Hi all,

I am a single traveller hoping to go to Turks and Caicos in the beginning of October. My question is which place to stay, either The Sands or RWI? I will probably not rent a car and am looking to do some snorkeling and maybe take a diving course. Is one closer to restaurants and good snorkeling over the other? Also have read about the construction. The less noisy the better! Thank you!

Hi Laurie,

Of the two, the Sands is more centrally located and a shorter walk to beach accessible snorkeling in front of Coral Gardens.

We've stayed at RWI and walked through the Sands, I'd think you'd be happy at either.

I don't think there is any construction immediately adjoining either. But there is construction all along Grace Bay. When we were there in May, it wasn't a problem.

Have a wonderful time, its a great island.

Ken

Thanks, Ken. I think I am leaning towards RWI because of the rate difference. I've heard and read wonderful things about both properties. Now I just hope the hurricane doesn't hit! Did you use either dive provo or sail provo while you were there?

Laurie

My personal preference would be The Sands. If price is an object you might look into Sibonne. (www.sibonne.com) which is a little closer to Coral Gardens. Small sort of boutique island resort. I have another suggestion which I prefer to address of line so e-mail me at [email protected]. Sail Provo does day sail/snorkel trips and gets good reviews. Dive Provo and Caicos Adventures are the two most popular dive operations. For half day snorkel trips J&B tours is good.

Good luck with respect to the hurricanes ...

We took a full day snorkeling trip with Sail Provo and had a very nice time. I've also heard good things about J&B tours, but we liked the idea of a large sailing catamaran.

Good luck on the trip! We were hoping to go back this November, but it looks like it'll be more like May '05 now. When we go we will definately go back to RWI. Its not as central, but we enjoy walking.

Ken

We loved RWI this past April. Renting a car to get to the snorkel spots was well worth it. The property is outstanding!

HowardC: it's me again! I noticed that you tend to recommend The Sands or Sibonne over RWI (depending on the poster's request). I was just curious if you find these properties more desirable, and if so, why? Thanks in advance.

Are either of these good for a vacation with my daughter of 4 years old?

I don't really know anything about Sibonne, but I would think any of several resorts in TCI would be fine for a 4 year old. We stayed at RWI, and looked around Sands and Ocean Club West and think you would be happy with any of them.

Ken

Lizzie--In regard to your recent question e-mail me [email protected]

HowardC: I sent you an email, and it was sent back to me as spam undeliverable. I tried to "unspam" it....let me know if you got it.

Got it--Will reply shortly

I stayed at The Sands with my family this past summer. We enjoyed this property very much! The restaurant Hemingways was excellent. Beach equipment was included, this is a big savings. The Sands is closer to great snorkeling at Coral Gardens, than RWI is. We visited RWI and it is a beautiful place.We had dinner there one night and I was not impressed, although my husband seemed happy with his meal. We ate out all week and never had a "bad" meal, but I liked the meal at Mango Reef the least. Coyaba at Coral Gardens was very good.Nice atmosphere and food at Baci's.Sibonne', right adjacent to The Sands was excellent. The construction is far enough from The Sands tnat you wouldn't hear it. Good luck, I think you'll love T & C !