BECKYI

Thinking of staying @ this resort next spring. As we have never been to T & C before, we figured Provo would be the place to start. As we have a 9 yr. old the smaller islands look quieter but maybe too quiet for he and my active husband. Anyone have any comments about this resort or any other resort recs? It looks very similar too Grand Cayman which we loved, but it was one of those one time visits, then on to something else (very commercial) Is Provo hopefully a little less comm'l??

Eva

Provo has gotten more commercial over the years, with the advent of all-inclusives there, but it is still a LONG way from being as commercial as destinations with shoulder-to-shoulder high-rises on the beach (though the very thought of jet-skis despoiling beautiful Grace Bay beach makes me shudder). I've stayed at the Ocean Club, and it seems like the perfect home base for a family -- condo-type accomodations with kitchens, a pool, a beach grill, a good restaurant, and one of the loveliest strands of beach you will ever see. But in terms of activity, its mostly water-related. You can snorkel off the beach at Coral Gardens a fair walk away from the Ocean Cluthough I understand that's gotten to be quite a popular spot, with many snorkelers not being very respectful of the fragility of coral), sea kayak, rent a Hobie (this is a BLAST), take a trip to a deserted island, learn to dive, rent a car and find your own beaches, play golf, tour the conch farm etc. What you won't find is much glitzy entertainment or shopping -- which is a PLUS, in my opinion.

Erika

TO EVA:
My husband & I will be in Provo in 3 weeks for the 1st time and we are trying to find things to do, so what is a HOBIE? I don't think I ever heard of that. Thanks, Erika

Eva

A Hobie is a small catamaran (sailboat with 2 hulls). Obviously, you need to have a clue as to how to sail one, but I'm pretty sure they will teach you.

Becky

Eva, Can you recommend another resort, the price is really steering me away from OCW, I don't want to be right next to Club Med, so I chose OCW which starts @ $500. per night oceanfront, as they dont' have any 1 bedrooms on the ocean. That is just too much off season for us, since we are not in our place all that much. They also don't seem to have a very helpful attitude which has turned me off. I really don't like the huge all inclusive resorts, actually would prefer to stay in a villa, but thought my son might like the fancy pool, etc., etc. Help, I would reallly like to find something nice in Provo. . .

Pat

Becky, don't let Club Med stand in your way of OC. You won't notice it except for the dive/snorkel boats going out. Most of the activity is on the far side from OC. We actually enjoy going over for one night for the dinner and entertainment. Our 10 year old loves it there. Also, the ocean-VIEW units (not ocean-front) are very nice, and much cheaper. We always opt for the 1-BR deluxe, 2nd or 3rd floor, which have a full BR and large living room with fold out sofa and 2 baths. Going next week! Pat

Kim

TO: Eva
Do you know anything about Parrot Cay?
It's located approx. 30 min. ferry ride from Provo.
Thanks, Kim

Becky

Thanks Pat, Maybe I will give OC a try, Do they have a nice pool area (not that I care about a pool, but I kind of wanted a semi fancy pool for my 2 boys (son and husband) that was another reason I was first attracted to OCW . And are you familiar at all w/ Coral Gardens? They boast offshore snorkeling which is always great. One more Question, as you have been to T&C previously is flying in and out fairly easy? Went to St. John last year which was fabulous, but the jaunt to get there was horrendous, which is why we picked T&C. (it least it appears to be easier to get to.) - thank you.

Eva

There are lots of alternatives to the Ocean Club, if the price or proximity to Club Med are not to your liking (I, however, found no problem with Club Med -- it was hardly noticeable). However, the only other place we've stayed in Provo was the Island Princess, which I can't really recommend as it was many years ago that we stayed (1993, I think) and it was a bit tired looking at the time. You might look into Le Deck or Coral Gardens; or look in the back of some travel magazines for villa rentals; talk to a travel agent as well. When I visited Parrot Cay, it was the deserted island we were dropped at for several hours; the resort there was under development and not yet a reality. I do understand, from reading travel magazines, that it is very upscale (read pricey) and secluded. As for getting into Provo, its very easy -- fly into Miami and then just a quick hop from there.

cathy

Becky,

I have been to T&C four times. Three times we stayed at Turquoise Reef (now Allegro) once at a private villa, and once at Ocean Club.
Ocean club was by far our best trip.

When We had initially tried to book Ocean Club we were turned off by the fact that they wanted to charge us full price for my 8 month old niece .
So instead, we booked a private villa on the beach right near the famous white house. There were six adults and one baby in our group. On Thanksgiving night of our first week, we were broken into as were a number of people staying in private homes. Since we have travelled extensively and consider ourselves pretty savvy travelers, it was an eye opening experience.

I would not recommend renting a private villa. If you have a problem, most of the owners are unavailable and their island rental agencies are not prepared for major problems. We were forced to move at 11:00 pm to the Comfort suites. They were extremely helpful and sympathetic to our situation. We only stayed there one night and ended up moving to Ocean Club. Comfort Suites was too far from the beach for our liking and has no cooking facilities. When we travel to the Caribbean, we always bring food which makes the trip less expensive and more relaxing. You don't need to dress up and run around to restaurants.

Ocean Club has two pools, beautiful units, security, plenty of umbrellas and towels for the beach. they also had a large chest on the beach with toys for the younger children.

If the price is really a turn off, people I know that have stayed at Allegro have really enjoyed it.