Hi,

Just got back from PROVO, in the Turks. IF you have any questions, just ask!

Nat

Hi Nat-
Hubby and I are staying at Sibonne for a week in May in the Beach Apt. Would love to hear any general impressions of the place, and if you felt you needed to rent a car to get to some of the restaurants further afield... Thanks!

We will be there May 30-June 6 staying at the Sibonne in one of the Premier Ocean Front rooms. Any information, especially about restaurants, would be appreciated. Looks like there should be enough within walking distance to avoid renting a car or spending a fortune on taxis - is that correct? Thank you in advance for your help.

We are having a hard time deciding between RWI and Sands. Leaning towards the Sands with our toddler. Did you get a change to tour either property? Any impressions. Thanks

Wow,

I stayed at the Sibonné and loved it!!! Ok I have loads of info for you..There is construction next door but it did not bother us in the least!! Only heard sawing one day out of 7! We rented a car for two days, just to get around. We said next time we would do it for the whole week. We dealt with Hertz near the airport, very nice and reasonable!!! Driving piece of cake...don't worry. Get's busy at night though!! There is also the Jitney way!!! If you walk down a road a white bus/taxi will beep to see if you need a ride, you wave your hand...and they take you anywhere for $ 3 US!! Never think of the shuttle Gecko, it is a scam!! Having the car allowed us to get water, booze, coke, and some snacks at the IGA (great place had everything). We snorkled at the coral gardens and at Smith's...great places!! Saw turtles, rays, and one nurse shark. Coral gardens great place to snorkle and eat!! Lunch good and reasonable right off the beach. We ate at the following places : Bay Bistro in the hotel (very pricey, but good). Calico Jacks (good food reasonable), Barefoot Cafe (great Conch fritters!!),Cafe Caico (little pricey for a lunch, french owned, good) Tiki Hut (great food and price, far from Sibonn&eacute, also ate at Coco's Bistro (need reservation, fancy, bring a camera!!!! the best amibance ever!!! Saved it to the end and should not have! I wanted to go back!!). Also went to Fish to Go and Smokey's (locals like it, good and cheap). And we went to Hey José (great mexican food and reasonable). Lastly Bonnies for more conch....cheap beer, pool table, and internet. It is right on the road to the Sibonné.

Now we did not go to the fancier fine dining, Orchid's, Hemingways, Anaconda, or Coybas....we had our $$$$ meal at the Bay Bistro for dinner...plus did not see reason to spend on fine dining every night, at the fancy hotels...however if this is your thing...then you might enjoy this.

We went to the Iguana Island, rented a Kayak ($ 20/hour) from the marina, nice but hard work ocean kayaking not like a lake here in Canada. It is $ 5 US and the tour is quick..and then you go! We went to the Hole, and other stuff.

Anyhow..we loved it, we were not bothered by the development growth, would go back tomorrow!

Tips: Cheapest beer at Ports of Call in Liqour store.

Bring an underwater camera/ own towel sometimes they are short at the desk

Sibonné staff very few, and not too talkative, they never offer more then you ask...and even then might not get an answer!! LOL The bar, good but pricey, get your own put it in your fridge in your room!!

Major complaint: The tiki huts at the beach, limit of 8 (I think). People go stick towels down there at 8am, or earlier and leave for the day. I found this rude, because it gave people apperance that it was taken. And trust me you will need shade at some point. So...I guess you should plan accordingly. One day I went and moved in and when the people showed up 3 hours later and wanted it I kindly said "sorry but I needed the shade and you were not here...." and continued reading. I would NEVER of reserved a spot, just took a chance. I guess you just plan if you want to stay on the beach that day get a spot, and stay there. If not you chance it, or you will have to take over for some rude person who dropped off stuff early and let.

Anyhow I am at work...so read this and ask anything I forgot I will check back!

Nat

Hi mnag!

Nope did not see the resort, but saw it from the beach...The sands looked busier...more stuff going on. Both good...the kids will love the sand, bring snorkles ...coral gardens a must see!!!!

nat

Thanks for all the info Nat-sounds like you had a great time. I've heard the same complaints you had about towels and people saving spots early on the beach. I'm hoping in May it will be a little less crowded...
My only other question -
what did you think of the hotel atmosphere - the rooms, the bar and restaurant (aside from the price), the pool etc. I've seen pictures, but it's just hard to tell what it's really like.

Hey Nat, thanks for all the info. Planned a special birthday trip at Coral Gardens for my husband. It's a party for 2 for 8 days. Anyway, we do like tasty food at reasonable prices. I do like happy hour tips, places to watch the sunsets and should we plan on buying alcohol there. We will probably bring golf clubs to play Provo golf club. Will try snorkeling. Do you have to know what to look out for in the water or is it all safe? Never snorkelled before. How much for a rental car for the week? Thanks for info.

Hi mmcliff,

Best price for booze is the liquour store in Salt Mills Plaza, right near Ports of Call. Get a jitney to take you there!

Sunset was beautiful from anywhere on Grace Bay!!! My pictures of the set were great, one is going on the wall.

At Coral Gardens there is a large pop of fire coral, that would burn you if touched. It is blocked off by rope and red markers, and there is a person watching people incase they do not get it, she whistles you out of the area if you go in. The water is deep though, I never came close. Other then that...all is good!!

Make sure to go to Coco's Bistro, make a reservation, bring a camera, get dressed up....you will never forget it!

Nat

thanks for the info Nat.

If you stay here ,you will need a car. Driving here is very easy,and many of thr reastaurants have good specials on different nights.

To Nat--The conch fritters at Barefoot Cafe are one of our favorites. They are actually called Island Escargot and come from the conch farm. They genetically engineered a conch and snail to come up with Island escargot. have also created a Bonsai conch which is smaller and matures in two years rather than four. Aqua in Turtle Cove has a great pecan crusted conch dish. The conch appetizer at Sharkbite is also very good. Sharkbite in basically a bar with video games but you can eat out on the deck. The almond crusted grouper with a coconut, rum curry sauce is excellent. Great conch at Bugaloos out in Blue Hill too. Further out than Smokeys.

Halfcaff--Sibonne is like an old time Caribbean Inn before there were meag resorts. The pool is circular and quite small. Fine for a dip coming off the beach. Don't know if Junior is still the bartender but if so he's really a great guy. Have a drink at one of the tables in the bar area and have him deliver it on his head. Quite a talent.

Hi!

Just want to reply to the inquiry about Royal West Indies. We have taken our two boys (7 & 8) there twice and are leaving for the resort again this Saturday. Great small contained resort so children can run around from pool to pool and hottub. Definitely better landscaping than the Sands. Check out TripAdvisor.com for further reviews of both resorts. It's always been really helpful. Enjoy!

I agree that RWI is the best place to stay. We were there with two families last April and not one complaint . We loved it!!

halfcaff there is a site with virtual tours of hotels (a little better than still photos) - www.travelhop.com perhaps this could help you.
nat05, thanks for the great trip report!
mncliff - the cheapest rental car seems to be from provo rent-a-car for 250/wk, national says 264, provo fun cycle 294. there is a complete list at www.provo.net