regional food is on the menu at this very simple, more affordable place located in the Cultural market.

Lemon Café, The Village at Grace Bay: (E)

A Montreal native with Greek roots, John Tsavalas is cooking Moroccan now in Provo at the exotic Lemon Café. Try the grouper fritters with sun-dried tomato harrissa, and the roasted Yellow Tail snapper with date and almond chutney. – www.lemon-café.com

Danny Buoy’s, Grace Bay Road: (B)

Only had beer here (the local Turks Head Amber) but wanted to mention the great band that plays on the patio every Friday Night. By day, Ontario boy Pat Riel is a Provo paramedic. At night, he’s the lead singer in the band Bowen Arrow, with T & C’s Minister of Culture, culinary activist and all-round fine fellow David Bowen on bass guitar. – www.dannybuoys.com

Opus, Ocean Club Plaza: (E)

Food is superb, atmosphere romantic, with candlelit tables spread beneath twinkling trees, at this high end, tropically lush restaurant. A judicious glug of sesame oil lifts the conch ceviche at Opus, as does its mixed citrus marinade. – www.oceanclubresorts.com

Seaside Café, Ocean Club West: (B/M)

Open-air restaurant at Ocean Club West. Loved the blackened grouper sandwiches, the fish tacos for lunch. There are five conch dishes at Seaside, and we tried them all, but kept returning to the ceviche. – www.oceanclubresorts.com

Reprint of the Ottawa Citizen online article

Posted on January - 21 - 2012

Turks and Caicos Island Beaches

 
The Turks and Caicos are made up of 40 different islands and cays, making the location a prime Caribbean beach destination known for its beauty and serenity.
The eight inhabitable islands are home to white sandy beaches, beautiful turquoise seas, and an abundance of Turks and Caicos activities.
Whether you come to the islands to relax on the spacious coastline or explore the lively coral reefs, the beaches at the Turks and Caicos will transport your body, mind and soul into a tropical paradise.

Beaches on the Island of Providenciales

      

Grace Bay Beach

Located on the Island of Providenciales, Grace Bay Beach is a 12-mile stretch of coast that has been named one of the best beaches in the world. Known for its low humidity and cool breezes, Grace Bay Beach is the perfect place to unwind.

The beach is home to the upscale Villa del Sol andPelican Vista, both offering breathtaking views of Grace Bay. Villa del Sol is located directly on the beach in the exclusive Leeward community and is perfect for an island wedding. To take in the view from a different angle, try our Turks and Caicos parasailing opportunities. Or see everything the Grace Bay beach vista has to offer from amazing and luxurious Seabreeze Villa.

Chalk Sound

Chalk Sound, also located on the Island of Providenciales, is a landlocked lagoon full of brilliantly blue water and surrounded by rocky cliffs. The 3-mile long bay is dotted with innumerable tiny islets and is separated from the ocean by a thin peninsula. Kayak through the blue cays of Chalk Sound or take in the view from the private beach or the sun deck of  Bright Idea Villa.

Taylor Bay Beach

This luxurious crescent shaped inlet on the southwest coast of the Island of Providenciales offers visitors seclusion from the busier Provo beaches. White sand and shallow water make this cove the perfect place to build a sandcastle or go snorkeling.

Sapodilla Bay Beach

Located on the west coast of Provo, Sapodilla Bay Beach offers soft white sandy beaches and clear, calm and shallow water. Yachts and small boats often dock in this quiet quarter-mile cove perfect for swimming and world-class Caribbean bone fishing.

Long Bay Beach

This long stretch of coast on Providenciales’ south shore offers beachgoers a much less crowded place to relax. Offering eastern breezes and warm waters, Long Bay Beach is a favorite among divers and kite boarders alike. Explore the luxury beneath the sea by taking advantage of ourTurks and Caicos scuba diving charters.

Beyond Provo: Turks and Caicos Beaches on Grand Turk Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to explore the beaches on the other Turks and Caicos Islands, Tranquility Vacations Guest Concierge services can arrange daytrips and tours from any of our Provo villas.

Grand Turk is a 7-mile long island full of fascinating coves, beautiful beaches, and Caribbean charm. Grand Turk serves as the capital of Turks and Caicos, but the island is far from business-oriented. Grand Turk offers spectacular water sport opportunities, including diving, fishing, and sailing.

Governor’s Beach

This stretch of coastline offering soft sand and turquoise waters faces the official British Governor’s residence. Governor’s Beach is known for its unmatched seclusion and fabulous off-shore snorkeling.

Pillory Beach

Thought to be Christopher Columbus’ first docking point in the new world, Pillory Beach is now one of the most popular departure points for divers. This virtually untouched beach contains some of the most beautiful coastline on the islands.

Posted on January - 21 - 2012

Great Things to Do with Kids in Turks and Caicos

You may be planning on spending your vacation lying on the sultry beaches of Provo, but your kids have a different plan. They want to explore and take advantage of all the activities available on land and sea. We’ve got you covered with a list of fun Turks and Caicos activities that both you and your children will adore.

semi submarine Glass Bottom Semi Submarine:
Take an hour-long underwater tour around Provo in a semi-submarine. The glass bottom provides an insider’s view of brilliant tropical fish and the coral formations surrounding the island. Caicos Tours offers three tours a day in the air-conditioned semi-submarine.

The National Environment Centre is a fun and educational way to spend a couple of hours out of the sun. There are exhibits on the coral reefs and ecosystems of the islands, as well as information about the research projects being done around TCI. Located in Provo, the environmental center is an attraction for any kids who love science and nature.

horseback riding Horseback Riding: Live the island dream with a horseback ride along the beaches of Provo. Kids over six will love interacting with the more than 20 horses and ponies and learning how to ride. Riding a horse along the beach, into the water and through the trails is a great way to explore the exotic island.

SNUBA: Another great way to experience TCI marine life is to SNUBA, a cross between snorkeling and SCUBA diving that has the best of both worlds. It allows the diver to go a little deeper than snorkeling without deep sea diving. Older kids (over 8) can dive to about 20 feet while their breathing device is attached to a raft floating on the water’s surface. Swim alongside schools of tropical fish and explore the coral reefs of Provo. Take snorkeling to the next level with this family-friendly adventure.

water sports Water sports: Zip through the turquoise waters off Grace Bay Beach on a tube, wake board or skis. Nautique Sports allows you to rent a boat for specific time periods and try out a world of adventurous activities. Everyone in the family will love learning new water sports and spending the day racing across the top of the waves!

TCI National Museum: Travel to Grand Turk for a little bit of island history. The Turks and Caicos National Museum has got it all, from information about past shipwrecks and slavery to a botanical garden aimed at brightening the present. Peruse coin and stamp collections, and don’t forget to stop in the museum shop!

wild life Look for wildlife: TCI is notorious for exotic marine life and unique creatures that your kids can only see in the Caribbean. An island favorite is JoJo the Bottlenose Dolphin, who loves interacting with people. In the cooler months, Humpback whales can be spotted, especially from Salt Cay. And only in TCI can you see Rock Iguanas, which dwell on some of the uninhabited islands. Keep an eye out for these rarities among the tropical fish, turtles, sharks, and other TCI wildlife.

Fun World: The ultimate Turks and Caicos place for kids is Fun World in Provo. Race through the day on the park’s Go-Cart track or challenge your children in the video arcade. Get athletic on the 32-foot rock wall or play a couple of rounds of mini-golf. Unwind or sing karaoke at the bar and grill.

beaches Enjoy the beach and shopping! After all the excitement and fun activities, your kids may appreciate a day of playing in the white sand and swimming in the ocean. Make a family activity out of building a sandcastle or throwing around a Frisbee. The island is also home to numerous shopping centers and island craftspeople, so take a day to collect souvenirs.

Contact Tranquility for the Perfect Turks and Caicos Family Vacation!

Tranquility Vacations can help you plan these excursions for your family and we have the experience and resources to do it. Contact us at (649) 431-1474 about great things to do with kids in Turks and Caicos form and make your Turks and Caicos Villa Reservation today!