Love is in the air

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, love is in the air in the Caribbean. What better place to enjoy a romantic getaway with that special someone than in the Turks & Caicos. It’s closer than you think and with more direct flights available this winter, it’s an ideal way to add some spark to your relationship.

Our islands feature luxurious resorts, rejuvenating spas and world class dining spots to spend quality time with your partner and rekindle that flame. Many of our resorts offer special romance packages featuring his and her spa treatments, romantic dinners for two, and special touches like champagne, chocolates and flowers to help enjoy your stay even more. Or how about an intimate candle-lit dinner for two on the beach, a relaxing sunset sail, or a private beach getaway to a secluded island? When it comes to romance in the Turks & Caicos, the only limit is your imagination.

Of course there are the miles of unspoiled sandy white beaches, fantastic diving and water sports, and endless warm sunny weather to tempt you to visit us, too - even if you’re single! And Valentine’s Day is just one of 365 days of the year that are always a good time to enjoy our Beautiful by Nature islands.

Enjoy our Valentine’s Day edition of Island Insights, and we hope to see you soon in the Turks & Caicos.

 
 

Spas in the Turks & Caicos: A Romantic Way to Relax

It’s incredibly easy to relax in the Turks and Caicos, but just in case you need a little extra help, try one of our spirit-enriching spas with your partner. There are several full- service facilities located throughout the islands, and some will even bring their services right to you in your hotel room or on the beach.

The top spas on the island offer a wide range of treatments, from massages to facials, pedicures and manicures to complete makeovers. Aromatherapy, reflexology, mud treatments and the latest European and Asian inspired massage techniques are readily available. Special packages for couples can make your Valentine’s Day - or any day - an even more relaxing and rejuvenating one.

Click here for a list of spas in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

 
 

Dinner for Two

Looking for that perfect spot to wine and dine your partner this Valentine’s Day? A secluded candle-lit table for two on the beach? Creative food, international wine list and scrumptious desserts to share? We’ve got you covered in the Turks & Caicos with some of the best restaurants and chefs anywhere.

Our dining scene features a range of romantic options. For beach front dining where you can hear the gentle lapping of the waves and feel the fresh sea breezes, try Anacaona at Grace Bay Club, Hemingway’s at The Sands, The Orchid at The Alexandra, or Bay Bistro at Sibonne. For a truly special experience, book a table at Amanayara.

Al fresco dining under the stars makes Coco Bistro, Opus, Magnolia, Atlantic Bar & Grille and Nikki Cafe popular spots, while Coyaba is a long time favorite for true romantics. Other elegant dining options include Grace’s Cottage at Point Grace, O’Soleil at The Somerset, Parallel 23 at The Regent Palms, Simba at Turks & Caicos Club, Mango Reef at Royal West Indies, and Le Pergola at Seven Stars.

If a restaurant just isn’t romantic enough, ask your resort for a private beach dinner - most will accommodate. Private chef services are also available for a romantic dinner without leaving your room.

To truly capture the magic of Turks & Caicos, check with one of our popular boat charters, like Sail Provo, Atabeyra or Kenard Cruises for a romantic dinner at sea on a luxury sailboat or motor yacht, or a private beach BBQ for you and your partner.

And of course, there’s always room service!

 
 

Diving Deep - Dive with the Whales with World Record Free Diver

From January 22-29, during the peak whale-migration season in the Turks & Caicos, world record holder free diver Tanya Streeter, will be resident at the Amanyara Resort, sharing her knowledge with guests.

Streeter, set a world record free dive in the Turks & Caicos in 2003 - plunging to a depth of 370 feet - and is a frequent visitor to our islands.

Amanyara will offer gentle stretching and breathing classes in which Tanya will teach the breathing techniques that helped her achieve her deepest dives. Streeter has a personal breath-hold of close to six-and-a-half minutes. She will also lead private sessions in the open sea, including snorkeling tours and free diving lessons in Amanyara Bay. She will be free diving around participants at depths of more than 50 feet. On dry land, she will host several short presentations and film screenings of her documentary “Diving with Whales” and will be available to chat with guests.

 
 

Speaking of Whales - Salt Cay is Back!

Salt Cay is known as the whale watching mecca in TCI and visitors enjoy its unique laid back charm and rustic feel. While this tiny gem was hit by Hurricanes Hannah and Ike in September, we’re happy to report that, thanks to the efforts of many people, organizations and corporations, Salt Cay has almost completely returned to its former self. The undersea reefs have retained their pristine beauty and divers are already hearing the call of the whales. Whale watching boats are ready to provide that once in a lifetime experience of seeing whales breech and spout only meters away. The Villas of Salt Cay, Pirate’s Hideaway and the Tradewinds Guesthouse are fully restored and ready for business. The friendly people of Salt Cay have a history of strength and resilience, so it’s no surprise that Salt Cay is thriving. Salt Cay is not just the Island that Time Forgot, but the “island that you can’t forget”, once you’ve experienced it.

The Villas of Salt Cay are offering a free whale watching trip for four with a full week’s booking. Check out this great blog for more information on Salt Cay, which has many useful links.

 
 

Beaches Italian Village Set to Open in January

Beaches Resort and Spa is set to open their new Italian Village on January 20th 2009. To celebrate the opening, great rates of up to 60% off, and free night offers are available throughout 2009.

The Italian Village will feature 162 luxury family suites, a magnificent collection of two-bedroom suites - all designed to meet the needs and wants of the modern day family.

The Italian Village will feature its own lobby, check-in area, 18 Imperial rooms that will also include Beaches Butler Service, a day bed and a pullout out sofa to accommodate four or more people. It will also feature five new gourmet-dining restaurants, along with brand new amenities, attractions and retail space to keep travelers of all ages engaged and enchanted.

The expansion project will add a brand new 45,000 square foot waterpark, ten times the size of the original Pirate’s Island area and soon-to-be one of the largest in the Caribbean, set for opening in March 2009.

With the addition of the luxury suites, and the current 453-room, the resort will then have 633 rooms - bringing the total occupancy up to just over 2,500 guests. Call 1-888-Beaches or go to www.beaches.com for more info.

 
 

Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend

Just because you’re more than 500 miles from the nearest shopping mall, don’t think you can’t get a memorable gift for that special someone. Turks & Caicos features lots of great shopping, including excellent deals on jewelry, watches, art and other accessories.

Popular spots include the Regent Village, home of Jai’s fine jewelry, and Salt Mills Plaza, with its several art and clothing stores. Ports of Call is home to several home furnishings stores, and next door is The Goldsmith. Most of the large resorts have boutiques and shops as well.

Photo Courtesy of Jai’s
 
 

Capture the Memories Forever

Your vacation to the Turks & Caicos can last a lifetime. This Valentine’s Day arrange for a personalized photo shoot on the beach with your love ones with one of our professional photography studios.

Tropical Imaging is known for its high quality and ‘personal’ work, and offers a wide range of packages for couples, families, weddings, or special occasions You can even have them do a private swimsuit shoot on a secluded beach and make believe you’re a fashion model for the day!

 
 

Happy Holidays from the Tropics

The holiday season is a festive one in the Turks & Caicos Islands, making it an even more attractive place to escape to when the snow starts to fly up north. There are plenty of events, and better yet, holiday specials on vacations that you can take advantage of well into the New Year. Take a look through this issue of Island Insights newsletter for great deals on hotels and information on more flights coming direct to our islands this winter. We hope to see you over the holidays or early in 2009.

Wishing you and yours the safest and warmest of holidays, and a Happy New Year.

The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board

 
 

Ring in the New Year in Paradise

Ring in the New Year in Paradise

New Year’s is always a fun time in the Turks & Caicos with celebrations and parties throughout the week between Christmas and New Years. New Year’s Eve features fireworks displays at many resorts, such as Beaches, Club Med and The Sands, as well as gala dinner parties and rocking events with live music at places like Ports of Call and Danny Buoy’s.

For their inaugural New Years on Providenciales, Nikki Beach is throwing a massive New Year’s Bash. More than 1,200 people are expected to ring in the New Year at Nikki Beach watching the official Ball Drop of the Caribbean. Nikki has constructed a huge Ball Drop on their beach that will count down the final seconds of 2008. Entertainment will include a Columbian Female Dance Troupe and Cirque performers from around the world. Tickets can be booked at www.mynikkibeach.net.

New Year’s caps off with a traditional junk-a-noo rush in downtown Providenciales at dawn. For those revelers still awake, it’s quite a display of music, dancing and energy as two of the leading junk-a-noo bands collide.