virginia

any idea what's going on with the nikki beach property?

blamona

Currently, it is no longer Nikki Beach. The owners have banned together and rent out there units, they are calling it Leeward Resort. Although there are no services nor restaurant, rentals do come with rental cars, and the units are luxurious, so it's a good bargain for the money if you don't mind not being on Grace Bay Beach.

virginia

thanks blamona, i just looked at their site. the suites are indeed quite nice. the price is very good. i just wonder how i'd like being on going through... with the free car might be worth a try

blamona

Although the beach was basically man made, it's still a gorgeous view-lots of palm trees, there are a couple of hammocks in between them, water is still a gorgeous turquoise. I have a house in Leeward Going Through, and find it excellent to get around. IGA supermarket is 5 minutes away, golf course only 2 minutes away. The beach by my house, Leeward Beach/Pelican Beach is gorgeous too, and has 2 permanent umbrellas there. It connects to Grace Bay Beach, so you can still walk forever.

For the price, the place is luxurious, and you're familiar with the island. I say go for it!

(or I can also recommend other luxurious villas for you--economy has hit hard and a lot of villas have been upgraded-gives a good bang for the buck)

London_Mom

Dear Blamona - I would love your advice on where to stay in T&C. I am coming from London with my 3 year old son, and a friend is coming from New York with her 4 year old son and 18 month old daughter. Dates are up in the air at the moment, but likely a week in March. Neither of us has visited T&C and there seem to be endless options. Leeward seems like a terrific bargain. Veranda is very interesting. And, Regent Palms gets such glowing reviews. Would also consider renting a beachfront villa and hiring a cook. Any advice you have would be amazing. Many, many thanks!

blamona

LondonMom,

hiring a cook can be ultra expensive. My opinion, but with small children, the resorts make vacationing so easy--all are condos, rented as a resort, with full kitchens, living rooms, etc. Additionally, they all have restaurants for that last minute glass of milk or snack for the kids. Most villas require a car, so lugging 3 kids to eat, to shop, to get groceries, might not be best. 3&4 yr olds will love the small carts IGA Supermarket has--just her size!

I have tour Veranda, but since it's not quite yet open, hard to give feedback. It is a sprawling resort, so again, with 3 kids. may want a more compact resort. Regent Palms is compact. For my tastes, next door, The Somerset, I love even more.

They all have their own personality, so tell me more--do you like laid back or see and be seen? Require an excellent spa? Want to be in the hub so you can walk around (everything is side walked) need ultra luxury, or more pampering? Do you like a Ritz feel, or want more personal and quiet? As much as you can tell me=
Also, you may want to consider Fodor's In Focus: Turks and Caicos--I wrote it! Plus, I describe the different personalities of each resort.

London_Mom

You are so kind! I would agree that ultra easy sounds great, and kids like being with other kids so a resort makes the most sense. A good kids program and excellent babysitters would be a top priority - not that we are going to ditch the kids the whole time, but we want this to be a proper vacation for the moms too. A nice spa/fitness facility would be great, beautiful beach/pool area a must. Good food and service are important and really nice rooms (sheets, beds, towels, view) too. Not huge, but not super tiny/boutique either. We don't want to feel like we are walking on egg shells if our children forget to use their "indoor voices." It would be great if both families could share the same suite/villa - laundry and kitchen also a plus with kids. Amanyara prices are way too high, but we are willing to shell out for the right spot. I'm open to taking a risk with a new property so Veranda might just be great. I will definitely check out Fodor's In Focus. Thanks so much!!

tjc73

Hi Baloma,

Where do I find your article yopu mentioned called Fodors in focus on Turks. We are going in a few weeks (thatns to these forums) and are curious to learn more. Thanks.

Tim

blamona

Hi Tim,

It's not an article, it's a guidebook. You can purchase it here, just click on guidebooks at the top of the page. OR you can type in the search Fodor's In Focus: Turks and Caicos. It's also available on Amazon.com.

Let me know what you think when you return!

tjc73

Thanks! I'll pick it up!