Sean and Heather

My bride-to-be and I are going to the Sands at Grace Bay on Provo, T&C for our Honeymoon at the end of June, 2001. We were hoping some of you carrib-veterans out there could give us some advice on taxis vs. car rentals and how much to expect in that department, as well as anything we might be able to see or do (areas of interest or activities that are a must-do) that we would be fools not to partake of. Also, we know of Hemmingways at the Sands and have heard reports that it is great food and good service; are there any other fantastic restaurants out there we should know about and make it a priority to dine there at some point during our honeymoon. Also, bugs, distance from the airport, fun places to shop, etc. if the mood hits us. We are both VERY excited and would love to hear from all of you about your experiences and advice on Provo. <BR>Thank you so much, <BR> <BR>Sean and Heather <BR>Honeymooning end of June, 2001 <BR>email at [email protected]

anon

Ah yes the famous Sean and Heather. I see you have made up you mind on your honeymoon destination. Glad to see you have a nice spot. Have fun it sounds like a perfect spot.

emargarb

Don't miss Anaconda at the Grace Bay club - try the blue colada!! The beach is second to none.

xxx

1. do not rent a car for your entire stay (maybe for one or two days) - the best beach area on the island is right in front of your hotel. The best right-off the beach snorkeling is a 15 minute walk down the beach in front of "the white house" and coral gardens. <BR>2. taxis are expensive - check at your hotel for the latest rates. <BR>3. do something on the water - maybe a catamaran trip. <BR>4. Walk on the beach - it is VERY safe and no one will bother you. <BR>5. If you rent a vehicle, try to get one that can take you out to Malcom Roadstead on the western side of the island. Drive through Blue Hills and where road forks - take the left fork and head up over the hills until you see the ocean again. Note the road is very rough and rutted. But at the end of the road are untouched beaches, beautiful little coves and nothing else - bring water and a snack.

stephanie

Not to burst anyone's bubble, but we were at The Sands recently, and talked to some people who ate at the Anacoana restaurant mentioned above. They said that for how outrageously expensive it was, it wasn't all they great. I know on our honeymoon we were'nt loaded with extra money to throw away so I thought I'd mention that. Heard that the restaurant, Bay Bistro, at the Sibonne hotel next door to The Sands was very good. We liked Bela Luna italian also. <BR> <BR>There is a small catamaran that sits on the beach at The Sands. You just sign up to use it and some lifejackets. My husband had never used one, but figured it out, we went, and it was awesome! Try it! <BR> <BR>One more thing, you may already know this, but there is a shuttle that goes from the hotel to the grocery store on some mornings. There is also one that takes you to restaurants at night and picks you up at some set time, I think 11:00. They might be good alternatives to rentals and taxis. I believe they are included, the only expense being tips. <BR> <BR>Congratulations, what a beautiful place for a honeymoon!!

Lara

Disagree with the assessement of Anacaona. We dined there in Dec and thought the food was quite good. Prices are comparable to big-city U.S. dining ($20-30 per entree). Nice ambiance, too. <BR> <BR>Other places you might want to try in the same price range are Coyaba at Coral Gardens resort and Grace's Cottage at Point Grace. <BR> <BR>These three restaurants were definitely the tops in Provo. There are menus for these restaurants online, so you can take a look and see what's available.

sharona

<BR>Hi Sean and Heather. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. In November my husband and I stayed at Point Grace, just next door to The Sands. Since the restaurant at Point Grace hadn't opened yet we ate lunch at Hemingway's every day and had dinner there one evening as well. It's quite good and service is also good. I'll also second Lara's advice on Anacoana. Dinner was very good and the setting is beautiful and romantic. But I'll have to give the biggest thumbs up to Coyaba at Coral Gardens. We ate there twice and if we had discovered it earlier we might have eaten there 3 times! But I also heard that Point Grace's restaurant was luring the chef away so you might want to double check that. <BR> <BR>I also don't think it's necessary to rent a car for the entire stay. Taxis to dinner may run you $20-25 round trip (Point Grace provided van service to several restaurants. Perhaps The Sands does as well.) but Jeep rental will set you back about $400 for the week. I would rent a Jeep for just a few days. <BR> <BR>We didn't have any problems with bugs but you might want to take some bug spray just in case for your feet and ankles. I did hear someone complaining about the no-seeums. <BR> <BR>I believe the Grace Bay beach may be the most beautiful beach I've ever seen. It's really wide with wonderful white, powdery sand and of course it's reputed to be 12 miles long. I can't attest to that since I didn't walk the entire length. But it's a fabulous beach, Providenciales is wonderful, and I think you've made an excellent choice for your honeymoon.

gary

Just retrurned from N. Caicos & Provo. <BR>N. Caicos - stay away from Joanes B&B!! <BR>I could go into a long rant but do not want to re-live the experience. <BR>The island itself is beautiful and desolate. I encountered less than 20 people in my 48 hour stay. <BR>Provo- if you have the funds rent a 4x4 but not necessary for your entire stay. <BR>You've made a good choice for your hotel, Grace Bay is very nice. As far as things to do: Dive, snorkel, walk on the beaches, eat fresh seafood and get to know your new bride. Island hoping is not a bad way to break up the week. Flights are $30.00 one way to most of the other island in the chain. My best tip is take plenty of sunscreen and get a base tan before going. Also if you drink alcohol buy some at the duty free before boarding the plane and take a flask. <BR> <BR>

danny

Stayed at Ocean Club condos on Grace Bay and I think it is probably the nicest place on Grace Bay. The most "beautiful beach" maybe in the Caribbean except maybe some on St. John U.S.V.I. Don't need car except maybe one day to see the island and that won't take you long! Take some "bug spray" for the walks on the beach at night and be sure to put some on your feet and legs! Try the conch fritters at almost any rest. and you will like! People are friendly and most are helpful. Ride a bike around for about $10 a day. The beer is not much cheaper at the grocery store but you'll save alot over a weeks time if you have a frig. in your room. It was about $1 a beer at the grocery compared to $3 a beer at most bars. Go to the bar/rest. at Ocean Club condos on Grace Bay beach and have a cocktail or beer and just hang out if you want good conch fritters and nice scenery. They also have a happy hour with free snacks and munchies a couple times a week that's pretty good. We were there July 1999 and the weather was perfect. Don't know anything about the place you're staying. Good snorkeling at the "white house" beach - probably the best I've seen anywhere and I've seen alot. Take a cab or snorkel the day you have the car because it is not real close to Grace Bay. Congratulations- have fun!

lp

Just returned from Allegro (near the Sands). Contact me for any info on the beach, shopping, etc. We snorkeled. Beach is magnificent. The best vacation I ever had for R&R. Great Honeymoon island! We went without our 2 children ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!