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Turks & Caicos or another island for a short getaway from NYC?

Turks & Caicos or another island for a short getaway from NYC?

Old Apr 18th, 2016, 11:00 AM
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Turks & Caicos or another island for a short getaway from NYC?

Hey there,
We are looking for a short 3 or 4 night getaway late May.
We are a couple in our early 30’s. Not into partying…we do enjoy good food & drinks. Main purpose of our trip is to relax but we’d also like to rent a car and do some sight-seeing (historical sites, beautiful scenery) or take an excursion.

Right now we are looking at Turks & Caicos but from what I’ve read the actual island isn’t very pretty (besides the beach) and there won’t be much to do in terms of history (ok for such a short trip). We just want to relax in a beautiful place for a few days.


Based on our interests and needs would T&C be a good fit or would you recommend somewhere else? Bermuda is great but I have been there numerous times and want to try something new. I also really liked Barbados but it’s kind of far for a short trip.

Thanks for your help!
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Old Apr 18th, 2016, 12:08 PM
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Personally I doubt the T&C's will be what you are seeking. With only 3 or 4 nights you'd probably spend your entire time in Provo - it is a flat scrubby island - great beaches yes but the rest of the island isn't very pretty and there's not much in the way of "history".

Where are you flying from? It could make a difference on suggestions for a short trip.

Puerto Rico is rich in history and once you leave the San Juan area there's really some very nice scenery.

Other islands to look at are St. Kitts and its sister island Nevis. Plenty or historical sites to see, nice beaches and good restaurants. Island are not crowded (especially Nevis) so that's another plus.

Also look at Antigua - 365 beaches, great history dating back to the days of Admiral Nelson and good scenery.
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Old Apr 18th, 2016, 12:26 PM
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If all you want to do is "relax in a beautiful place for a few days", Providenciales ( Grace Bay) is a perfect match.

The beach is absolutely gorgeous, and long, often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

However... there really isn't that much to do out of the water. Yes, if you have a car, you can visit other exquisite beaches like Taylor Bay and dine out at some of the island's best restaurants, ( Coco Bistro, Bay Bistro, Somewhere Cafe, Caicos Cafe, etc), but there's not a lot else going on. Unless you want to take a snorkeling or fishing trip.

We like it that way, some people don't. In fact, I like it so much I'm going again next week. Love the short flight from the East Coast ( 3 hours), and that beach. Only you know if 4 days would bore you or not!
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Old Apr 18th, 2016, 04:55 PM
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Roamsaround - we will leave from Newark or NYC. I've been to San Juan and don't want to do that again. I'd like to do Vieques or Culebra but don't think that's doable for 3 nights.

I'll def look into Antigua if there are any non stops.
The lack of history in T&C for a short trip is ok if the beach and the rest of the island experience (dining, relaxation, sight seeing) makes up for it.
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Old Apr 19th, 2016, 04:50 AM
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Provo (T&C's) has one of the most spectacular beaches in the Caribbean - 11 miles of pure white sand lapped by calm bright turquoise waters. Plus there's several other very nice white sand beaches on the island. There's some good restaurants. Island lacks lush vegetation (except for man-made plantings around resorts) and is basically flat so not much in the way of sightseeing. If you can forego those items from your wish list then it is worth considering but only you can decide that.

Provo is all about the beach - you relax on the beach, you swim from the beach, you walk on the beach, you have a drink on the beach, you relax on the beach - you get the idea. Some people are quite happy with just that, others need more.
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Old Apr 19th, 2016, 09:46 AM
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Agree with others. Provo is all about the beach. You can stay on Grace bay, take a day trip to chalk sound/taylor bay area one day. Another day snorkel the reef by Coral sands on Grace bay. As mentioned there are some fine restaurants on Provo. Probably enough to keep you entertained for a 3/4 day stay. Agree with Roansaround earlier suggestion about St Kitts. We took a direct 3 hour flight from Newark a month ago. You could stay on St kitts or go to Nevis. We decided on Nevis Four Seasons. There are several plantation inns also on Nevis. There is quite a bit of history. We visited several plantation inns including Nisbet plantation. There are some really nice restaurants also on Nevis. Overall perfect for a short stay (although I would recommend 5 days). I think you can do the same on St Kitts without having to deal with the boat transfer to Nevis. The beaches on Turks (particularly the color of the sand) will certainly be superior to the stands you will find on st kitts/nevis.
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Old Apr 19th, 2016, 11:39 AM
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>

You know from NY you can fly nonstop JFK to Aguadilla, PR, which is near Rincon. It's still Puerto Rico but a completely different area than San Juan. Jet Blue offers nonstop service.
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Old Apr 20th, 2016, 09:07 AM
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Mnag - St. Kitt’s does sound more my speed but I checked and there are no non stop flights from Newark or NYC. Maybe they only offer them during certain months? I really don't want a layover for such a short trip.
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Old Apr 20th, 2016, 09:09 AM
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I think we might just stick to T&C. If it’s really that slow paced / boring it might actually be a good place to unwind for a few days and hopefully the water makes up for the lack of scenery on the island. We don’t have to return if we don’t like it.

Right now we are looking at the Blue Haven resort – I actually like that it’s not on the main strip and away from the crowds. Thoughts? Other option would be the Royal West Indies.
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Old Apr 20th, 2016, 09:23 AM
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We did go during spring break week so maybe they don't offer the direct flight at all times. I don't think you can go wrong with Turks for a short trip. Have fun.
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Old Apr 20th, 2016, 09:38 AM
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Turks & Caicos for sure for a quick trip. We live in NYC & do it a lot. I would NOT suggest Blue Haven, nice enough but not on Grace Bay. It is on a man made beach in a channel . Look at The Sands, Somerset or Royal West Indies for different price points .
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Old Apr 20th, 2016, 02:05 PM
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I agree with Caribzack about BLUE HAVEN, but would add WINDSONG and OCEAN CLUB WEST to the list. WINDSONG is next to CORAL GARDENS, one of the walk-in snorkeling sites. And also next door to SOMEWHERE CAFE, cool Mexican place on the beach.

OCEAN CLUB WEST is at least as good as THE SANDS, and has a wider stretch of beach.

Don't know how bored you'll be with only a 4-day visit. You can take a snorkel trip or tour the other beaches ( Taylor Bay, Chalk Sound).
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 03:08 PM
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We are returning to Turks and Caicos in a few weeks for our second time. The first time we went there was the most relaxing vacation we've ever taken. We like to eat at nice restaurants in the evenings, but during the day we relaxed on the beach. If you go there, bring your ipod, some headphones, some books, and you will surely find relaxation there, so if that is what you are wanting, I really think T&C is a good choice for you. We stayed at the Alexandra Resort last time; this time we're staying at the Ocean Club Resort (sister resort to Ocean Club West, and a little less expensive).
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Old Apr 30th, 2016, 06:01 AM
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Although we loved T&C and visited twice, I believe that Antigua is a better fit for you. If I had the choice between the two I would return to Antigua. The beach, as others have said, on T&C is stunning and there are many restaurants to choose from. The ability to walk the beach and visit other resorts/restaurants is done easily and there are excursions galore. Did some great off shore snorkeling as well.

Antigua has all that you seek. History, small rainforest/zipline, abundance of gorgeous, tree lined beaches depending upon which side of the island you are on. What we loved is the different beaches..some have white sand and crystal clear water, others have brown sand and steel blue waters. So many gorgeous resorts to choose from and many great sightseeing trips to choose from as well whether on land or in the ocean. For history there is Nelson's dockyard. Horseback riding, eco tours, speedboat tours, Donkey Sanctuary, Museums, Art Gallery's, Stingray City....and on and on. Add to that the ability to rent a car and zip around a beautiful, hilly, green farmlands galore island with some of the most amazing people on the planet. We've returned half a dozen times and are always enamored over the absolute beauty of this island.

Let us know what you choose and have a safe and wonderful getaway!
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Old May 3rd, 2016, 12:24 PM
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We chose Turks since it was a much easier flight for a short trip but would definitely consider many of the options above such as St. Kitt’s and Antigua for the future.

Will post an update on the island after our trip.

Not expecting a beautiful island or a magnificent cultural experience for Turks…just relaxation and the beautiful sea!

Hopefully it makes up for the other stuff considering it’s a short trip!
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Old May 4th, 2016, 04:50 AM
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You will love it...
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Old May 5th, 2016, 06:56 PM
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Yes, you will love it. Just back tonight. Already missing that gorgeous beach!
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Old May 6th, 2016, 07:03 AM
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Where do you stay WWK?
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Old May 6th, 2016, 06:19 PM
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Caribzack,

We used to stay at West Bay Club, then moved over to The Venetian. Love it there, but got a great deal using frequent flier miles for SEVEN STARS, so grabbed it!
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Old May 7th, 2016, 05:06 AM
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Sounds great !
Love Venetian location & walking east
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