Check out the January 2012 issue of Ocean Home Magazine! On page 38 you’ll see a feature on the Turks & Caicos Islands, it’s fantastic that these amazing islands are getting noticed all over the world. If you’ve been thinking of buying real estate here, it’s time you started taking steps to secure your own piece of paradise, before our well-kept secret isn’t a secret anymore! There are still plenty of island hideaways, and we’ve still got lots of unspoiled charm! http://digital.oceanhomemag.com/issue/49578
TPR In Ocean Home Magazine
December 17th, 2011Landscaping in Paradise
September 13th, 2011
Using natural vegetation in your landscape plan, is a great way to create an environment that is truly Caribbean. It’s also one that will leave you far less frustrated than attempting to use plants that are not suited for the environment.
Here on Providenciales there is little in the way of topsoil, and most of the year we get very little rainfall. The rain we do get is quickly burned off by our hot island sun.
While cruising around the island, have a good look at the natural landscape. We have some incredibly beautiful flowering plants, some hardy and pretty cacti, not to mention many varieties of trees that can provide shade without being a burden on your cistern or water bill.
For more information you can check out the following book: http://www.amazon.com/conspicuous-economically-important-tropical-Caribbean/dp/0961261021/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1315416037&sr=8-7
And have a look at one of my favourite island plants…the Flamboyant Tree.
Shop In Paradise…
September 11th, 2011Shopping on Providenciales used to be sort of like a treasure hunt, only frustrating and without a prize at the end. But in the past few years, things have changed dramatically. It’s now possible to get virtually anything you could want or need, right here on island!
We are served by several grocery stores, my favourite is in the Grace Bay area and is called Graceway Gourmet. It carries fresh produce, great cuts of meat, a huge selection of dry good not to mention they have a fantastic deli with delicious meals, and a first rate coffee shop that can make any kind of fancy coffee you desire.
For clothing, we have Blue Surf Shop at The Saltmills which carry trendy casual brands like O’Neill, Billabong, and Reef. There’s also Philosophy Boutique where you can go to find casual clothes as well as dressier items for a night out, it is located at The Regent Village. At Graceway Plaza on Leeward Highway you can find a great bookstore, Unicorn Books, Flamingo Pharmacy, and another grocery store, the IGA.
These are just a few of the places I shop regularly, if you’re looking for a specific item, odds are your concierge – or your Realtor! – can point you in the right direction.
Dipping Into Energy Savings
September 9th, 2011Like most island nations, our utility costs can quickly get out of control in the hot months of summer. With temperatures creeping and humidity peaking, the benefits of a properly positioned home, with all the right features, can make a huge difference in your energy costs.
Here on Providenciales and the other islands in the Turks and Caicos, we enjoy a virtually year-round trade wind that often cool your home sufficiently, but the home must be angled to catch the breezes. Windows with shutters are preferable, so you can shut out the sun and limit solar gain – not to mention the rays’ fading effect on finishings and furnishings! Keeping your cooking out of doors will also help, that means BBQs and outdoor kitchens, all year long!
But one of the very best ways to keep cool is, of course, a relaxing dip in the sea.
Storm Days
September 7th, 2011
It’s been an active hurricane season, this year. Already we’ve got Maria named, and it’s only the beginning of September. Turks & Caicos Islands are fortunate to have been spared from serious damage from Hurricane Irene this season. Although there was some flooding, the main tourist area of the island was virtually untouched and it was business as usual on sunny Providenciales within a couple of days.
The hurricane season begins on June 1st and continues through November 30th each year. We rarely experience hurricanes here, but we are careful enough to prepare for the eventuality of a storm. Our resorts are built to hurricane standards of Florida, as are most of our newer homes. When we are faced with the possibility of a storm, we put up our storm shutters and hunker down with friends and families for what amounts to a “snow day” in much of North America. And as long as the storm is kind to us, to our neighbours on island, on other islands in the Caribbean and points beyond, we can usually be thankful for a bit of quiet time with those we love. Dominoes replaces Monopoly as the family game, but otherwise, it’s pretty much the same.
Royal West Indies Studio
August 11th, 2011
Everyone loves the Royal West Indies Resort. It’s a place people return to year after year, where the staff know you by name and go out of their way to make sure your stay is phenomenal.
If you’re looking for a way to turn your dreams of life in paradise into a reality you should check out this featured property:
A fantastic view of lush tropical gardens, divine pool and patio and spectacular turquoise waters awaits you from the balcony of this second floor 540 sq. ft. studio suite at Royal West Indies Resort. The Resort is decorated in traditional Caribbean Colonial style and offers spacious indoor-outdoor living space, 12 foot sliding glass doors, sleek mini-kitchens, washer/dryer, closet safe and comfortable furniture. The coveted Grace Bay Beach is just a few steps away along with new The Pelican Bay Restaurant. Conveniently located a short distance away is Provo Golf Club, shopping, restaurants and a casino. This property is an affordable investment with a favorable rental history.
To find out more about the suite visit our website: http://tprealty.com/offer-i-id-i-224-i-studio-suite-at-the-royal-west-indies-resort.html
Fore!
August 11th, 2011
People sometimes imagine life on a tiny tropical paradise might be a little slow. But I firmly believe we have just as much going on here to keep you occupied as you might find in any small city in North America. With the added bonus that we have a lot more free time to devote to our passions.
Take Provo Golf Club, for example.
The clubhouse features Fairways Bar & Grill, which tends to be the social hub of the island. Fairways is a great place to find tourists, locals, and residents coming together over their shared love of the sport, cool beverages and tasty food.
The pro shop has everything you could possibly need, and many things you won’t need but will simply want.
The course itself has been voted one of the top ten courses in the Caribbean! Take a les
son, play a round, hit some balls at the driving range or just head to Fairways for the view and some lunch.
Take a virtual tour of the course here:
http://www.skylabdesign.co.uk/360/provogolf/index.html
Best Beach
August 9th, 2011
Once again Grace Bay Beach and providenciales are the deserving recipients of the 2011 Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Awards top spot in the Best Beaches Category.
Did you know that it’s our beautiful Parrot Fish to whom we owe thanks for our spectacular white sand? It’s true! These beautiful fish are an important part of what makes the TCI so special.
As the fish munch on coral, it is digested and excreted as sand. One Parrot Fish can make 90 kgs of sand per year! So next time you’re snorkelling at Coral Gardens listen for the “crunch crunch” noise of Parrot Fish nibbling away.
Your Dream Come True?
August 8th, 2011Have you ever wanted to chuck it all and move to the Caribbean? Have you ever wondered what your life would be like, what your days would be filled with…how you might make a living?
If you’ve dreamed of moving to a little island and living out your days while still earning a handsome (and now tax free) salary, why not check out this amazing opportunity. Follow the link to read more about how Aquamarine Beach Houses could be yours…
http://tprealty.com/offer-i-id-i-129-i-aquamarine-beach-homes.html
Salt Cay
August 2nd, 2011
It’s time you learned about another of our outlying islands. One of my favourite places, in fact, is Salt Cay. Just look at this amazing deserted beach!!!
With a small year-round population of around 200, Salt Cay is a friendly island with a welcoming attitude. Though the second largest of the Turk Islands, the cay measures in at just 6.7 sq kms!
As you can imagine, everyone knows their neighbours very well!
The island was inhabited by Arawak Indians in the 1500s, though this native population was subsequently wiped out from disease.
Beginning in the 1600s the islands were re-settled by Bermudians who began the island’s main industry – salt production. Salt from the TCI was used for North American fishing fleets to preserve their catches and it helped preserve food for the American army, under George Washington.
Salt Cay is best positioned to observe our annual Humpback Whale migration. The waters surrounding Salt Cay offer shelter to birthing whales and nursing mothers. Some estimate that as many as 5000 whales pass by the island during the season which runs from Jan through April each year.
