carol

hi...trying to plan a trip with my husband for our one year wedding anniversary. i'm having trouble figuring out what is the best luxury resort that is not all inclusive that is on the best beach with great snorkeling right there. I don't want to have to take a boat to snorkel. we've been to st. john, any other options that would work? carol

Kelly

My fiance and I are honeymooning on Provo in Turks and Caicos. I've never been here before, but I've been told that they have the most beautiful beaches. We are staying at The Sands, not sure if it is luxurious enough for you or not (go to thesandsresort.com). I've heard that the Coral Gardens is a very nice (and expensive resort) and that their is excellent snorkling right off their beach. Hope this helps.

Penney

I second the suggestion on Turks and Caicos. We toured Coral Gardens and it is lovely. The beach is just ncredible!

gina

Another vote for Provo. I stayed at Coral Gardens (www.coralgardens.com) in August 2001. Had a great time! The beach was absolutely gorgeous and there is great snorkeling right off shore in front of Coral Gardens. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, perhaps try Seagate (www.theseagate.com) which is located directly behind Coral Gardens.<BR>If you go, you'll have a WONDERFUL time!<BR>-Gina<BR>

Miriam

Another vote for T&C. It is beautiful and the snorkeling is unbelieveable in front of Coral Gardens at Bight Reef. We stayed at the Sands and enjoyed it immensely. It is not one of the most expensive. You might look into Point Grace next door which was very nice. There are plenty of places to chose from. Enjoy it!!! You will love it!!!<BR><BR>Miriam

carol

wow.... lots of T & C lovers. didn't think of it before, but will definitely consider it now. how are restaurants there? any good ones and good local bars? c

Kelly

Miriam-<BR><BR>Which level of room did you stay at when you were at the Sands? We have booked an Oceanfront Studio. Good choice? What else can you tell me about the resort?

Miriam

Kelley,<BR><BR>We stayed in the one bedroom facing the pool which was nice enough for us. You are on your honeymoon so splurge!! We did see one of the oceanfront rooms and it was beautiful!!!!! The people there are very nice and friendly. Hemmingways is the restaurant that is not part of the hotel but sits on its property. Depending on how $ money you have to spend there are plenty of places to eat. We are not big into fancy dinners. What we learned about Hemmingways anyway was the lunch prices are from 12pm to 6pm so we would have a late lunch which was like dinner for us and save money. Your room has a fridge full kitchen so you can take the bus to the store and stock up on food if you don't want to spend tons of money. Reminder it is a very religious island so there is no booze or beer sold on sundays at the store except at the bars/restaurant. We didn't rent a vehicle so we basically walked up and down the beach and stopped at just about every location for a drink or a snack...mostly a drink !!! They were building fitness center while we were there and it seem to be very nice. The beaches are public so you can bring whatever you want to drink/eat and no one bothers you. The other thing we truly enjoyed is that there was no tinket sales people or timeshare people. No one to interrupt your time there. Do do the island gateway. It is beautiful and a blast!!! They do provide a lunch and drinks but if you want to drink a little more bring your own which is not a problem with them. J&B Tours is awesome!! The tour coordinator if she is still there is Annie and she is so helpful and nice. The bartendar at Hemmingways is Korna and is wonderful. If either is still there please tell them that Miriam and Phil say hello and we stayed there last August!!!!! You will fall in love with this place. Is this your first time to the Caribbean? <BR><BR>Any other questions, please e-mail directly or here and I will respond!! <BR>BTW, when are you going?<BR><BR>Miriam

Kelly

Gina or Miriam or anyone else,<BR><BR>I have heard that the jellyfish and sea lice can be a problem on Provo. I will be there in late June 2002. Any experience with this or how to stay away from it?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Kelly

carol

just booked our trip for may... posted this same question (minus sand lice) and got the answer that some days there are jelly fish, some days not. the season is late april-july. it's hard to tell. try www.provo.net for more info at their forums. i saw that someone else asked this same question recently. carol.