cmarie

My thanks to those of you who answered my first questions about the islands so graciously! My boyfriend has asked me what I thought of Club Med in T&C, as it was recommended by a friend and offers very reasonable packages through his job. While I do love to be active (snorkeling, biking, hiking, access to fitness facilities), I'm not one for big crowds, lots of late night noise, or forced frivolity. But I'm willing to try anything once - any advice? Has anyone experienced this place in mid November? Could I still get a great and restful vacation amid all that this place has to offer?

Cheers!

sev

whats great about club med is that its , do anything or nothin, doesnt matter, turks it a nice spot been there 2x and goin back again

cmarie

Sev, did you go to Club Med both times? Or other resorts? If so, how do they compare? Many thanks!

JMM

Personally Club Med is probably one of the last places I would stay on Provo. ( I have been to Provo many times but not to Club Med). The only advantage it has is lots of activities. One time when we were staying at another resort, we ran into 2 women who referred to themselves as 'refugees from Club Med'. They were in the process of checking into our hotel after fleeing Club Med because they hated the food, hated their room, found the GOs annoying (forced frivility personified).
Since I have not personally stayed there, this info is 2nd hand. My experiences with them has only been as an observer and I was NOT impressed (relaxing on beach after snorkeling, boatload of Club Med people pulls up, much silliness, they snorkeled for about 15 minutes, piled back onto overcrowded boat and left - I cannot imagine they saw much; walking beach in vicinity of Club Med - GOs running around like demented lunatics pestering people trying to relax on the beach into some idiot game). Quite frankly there are any number of nicer places to stay at. Only 2 other AIs though - Beaches (lots of kids) and Allegro (mixed reviews from people). Personally I would NOT stay at an AI on Provo - the other resorts are much nicer (like The Sands or Coral Gardens or if you do not mind a smaller place with a small pool- Sibonne). Snorkeling is excellent in front of Coral Gardens. The Sands and Sibonne are located on a lovely stretch of beach ( about a 20 minute walk from Coral Gardens). Club Med has no snorkeling within easy walking distance.

cmarie

Wow JMM! That's exactly what I needed to hear! Thanks so much -- we had started leaning towards other resorts, but since we were thinking of going in November (low season), we were wondering if an AI might have access to more activities and more people. But after that review, I think Coral Gardens, Sands, or Sibonne is the way to go --ever been to Provo in the low season?

JMM

I have never been in November but I have been in December and January (semi-low season for Provo). Provo tends to get busiest from about Feb to April. Not that it ever is what I would consider really busy. November should be nice (near the end of the hurricane season - Provo has not been hit by one in a long time but it is within the zone). The temps should be good - about 75-85. A few of the shops may be closed since it is low-season. Driving will be safer (fewer tourists unfamiliar with driving on the left on the roads). The non-AI resorts are usually very happy to recommend or help arrange any activities for you. The ones I have been at (even the very small Sibonne) had a display of brochures for a number of things. Most activities on Provo involve the ocean - catamararan trips, diving, snorkeling, fishing. For something different, you might consider flying over to Grand Turk for the day (when I was there last one company was posting surprisingly cheap rates for a same day return).

virgo839

I just came back from Provo and, frankly, except for the gorgeous beach, I just don't see what all the fuss is about. The drive from the airport to our hotel was so ugly, I almost cried. However, our hotel, the Sands at Grace Bay was wonderful! Bottom line . . if all you care about is a great beach, Provo is fine. By the way, the snorkeling at Coral Gardens was a HUGE disappointment, as most of the reef is "closed" for regeneration. there is no snorkeling off the beach at The Sands, or from most of the resorts. You have to take a boat out to the barrier reef. Expensive. There are lost better places in the Caribbean.

JMM

If there is a problem snorkeling at Coral Gardens - Smith's Reef near the marina is a good alternative - it is a longer swim out but in excellent condition. To get to Smith's you drive along the coastal road and turn right just before the marina area, you will cross a small canal and then you should see some public access signs or better yet just ask someone for directions. Another interesting excursion is to take a 4-wheel drive out to the wild beach at Malcolm roads. When you reach the wild beach - drive toward the ruined Tiki huts and park in that area and (wearing good shoes NOT sandals) walk for about 5 minutes along the coast until you get to a series of little coves - VERY pretty - even a natural bridge at one. The snorkeling here can be very good depending on the weather (since this area is exposed - it can be too rough to go out far sometimes). However when it is good it is VERY good - I have seen fish and sea creatures here that I have not seen anywhere else. BTW virgo839 has managed to judge the entire island by it's ugliest part - the drive from the airport. I have been all over the caribbean and still I return most frequently to Provo. I love the layed-back atmosphere, the lack of crowds, the friendliness, the incredible beach, the easy access to good snorkeling, superb ocean swimming and the safety of the island. However it is a desert island not a tropical rain forest. There are very few non-ocean activities.

cmarie

Thank you both for your feedback! This is why I keep coming back to this site -- the friendly advice and the honest dialogue -- this has been tremendously helpful... Best to all...

actran

I returned a few weeks ago from 10 days in Provo (stayed at Ocean Club). I could have stayed another 10 days. I felt like there was plenty to do, but mainly I wanted to just lay on the beautiful beach looking at the beautiful ocean. I thought the snorkeling at Coral Gardens was incredible, even though much of it is roped off, there's still a huge amount to see. The restaurants were great too. As for me, I didn't really care what the drive from the airport was like - that wasn't why I went. I went for the beaches and the water and I wasn't dissappointed. It all comes down to what you want in a vacation.

HowardC

I agree with some of the above posters. If you are looking for an AI, programed activities and entertainment Club Med is probably okay but there are better places to stay on Provo. Re the reef at Coral Gardens. Yes there is a project to regenerate the reef but that isn't the reason part of the reef is roped off by buoys. It is because in that part of the reef there is a lot of fire coral and at low tide the reef breaks the top of the water so it is roped off to keep people from getting stung and also from standing on the coral. The better snorkeling is actually outside the rope anyway. I have seen turtles, a big barracuda, nurse shark, rays and all kinds of fish. Thought it was better snorkeling than Smiths Reef of Malcolm Road but perhaps we were in the wrong places there.