Luxury, all-suite accommodations on the white sand beach of Grace Bay. Oversized balconies complement large, graceful suites and offer space for quiet daydreaming, fine dining, family play, and soaking in the sounds and sights of our island's turquoise heaven. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Turks_and_Caicos/sandsresort/hotel/417/1/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:20:54 EST The Sands at Grace Bay offers the discriminating traveler a degree of luxury and quiet privacy rarely encountered. All aspects of the resort suggest a warm, relaxing atmosphere where there is an emphasis on superior amenities and friendly personal service. Each suite at The Sands at Grace Bay has been designed to capture the incredible ocean views and lush tropical scenes of Grace Bay, one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches on Earth. It just doesn't get any better. You are invited to soak in the scenery with floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors opening out to the sea or gardens. Oversized and beautifully furnished in a traditional Caribbean flavor, each suite comes complete with amenities that provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience - from an in-room washer and dryer to large, fully-furnished balconies. Located only 80 minutes by air from Miami, The Sands at Grace Bay feels like a world away. The perfect beach, spectacular views, spacious and beautifully appointed suites, The Sands at Grace Bay is the perfect combination of seclusion and sophistication. The size of the suites at The Sands at Grace Bay outranks most Caribbean hotels and provides the space for guests to enjoy real vacation living. Large screened balconies overlook the ocean or grounds and are furnished for hours of lounging or entertaining. By day, guests bask in the sun alongside one of our free-form swimming pools or on the sands of our pristine beach. For those seeking a bit more adventure, world-class diving, a variety of water sports, golfing or day cruises to secluded islands are the order. Providenciales also offers many quaint boutiques for fun shopping excursions and a number of historical attractions worth visiting. By night, the stars shine inviting guests to stroll along the beach in the moonlight or take in the evening's beauty with a gathering on the dune deck at Hemingway's Beachfront Restaurant or on their own private balcony. AMENITIES: ACTIVITIES: The Providenciales offers activities to suit every taste. Featuring spectacular white sand beaches accompanied by numerous water sports and a championship golf course, the island also has a number of sightseeing opportunities offering visitors a glimps into its fascinating history. As well, interesting shopping, fine dining, and live music are all a part of everyday life on Provo. For those wishing a little gaming action, Providenciales also hosts the only casino in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Experience the beauty Mother Nature has bestowed upon our part of the world. Plan a trip to The White House or Smith's Reef for a snorkeling adventure or spend a day wrestling a blue marlin on a sports fishing charter. Explore the depths of the ocean on a dive expedition or choose a day to take it easy... lazing on the soft sand beaches or enjoying our complimentary recreational equipment. If the mood strikes you, you can also hit the weights in our gym or sweat it out in a match of tennis on our on-site courts (which feature lighting for evening play). Or you can indulge with Spa Tropique, a mobile spa offering facials, massages and other treatments in the comfort of your suite. Complimentary Recreational Equipment Azure blue waters beckon in a tropical paradise. Indulge in water sports at The Sands at Grace Bay through the complimentary equipment from The Sands. We are pleased to offer free use of kayaks, wind surfing equipment, masks and snorkels, bicycles and Hobie Cats. Simply inquire at the Tour Desk and we will be happy to reserve these non-motorized sports equipment for your personal enjoyment. After you have played in the sea and lazed in the sand, grab a complimentary beach towel and join us at the seaside pool. Savour tranquil moments relaxing with a cool tropical fruit drink and soaking in the warm Caribbean sunshine. Let our lush garden dotted with breezy palms set the pace for your holiday on Grace Bay. Complimentary equipment and services include: - Kayaks - Wind surfing equipment - Quality masks and snorkels - Bicycles - Hobie Cats - Pool lounge chairs - Fresh beach towels The Tour Desk at The Sands at Grace Bay is pleased to offer you unparalleled island excursions and fishing tours through a special arrangement with Turkoise Excursions, Provo's premier tour operator. Turkoise Excursions brings you a variety of sightseeing and activity options guaranteeing your time on Provo will be a memorable one. The variety of excursions available include: - Half and full-day private charters - Eco tours - underwater or by kayak - Half and full-day power boat cruises and safaris - Half and full-day fishing charters - Half and Full-Day Private Charters Take the time and treat yourself and friends to a customized excursion for a full or half day. Power or sailing vessel - the choice is yours. Eco Tours Come and join the staff of Big Blue and resident marine scientist on our educational Ecotour Adventures. From the mangroves to the natural history of the Turks and Caicos Islands. - Aquatour - take a closer look at the biodiversity and ecology of our underwater world. - -Kayak Ecotour - an introduction to coastal ecology. Kayak the mangroves and vist and iguana colony. - Crossing Place Trail - fly to Middle Caicos. Hike the nature trails. Explore the Conch Bar Caves and absorb the knowledge of the local guides. Half-Day Power Boat Cruise Choose from: Beach Cruise - Come and enjoy half-day cruising close to the white sandy beaches and touring secluded cays. Our most popular excursion will take you to see 4 different islands - including a visit to the iguanas on Little Water Cay, shelling for sand dollars and seashells and snorkeling the clear reefs. Native Cruise - Get native on our Native Cruise. You will first enjoy two stops for snorkeling on amazing reefs where you can dive your own conch or have your captain dive one for you. He'll then show you how to prepare it as he makes a delicious conch salad for you to enjoy. You also get to keep the shell. This is an exciting half-day that you will never forget! Full-Day Power Boat Cruise Choose from: - Island Getaway - get away to a small island for a fabulous picnic adventure. - Cave Safari - visit the limestone caves and sacred grounds of the Lucayan Indians. - French Cay - get shipwrecked on a deserted island once inhabited by pirates. - Island Discovery - discover Providenciales by boat to see the most beautiful beaches. - Half and Full-Day Fishing Charters Choose from: Bone Fishing - you may have heard about our elusive Bonefish. You'll spin cast in the mud flats for this fish. Get ready for a fight! Fly fishing is also available. Bottom Fishing - whether you're an old salt or new to this sport, you'll love Bottom Barracuda fishing. Troll the reefs for sharks and barracuda or spin tackle and bottom fish for snappers and groupers. Deep Sea Fishing - for those of you into Deep Sea Fishing - enjoy an action packed adventure aboard a 45' Hatteras Sportfish. Great for all levels of fishing. You'll get the assistance you need to catch the big one! The Turks and Caicos Islands are recognized worldwide for their record-size big game fish such as blue marlin and yellow-fin tuna. Some fish types that you can expect to encounter include red snappers, yellowtail snappers, mutton snappers, strawberry groupers, Nassau groupers, jacks as well as blue and white marlin, wahoo, barracuda, amberjack, sailfish, shark, bonito, kingfish, and yellowfin and blackfin tuna. Note that if your trip is successful, many of the local restaurants, including Hemingways Beachfront Restaurant, will cook up your catch for you! Each passenger over the age of 16 will require to purchase a US$16 fishing license provided by the charter service. The Sands' Tour Desk can arrange fishing charters for you prior to your arrival on the island. Generally a deposit will be required to hold your reservation and all fishing charters accept payment by VISA or MasterCard. For fly fishing, remember to bring your 9 weight rod with floating line and your sunglasses and wading shoes. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Hemingway's Restaurant Just footsteps off the white sandy shore of Grace Bay, Hemingway's provides a shady haven to enjoy cocktails and fine dining while soaking in the caribbean scene. Delight in open air dining while you are treated to local and international cuisine perfectly seasoned with Chef Brubaker's unique flair. Evenings are a romantic affair - candle light and tiki torches, conch shells and frangrant aromas, the swoosh of palm leaves and the sound of lapping waves - set to live music from the local band, quot; Tropical Soulsquot. From fresh lobster and Grouper Vera Cruz to Conch fritters (an island specialty), Hemingway's Beachfront Restaurant offers some of the island's finest cuisine. Located on the shores of Grace Bay Beach, Hemingway's features a casual atmosphere, friendly staff and an open air environment. Type: Resort Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Turks_and_Caicos/sandsresort/hotel/417/1/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:20:54 EST