Next up in our staff spotlight series, is another very important person at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa. One of the questions that always seems to come up with clients is – “What is there to do at Beaches Turks & Caicos?”
Travellers like to have a mix of relaxing activities along with things to do. Kids are even more concerned with activities than parents are. And as most travellers with kids know, if the kids are not happy on vacation, nobody’s happy!
Fortunately, Beaches Turks & Caicos has team members on staff who’s only job – is to make sure you have fun!! Attention to details like this help make the resort a world class award winning family resort year after year.
In this blog post, we would like to introduce you to Regdrick (Reggie) Beckford. I met Reggie on one of my last trips down to the resort and instantly knew this was a guy who brings life and fun into a vacation. Observing Reggie from a distance as he interacted with the guests made it apparent that he enjoys his job, and he’s damm good at it!!
I had a chance to sit down with Reggie at Beaches Turks & Caicos a while back and here’s what he had to say.
1. How long have you been at Beaches Turks & Caicos?
I’ve been here for 3 years.
2. Where are you from originally?
I’m originally from Freeport. Grand Bahama in the Bahamas.
3. What department do you work in and what are your day to day responsibilities?
I’m an entertainment coordinator, I plan and host activities both day and night time, and make sure the guests are happy.
4. Where can you be found most of the time?
Oh and you can never really find me in a specific area. My job entitles me to be all over the place at any time….LOL!!
5. What are a couple of your most memorable experiences working at BeachesTurks & Caicos?
Ahhh – most memorable experiences?!?!?! would definitely have to be the time i was in a guest’s wedding as a groom’s man and the time, and the fact that I met my current girlfriend at work!
The best activity I do with with kids would have to be my balloon war!!!! And as for the adults?!?!! Gotta be the beach volleyball tournament everyday at 4pm.
Editors Note – on our last trip down, Reggie & I took a picture for one of his friends who was a recent guest at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Here’s what Becca had to say about Reggie:
“I met Reggie at Iguana’s Pool one of the afternoons I was there. He convinced me to join one of the games they had going on at the pool that day. Reggie had this light about him that made me decide to join in the games for the first time. I have been to Beaches Turks & Caicos two times before and something about Reggie’s charisma made me want to join in the game, as well as other guests.”
“After talking to Reggie he realized that I was there with my family but I didn’t have anyone my age to enjoy the resort with so he would always make sure to invite me to the events. Reggie and his wonderful personality got so many of the guests to join in with the games and events on the resort and I saw the most participation in these games last year. With Reggie and his amazing personality.. I left the resort last year with a new friend and I am so excited to go back to my friends. Thanks to Reggie, Beaches Turks & Caicos feels like home.”
We couldn’t agree with Becca more. There’s just something about the place that keeps us coming back too. Even though we go through Customs & Immigration upon arrival, Beaches Turks & Caicos still feels like home and it’s quality, caring, top notch people like Reggie that bring it all together. Thanks for all you do Reggie!!
Beaches Turks & Caicos is a wonderful resort and there’s no disputing that. From the landscaping to the wonderful swim up pool bars, the food choices and the great service from the staff, you just cant go wrong. Countless awards from every corner of the travel industry further support their place & position in the hospitality sector. And then you have Grace Bay. This is a beach that has been called one of the worlds best year after year for good reason.
A little known fact, is that Turks and Caicos is made up of more than 40 islands and cays. Eight of them are populated and the rest left as nature intended. You will find that the shallow turquoise waters of the Caicos bank intersect with the outer coral reefs and the ocean terrain drops drastically from a 45-foot depth to 6000 feet. This wall drop-off is drastic, sometimes beyond vertical with many walls having inverted cut profiles. This is where corals thrive, growing humungous in size, and the fish life flourishes. The water clarity here is outstanding. Out of all the places I have been scuba diving, no other place compares.
This combination of drastic wall terrain, colorful and huge coral composites, and abundant schools of both small and large fish life validate scuba diving Turks and Caicos as a “must dive destination.” Ask any stateside dive shop that organizes dive trips, and they will probably have a trip that just returned, or is going to the TCI. Lately, there has been an uptick in Humpback Whale sightings on dives near NorthWest Point off the Providenciales coastline.
And what about Beaches Turks & Caicos? One of the reasons divers enjoy coming to Beaches Turks & Caicos, is for the diving program. Diving can be expensive, but totally worth it…ask any diver!! (grin). Butch & Adam Stewart took the all-inclusive program to a whole different level when they included free diving at all Sandals & Beaches Resorts for certified divers. From their huge fleet of Newton Dive Boats, to their top notch dive gear everything you need is right there.
Not certified but you would like to learn? That’s no problem either. Beaches Turks & Caicos has some of the most highly trained dive instructors on the island. In this blog, we would like to introduce one of our friends and considered by many, as the best instructor at the resort, Johnny Suckrajh. We had the chance to sit down with Johnny recently and asked him a few questions about himself, his position at Beaches Turks & Caicos, and the diving in Turks & Caicos.
How long have you been certifying divers and what’s your current level of certification?
I have been an ınstructor 12yrs now and my current level of certification is PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT).
• What kind of diving do you personally enjoy?
Night Diving.
• What do you enjoy most about instructing new divers?
Sharing my skills with someone new is always a great pleasure. I enjoy teachıng people and giving the a chance to explore what I do.
***Editors Note: One parent down at the resort had this to say about Johnny: “The best kids instructor! Johnny… you are in our hearts forever. You made the IMPOSSIBLE come true!”
• What is the most difficult aspect of instructing?
The hardest part about our jobs are teaching people with disabilities that they can Scuba too!! **Editors Note: Beaches Turks & Caicos became certified to instruct Disabled Divers under the Handicap Scuba Association (HSA) certification program not too long ago. We featured their certification on a past blog post that can be found here: Beaches Disabled Diving Program
• Have you ever failed to certify a student? Why or why not?
I have had to stop people during training because they’re not safe or are immature as a diver – so they are not ready for the diving world.
• If I am coming down to beaches and I don’t get you as my dive instructor, who is the second best instructor Beaches Turks & Caicos (grin)?
All of the instructors down here are top notch!!
• What is your most memorable dive?
My most memorable dive for me is when I saw a Hump Back Whale during a training dive.
Thanks for taking a bit of time out to let us know a little bit more about you.
No problem, come on down and lets go diving!
If you want to know more about the diving sites offered at Beaches Turks & Caicos, go to their Beaches Turks & Caicos Dive Sites Page or contact Island Breeze Travel at mark@island-breeze-travel.com to learn more about the Scuba courses offered at the resort or to book your trip down.
We are pleased to announce the opening date of the newest member of the Sandals family…Sandals La Source Grenada!
The resort will be opening for arrivals on December 12, 2013; bookings commence on March 23, 2013.
Tahiti Village Main Pool
A few of the highlights:
o 231 rooms and suites
o 3 villages: Pink Gin Village, Tahiti Village, and Italian Village
o Just minutes from the airport
o 9 restaurants including a world class steakhouse restaurant – Butch’s Chophouse
o 3 pools plus 2 river pools
o State of the art fitness center and spa
o Meeting facilities
o 75 butler suites including millionaires suites, rondovals and skypool suites
Romantic soaking tubs in all rooms and suites in the Tahiti and Italian villages
Oceanview Grande Luxe Bi-level One Bedroom Suite
This large junior suite includes a stepdown parlor area with an oversized sectional sofa, wet bar and flat screen TV. There is a large bedroom with a king size bed and flat screen TV. It also features a writing desk with USB outlets along with convenience outlets for 110 and 240 volts. The bathroom features a walk-in shower, freestanding soaking tub, and vanity and dressing unit. Walk-in closets are adjacent to the bathroom. The parlor area opens to a large balcony with soaking tub, oversized day bed, and dining table. Butler service included.
View: River pool and garden
Location: Floors 2-3 of the Italian Village
Oceanview One Bedroom Skypool Suite
On the fourth floor of the Italian village, these magnificent oversized suites feature a full living room with butler pantry, wet bar, indoor dining table, plush sofa and chairs, and flat screen TV. There is also a desk with wireless internet and USB ports. The double doors open to a luxurious bedroom which boats a king size bed, large flat screen TV and convenience outlets for 110 and 240 volts. The bathroom includes two Carrera marble vanities with backlit mirrors, Kohler claw footed tub, separate frosted glass shower and a frosted glass water closet. The bedroom opens for access to a cantilevered private plunge pool with an infinity edge. The flooring is made of Turkish ivory patika travertine natural stone with accents of pebbles and porcelain planks from Italy. This suite also has an oversized balcony with lounge chairs, dining table, and soaking tub. Butler service included.
View: Oceanview
Location: Fourth floor of the Italian Village
Some of our other favorites in the Pink Gin Village are:
Honeymoon Orchid Beachfront Suite
A large suite consisting of a living area with a sofa, chairs, cocktail table, and bar. The bedroom boasts a king size bed, ivory patika marble floors and flat screen TV. The bathroom has a water closet enclosed in frosted glass, extra-large basin with backlit mirror, Carrera marble vanity, and walk in shower with white subway tile and glass accents. There is an overhead shower and wall-mounted dual controls. The bathroom is further enhanced with pebble accented walls and Italian porcelain plank floor. There is also a window looking into the bedroom. Concierge service included.
View: Beach & Oceanfront
Location: Floors 1-3 of the Pink Gin Block
Bougainvillea Water’s Edge Oceanfront Suite
A large suite consisting of a living area with a sofa, chairs, cocktail table, and bar. The bedroom boasts a king size bed, marble floors and flat screen TV. The bathroom has a water closet enclosed in frosted glass, extra-large basin with backlit mirror, Carrera marble vanity, and walk in shower with white subway tile and glass accents. There is an overhead shower and wall-mounted dual controls. The bathroom is further enhanced with pebble accented walls and Italian porcelain plank floor. There is also a window looking into the bedroom. Concierge service included.
View: Oceanfront
Location: Floors 4 and 5 of the Pink Gin Block
Pink Gin Beach Walkout Beachfront Room
Located directly on the beach, you can walk out of the room and onto the beach. The bedroom features a custom mahogany king-size bed, flat screen TV and ivory patika marble floors and dining table. The bathroom boasts a walk in shower with subway tile and glass accents, an overhead showerhead and wall-mounted dual control. There is a window looking into the bedroom. The walls are pebble accented and the floor is Italian porcelain plank with an extra-large basin, backlit mirror, and Carrera marble vanity. Concierge service included.
View: Beach and oceanfront
Location: First floor of the Pink Gin Block
For more information on Sandals La Source Grenada and to book your next trip, contact us at 517-917-0510 or email mark@island-breeze-travel.com
In order to satisfy the high demand for Beaches Turks & Caicos over the US Thanksgiving Holiday, Beaches opened up arrivals for the Key West Luxury Village for travel as of November 24, 2013 and onwards. Booking may begin immediately.
In the very near future, Beaches will be announcing an earlier “official opening date” of the village.
Some of the Key West Luxury Village highlights include:
· Excess of 150 rooms, suites and villas
· The East & West Villages are composed of villas and two story buildings, reminiscent of Key West
· The Veranda House is a four story building housing magnificent rooms, one bedroom and two bedroom loft suites.
· Three and four bedroom villas on the beach with private pools that are as large as private homes
· All concierge with butler villas and suites
· Three additional restaurants
· One additional bar
· An additional state of the art fitness center
· Three additional swimming pools
· An additional kids center
· Fire pits
And the list goes on…
Below, please find category names & descriptions. Your Sandals & Beaches Resorts Certified Specialist Agent can assist with booking these reservations:
Dry Tortuga Luxury Room – DTG
Spacious and beautifully decorated rooms with marble tile floors, which step out to a balcony or patio. All rooms have a flat screen TV and spacious bathrooms with a shower and single vanity. Includes concierge service.
View: Garden or pool
Location: Veranda House
Max. Occupancy: 3 persons
Bedding: King bed, can accommodate a rollaway
Sunset Key Oceanview Room – SKO
Very spacious rooms with rich furnishings, marble tile floor, and a flat screen TV. Bathrooms feature a walk-in shower and single vanity. Rooms also feature a balcony. The room also has four large bay windows for enhanced views of the ocean. Includes concierge service.
View: Oceanview
Location: 3rd and 4th floor of the Veranda House.
Max Occupancy: 3 persons
Bedding: King bed, can accommodate a rollaway
Islamorada One Bedroom Suite – I1B
One bedroom suite features a master bedroom with luxurious cottage style furnishings representing Key West. Bedroom has a king sized bed and flat screen TV. Bathroom has a combination tub & shower with granite vanity. The living area features a dining table, sofa, flat screen TV and fully-equipped kitchen with state of the art stainless steel appliances. There is also an intimate terrace. Includes concierge service.
View: Garden and/or pool
Location: East Village and West Village
Max Occupancy: 3 persons
Bedding: Can accommodate a rollaway
Captain Morgan’s One Bedroom Suite – 1BG
This one bedroom suite features a master bedroom with luxurious furnishings representing Key West. Each suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen with state of the art stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. There is a large living room with flat screen TV and dining table. The master bedroom has a king sized bed and flat screen TV. The bathroom includes a shower with granite vanity. The suite also features a large balcony. Includes concierge service.
View: Garden and/or pool
Location: Veranda House
Max Occupancy: 4 adults
Bedding: King Bed + double pullout sofa bed
Sugarloaf One Bedroom Oceanview Suite – 1BO
This one bedroom suite features a master bedroom with luxurious furnishings representing Cape Cod and Key West. Each suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen with state of the art stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. There is a large living room with flat screen TV and dining table. The master bedroom has a king sized bed and flat screen TV. The bathroom includes a shower with granite vanity. The suite also features a large balcony with beautiful ocean views. Includes concierge service.
View: Oceanview
Location: Veranda House
Max Occupancy: 4 adults
Bedding: King bed + double pullout sofa bed
Gingerbread Two Bedroom Suite – G2B
These spacious one story, two bedroom suites have rich furnishings representing Key West and Cape Cod. Each suite features two bedrooms with king sized beds and flat screen TV’s. Bathrooms feature a combination tub & shower with granite vanities. The large living and dining area features a flat screen TV, dining table and fully equipped kitchen with state of the art stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The suite also boasts a terrace. Includes concierge service.
View: Garden
Location: East Village and West Village
Max Occupancy: 5 adults
Bedding: 2 king beds + can accommodate a rollaway
Parrot’s Perch Two Bedroom, Two Story Suite – 2BG
These suites have rich furnishings representing Key West. The living room and dining room with a breakfast nook feature a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel, state of the art appliances, a large flat screen TV and a dining table for 4. Bedrooms feature a king size bed and a flat screen TV. The large bathroom comes equipped with a combination tub and shower and granite counters. The suites are two story and some feature a spiral staircase. Suites also boast a balcony. Includes concierge service.
View: Garden and/or pool
Location: East Village and West Village
Max Occupancy: 5 adults
Bedding: 2 king beds, can accommodate a rollaway
Island Fantasy Two Bedroom Oceanview Mega Loft Suite – 2BO
These massive two bedroom loft suites are located in the Veranda House. They have rich furnishings representing Key West. The living room and dining room is open with a breakfast bar to the kitchen, which features state of the art stainless steel appliances. The master bedroom is located in a loft with a high ceiling and king sized bed. The master bath features an oversized tub and shower plus granite counters. The second bedroom resides on the main floor and has a bathroom with shower and granite counters. The bedrooms as well as the living and dining areas are equipped with flat screen TV’s. These suites boast two balconies with beautiful views of the Caribbean. Suites include butler service.
View: Oceanview
Location: 4th Floor of the Veranda House
Max Occupancy: 5 adults
Bedding: 2 king beds, can accommodate a rollaway
Bonefish Three Bedroom Villa – 3VB
These spacious villas are so large you will feel like you are in a private home. Each villa is three stories. The first floor boasts a full living room, dining room and full kitchen with state of the art stainless steel appliances. There is also a breakfast nook as well as a bedroom equipped with a combination tub and shower bathroom. The master bedroom is on the second floor and features hard wood floors and a flat screen TV. Large bathrooms have oversized tubs and granite counters. The third bedroom also has hardwood floors and a bathroom with combination tub and shower. All bedrooms feature king size beds. The third floor has either an outdoor relaxation area or sunroom. Includes concierge service.
View: Gardenview
Location: East Village and West Village
Max Occupancy: 8 adults
Bedding: 3 king beds, can accommodate 2 rollaways
Key Largo Three Bedroom Oceanview Villa – 3VO
These spacious villas are so large you will feel like you are in a private home. Each villa is three stories. The first floor boasts a full living room, dining room and full kitchen with state of the art stainless steel appliances. There is also a breakfast nook as well as a bedroom equipped with a combination tub and shower bathroom. The master bedroom is on the second floor and features hard wood floors and a flat screen TV. Large bathrooms have oversized tubs and granite counters. The third bedroom also has hardwood floors and a bathroom with combination tub and shower. The third floor has either an outdoor relaxation area or sunroom. All bedrooms boast king sized beds. Villa includes butler service.
View: Oceanview
Location: East Village and West Village
Max Occupancy: 8 adults
Bedding: 3 king beds, can accommodate 2 rollaways
Sand Key Four Bedroom Villa – 4BV
You will feel like you are in a private residence in these spacious villas. Each villa has three floors. The first floor has a full kitchen with state of the art appliances and granite countertops, a fully furnished living room with sofa, chairs and a flat screen TV and dining room that can easily accommodate six people. There is also a bedroom with hardwood floors and flat screen TV. The bathroom features a combination tub, shower, and granite vanity. The second floor boasts the master bedroom with hard wood floors, flat screen TV and walk-in closet. The master bath features an oversized jetted soak tub and granite vanity. The third and fourth bedrooms are also on the second and third floor and feature hard wood floors and flat screen TV’s. The bathrooms have combination tub and showers with granite vanities. Villa includes butler service.
View: Garden
Location: East Village and West Village
Max Occupancy: 10 adults
Bedding: 4 kings; 3 kings + queen; 3 kings + doubles
Big Pine Four Bedroom Oceanview Villa – 4VO
You will feel like you are in a private residence in these spacious villas. Each villa has three floors. The first floor has a full kitchen with state of the art appliances and granite countertops, a fully furnished living room with sofa, chairs and a flat screen TV and dining room that can easily accommodate six people. There is also a bedroom with hardwood floors and flat screen TV. The bathroom features a combination tub, shower, and granite vanity. The second floor boasts the master bedroom with hard wood floors, flat screen TV and walk-in closet. The master bath features an oversized jetted soak tub and granite vanity. Third and fourth bedrooms are also on the second floor and feature hard wood floors and flat screen TV’s. The bathrooms have combination tub and showers with granite vanities. There is also a sunroom and deck. Villa includes butler service.
View: Oceanview
Location: East Village and West Village
Max Occupancy: 10 adults
Bedding: 4 kings; 3 kings + queen; 3 kings + doubles
Key West Luxury Four Bedroom Beachfront Villa with Pool – 4VP
These villas are individual homes situated directly on the beach. Each villa has three floors. The first floor has a full kitchen with state of the art appliances and granite countertops, a fully furnished living room with sofa, chairs and a flat screen TV and dining room that can easily accommodate six people. There is also a bedroom with hardwood floors and flat screen TV. The bathroom features a combination tub, shower, and granite vanity. The second floor boasts the master bedroom with hard wood floors, flat screen TV and walk-in closet. The master bath features an oversized jetted soak tub and granite vanity. Third and fourth bedrooms are also on the second floor and feature hard wood floors and flat screen TV’s. The bathrooms have combination tub and showers with granite vanities. The third floor boasts a comfortable sunroom or private patio overlooking the beach and ocean. Outside, there is a large porch, covered dry area and a private pool. Villa includes butler service.
View: Stunning vistas of the beach and Caribbean Sea
Location: East Village and West Village
Max Occupancy: 10 persons
Bedding: 4 kings; 3 kings + queen; 3 kings + 2 doubles; can accommodate 2 rollaways
When we think of the Bahamas Islands, several things come to mind. Conch Fritters, Grilled lobster, great music, white sand and crystal blue water.
But what is there for the discerning traveller who appreciates upscale accommodations, expects peace & quiet or needs a little more privacy than the normal accommodations provide? Fortunately, one of the best resort lines in the world graces the shores of Paradise Island.
Named as one of the Leading Resorts and featured in countless luxury magazines is the One & Only Ocean Club and it sits on a fantastic stretch of beach on Paradise Island that boasts some of the finest, talcum soft white sand on the planet. The property is the former estate of A & P Grocery Store heir, Huntington Hartford who at one time was considered one of the richest men in the world.
Another nice feature is that the beach here seems to go on forever and looking down the beach from One & Only, at times you will be the only soul in sight.
Grounds
The grounds are kept in immaculate condition around the property. From Hibiscus to Orchids, the landscaping team needs to be commended for their work on the property.
Boutique Shop
If you come down with nothing more than the clothes on your back, the on property Boutique Shop offers most everything you will need during your stay.
Pools at One&Only Ocean Club
There are two pools at the One&Only. The Family Pool is for young children and the Versailles Pool for adults aged 14 years and older. A nice feature about the pools and the beach, is their concierge service that provides complimentary water, magazines, chilled water misters and sunglass cleaning services as well as sorbet poolside and fruit on the beach.
Tennis Courts
There are 6 Har-Tru Tennis courts on property that offer day or night play and also have an on-site tennis pro for your use.
Kids Club
The complimentary “Kids Only” club is stocked with all the items that kids of all age groups will enjoy. From X-Box, Wii and Playstation gaming to the latest Apple Computers. The Kids Only club also has a great room for the 0-4 year olds as well. There is also a very nice craft room where the kids can try their hand at making their own Junkanoo mask.
Bars
All the premium alcohol you would expect is represented here. From Hennessey to Dewars and Disaronno and everything in between….the bar is ready to serve your favorite. If we could add, the bartenders here are some of the best on the island!
Weddings
Weddings are very popular at One&Only Ocean Club Bahamas. The large wooden patio to the right side of the property as you face the ocean provides a fantastic backdrop for amazing wedding pictures and also serves as a great place for the reception.
In the case of inclement weather, The One&Only Ocean Club has a large, indoor setting that will accommodate a large group as well.
Events are also held by the Versailles Gardens as well. The exquisite gardens inspired by the romantic grandeur of Versailles are an ideal location for weddings or tented dinner receptions.
Maximum Capacities: Ceremony -120 guests / Dinner -120 guests (tent rental required)
Accommodations
The One&Only Ocean Club has 2 distinct wings, several cottages and the much sought after 3 and 4 bedroom Villas. Several different room accommodations are possible for singles, couples, or families of any size.
Private 3 and 4 Bedroom Villas
Because of our strong relationship with the staff at The One&Only Ocean Club, we were given exclusive access to the Hibiscus Villa #1.086. This 4 bedroom private villa has been the island home to countless celebrities, heads of state and their families, along with others who desire discrete privacy and can afford to be treated very well.
Walking into the villas, its clear that you have entered your own private world. The lush, but well manicured zen gardens provide a wonderful greeting and immediately help you realize this…is paradise found!
Walking through the front doors of the 4800 square foot villa, you are immediately greeted with wall to wall ocean facing sliding doors. Each of these villas are ocean front and come with their own infinity pool overlooking some of the clearest water in the caribbean.
Just picture yourself staring out into the wild blue yonder, not a care in the world, your favorite drink in hand and nothing but time to let your mind be still and at ease for a while. Many guests also appreciate that because of the villas elevated position and use of existing landscaping, that the pool area offers a added level of privacy from people who may be walking on the beach.
In the main living area, you have a large flat screen tv, 2 large couches, and 2 chairs. On the other side is a large dining table with seating for 8 comfortably with a fully stocked bar just steps away. A large vaulted ceiling also frames the room.
The bathrooms are well appointed with large, well lit mirrors, oversized walk in showers with rainhead fixtures, makeup mirrors and also provide plenty of space to move around. Another unique feature of the bathrooms on both sides of the villas, are their private patio areas. These private patio areas provide a secluded area within the villa to escape and read a book, sunbathe, or just relax.
This villa comes with your own Butler staff, private chef, and dedicated maid service.
Complimentary Amenities include:
Arrival Amenities
• Fruit and Cheese Platter • Bottle of Dom Pérignon or Veuve Clicquot • Cold towels
• Kids – Lemonade / Greeted by KidsOnly Club and handed a Welcome Pack
• One&Only Ocean Club Bag • Flower arrangement
Room Amenities
• Daily Continental Breakfast served In-Villa • Personal Villa Host and dedicated housekeeper, 24-hours a day • Canapés nightly • Crystal Geyser® Alpine Spring Water • Snacks – Chips and nuts
• Personal Golf Cart • Chocolate and bottle of water on turndown • Milk and Cookies – Kids
• Laptops • Fax, copy machine and scanner • Daily newspaper • Fresh fruit presentation- daily
• Kashwére robes and slippers • Pressing and shoe shine service
Its easy to see why the guests at Hibiscus Villas tend to never leave their Villa and even though the Hibiscus Villa is in the highest category price range, they sell out almost as soon as they become available so the strategy here, is to let the staff here at Island Breeze Travel know you are interested well in advance so they can keep in touch with the resort and reserve the villa as soon as it is offered.
Spa
Probably one of the most unique features of The One&Only Ocean Club, is their Spa Treatment Villas. These are not your standard treatment rooms, these are actual stand alone villas where Zen Gardens dream about living! I have been in quite a few spas during our travels but the Spa Villas at One&Only literally took my breath away. Speaking with the spa manager, several guests have a hard time leaving the spa because it is so peaceful. Your spa experience starts from the moment you walk through the front door as you are greeted by Sharie, one of the resorts long time employees and reasons why guests come back year after year. For some guests, it feels like their second home.
Sharie has personally witnessed countless guests arrive wound up so tight from all the stress they carry from their daily routines visit her at the spa and within one or two treatments, all that stress just melts away with the warm Bahamian sunshine.
Restauraunts
As with many of the world class resorts, One&Only Ocean Club does not disappoint.
From the oceanfront Dune Restaurant, legendary Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s creative menu of French-Asian dishes—with a dash of Bahamian flavors to our favorite, the Courtyard Terrace.
It features a fountain, reflecting pool and overhanging palms which create an elegant garden setting that complements the Mediterranean-influenced, contemporary cuisine served on select evenings.
A big thanks to our friend Myra Brown with One&Only for taking such great care of us during our visit.
For more information and to book your trip to the One&Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island, Bahamas please contact Island Breeze Travel, your One&Only Ocean Club Specialists at mark@island-breeze-travel.com or call us at 517-917-0510.
After almost two years of negotiations, Jamaican hotel magnate Gordon “Butch” Stewart has purchased The Veranda Resort & Residences, a five-star fully-inclusive property located on Grace Bay beach – http://www.verandatci.com/ The multi-million dollar sale to Sandals Resorts International by Faez Limited will become official on December 17th, 2012. The property will become known as Beaches Turks & Caicos “Key West Village”.
Mark Durliat, Chief Executive Officer, Grace Bay Resorts, said: “While the sale of this magnificent property was not anticipated so early in its establishment, we feel proud to have been the operators who established it as among the top five-star fully-inclusives in the Caribbean.
Our team will work hand-in-hand with Sandals Resorts International to provide a wonderful experience for all during the transition, and we remain grateful and indebted to our staff, without whom the success of The Veranda and its rapid growth over the past three years would not have been possible.”
Grace Bay Resorts, the developer and owner of the world-renowned Grace Bay Club, has managed The Veranda for the past three years since its opening in 2010, and will cease direct management and supervision of all operations, effective with the close of the sale.
The Veranda will be transitioned to Sandals Resorts International as an expansion of the award-winning Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa and will honor all previous bookings. Officials said Grace Bay Resorts will work closely with the Sandals Resorts International staff at The Veranda over the next several weeks to ensure a seamless and successful transition during the holiday season.
The Veranda, which is an $80 million, five star fully-inclusive 123-room residence-style resort, is located right next to Beaches Resort and Spa, with only a beach access separating the two properties. Sitting on 11 acres and boasting 800 feet of beachfront, The Veranda is made up of one, two, three and four-bedroom cottages and 40 studios and has a total of 168 keys. It is built in the Key West/Caribbean style.
Earlier this year, Butch Stewart and Veranda owner Andre Serruys of Britain, held several meetings about the multi-million sale which would make Stewart the largest single owner of beachfront property in Providenciales and increase his majority percentage of hotel rooms in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Veranda is an $80 million investment, but it was reportedly sold for around $100 million.
With the integration of The Veranda into Beaches Resort, the Butch Stewart resort will have a total of 875 keys and over 1,100 bedrooms, mainly suites, making it the largest hotel on the Turks & Caicos Islands. and being right next door to the main resort, guests will have several more pools, more restaurants and more of everything to enjoy.
Beaches Turks & Caicos employs around 1, 400 people and with the acquisition of The Veranda, that figure would go up to about 1,800 employees. It has one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and the third-rated barrier reef for scuba diving in the world. The hotel also boasts the largest water park in the Caribbean and with 16 restaurants, it has more restaurants than any resort in the Caribbean.
When Stewart first established operations in the Turks & Caicos he took over a small hotel of just 150 rooms with limited facilities. At that time, American Airlines was offering one flight a day from Miami.
In order to expand, Stewart chartered five airplanes from Continental Airlines to help create additional airlift. These aircraft serviced key sites namely Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia and Atlanta and had the effect of putting the Turks & Caicos on the map as a top Caribbean destination.
Details on pricing and availability are expected soon. Contact us if you would like to be informed on availability dates.
Mr. Gordon “Butch” Stewart and Adam Stewart have done a great job with Beaches Turks & Caicos, there is no disputing that fact. But as we have said before, you can build the best accommodations, fill it with luxurious linens, give guests incredible vistas to gaze at, and powder white sand to play on, but if the human customer service element is not there, all you have is a well placed pile of attractive bricks and marble.
Fortunately, The Stewart family and their management team at Beaches Turks & Caicos know this formula for success very well and have in fact, pioneered many strategies that other resorts have attempted to copy since the very first Beaches Resort hung out the ‘Open for Business” sign.
The Family Vacation experience doesn’t get any better than this, and Beaches Turks & Caicos piles up the awards to prove it……year after year!!
This week, we would like to acknowledge one staff member in particular at Beaches Turks & Caicos who tirelessly delivers a great experience for the guests day after day.
Norbert Davis and to those who know him by the name he prefers which is “Rum-Face” works at the bar in Club Liquid and he is considered by many to be one of the best bartenders at the resort. I had a chance to sit down with Norbert the other day up at Club Liquid and get a little insight from him and ask him a few questions about his job and daily life at Beaches Turks & Caicos.
1. How long have you lived in the Turks & Caicos Islands?
I have been on the island since Jan 12, 2004
2. Where are you from originally?
I am from the Parish of St Mary in Jamaica
3. What are your normal hours of work and what are the times for the kids to come to the club. Also, is there a time when the club is Adults Only.
The hours for Club Liquid here at Beaches Turks & Caicos are 6pm – 2am and we have the club open 7 days a week.
From 8 pm to 11 pm the kids in age groups 11-17 are here at Club Liquid and on Thursday & Sunday nights it is family night from 8 to 11 pm. All the hours are subject to change.
From 11pm to 2am the adults take over and we only serve alcohol during adult time.
4. What’s your favorite or signature drink to make and what’s in it?
Liquid Fire is my drink and it has coconut rum, gold rum, vodka, banana liquor, pineapple juice, orange juice and a splash of sugar – shaken – not stirred.
5. Most peoples lives are very busy these days and when on vacation, sometimes people like to cut loose a bit and have fun. What’s the silliest / craziest thing you have seen at Beaches Turks & Caicos?
Theres so many things that stand out but I love it when guests come to club & having fun dancing and having a good time. Plus when we can serve the guests quality drinks and give them great service it makes their vacation so much better.
6. Who are some of the celebrities you have taken care of at the Club Liquid Bar at Beaches Turks & Caicos?
We have had so many like several of the NBA basketball players like Jermaine O’Neal, and “Steve” Wilkos. the former Jerry Springer security guard. But every guest that comes through my door is a VIP.
7. What is one of the things you recommend to guests that they must-do while in Providenciales?
You should head over to the Island Routes tour desk and take a look at the tours available. Check out Iguana Island because thats always fun for the kids and the Kitty Cat Cruise is also a great choice. But the Bone Fishing Expedition would be my top choice.
8. Why should someone who is considering a trip to Beaches Turks &Caicos, but not quite sure yet, come there?
For families the water park is a big hit. The Sesame Street characters are very popular with the kids especially when you can bake cookies with Cookie Monster.
The white sand and the clear blue color of the water makes it great for snorkeling and diving.
Combine all of this with the beautiful, welcoming staff of Beaches Turks & Caicos really makes the resort a great place to visit and a wonderful place to come and relax. I want you to come down so I can take care of you and make it a great vacation.
As I am sitting here thinking about what to write about the BFF Girls’ Getaway at Beaches Turks & Caicos, my mind drifts back to just yesterday and having to say goodbye to all of the wonderful new friends we just met over the last four days and also, saying “I will see you next time” to all of the wonderful staff we just met or ones that we have known for some time. If anyone who has been to Beaches Turks and Caicos, you will know what I mean. BTC stays with you for some time even after you have left.
My two sisters and I went to the BFF event this year and it was a first time for one of them. It was the first time she had even been out of the country! Was she in for a treat!
The first day started on Thursday, Oct. 18 with a seamless check-in and registration. We were escorted to the Caribbean Village East Caicos Conference Room where there were tables set up for registration, a table to get our “goody bag” (more about that in a minute), a spa table, a table to sign up for a photo shoot and two tables of fresh fruit and cocktails! The whole process was seamless and well organized. Kim Sardo, who organizes the event, did a wonderful job to ensure that everyone was taken care of.
Now – on to the goody bag! After we were in our room, we opened our BFF event bag and we found our Itinerary with coupons for Paul Mitchell products, a $50 photo shoot coupon (good for 1 8×10, 3 5×7, 4 wallets and an 8×10 frame), another coupon for a free 5×7, 10% coupon off any resort gift shop, $200 coupon off spa services, 10 % off coupon for Dermalogica products, magazines from the sponsors, Fit Pregnancy and Shape, a Harlequin romance novel from the sponsor Harlequin, another bag from the sponsor, Be., a learning meditation CD from YOGAspirit Studios, hair products and brush from Paul Mitchell, a pair of earrings from Columbia Emeralds! I may have forgotten a few things as there were so many! All I could say was, WOW!
We spent the day on the beach listening to the waves and soaking up the sun. In the afternoon we decided to eat at The Jerk Chicken station in front of Arizona’s restaurant.
After lunch we lazed the day away on a pool float in the Cascades pool and then we grabbed a Dirty Banana drink from Andrew at the Italian Village swim up pool bar. The Italian Village pool has the best bartenders you can ask for! Whether its Andrew, Tedane, Orvin or Manuel. We never went thirsty!
Later that evening was the first event: Private Welcome Cocktail Reception with Kinect for Xbox 360. When we arrived there were yummy hors d’oeuvres, wine from Be. Winery, a full bar and there was an exclusive fashion show debuting the latest resort wear!
We could also try out the Kinect for Xbox 360! All of the sponsors were there to talk to and a DJ so we could dance the night away! After the party we dined at one of the fabulous 16 restaurants on the property.
Each day on the itinerary from 8:00-8:45 am was Seaside Meditation and from 9:00-10:00 am Seaside Yoga, both taught by Kim Valeri.
On day two we attended the SPA 101 class that taught us how to create our own spa treatments at home! I am going to definitely try the brown sugar, coffee grounds and coconut oil body scrub! It felt amazing!
In the evening on day two from 4:00-7:00 pm we had the Sunset Catamaran Cruise aboard the Kitty Kat. Before we boarded, we had a group shot off all BFF girls, all 118 of them! What a cruise it was!
We stopped mid-way so anyone that wanted to snorkel could. I must say that even those that couldn’t swim decided to snorkel because they all had to wear life vests and there were staff members in the water with them helping them if they needed it! All of the women that came out of water said it was “wonderful” or “awesome” and they would do it again!
We then stopped at Little Water Cay and were able to get off and go exploring, looking for shells and sand dollars. Unfortunately, it started to rain and we had to board a little early, but I don’t think anyone minded as there was a full bar, a DJ, dancing and lots of food to snack on!
Day three started with either or both, meditation or yoga. At 10:30 am we attended a “Tips and Tricks with Paul Mitchell.” A stylist from Paul Mitchell showed us the do-it-yourself styling tricks for hair types and textures and she shared the benefits of the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger products that we received in our goody bag!
After spending the rest of the afternoon in the Italian Village pool and meeting lots of new friends, we attended the Emeralds are a Girl’s BFF! At the Colombia Emeralds Boutique. They had specials on necklaces that matched our earrings in our goody bag you could purchase or browse the beautiful jewelry and receive 50% off of select jewelry! Of course let’s not forget we were able to sip on wine from Be. Winery! Yes, I made a purchase for myself, a beautiful black and white diamond starfish necklace! I deserve it, right?
We decided to have dinner at Kimono’s this night (the only restaurant that requires a reservation) and we had a great meal and lots of laughs….I volunteered to help cook the food! Thank goodness it was just flipping over the Mahi Mahi and I didn’t have to sing and entertain like the amazing chef’s do!
Day three ended with the event: Beach Bonfire PJ Party sponsored by Harlequin. We arrived on the beach and enjoyed a full bar, chocolates, Harlequin romance novels that we could take home, a bonfire and music to dance too! What a party! We ended the night with meeting new friends at Turtles Bar and dancing the night away at Club Liquid!
Day four arrived and we attended the Age Smart Eye Reversal with Dermalogica class and learned about all of the great products that Beaches sell in their Red Lane Spa. We were able to actually try the products and see how they work and the Dermalogica expert taught us methods on how to treat and prevent the signs of aging. Very informative! And I was able to use my coupon to purchase some products to bring home!
My sisters and I spent the afternoon on the beach enjoying our last day. We had a pedicure and enjoyed everything that this trip was meant to be: girl bonding and relaxation!
At 6:30 we had a photo shoot with Patrick Grant (in my opinion, the best photographer at Beaches) and he made us feel like we were models for the evening! At 7:00 we attended the Farewell Cocktail Party with Be. Winery and the Group Dinner at Schooners. We talked and laughed with our new friends that we had met on the trip and exchanged information so we could keep in touch!
There were lots of prizes given away: Hair products from Paul Mitchell, wine from Be. Winery, a 2-day trip to Napa Valley and a tour of Beringer Wineries, an Xbox 360 package, and a trip for two to the next BFF Girls Getaway in 2013! My sister, Debbie won a bracelet from Colombia Emeralds Boutique and I won a bag of Red Lane Spa products for winning a Twitter contest by taking a photo and tweeting about it during the trip! The most retweets won the contest. Yeah me!
The day arrived that we had to go home, was it just yesterday? My sisters and I were moving a little slower, not that we were tired, we were trying to extend the stay even longer even though we knew we couldn’t. But one thing was certain, we were coming back to Beaches Turks and Caicos next year and so were some of our new friends we had just met and I am sure if you are reading this, you may want to come also!
As we wrote our name in the sand (I was told if you write your name in the sand, you will be back…) and looked out at the turquoise blue water, I felt relaxed, happy and re-energized. I had bonded with my sisters in a way that only we will know and I felt content. This was the best girl-trip anyone could ask for!
Jo Jo, the infamous people-friendly dolphin who has lived in the waters around Providenciales for years, might soon have some competition.
The Turks and Caicos Islands government announced Oct. 4 that Dolphin Cove, one of the Caribbean’s leading tourism brands, has been granted a business license to create its fifth “swim with the dolphins” park in the Cooper Jack area of Providenciales.
If approved it plans to open in Spring 2013.
“This is potentially a very exciting development for the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said His Excellency the Gov. Ric Todd. “It is further confirmation of what we already know — that the Turks and Caicos Islands is a very attractive place in which to do business.”
With only a business license in hand, Dolphin Cove must complete all the necessary planning and environmental impact studies, government said.
The company is in ongoing discussions with Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environmental and Maritime Affairs officials to ensure that it complies with planning and the highest animal welfare standards.
Dolphin Cove already operates to the animal welfare standards required in the United States relating to marine mammals in captivity, government said. During 12 years of operation,
Dolphin Cove Jamaica has also demonstrated a strong contribution to dolphin educational and conservation programs.
Dolphin Cove Jamaica picked up the top award as the Caribbean’s leading adventure excursion operator at the World Travel Awards ceremony held last month in the TCI.
Island Breeze Travel note: we are hopeful that if this deal goes through, that our friends at Beaches Turks & Caicos will offer it through the on-property excursion operator, Island Routes. We will post updates as they become available.
For most of us, the best part of traveling is the people we meet, and the experiences that become our memories of the trip. From the staff that takes care of us to the food we eat, new friends we meet……..and the great drinks!
One of our favorite drinks down at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa is the Chocolate Martini. From the first time we had this drink it became clear that if we had to beg, barter, and eavesdrop to get the mix just right then that, was the mission.
One of our friends, O.D. normally works the chocolate parties and makes some of the best Chocolate Martini’s at Beaches Turks & Caicos. After stalking O.D. for about 45 minutes and enjoying several of the Chocolate Martini’s, we had the mix down.
First up, take your martini glasses and swirl a light coat of Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup – milk or dark Chocolate in a swirl or zig zag pattern on the inside of the glass. For an added level of chocolate awesomeness, stick the glasses in the freezer while you make the mix.
Take:
1 1/2 shot Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
1 1/2 shot Creme de Cacao – (sometimes we substitute 1 1/2 shot of the Rum Cream)
1/2 shot Vodka
2 1/2 shots half & half
Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice – shake thoroughly and serve immediately in your frosted, chocolated martini glasses.
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