Sorry Virginia, I thought you were on the island so you'd know the current weather.

oooooh katie i so wish!
re weather: try this link for current weather conditions from several sources: http://www.turksandcaicos.tc/weather/

www.stormcarib.com is the best source for up to the hour hurricane information.

also the best map i've found or provo is at: http://www.aquamarinebeachhouses.com/map.htm
if you drive out chalk sound road be sure and go to the left onto silly creek road when you come to the Y in the road and go all the way to the end. someone is building a rather astonishing villa. it has a moat and hydraulic drawbrigde!! when we cruised by the italian tile workers were doing their thing.
have a great trip.

Where are you finding the "deals" for Amanyara? Because HOLY SMOKES is it expensive! The resort is breathtaking and we were considering The Palms for our vacation but then came across Amanyara but think the prices are a little steep for us...

Thank you.

Lori

KatieKate:

1) All of the rooms are beautiful. The only difference would be whether or not it mattered how close you were to the pool, bar and beach club. If you don't mind a short stroll (or a golf cart to pick you up) then it is all good. If you prefer to be really close to the structures, then request to be by the main buildings. Each hut has its own beautiful private beach, though.

2) You can snorkel right in front of the main beach, however; the snorkel trip is really nice. It leaves daily at 11:00am from Malcolm beach. It is free to guests. You can also pay to charter boats to go to different places.

3) We did not venture off the property to dine or shop. We had been to the Turks & Caicos before and did not have a desire to do so. Certainly, if you like to shop or see a more booming night life, then you would have to leave the property. We prefered to stay hidden in paradise.

What Lorio? You consider $1300.00 to $1600.00 a night too expensive? Ha ha just kidding...sounds like a nice place but....

Funny - :) I guess it's the Palms and only a luxory room for me! I couldn't beleive the prices - yes it absolutely georgeous but wow!

What can I say....Amanyara was over the top FABULOUS!! Being only two of maybe eight other guests we were spoiled beyond belief. We were greeted warmly at the airport by Max and taken directly to the resort. It’s about a 30 minute ride, but we were so excited we didn’t seem to mind the bumpy roads. Besides, Max was delightful and provided good conversation.

We were welcomed at the open reception area by the manager with refreshing drinks, shown around a little to get familiar with the property and then whisked off via the resorts’ golf carts to our private pavilion where we officially checked in. Our room was to die for. (each guest is located in a private pavilion; only one room per pavilion) Upon entering the room, a chilled bottle of Veuve Chiequot and a beautiful display of fruit were awaiting us along with a welcome note from the manager. The pavilion (approx. 1200 square ft.) is actually one large room with a teak wood screen dividing the bed from the lovely bath area. Three of the walls are huge glass windows floor to ceiling with sliding doors on each side… the coolest feature is the electronic controls blinds…very James Bondish. Each pavilion is surrounded by foliage which provides ultra privacy. (great for late morning sleeping) To insure your privacy, just lower the blind which faces the pathway leading to your room or just hang the carved wooden seashell outside and this will signal you do not want to be disturbed. The shower is fantastic, with two shower heads with one being over head for a rainfall effect. (there is also a free standing tub) The roomy walk-in closet with two sets of drawers provides ample room for clothing. There are his/hers sinks on each end with plenty of storage space and also a refrigerator with complimentary soft drinks and beers. Another, bonus is the call-any-where-in-the-world phone for no charge. Not kidding, made me want to call all my friends!

Our biggest decision each day, was deciding what frozen cocktail we’d order and where we wanted to follow the sun. We had a breathtaking (partial view) of the calm turquoise waters from our room. There was a pathway leading to the water to our own private beach. It was amazing. We snorkeled right from the beach. Or, we could choose the beautiful, pristine Malcolm’s Beach with full beach service. Although, it is considered a public beach, we seemed to be the only guests. Truly, one of the most beautiful beaches ever!! We usually ended the day at the 65’ black granite pool and relaxed reading our books on one the lounging pavilions. Talk about feeling pampered.

We thoroughly enjoyed the food in both the restaurant and beach club. Very creative and beautifully presented. In particular, one of our favorite entrees was the red snapper over mashed potatoes mixed with prawns and for lunch peanut crusted prawns and the curried shrimp/chicken spring rolls. I could go on and on…

Lastly I’d like to add one of the major differences we noticed from other Caribbean destinations we’ve stayed, we felt Amanyara’s genuine pleasure to have us as guests…they were truly appreciative we’d chosen Amanyara. We were treated like royalty the five days were guests. We hope to one day return. I predict Amanyara will be the next "hot" spot!!! Please let me know if you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer any questions.

Can anyone who has recently been to Amanyara describe the ongoing construction there and whether it is a reason for me to avoid planning a honeymoon there in August? Thank you!!

Thanks ladies. Nice to hear.
Some of the photos I saw Shari looked like the water was rough for snorkeling. I would LOVE to find a new spot to go with hubbie but he insists on off beach snorkeling and I'm curious how many fish you saw (hundreds, dozens, two). We went last to Anguilla and the snorkeling was so disappointing it ruined our trip. Hubbie won't get on a boat to snorkel. And - how deep is the water when you are snorkeling??

We really didn't see any construction per se, but could hear some hammering behind the dunes while on the beach. We never heard anything while at the pool or in our room. Hope this helps. It's very, very quite at the resort so any other sounds are noticeable. It didn't bother us at all...just take your IPod, book and sit back and relax.

Newyorkergal: As far as snorkeling, when I say we took a boat out, it was like 5 minutes out. Yes, we saw really pretty fish...maybe over 100??? I don't remember the water being terribly rough. We maybe stayed out for 1 hour and that was enough. I know what you mean about Anguilla...not so great for snorkeling. I know there has to be spectacular places (for snokeling) in the Caribbean, but we haven't really found them. Would you ever consider the French Polynesia? Now talk about AMAZING fish...1000's all around your face when you jump in!!! Incredible!!!

Katiekate--Thank you for the reply regarding the construction. My fiance is not one to listen to music, but does want to spend a bunch of time on the beach. Do you think the noise you do notice will make it difficult to read/relax on the beach? Or is is really quite faint and unobtrusive. I really truly appreciate the help.

It's hard to say, I guess it depends on how much work they will be doing in that particular area when you are there. They were very considerate and tried not to work during the hours the guests were in the area. You can always move to the pool if it gets to bothering you. You will love it...enjoy your time there and don't worry. I think you'll have a great time. But, please know it is VERY laid back, kind of on the boring side. Don't mean that in a negative way at all, just very quiet and peaceful. Not a lot of activity or people when we were there.
When are you going?
Would I let that keep me from going???? Absolutely not!! Have a wonderful time.

When we were there, we didn't hear anything on the beach. I think they stopped working during the main hours. We really felt like we were the only people there. I wouldn't worry about the construction. The main pavilions by the beach are finished. They are still building the spa and other buildings back throughout the garden area.

As for snorkeling, the water was not rough at ALL. It was as still as a bath tub. We snorkeled both on the beach and out from a boat. Of course, the snorkeling is better the farther off shore you go. However, the snorkeling close to the beach was very good for someone who won't get on a boat. We saw hundreds of fish close to shore and a couple of sea turtles as well.