TCI Conch Festival Returns November 27-28

Posted by TurksTraveler on Friday, November 20th, 2009 · Filed in General, Good Eats, Other stuff you should know about, Things to do · Add a comment

A Turks and Caicos tradition continues on November 27-28 with the 6th Annual Conch Festival. This year there is a full line-up of events and activities to celebrate the islands’ most famous delicacy, historical icon, and number one export. The popular beachside event will take place on Saturday afternoon, November 28, in the Blue Hills area of Providenciales. The marquee event of the weekend is the ‘conch-etition’, which pits the island’s best chefs against each other in a hotly-contested tasting competition judged by a panel of experts as well as the Festival attendees. More than 25 restaurants are expected to compete for the cash prizes and bragging rights this year and an entry fee of $20 gives Festival-goers a chance to sample all the dishes entered and cast a vote for Best in Show.

There will be special Conch Competitions for conch blowing and conch knocking, live music and a mojito contest. Plus the biggest prize of all will be the cash prize of $10,000 drawn at 5:30 on the day of the festival by the Rotary Club of Providenciales as part of its annual Pot-of-Gold raffle.

This year, a special pre- Festival event will be held Friday evening, November 27. Held on the grounds of the luxurious beachfront Somerset Resort on Grace Bay, the Friday evening event features local jazz musicians performing under the stars on the resort’s croquet lawn. While listening to smooth tunes, guests will enjoy a gourmet conch-themed dinner presented by host chef Lauren Callighen of The Somerset’s O’Soleil restaurant, who will be joined by guest chefs and Conch Festival judges, Dean Max award-winning chef and owner of several highly regarded restaurants in the US and the Caribbean; and Clay Conley, head chef at Azul in Miami’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

For more information, go to www.conchfestival.com

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Christmas Panto is Fun for All Ages

Posted by TurksTraveler on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 · Filed in General, Other stuff you should know about, Things to do · Add a comment

Photo courtesy of Tropical Imaging.

There is a non-profit organization the Turks and Caicos called the Friends of the Arts (TCFAF) and they do wonderful work in promoting and teaching kids and adults about all sorts of artistic endeavors - music, dance, acting, etc. They regularly sponsor visiting groups of performing artists to come to the islands and encourage kids to participate more in performing and visual arts.

One of their signature events every year is the Christmas pantomime - or ‘panto’ (the history of British Pantomime dates back to the middle ages, and usually blends a well known story line or traditional fairy-tale elements with a combination of slapstick, buffoonery, dance and music. “Panto” is a staple in the British theater diet during the Christmas season.).

Photo courtesy of Tropical Imaging.

It’s a rollicking night of music and laughs and the folks at the TCFAF raise the bar every year. The show is written, produced, directed, choreographed and performed by an entirely locally-based team of more than 60 volunteers, underwritten by the TCFAF.

This year they will put on the 2009 edition of the panto, called “A Little Caribbean Mermaid and the Enchanted Ring.” It is the story of a young lobster fisherman who encounters a beautiful mermaid, and a very special ring, while searching for treasure instead of lobster. There are traditional panto elements such as audience interaction, the ‘Dame’ and lots of entertainment for the children.

Dates for the performances are December 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12. Tickets will be on sale by the end of October at IGA Supermarket, The Unicorn Bookstore, and through www.tcfaf.com.

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Restaurant Newcomers in TCI

Posted by TurksTraveler on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 · Filed in General, Good Eats, Other stuff you should know about, Things to do · Add a comment

Turks and Caicos has a well-deserved reputation as a dining mecca, with a wide variety of world-class cuisine, talented chefs and finely-appointed restaurants attracting visitors all year.

A few new hot spots have opened in recent months that add to an already delectable collection of fine dining establishments. Add them to your list, along with a host of TCI classics that can be found here:

Lemon - a Mediterranean/Morrocan inspired menu and ambience that makes for a true escape from the tropical island feel of Provo. Menu features an array of aromatic and exotic collection of smells and flavors from an eclectic menu. Located just off the Grace Bay Road near The Sands, set in a lush garden setting (owing to one of its partner’s roots as a landscape designer).

Vino Tiempo - this is a new in spot located right in Regent Village in the middle of Grace Bay. It features a wide selection of small plates and tapas, to go along with the island’s best wine section and a cool urban vibe. Open late and an out door cigar patio is also available.

The Terrace at Seven Stars - New management has taken over Seven Stars, the 3-building resort that sits in the middle of Grace Bay. They have converted one of the resort’s luxury suites to be an intimate restaurant, called The Terrace. A price-fixed menu offers up fresh fish, meat and other traditional dishes, simply grilled and beautifully served on an intimate terrace overlooking tropical gardens and glistening Grace Bay.

Bagatelle - Located at the uber chic Gansevoort at the west end of Grace Bay, Bagatelle takes a page from its roots as a neighborhood bistro in New York’s meatpacking neighborhood and adds a full blown portion of Turks and Caicos tropical “wow.” Known for its vibrant energy (live music, beach bonfires), it offers an exciting and playful addition to the TCI dining and nightlife scene. Poolside dining on the resort’s floating sun areas and a beachside café also available.

Vix - This November, the newest addition to the TCI dining scene opens in The Regent Village in the heart of Grace Bay. The Vix Restaurant is part of the group that runs the Villa Renaissance and Regent Grand resorts, and will also support the new Regent Village conference facility. A diverse menu features the freshest local and seasonal ingredients and its open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner seven days a week. The Vix also offers guests of the Regent Grand and Villa Renaissance the ability to charge meals to their rooms as well as room service facilities.

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West Jet offers non-stop service from Toronto to TCI

Posted by Island Insider on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 · Filed in General, Other stuff you should know about, Vacation Specials · Add a comment

Our friends in Canada now have even more ways to visit us thanks to WestJet, which has launched a new, seasonal non-stop service between Toronto and Providenciales. The inaugural flight departed Toronto International Airport at 10:00 a.m. MT today and touched down at 1:50PM, to the delight of the 140 passengers escaping the imminent winter up north.

Toucing down in TCI from the Great White North

WestJet will fly between Toronto and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos three times per week from now until May 1, 2010. It joins Air Canada in offering non-stop service from Canada, which this winter is introducing weekly service from Montreal and Ottawa to go along with thrice-weekly service from Toronto.

“The Turks and Caicos islands are an exciting new adventure for WestJet,” said Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet Executive Vice-President of Strategy and Planning. “We are going to keep expanding our reach into the Caribbean, because we know that Canadian travellers want to get somewhere hot each winter!”

Following are the schedule details of WestJet’s new service.

From November 4, 2009 to May 1, 2010:

    Toronto - Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (three times weekly until
    May 1 2010)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Flight                             Departure                     Arrival
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    From Toronto - WS2668              10:00 a.m.                   1:50 p.m.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    From Providenciales - WS2669        2:45 p.m.                   6:45 p.m.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

One-way fares, available in both directions on non-stop flights only, are available from $149, plus applicable taxes and fees. Fares are available by calling WestJet’s Sales Super Centre at 1-888-WESTJET(937-8538), your preferred travel agent or by visiting www.westjet.com.

WestJet Vacations offers customized vacation packages for most of WestJet’s scheduled destinations, including packages to Turks and Caicos starting at $869, plus applicable fees and taxes, for a seven-night stay. For more information, visit westjetvacations.com.

    Connect with WestJet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westjet

    Follow WestJet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westjet

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Great Winter Specials throughout TCI

Posted by TurksTraveler on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 · Filed in General, Other stuff you should know about, Places to Stay, Vacation Specials · Add a comment

As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns chilly up north, it’s a great time to head south to the Turks and Caicos for guaranteed warm weather, top-notch accommodations, award-winning beaches and hot deals. Here are just a few of our many special offers available to lure you away from the cold. Check out our accommodations page for all the fantastic Hotels, Resorts and Villas in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Alexandra Resort - Sand & Sea $$$ Saver

40% off Normal Rates this fall. Great saving into 2010.
Blue Water Divers - Four dive packages for the price of Three!

10% off rooms in Grand Turk, plus free diving package offer.
Club Med - $198 per night

$198 per night : Nov. 6 - 21. Fun sports events all month, including Olympian volleyballers.
Coral Gardens on Grace Bay - 50% OFF

50% discount for travel until Nov 30, or every 3rd night free from Nov 1 to Dec 19, 2009.
Northwest Point Resort - 40% Discount & Free Car

40% off for travel until mid Apr, 2010. FREE Car & 25% off dive/snorkel.
Royal West Indies - 50% OFF

50% off all rooms for travel until Dec 19, 2009. Usage of hobie cats, kayaks and bikes to explore the Grace Bay area are all included.
The Regent Grand - 4th & 7th Night FREE!

4th & 7th Night Free! Complementary round of golf and much more.
Turks & Caicos Club - 3rd Night FREE!

3rd night free until Dec 18, 2009 or enjoy Summer rates from Jan 3 to Feb 7, 2010. Rates include FULL breakfast.
Villa del Mar - 2 Nights FREE!

Book 7 nights, stay for 5 for travel until Dec 20, 2009 (includes airport transfer, breakfast & beach service). Great value in Grace Bay.
West Bay Club - 35% OFF

35% discount for travel until Dec 20, 2009 (not valid on Studios, includes return airport transfers, breakfast, $50 food & beverage credits).
Windsong Resort - Up to 30% OFF Holiday Vacations

Discounts on oceanfront suites booked Nov 2 - 8th for travel between Dec 19 and Jan 2nd for a min of five nights.

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Winter Whale Watching

Posted by TurksTraveler on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 · Filed in General, Other stuff you should know about, Places to Stay, Things to do, Vacation Specials · Add a comment

One of nature’s most dramatic shows is on display every winter in the waters just off the Turks and Caicos Islands.

It is the annual migration of humpback whales that pass by here on their way to their winter breeding grounds in the Dominican Republic. These graceful and majestic giants are a wonder to behold, and come close by all of our islands.

The best viewing is in the Columbus Passage that separates Grand Turk and Salt Cay from the rest of our islands. Tour operators in Grand Turk and Salt Cay offer whale watching trips so contact them directly for more information. Hotel accommodations are available on both islands, too.

But even the scuba and snorkel operators in Provo see the whales every year as they gently surface and glide through the waters. Observing the humpbacks is reason enough to pay us a visit between December and February, which is when they visit us.

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Find us on Social Media

Posted by TurksTraveler on Friday, October 30th, 2009 · Filed in General, Other stuff you should know about, People to Meet, Things to do · Add a comment

the social media bandwagon here in TCI. Blogs, Facebook, Twitter - we got ‘em all. Here’s how to find us at the Tourist Board on all these channels, plus a bonus list of some of the other popular blogs about Turks and Caicos. So become a fan or follower today.

Turks and Caicos blog - We Be Bloggin

Turks and Caicos on Facebook

Turks and Caicos on Twitter

Other cool TCI blogs:

  • MyTurksandCaicosBlog - a blog authored by the owner/managers of the Harbour Club Villas in the Turtle Tail area of Providenciales. One of Marta’s passions in life is photography, what better way to showcase her work than by putting them up on the blog along with short stories about where she was when she took them, what was going on, etc.
  • Tropical Imaging - probably one of the first real blogs on the island, Andy and his very professional team at Tropical Imaging writes about the many photo sessions that they take around the island.
  • Turks & Caicos Sporting Club - offers a very unique island experience from this gorgeous resort on the remote island of Ambergris Cay. View lots of video clips about their many charity events, fishing, and real estate opportunities
  • Remax Turks & Caicos Elite Blog - offers some excellent views on the many real estate opportunities, including market trends, eco tourism here in the islands, mortgage information, financing and much more.
  • DiscoverTCI - a new travel reservation and information site, they offer up inside tips, reviews and other piece of information only a local could provide

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Great deals this spring and summer

Posted by Island Insider on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 · Filed in General · Add a comment

If you are looking for a great spring or summer getaway to the beach, there are some GREAT deals to be had right here in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Long recognized for our unbelievable stretches of white sand, pristine waters and world class amenities, many of our most popular resorts are offering summer rates that make coming here even easier and more affordable. Plus, summer is our ‘low season’ meaning there’s even more room on our already uncrowded beaches.

Many resorts feature super-low room rates and are even offering 4th, 5th or 6th night free packages. Special bonuses and perks like discounts on spa treatments or dining are also available for summer travelers.

Air fares typically come down a bit in the summer, too, so instead of a long drive on hot, crowded highways to your ‘local’ beach, why not consider a short hop to the island this summer?

For sampling of some of the deals and packages available this summer, click here today.

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Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of…Bambarra

Posted by admin on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 · Filed in General · Add a comment

What would a Caribbean island be without its own rum? Recently some local entrepreneurs have introduced the first rum made here in the Turks & Caicos. The rum comes in traditional white and gold, as well as a premium version that is ideal for sipping on the beach, around the pool, at any of TCI’s restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

And, it’s not just smooth drinking - it celebrates an important historical and cultural aspect of our islands.

Bambarra takes its name from the settlement on Middle Caicos. This is the spot that was settled by the survivors of the shipwreck Trouvadore, which crashed on the reef just off East Caicos in 1841. The ship was a slave trader from Africa (with passengers coming from the village of Bambarra in East Africa), and when they made it to land in the Turks & Caicos they were granted freedom since slavery had been abolished years before in the UK Territory.

Ask for Bambarra by name when you visit Turks & Caicos and be sure to take home a bottle for your friends or as a souvenir. To learn more about the Trouvadore, visit the TCI National Museum in Grand Turk, or go to http://www.slaveshiptrouvadore.com/

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Save the Turtles!

Posted by admin on Sunday, March 22nd, 2009 · Filed in General · Add a comment

Loggerhead turtles have a long history in the TCI, dating back to when the first inhabitants arrived here and used them for food and other needs. But over-fishing and deteriorating environmental conditions have led to a decline in their population.

Our local Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) is urging the public to cooperate with a new project that aims to improve the management of the Turks and Caicos Islands marine turtle fishery.

The three-year Turks and Caicos Islands Turtle Project has been running since November 2008 and involves close collaboration between the DECR, the UK Marine Conservation Society (MCS), the University of Exeter’s Marine Turtle Research Group (MTRG), Duke University in the USA, and The School for Field Studies (SFS) on South Caicos.

“This new project seeks to gather as much information as possible about our turtles here in TCI so we can develop a plan to manage them in a more sustainable manner. That way, future generations can enjoy our turtles too,” said DECR Director Wesley Clerveaux, adding: “We are asking folks who find a turtle nest, who land or buy a turtle to eat, or who see turtles in the sea to call us with their information.”

The TCI turtle fishery is regulated by the Fisheries Protection Ordinance 1998. The Ordinance protects nesting turtles and their eggs on TCI beaches, but permits the capture at sea of any turtle weighing over 20lbs, or measuring over 20inches shell length, at any time of year. The new project came about in response to concerns regarding TCI’s own nesting turtle populations. Previous research by DECR, MCS and the MTRG indicated that TCI’s nesting populations of turtles have dramatically declined in recent decades, with nesting now rarely occurring on inhabited islands.

The TCI Turtle Project is coordinated in the field by Project Officer Amdeep Sanghera, a social scientist hired by MCS who is based in South Caicos. Amdeep works with Project Assistant Tommy Philips, a former South Caicos fishermen now employed by the DECR. Since November, Amdeep and Tommy have been meeting fishermen in South Caicos, Provo and Grand Turk to explain the project’s aims and to request their cooperation in developing a turtle fishery management plan.

In order to complement the data gathered by the project team, the DECR is requesting public cooperation and requesting that any sightings of turtles, turtle nests or turtles landed for consumption be reported to the TCI Turtle Project at 1 (649) 243-4895 or on e-mail amdeep.sanghera@mcsuk.org.

All information will be treated in confidence and will be of great value in ensuring that the project has national coverage and provides a full assessment of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ turtle populations.

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