Hi all...my husband and I have been to many of the islands but never to T&C. We are thinking of going end of May and had a few questions. We both love to snorkel so CG is a consideration as I understand there is a nice reef in front of the hotel. Does this property have beach beverage service and a beach bar? It sounds like it does not. Do you think it will be very crowded end of May? We are both in our 50's and just want to relax and enjoy a beautiful beach and an easy flight to get to it from NY is also attractive to us. CG seems to have somewhat reasonable rates...should I book direct through them or elsewhere? Any other suggestions on hotels that you might have would also be appreciated.

Thanks very much.

Coral Gardens had a management problem in the past not sure it's still an issue. Maybe someone can give you more information on that.
There are two new resorts next to the reef West Bay Club www.thewestbayclub.com and The Windsong. There is also the Alexandra Resort a short walk to snorkeling www.alexandraresort.com
A few more options for you to look into. Until you get the information you need to make a decision.

Windsong Resort www.windsongresort.com

We stayed at Coral Gardens in 2005 and it was perfect for us for off shore snorkeling.

Snorkel before breakfast, before lunch, in the afternoon, before dinner anytime it's right outside the door.

Be aware that some (if not all) of the units are privately owned and rented out. So the fixtures and fittings can be rather dated, it's up to the owner to replace the electric fixtures - some do, some don't, The exterior of the fridge was a little rusted

We were upgraded and after I read the guest book I realized that the unit we were staying in was owned by my dermatologist! I have teased him mercifully since then, but since I was in the middle of reading a book, I brought it home, finished it and gave it back to him on my next appointment - The look on his face was priceless. Well, worth the $15 copay anyway

The bar is an easy walk from the beach, 2-3 minutes at the most. That's where the action is, we found it to be a quiet relaxing resort in July - I expect it would be quieter in May.

We stayed on Provo for 7 days and even though we hired a car to get out and about, we found that was enough for us.

We stayed at Coral Gardens in 2003 and really liked it. The off shore snorkling in front of the resort was very nice for early morning sights of shy eels, also lots of turtles. I felt safe enough to go out alone while my husband stayed in relaxing watching the Western cowboy channel.

Nice view from the room, tiled floors and clean. Yes, the water is that blue and gorgeous sunsets.

A nice beach cafe with friendly service and served us dinner after arriving late.

Of course this is all info from '03 and a short vacation.

A great place to relax and do nothing listening to the island breeze, just what we needed during a stressful time in our life.

island breeze

The restaurant at Coral Gardens is currently closed.

SNUBA is located at one of my new favorite places Windsong Resort-gorgeous new property right next to CG, they offer service on the beach, and include have a continental breakfast.

2 other close by gorgeous properties: Turks and Caicos Club, and West Bay Club you should also consider.

I use to love Coral Gardens, but until they reslove the management problems, it's hard to recommend. It could also use a coat of paint and some TLC.

The beachfront is gorgeous on the 3 above mentioned.

Thanks all...this is very helpful.

One more question please...Windsong sounds great..I just called them. Can we just bring informal clothes (i.e, shorts, etc.) or do we need to step it up a bit? Have been to many islands but not T&C. Thanks again.

informal clothes are fine.

windsong is awesome, nicest people on the island.

UH Blamona...Windsong ??? It is so close to the water, no beach, so narrow!! What are you thinking?

Is it really a very narrow stretch of beach? That might make a difference for us.