Just returned from Turks yesterday

Old Dec 16th, 2002, 07:40 AM
  #1  
Carm
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Just returned from Turks yesterday

Any questions?
 
Old Dec 16th, 2002, 08:09 AM
  #2  
anon
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Were you on Provo? Where did you stay and how did you like it? Did you do any snorkeling, and if so how was it? Were the beaches crowded anywhere?
 
Old Dec 16th, 2002, 09:20 AM
  #3  
Carm
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Yes Provo. My husband and I stayed at the Sands and LOVED IT! The only issue we had with the Sands was minor and occured on the first day. We reserved an Ocean Front Studio and really did not like our room at all. It was a Parking lot / Ocean View room with hardly any windows at all. I felt as if I were in a cave. I had them upgrade us to a deluxe one bedroom and just sucked it up and paid the extra $150 a night. We definitely let them know how we felt about the Ocean Front Studio and how it was anything but Ocean Front and they were very apologetic about it. The Ocean Front one Bedroom was HUGE, and the view was AMAZING! I could have hosted a party of 50 people in that room..easy! Very clean, the grounds were beautiful and the people so friendly. Hemingways has very good food and the Sunsets, I really can't describe them with words. We had wine and cheese on the beach every night to watch the sunset. As for Snorkeling, even though everyone on fodors.com recommends to snorkel in front of Coral Gardens, I really have to say I was kind of disappointed. The reef is dying and most of it is ropped off because they are trying to protect it. Rightfully so! Supposedly folks step on it and really are disrespectful Don't get me wrong, what we saw was beautiful, but I felt bad being there because of the condition of the reef. We swam around the roped area a bit but decided not to stay. Plus we felt like we were intruding on the guests of the Coral Gardens Hotel who were just trying to get some peace and quiet. Our Hotel discouraged us from going there to protect the reef. You must go to Smith's Reef for Snorkeling!!! A much larger area to snorkel, 10 times the Coral Gardens reef, and the most incredible colors I have ever seen. My husband and I and another couple paid one of the kids that worked at the Sands to drive us there (about 3 miles from the Sands). He dropped us off and said he would pick us up in an hour. We thought an hour was too much time, but when he got back we were still in the water and had much more to see. He gave us more time to enjoy of course. We saw a Sting Ray, a Turtle, and so many fish I couldn't even begin to list them. Plus we were the only four people there. No hotels or anyone around at all! Snorkeling at Smith's Reef was one of the highlights of the trip! Don't miss it, skip Coral Gardens and give the reef there a break. My husband and I walked the beach every day for miles. The beach area in front of BEACHES, CLUB MED and the ALLEGRO were all very crowded. BEACHES being the worst! I wouldn't go there if you paid me. It was truly a zoo and such a mess. Keep in mind this was off season,the thought of what in season would be like, scares me. The Beach in front of Beaches was not as nice as other beach fronts. The Sands and Point Grace beach fronts were the best by far. White sand for miles and so clean. I saw hotdogs and popcorn on the beach in front of BEACHES. The water there was crowded with boats and water sports equipment, not as pure and blue as others. Stressed me out really. The Club Med beach was crowded as well, and Loud.. Allegro needs a face lift..bad! What a mess! Any other questions?
 
Old Dec 16th, 2002, 09:28 AM
  #4  
Beachlovers
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Very informative! Love your beach people patrol. If I want an "empty" beach-would it be Point Grace, Grace Bay or what would you suggest! Great snorkeling info. Thanks for taking the time!
 
Old Dec 16th, 2002, 09:46 AM
  #5  
Carm
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
No problem at all, fodors.com really helped me alot when I was planning for this trip. The quietest beach last week was definitely Point Grace, it is about 1/4 mile from the Sands. They were not fully booked however and supposedly they will be this week which starts high season, but I can pretty much say with confidence that Point Grace would be the quietest. We went to see the Resort and a cottage suite and a two bedroom suite, and it is truly luxurious. They really give it to you at Point Grace!! Granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, marble floors, if you can afford it..it is really the difference between flying first class and coach. The couple we met there cooked all their meals all week. They called Point Grace ahead of time and had them stock the refrigerator with fresh fish, milk, cheese, etc etc. It worked great for them! Point Grace was not in our budget this year, but the Sands was truly spectacular,and it is really what you want to spend your money on. We chose to try all the high end restaurants and spend less on accomodations and that was great for us. Any more questions?
 
Old Dec 16th, 2002, 10:40 AM
  #6  
anon
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Thanks for the info! As it happens, I'll be staying at Coral Gardens, so I probably will check out the snorkeling there, but thanks to your report I will be extra-careful of the reef when doing so. Sounds like a trip to Point Grace is in order, though--maybe in the off season when it's not so pricey.

What was your favorite restaurant?

 
Old Dec 16th, 2002, 12:53 PM
  #7  
Carm
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
We ate at the following restaurants:
Anacaona, Coyaba, Bay Bistro, Magnolia Wine Bar, Coco Bistro, Grace's Cottage and Hemmingways. Our favorites taking into consideration, food, service and atmosphere were Anacaona, Magnolia Wine Bar and Grace's Cottage. Grace's Cottage being the best. We did not take into consideration value, because we thought all of these restaurants were overpriced, but b/c everything is imported we expected it. Coyaba really marks up their wine big time...we are kind of wine buffs and their mark up was over 300% for some bottles. If Camus only knew!! Also they include 10%tax and 10% service right on the bill on the bottom without telling you 10% service is included, so if you are not careful you will double tip. To be honest the food was good, but we thought the place was a bit shady. You know when you just get a feeling about something. Well that was our feeling. The atmosphere at Coco Bistro was our favorite, but both of us had pretty terrible meals. Sorry we are kind of food snobs. The wine list was extremelly weak at Coco Bistro as well, but the place is beautiful and I think you should see it..but don't waste your money on a meal. Sorry, Coco Bistro came highly recommended from some folks on fodors.com. Bay Bistro was good, really nice atmosphere and we had some live music as well. I had grilled lobster which was really good, but my husband ordered rare tuna and they cooked it to death. The tapas came recommended to us, but we tried some and it was very greasy. Giving restaurant recommendations is difficult b/c it really depends on your own experience which in my case is only one meal. So take it for what it is worth..ok? I loved Magnolia's wine bar. I had the best rare tuna I ever had. The only problem we had at Magnolia's wine bar was there was a cat there walking around and begging at everyone's table. The owner did nothing. I swear it looked like the cat was going to jump on the tables. Kind of grossed me out..But if you like cats..everything was perfect. Grace's Cottage was wonderful..yes very expensive but wonderful! Life is short..enjoy! Anacaona was really elegant and romantic, I had incredible grilled lobster! Service was outstanding. Definitely be careful snorkeling in front of your hotel, you will see what I mean "The sun, the moon and the stars would have disappeared long ago, had they happened to be within reach of predatory human hands" Don't miss Smith's Reef, I can't stress it enough! It is closer to Coral Gardens then it is the Sands, but I think you still need to drive there. Feel free to ask any other questions.
 
Old Dec 16th, 2002, 01:27 PM
  #8  
nibbi
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Did ya'll check out grace bay club? Looking at that resort for a trip in May!
 
Old Dec 16th, 2002, 01:32 PM
  #9  
eileen
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I would avoid Grace Bay Club. It has just been sold and they are preparing to close it down for a major renovation (may even be closed by the spring). I was not that impressed, it needs the redo. We stayed at Pt. Grace, a much better option.
 
Old Dec 16th, 2002, 05:44 PM
  #10  
T
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
did you use any of the dive companies while you were down there? Going in January and trying to make the right choices.Where is Smith's Reef? Thanks
 
Old Dec 17th, 2002, 06:48 AM
  #11  
Carm
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Hi again, We looked at Grace Bay Club's pool and the yesterday and it all looked very nice. BUT I heard for what you pay it is not worth it, needs a facelift! Again, it all depends on what you want. If you want a Four Seasons type of resort I would go to Point Grace. If you are just looking for a really nice place to stay with a great beach..then the SANDS is the place.

My husband and I do not dive so I can not recommend a dive operation. We did do some deep sea fishing with J&B tours and they were extremelly organized, friendly and had their act together! Expensive! but hey!you are on vacation and you can't take it with you. I wish I could tell you actually where Smith's Reef is but some guy drove us there on the back of his pick up truck..It was so fun! It is near Turtle Cove, about 3-4 miles from the Sands in the direction of the Coral Gardens.(WEST??) I'll see if I can find a map and get back to you..
 
Old Dec 17th, 2002, 08:58 AM
  #12  
Anon
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
It is my understanding that Smith's Reef is just outside Turtle Cove Marina, so I am assuming you could always walk down the beach to get there.

When you get to the point near the entrance to the marina (I looked at the Provo map at www.caribbean-on-line.com), where exactly is the reef? Would it be straight out from the point, out to the left (towards the marina entrance) or out to the right?

I understand the reef at Coral Gardens is close to the shore, how far out is Smith's reef?

Thanks in advance.

 
Old Dec 17th, 2002, 11:00 AM
  #13  
carm
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Sorry Anon, I didn't walk there so I am a bit confused as to its proximity to the marina. Supposedly a 10 minute walk from Turtle Cove. BUT we drove past Beaches, past Coral Gardens towards Turtle Cove, went over a very little bridge, passed some pretty nice vacation homes drove down some bumpy street, our driver stopped and said this is Smith's Reef. We dropped our towels and starting snorkling. I do not recommend to bring anything with you but towels b/c there is nothing there but sand and beach. I would not go on a choppy day either b/c there was alot of turtle grass and I assume that could be churned up. The area to snorkle was huge! It is definitely a little farther off shore then Coral Gardens reef so therefore deeper water. Keep in mind, I am not a good swimmer and am a bit of a wimp in the water and I snorkled for over an hour without stopping with no problems whatsoever. The reef area is huge, we kept exploring to the left and the right and kept finding more stuff to look at. When you get there ask the folks at your resort, everyone at the Sands knew where Smith's Reef was and was eager to get us there. It would have been over an hour walk for us from the Sands..I guess 30 minutes from Coral Gardens..I will see if I can find better directions for you. I feel like I should have paid better attention to where I was going but I didn't.
 
Old Dec 17th, 2002, 11:05 AM
  #14  
carm
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Try this site for Smith's Reef info.

http://www.provoturtledivers.com/Site/SmithsReef.html
 
Old Dec 17th, 2002, 11:25 AM
  #15  
Howard
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Smiths Reef is just before you get to Turtle Cove. You will see a sign for Sharkbite restaurant and I believe the road is called Bridge road. Turn right and drive to the end of the road. Make a left and go to the end. There is a small beach and you swim out to Smiths Reef. It is about 100 yards off shore. If you drive there don't bring anything valuable and leave it in the car. There have been some cars robbed in that area over the years. everything stolen from video cameras to T shirts. Carm--Most restaurants in Provo add Service charge and tax to the bill. Everyone should always ask when getting the bill. I usually leave an additional 5-10% depending on the service and meal
 
Old Dec 17th, 2002, 11:36 AM
  #16  
carm
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Thanks Howard your restaurant recommendations came in handy. Yes the 10% tax was included everywhere BUT not the service charge, only a few places and they noted it on the menu. But Coyaba did not and they got a bit defensive when we asked what it was, even though we knew. Believe me it is not a big deal, we also added an additional tip, the service was excellent, I just thought it was a bit shady how it was handled..we asked another restaurant about it and they said to watch out for that sort of stuff because that is stealing. Strong word, I agree, but we appreciated her honesty. This other restaurant, I believe it was Bay Bistro only included Gov Tax and not service charge. Which is better for the servers I believe, b/c typically people tip 15% or higher. Just my opinion.
 
Old Dec 17th, 2002, 02:55 PM
  #17  
louise
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
You paid $150 more each night or for the entire trip to upgrade your room? Did you look at any other Oceanfront Studios before you upgraded or are you saying all the Oceanfront studios look over the parking lot? I'm asking because I already paid over $250 for the week to upgrade from a courtyard studio to an oceanview studio for February. I have no intention of upgrading again but since you mention it in your report can you clarify for me. Thank you.
 
Old Dec 18th, 2002, 07:52 AM
  #18  
carm
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Hi..The oceanfront studio we originally requested was $225.00 a night. The view was of the parking lot and then beyond the parking lot was the ocean but it was not what I expected. Also it felt a little closed in..not small by any means but not enough windows for me. Also the Ocean Front Studios do NOT have a washer / dryer and the Ocean View studios do. The Ocean View Studios are suppose to be bigger and nicer rooms than the Ocean Front studios. (I know sounds odd, but that is what I know now) We really wanted an Ocean Front room and the only one that was available was the One Bedroom Deluxe which was approx. $150 more a night for the room. We went for it! We did not see any other Studios..sorry.
 
Old Dec 18th, 2002, 08:02 AM
  #19  
Nancy
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I think it really depends on how important it is to you to have a lot of ocean view and a spacious room.
The balconies are very nice and screened in and have tables, and if you think you would spend a lot of time sitting on the balcony looking at the water, an upgrade would probably be worth it.
We were there in Oct. at the Sands for 2 weeks, and had gotten a good rate for an OCV studio. It had a nice view and was small, but comfortable.
We knew that we would spend so little time in the room that it would not be worth the cost of the upgrade, so we choose not to.
It worked perfectly for us.
We were NEVER in there except to change and go back out or to sleep.
If you will eat in a lot or spend a lot of time relaxing in the room or on the balcony, an upgrade would probably be best.
 
Old Dec 19th, 2002, 07:28 PM
  #20  
Steve
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Did you find the construction at the Palms next door to bother you while at the Sands and are all Ocean Front Studios in front of a parking lot or were you just on the first floor - I wonder if a 3rd floor unit would overcome your issues. Thanks...I've been leaning to the Sands over Point Grace already and your post is pushing me more there. Seems nice and a MUCH better value with better service. Are the rooms overall nice and clean or worn feeling?
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -