Turks&Caicos photos from trip report
Mar 9th, 2011, 07:04 PM
#1
Turks&Caicos photos from trip report
Here's the link to my photos that accompany my trip report: "TCI: Not What It's Cracked Up to Be".....
you will see, when it wasn't raining, it was gorgeous! Hope you enjoy them.
http://barefootbeach.smugmug.com/Tra...16128088_FKPiA
you will see, when it wasn't raining, it was gorgeous! Hope you enjoy them.
http://barefootbeach.smugmug.com/Tra...16128088_FKPiA
Mar 10th, 2011, 04:33 AM
#3
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Very nice photos. I understand how weather and conditions can color your opinion of an island. The first time we went it was rough and windy most of the time and while we enjoyed our visit, I wasn't blown away by it. Then I went back and got the flat calm water and sunshine and it truly was paradise. Maybe give the island another try at some poin. Stay in a studio instead of something larger and go at a different time of year. May and June are great.
Mar 10th, 2011, 07:57 AM
#5
Your photos took me back to our favorite island. We've been there 3 times---1st,fantastic-- 2nd, cooler and very windy-- 3rd, again perfect. We stay at Ocean Club West (pink umbrellas to the left of Seven Stars in your photo on page 3). It was interesting to see the Grace Bay Club lounge under water. It's on the other side of OCW---I wonder if OCW beachside restaurant was affected?
BTW, did you like the location of the West Bay Club?
So sad that you had some bad weather. That's not what you want in a beach vacation, but it does look like you had some nice days.
We're skipping the Caribbean this March and returning to Ireland in May. After 20+ years of a beach vacation in winter, it's kind of hard to take. I'd like to be there right now----I think I'll look at your photos again and pretend!
BTW, did you like the location of the West Bay Club?
So sad that you had some bad weather. That's not what you want in a beach vacation, but it does look like you had some nice days.
We're skipping the Caribbean this March and returning to Ireland in May. After 20+ years of a beach vacation in winter, it's kind of hard to take. I'd like to be there right now----I think I'll look at your photos again and pretend!
Mar 10th, 2011, 08:36 AM
#6
Virginia, thanks for your comments....those were taken of the beach at Da Conch Shack.
Kristen,
I would stay in a studio if it had a view of the water....WBC's studios don't and I thought I could live with it, but It was too small and dark...especially when there's no where else to go besides the beach and pool, problem when it's raining. I really don't want to go to the Caribbean in May or June....so will just have to go farther south to get warmer water.
Devonmcj, That's a snorkeler! Most people weren't wimps like us and went in the water.
TPAYT, I think many al fresco restaurants took a hit for several nights...although they tried to mop up, put up more umbrella's, etc. it took away the joy of eating outside.
I did like the location of WBC...I prefer a quieter beach to the more developed area of Grace Bay, and you could easily walk to Somewhere at Coral Gardens to the right, or eat at Bagatelle Bistro at Gansevort, which was just next door to the left. We didn't eat there because I had read so many negative reviews on TripAdvisor, but I spoke with a couple of people who did have a good meal there.
I understand your pain at skipping a winter beach vacation....when we lived "up north" we went to the Caribbean every winter. But since we moved to Florida 11 years ago, we haven't been back (too similar)...so that's why I was really looking forward to that beautiful aqua water....and why I'm perhaps more jaded about the weather since it's been beautiful weather here.
Kristen,
I would stay in a studio if it had a view of the water....WBC's studios don't and I thought I could live with it, but It was too small and dark...especially when there's no where else to go besides the beach and pool, problem when it's raining. I really don't want to go to the Caribbean in May or June....so will just have to go farther south to get warmer water.
Devonmcj, That's a snorkeler! Most people weren't wimps like us and went in the water.
TPAYT, I think many al fresco restaurants took a hit for several nights...although they tried to mop up, put up more umbrella's, etc. it took away the joy of eating outside.
I did like the location of WBC...I prefer a quieter beach to the more developed area of Grace Bay, and you could easily walk to Somewhere at Coral Gardens to the right, or eat at Bagatelle Bistro at Gansevort, which was just next door to the left. We didn't eat there because I had read so many negative reviews on TripAdvisor, but I spoke with a couple of people who did have a good meal there.
I understand your pain at skipping a winter beach vacation....when we lived "up north" we went to the Caribbean every winter. But since we moved to Florida 11 years ago, we haven't been back (too similar)...so that's why I was really looking forward to that beautiful aqua water....and why I'm perhaps more jaded about the weather since it's been beautiful weather here.
Mar 10th, 2011, 09:39 AM
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barefootbeach,
Thank you for the honest review and pictures. Im always surprised that some resorts on these islands can still maintain $500/nt+ rates when competing with other Caribbean islands or even Riveria Maya. What price do you think would be fair for WBC or similar on Grace Bay? compared to the other islands you have visited? Best value quality island?
Thank you for the honest review and pictures. Im always surprised that some resorts on these islands can still maintain $500/nt+ rates when competing with other Caribbean islands or even Riveria Maya. What price do you think would be fair for WBC or similar on Grace Bay? compared to the other islands you have visited? Best value quality island?
Mar 10th, 2011, 10:05 AM
#8
FrankS,
I think $350-$450 would be a more fair price...and for that studio at WBC $!50, since there's no view at all.
I'm not a good authority for other islands because we haven't been in ten years, but I thought we had a good rate at Anguilla for a lovely oceanfront unit, and there are some charming small inns on St. Kitts, we stayed at a good value hillside unit on St. Barts, stayed at Caneel Bay in St. John's and Four Seasons on Nevis (so those aren't cheap properties) Antigua had a variety of price points, didn't like St. Martin, I also don't like Jamaica or the Cayman Islands....(or anyplace now that is a cruise stop!)
I think $350-$450 would be a more fair price...and for that studio at WBC $!50, since there's no view at all.
I'm not a good authority for other islands because we haven't been in ten years, but I thought we had a good rate at Anguilla for a lovely oceanfront unit, and there are some charming small inns on St. Kitts, we stayed at a good value hillside unit on St. Barts, stayed at Caneel Bay in St. John's and Four Seasons on Nevis (so those aren't cheap properties) Antigua had a variety of price points, didn't like St. Martin, I also don't like Jamaica or the Cayman Islands....(or anyplace now that is a cruise stop!)
Mar 10th, 2011, 01:02 PM
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Barefootbeach,
From the midwest, we have found Hawaii the best quality vacaton for our winter dollar. With similar airfares($) to the Caribbean, we find excellent accomodations in Hawaii for $200-$400/nt. More than once, we have stayed at the Ritz in Kapalua for sub $300 in recent years during hi season.
We have tried Jamaica, DR, Riveria Maya, Cayman and still choose Hawaii once or twice a yr instead of the shorter flights. Well, this yr we decided to give TCI a try as we have done everything Hawaii has to offer.
Caribzack,
Ive noticed they do get those rates. I hope we like it as much as those that so often go. We are going to try it early Dec for the low season rates
From the midwest, we have found Hawaii the best quality vacaton for our winter dollar. With similar airfares($) to the Caribbean, we find excellent accomodations in Hawaii for $200-$400/nt. More than once, we have stayed at the Ritz in Kapalua for sub $300 in recent years during hi season.
We have tried Jamaica, DR, Riveria Maya, Cayman and still choose Hawaii once or twice a yr instead of the shorter flights. Well, this yr we decided to give TCI a try as we have done everything Hawaii has to offer.
Caribzack,
Ive noticed they do get those rates. I hope we like it as much as those that so often go. We are going to try it early Dec for the low season rates
Mar 10th, 2011, 01:25 PM
#11
FrankS,
I'll be interested in your opinion. The one thing that Hawaii doesn't have is that clear aquamarine water...and the two times we were there in Feb and March, it was cool and windy also.
Also, since you're not going until Dec, I bet you could get a great unit at Villa Renaissance or Windsong using VRBO or Homeaway, where you pay substantially less than booking through the property (and you can see pictures of the actual unit you'll get) I tried using them, but since I just booked about a month ahead in high season, I couldn't get any availability.
I'll be interested in your opinion. The one thing that Hawaii doesn't have is that clear aquamarine water...and the two times we were there in Feb and March, it was cool and windy also.
Also, since you're not going until Dec, I bet you could get a great unit at Villa Renaissance or Windsong using VRBO or Homeaway, where you pay substantially less than booking through the property (and you can see pictures of the actual unit you'll get) I tried using them, but since I just booked about a month ahead in high season, I couldn't get any availability.
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