amanda

My husband and I are thinking about traveling to Turks and Caicos I would appreciate any feedback on hotels, island environment, people etc. We just returned from Bermuda and loved it, also enjoyed Maui. Considering staying at Grace Bay Club. Any info would be great. Thanks

Cheryl

Hi,

I went to Turks 2 years ago and absolutly loved it!! Beautiful white sugar like sand and georgous water...very relaxing. We stayed at Beaches so I can't tell you anything about Grace Bay Club except for the fact that I heard its really nice. Try this Turks and Caicos board: http://www.interknowledge.com/turks-caicos/index.html

Cheryl

Kris

Where did you stay in Bermuda? I am going to the sonesta. Tell me all about it and restaurants. thanks

Tim

Amanda, if you've been to Bermuda and Maui I would definitely SKIP Turks & Caicos! Of course, you will be getting a lot of misleading info from people who have been there and think that it -- like Anguilla -- is just the greatest place on earth! In reality, both places are flat, dry and very unattractive islands, with only their beaches as their drawing card! If you expect to go out and tour Turks like Bermuda/Maui, I would say FORGET IT! There's also quite a bit of poverty there that people aren't telling you about! It's NOT worth going there just for the beach. You would be better off waiting for the new Ritz-Carlton to be finished on Grand Cayman, where the standard of living is more akin to Bermuda/Maui! Or, if you don't wish to spend the $$$ for the Ritz, then perhaps the Westin will suit you just fine!

Anon

You go Tim! Tell everyone how crappy T&C are so we can keep out the riff raff and enjoy the splendor of the islands without the crowds.

Karen

I'm with anon#1 on this one!! Why go to the Caribb but for the beaches?? LOL ... neither TCI nor Anguilla are the overbuilt highrise heaven that attract the thundering crowds from the cruise ships hoping to get off in a DizzyIsland experience. Or you can "luxurate" with the channel surfer in hand in the a/c'ed high rises ... and take elevators with piped in music to the beach!! There is little to do other than beach and water activities, it is laid back, not much commercialism ... with glorious beaches and that's what the Caribb is for!! You might want to check Meridian Club on Pine Cay which is even more "quiet" and has a great beach!

Lou

I would have to disagree with Tim and like anon and Karen, hope he continues going to the developed islands. We were on Provo last month and throughly enjoyed it - of all the islands we have been to (11 so far)Grace Bay is the most spectacular beach we have seen. If that is what you go to the islands for, then definitely consider going. Regarding what Tim said about poverty, we saw very little compared to other islands (and we had a car and dove all over). We stayed at Point Grace which was great but more of a condo type of accomodation. The service there was great. We had dinner at the Grace Bay Club and shopped in their boutique and it is a lovely property.

Diane

Amanda,

Diane

Amanda, Sorry I disagree with Tim. The beaches are beautiful,and the water is so blue. We have been there 2 times, 1 week the first year and 2 weeks the second year. Grace Bay is a beautiful place to stay. It is however a place to kick back and relax(why most people go to the islands) Hope you try the Turks.

Tim

Of course the beaches are very important in the Caribbean -- and the ones on Turks and Anguilla are glorious. But, in my opinion, the "total" island experience has to involve more than that, such as non-pot-holed roads and beautiful scenery! And, in my opinion, neither Turks/Anguilla fill the bill in that department -- not by a long shot! Neither island is really worth touring around at all!! They are the epitome of the "eyesore!" However, Amanda, if you want to see some really beautiful beaches, then by all means go. Just don't expect Turks to even remotely resember Bermuda or Maui!! Remember, you have been WARNED!!!

Carrie

Tim -- What are you smoking? You have an opinion on everything.

Karen

Maybe he isn't smoking ... LOL ...just not much of a geography student since this is "Caribb" topics and neither the islands of Hawaii nor is Bermuda in the Caribb!! My total island experience is measured in the length and number of beaches ... and I will be happy to share with you my "eyesore" pictures any day ... each spot seemed to bring the urge to snap it and bring it home ... by the way, there is a major redoing of the road on Anguilla ... Tim should be thrilled! LOL

Anon

Oh Tim, you poor thing, you are missing the whole point of an island experience. You have to experience it ALL.Pot holes and warts and everything. If you want an insular bubblized trip, you'd better stay stateside and go to a ritsy resort.

maria

I have heard from others that the TCI has great snorkeling. Can anybody respond to this and compare it to other great snorkeling in the Caribbean? Thank you in advance.

Maria

jmpbu

Went to Ocean Club on Grace Bay. Beach was spectacular, resort ok. Great place if you want to do nothing but vege and read a book. Too many reports of food problems if you eat off the resort and very little shopping available, poverty abounds and if you rent a vehicle - GET A JEEP!! You'll get stuck in the sand.

shari

We went to T&C last year and stayed at Grace Bay. Nice place but definetly get an oceanview room. I would avoid the restaurant unless you have the patience of a saint. The beach and water are beautiful but beyond that there is nothing much to see or do. Bring a lot of books. St. Martin and Grand Cayman are both beautiful with a little more activity.. Avoid shopping at any of the islands if there is a cruise ship in town. Have fun.

Anon

To jmpbu...we have been going to Provo for many years and the restaurants on the island are among the finest anywhere in the Caribbean. We have never gotten sick from eating food not served on the resort and as far as getting stuck in the sand without a jeep, maybe you should learn to drive. We have always used a car and never had a problem with sand or any other substance.

Joe Knapp

Why go to the islands if your not looking for the best beach, and that is Provo, grace bay. you cant find a longer beach (13 miles) with fewer than 5 poeple per mile in the carribean.
And the water, snorkling, weather? get real, no noise, no highrises, no hassles, hard working poeple. no venors on the beach, what else do you want, it even has a few palm trees.
Its doesn't have the best roads, but do you go to look at the pavement? no forts or history? go out west, las vagas is nice this time of year.

I went to Club Med 4 times, going to beaches in may, For The Beach!!! girlfriend is a beach nut, saw the pics I had and said Book IT!

JORGE

My family and I went to T.C in August of '97 and stayed at the Ocean Club. The beach is simply the best anywhere. The resort was very nice and clean. The service O.K. We are thinking of going back this August. As far as natural beauty, there is nothing to rave about the island itself. The only reason to go is for the beach and tranquility.
The roads may not be the best but for that try going to Germany's autobahns.
I recomend going out to dinner every night. There are several first class restaurants albeit expensive.
Bring your favorite books and have a real relaxing time!!!!!!!

JLQ

chris

Turks & Caicos is worth experiencing..no island is ever the same as the next. Not hte prettiest island but the beach was worth it.