Just back from 14 nights in Provo
 

Stayed at the Royal West Indies in a ocean view,did not eat at any upcale reastaurants,but had a 4whl vehicle for 2 weeks and saw alot of the island, and may be able to answer a few questions.

Hi Cooper,How was the Royal West Indies Resort? Was there any construction going on while you were there? Also,how did T&C compare to other places you've been? Did you like the island? Please fill us in on the details....thanks,Debbie

Royal West Indies was a great resort,very quiet,(was running about 30% capacity)and yes the construction was finished.Have been to several caribbean islands,and the only one I liked more was Anguilla.There is alot of road construction going on but you really have to have a car to get around,and if you want to go to Malcom's beach you should have 4whl drive. If you go to Malcom's beach,leave your car unlocked,as mine was broken into. I was the third one that my rental car co. had in a week.Also heard reports of break ins at Smith's reef.
This island is extremely easy to drive around on as there are really only two main roads,no traffic lights and very little traffic period. The only minor nusience was driving on the left.

Cooper... Cooper,

Details, Details Please:) What were your favorite restaurants? Also,
what were your favorite sights? Any words of wisdom? We leave this coming Monday for our first visit.

Thanks!!

We're leaving for the Alexandra Resort and Spa on August 30 for two weeks. Did you eat out at all? Where? I'm not interested in upscale restaurants. Would perfer local places with catch-of-the-day type menu. Any suggestions? Mostly going for rest and a little snorkeling.

Shirley,
If you like local food, there are some really awesome places to eat on Provo.

We were there for two weeks and ate at most of them. There was one place right on the highway that the locals said was dirty, so we did not go there.

The places we went and really enjoyed were:
Mackie's - my personal favorite
Where It's At
Smokey's
Bugaloo's - great conch salad and a hub of local social activity on Sundays

We did not have a bad meal the entire time, but the $20 dining experiences were every bit as good as the $200 dining experiences! Enjoy :)

Infinityrj
We ate at Tiki Hut (Wednesday is $10 Ribs and chicken very good,but you can only make reservations for partys of 6 or more so you have to go early-- by6:30ish)
Tuesday night Bannana Boat runs every entree on the menu 50%off,had a $25 filet for$12.50,also had a tbone which was very good. These restaurants don't look like much,but are owned by the same guy that owns Mango Reef,and are right on the marina at Turtle Cove.We also at at Sharkbite and Bacci(VERY GOOD) which are located right next to these.Danny Bouy's has a prime rib special on Friday's (19.95)which was not bad.If you just want a good burger or something light,Calico Jack's would be my choice.Thursdays Barefoot Cafe has a special on fajitas($15) which was fantastic.I also thought Coco Bistro and Bugaloo's was very good. I also heard Mackie's and 3queens was very good local food.
Favorite sights were on the all day boat trip with J&B tours up to Middle Caicos,the water color and clarity were amazing.
Words of wisdom,rent a car,don't walk on the roads(no sidewalks=very dangerous)limit your casino time,buy your booze at Discount Liquors ,

Cooper,

Thanks so much!! Can you walk on the beach at all - to another location
for lunch? Also, why limit your time
at the casino? I don't much care to gamble but the husband enjoys. Lastly,
were you able to get service on a cell phone? I appreciate all you dining
suggestions. I don't know what I would do without people like you and Howard. These boards are great:)

INFINITYRJ
You can walk to some hotels and restaurants via beach,which I was told was safe at night.The restaurants at Ocean Club (Gecko Grille gourmet )IS 15 minute walk toward Club Med,and the Fairways Bar and Grille (golf course VERY GOOD but only open for breakfast until Aug. 20)is across the street from OC. The other way you have Ocean Club West 15 minute walk and heard reastaurant was pretty good,(you can also cut through here to reach Ports of Call)Hemingway's at the Sands,and Bay Bistro (Sibbonne) are both very good but are an additional 30 minute walk.
The casino at (Allergo open 8-1 not 7-1)is a 10 minute walk from RWI on beach. I was joking about about limiting your time as I was losing consistantly.No dress code.
Re: cell phones, I did not bring mine but was on a submarine ride and they were working there.Also,beware of international 800 calls as a couple at our hotel called AA800# TO confirm flight and it cost them $38.

how does this property compare to Ocean Club? I remember Ocean Club from 9 years ago, when only Club Med was there, is that area very loud now that there are two more allinclusives?
Does the Royal West Indies have kitchen facilities the same as OCean club?

tj.
We stayed at Ocean Club West last July. It was amazing!!! It is NEWER than Ocean club per se. It is beautiful. We had onyl 10 percent occupancy rate when we were there. It's like we had the WHOLE island to ourselves! We went there on our honeymoon too.
We too ate at Tiki Hut. The food is of very good quality. Slow service but good food!lol.
Calico Jack's as cooper said is good for a burger..The service is ok. Alot of the restaurants are good on the island. Do NOT go to CAICOS CAFE! Poor service...but really worse..pricey food a bowl of pasta with 2 little bites of chicken was 25.00.. Wasn't into that place. Bring the bug spray too! if anyone goes!
Cooper? didnt you get bit by bugs? lol.I did..That was the only drawback there.. Plus as u said..the roads are of poor quality..We just got back from the cayman Islands..and their roads are much SMOOTHER.Yes and drive on the left side of the road there too!LOL>.
It is an experience!
We ate at the Gecko Grille . It was great! had surf and turf!excellent food to say the least!! pricey but awesome food!!!!!
Cooper? did u go scubaing or snorkeling on the j and b tour??

tjtravel
Imo Ocean Club looks a little tired,although all I did was walk around there.Everything was new at RWI,and the studio we had did have kitchen facilities.This included sink,large refrigerator,microwave,and toaster.It also had a washer and dryer.
This area is still very quiet,with just a few rumblings from Club Med.

Sunny,
We went snorkeling with J&B,in about 20 feet of water.It was a little cloudy but saw a few things.

Bugs were of no real signifacance.

Hi Cooper, Thanks so much for answering everyones questions. My husband and I are cosidering visiting t&c in October and were hopeing you could give your opion on a romatic, service oriented place to stay . We are looking at Grace Bay Club which I belive is right next door to R.W.I. Thank you!

Hello Hunt,

For information on GBC you can refer to my trip report regarding our stay at GBC in June/July. However, they are building villas next store and as of July they were not sure when the construction would begin. I would be more than happy to answer any questions. Feel free to email me at [email protected]

Hello again,

I just noticed that you did read my trip report and will answer your questions shortly.