Turks and Caicos: How we made it work for us

Breakfast at Sibonne Beach Hotel

Let me first start by saying that Turks and Caicos is not a budget location. You won’t find many of your typical all-inclusive mega resort here (Beaches and Club Med are the only two all-inclusive resorts on the island). Providenciales is a typically quiet, family friendly locale.

This was my third time on the island but my husband and son’s first time. I chose Turks after doing an intensive Google Flights research. I did a broad search; through in some dates and typed “Caribbean” in the destination box. I had nowhere specific I wanted us to go but I knew I didn’t want our flights to cost and arm and a leg.

Providenciales caught my eye several times (roundtrip fares from JFK on JetBlue started at $354). This was something worth looking into. I did some hotel research but the hotels that I liked were very expensive. So what’s the next best thing? Airbnb.

I spent a few days searching Airbnb accommodations. I knew I wanted to stay in the Grace Bay area and after a few days I found our Turks home - The Forever Young Island Condo. A five minute drive to Grace Bay Beach and a four minute drive to the supermarket. There was a balcony with a beautiful view of an inlet. The condo was spacious with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Perfect for our little family!

We rented a car and although gas was about $7 per gallon, most places we drove were no more than 7-10 minutes away.

The put-put that got us around!

We considered cooking meals but decided to eat out instead (it’s a vacation!). In hindsight though we should have at least cooked one meal per day. Eating out in Turks is much like eating out in Manhattan - the prices are about the same!

I really enjoyed the food at Mr. Grouper’s (lunch or dinner), Hemingway’s (located at The Sands Resort) for breakfast, and if you want to feel touristy and do the karaoke thing, check out Danny Buoy’s on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Thursday night is also the big fish fry in Provo!

Mr. Grouper’s Restaurant, my favorite!

Drinks at Mr. Grouper’s

Things to do?

Other than beach bumming, there isn’t really much to do. I love the beach and consider myself a beach hunter so I’m always on the lookout for an amazing one and Turks definitely has plenty! In addition to Grace Bay, we also visited Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay beaches.

The beach at Grace Bay

The beach at Sapodilla Bay

The sparkling waters of Sapodilla Bay

Taylor Bay was tricky to find but worth it. A unique feature of this beach is that you can walk several hundred yards out before the water will even reach your waist! I loved it but my husband wasn’t a fan (if you’re a swimmer I’m sure you can understand his frustration). I wasn’t able to get a photo of Taylor Bay; we weren’t there long before we got caught in a down pour!

Island Hopping

Did you know you can take a ferry and visit North and Middle Caicos from Provo? We did just that. Beautiful yet very secluded there wasn’t much to do there except to admire the scenery. We rented a car on North Caicos and drove over to Middle Caicos. Some of the beaches are difficult to find and you almost always have to go off-road to get to them. The round trip ferry was $260 (including the rental car) for the three of us. We caught the 9:30am ferry and returned on the 4:30pm one. We booked through Caribbean Cruisin’.

If you choose to make this journey, bring some OFF Spray with you. The sand flies (or “no-see-ums”) ate us up (it was so bad at one outdoor restaurant that I had to eat inside the car)! I think they’re much worse than mosquitoes because you really don’t see them.

*Places to see: Bambarra Beach in Middle Caicos (the bar & grill is really good - Aluardo is a cool dude!), Dragon Key Resort in Mudjin Harbor (Middle Caicos), also have lunch there if you can - the scenery is breathtakingly gorgeous.

Views of Bambarra Beach

The cave at Mudjin Harbor at Dragon Cay Resort

The causeway that connects North Caicos to Middle Caicos

We stopped at Miss B’s for breakfast and although we had arrived too late for it, the kind woman working the counter (and the kitchen!) still put something together for us. Nothing beats small island hospitality. Nothing!

Miss B’s signage on the road (look for this sign while driving)

All in all, we had a great time in Turks and I would totally do it again and stay at the same Airbnb.

My First Solo Trip: From An Introvert's Point of View

I had not initially planned to visit Nevis solo - I was hoping my husband would be able to come along with me. However, this was a trip that had been postponed due to the pandemic and I decided to re-book this trip during my spring break. As a middle school special education teacher, traveling during the school year does not allow for flexibility, therefore, when I am able to travel flight prices are usually astronomical (because every other teacher is traveling as well). For this reason, my husband was not able to make the trip with me.

So, alone I went. As the days drew closer to my date of departure I grew more and more nervous. What was I going to do by myself? Now, do not get me wrong, I enjoy being by myself and doing my own things on my own time. I love that. But being solo on an island far away from home? I thought that might feel different.

Day 1: Arriving in Nevis

I arrived on the sweet island of St. Kitts, excited to be back in the Caribbean. I was last to leave the airport because I had forgotten to do the online travel form (which requires approval via email before entry!). I had to complete this detailed form and then wait for the approval email, which only took about 15 minutes to receive. Thank goodness. After that, I was on my way to Nevis.

The Four Seasons Nevis transported me safely via taxi and water taxi (about a 20 minute ride across the channel to Nevis) right up to the resort (complimentary beverages were also served, I had a Ting). From the small pier we were met with smiles and cool face towels. I was escorted directly to my room, where my luggage was also brought to me several minutes later.

By this time I was ready to eat! It was roughly 4:30pm. I made my way to the beach (still in my travel clothes) and ordered a long awaited meal and drink (my drink of choice was Kendie’s Kick, created by Master Mixologist Kendie Williams, and has rum, vanilla rum, passion fruit, tamarind and lime - delicious).

Around 5:30pm the sun had started to make it’s initial descent (according to my trusty iPhone the sun was due to set on the island at approximately 6:27pm. I needed to be in my room by that time.

Let me pause here.

This was my second time visiting Nevis and though I felt extremely safe, I was still a female traveling solo. I did not want to be out by myself after dark. What’s my motto say? Island life through urban eyes, I am still a girl from the Bronx no matter where I may be.

Day 2: Beach Day

I had so many plans for my “me” time on this trip: I was going to get out of the bed early, do my morning stretches, journal, watch the sunrise, plan future group trips, etc. I did wake up early (usually around 6:30am, the sun was already up and shining bright) but I did not get to do any of that other stuff.

After breakfast I headed to the beach with my JBL bluetooth speaker and book. I stayed on the beach from about 9:30am to about 5pm. The ladies that work there on the beach are wonderful and attentive, they kept my bucket full of ice and water. Around noon I walked down the beach to Sunshine’s Bar and Grill, about a 5 minute walk from the Four Seasons. They were closed that day for a private event. I headed back to my room, sat on my balcony and watched the sunset, showered and ordered room service. I had planned to go to dinner on the resort but on second thought there were creatures out there in the dark - lizards, praying mantis, spiders, green vervet monkeys. I did not want to have a chance encounter.

Day 3: Day trip to St. Kitts

I was looking forward to this day because I would be meeting up with Yvette from Nevis Sun Tours. I previously met Yvette during my first trip to Nevis along with other travel agents. I was picked up from the Four Seasons promptly at 9:15am and met Yvette at the water taxi pier. From this pier, it was about a 15 minute ride across to St. Kitts (with one drop off). The sky was a bit cloudy and misty during the morning hours.

When we reached St. Kitts, we were met by our driver and tour guide for the day, Eddy. Driving through St. Kitts is probably one of the most scenic drives I have ever been on (St. Lucia driving is also very scenic). The sights are often breathtaking, from the mountain peaks down to the ocean and sea. St. Kitts is located in a region where you can literally see where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet. See: Timothy Hill.

Timothy Hill

In St. Kitts we stopped at Caribelle Batik/Romney Manor. The gardens are beautiful here and I got to see a demonstration of how batik is done (it must be the exact same print on the backside). Next, we visited the Brimstone Hill Fortress. Situated high above St. Kitts, designed by British Army Engineers and built by African slave workers, tells a story of colonization and struggle. After the Fort, we enjoyed lunch by where the Ocean meets the Sea at Arthur’s Restaurant and Bar. I enjoyed the vibes here, good chunes, food and waves crashing nearby.

Caribelle Batik Gardens/Romney Manor

Brimstone Hill

Arthur’s Restaurant

Once our bellies were full, we made a quick stop at the scenic Black Rock. On our way back to the pier, I had to see Timothy Hill one last time.

Black Rock

Back at the resort, I ate an early dinner at Mango’s near the beach. Enjoying a Kendie’s Kick, I curled up with my book listening to the waves crash while waiting on my grilled Mahi Mahi sandwich and watching the sun set.

Day 4: Another Beach Day

On this last full day, I was trying to decide if I wanted to spend a day at Chrishi Beach Club or stay at the Four Seasons. Although I loved the food and vibes at Chrishi from my first visit, I was quite content and comfortable just staying at the Four Seasons. I had begun quite the routine, I would find a quiet spot on the beach and park myself there for the rest of the day. After breakfast, I made my way to the beach around 10am.

Even though this alone time was beginning to feel like a lot, I still wanted to be alone. I did not want anyone to sit too close near me (especially if they had children) and I chose a spot that was far away from others. I had my speaker and my book - my two best friends on this trip. I ordered lunch around 1pm (with another Kendie’s Kick!) and then at 4:30pm I took another walk to Sunshine’s. This time they were open, and Sunshine himself not only welcomed me in, he brought out my meals , Sunshine Salad with red snapper and rice and peas. Another thing - One cannot go to Sunshine’s without having their signature drink, the Killer Bee, which packs a powerful punch, beware!

Menu and Killer Bee at Sunshine’s

I ordered BBQ wings to go and made my way back to the resort around 5:30pm. Back in my room I watched the sun set on my last day in Nevis.

Day 5: Going Home

I woke up at 6:00am, went to breakfast and was on the beach in my coveted spot by 8am. I planned to spend my last hours (I counted 3 of them) in the sun. As a structured person I truly appreciate The Four Seasons’ planning. The night before, I received a letter stating that my luggage would be picked up at 11:30am and that I did not need to be in my room for the pick up. Check-out would be at noon and I would need to be at the resort pier by 12:15. I had pre-packed the night before so that I could be on the beach early. Perfect.

At 10:56, I knew my time had come. Yes, I was ready to see my family, I was ready to not be alone any more but I was not ready to say goodbye to the beach; the sounds, the colors, the pelicans, the sand, the sun, the breeze, the kind ladies who managed the beach area. I did not want to let any of that go.

And so I cried.

Not a big blubbering messy one, but the kind where the corners of your lips sort of curl downwards uncontrollably and a few tears slip out. I always feel like this leaving the beach but this was the first time I actually shed tears. I was alone on this trip and truly alone on this beach as no one was around me. I was in a safe space and so I did not fight those feelings.

Would I do it again?

I’m not so sure. I appreciated the quiet time, but as I mentioned, it was a LOT. My instincts and intuition were on high alert at all times. I gave everything a second thought. I did not want to be out at night - even on the resort. Though I felt extremely safe at all times, the Bronx girl in me would not let me put my guard down.

I enjoyed being in the Caribbean 1,000% of course, however, I missed sharing the beauty of the islands with someone important to me. On my group trips, some of the best conversations are had on the beach and I missed that. Here is where I have to boast a little bit: I think I have done an amazing job creating the perfect getaway that combines the right amount of solo time to companionship time. I tell the ladies on my trips to gather as much or as little as they feel. Even as the host, I have never felt that I needed to be on anyone else’s time if I did not want to be.

If you are looking for a travel group where you can feel independent and still feel the protection of being part of a group, then join the crew here.

Virtual Vacation Series: Nevis Mango Festival (Final Day 4)

A view of the old sugar mill on our hotel grounds at Montpelier Plantation and Beach. Nevis Peak is right there in the background - Always by your side.

TIME: 8:30AM

I’m enjoying a quiet morning on my porch again with my cup of tea. I couldn’t return to Nevis without enjoying breakfast at The Four Seasons. Pick up is at nine - They have an AHH-mazing Coconut French Toast with Dulce De Leche sauce that cannot be skipped. We’ll be having breakfast there this morning. The property is beautiful, dress cute and be prepared for photo opps!

Today will be a pretty low key day - After the masterclass feel free to do what you’d like! Explore our hotel’s private beach (catch the complimentary shuttle from the lobby), you could also choose stay close by and lounge at the pool or venture into town and take a walking tour of historical Charlestown (Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace). We’ll meet up for one final dinner at Yachtsman Grill tonight (pick up at 8:00!) where there will be live music and great food - the perfect way to close out a great getaway.

After breakfast, we’ll be participating in a masterclass with Iron Chef Judy Joo!

Mango Coconut Tiramisu By Judy Joo

In the morning, we’ll be departing for the airport at 9:00. I had a great time (and gained the pounds to show it), thank you for *virtually* traveling with me to Nevis!

Travel safely, see you on the next one :-)

Virtual Vacation Series: Nevis Mango Festival (Day 3)

Enjoying morning tea on my porch

TIME: 8:30AM

Excited to see what Nevis has in store today at the Festival Cook-Off. I think I’ll have a small and simple breakfast this morning (courtesy of room service). I don’t know about you but I ate a whole lot yesterday!

TIME: 10:30AM

If you’re a fan of Top Chef or any other televised cooking competitions than this cook-off is definitely for you. Hosted at the cozy Cleveland Gardens, We have two cook-off chefs for this event: Erika Berecia Stapleton and Wentworth Smithen.

For Round 1, chefs are to prepare a dish of their choice within these guidelines: 1. Should be an appetizer 2. Contains mango 3. Contain a small portion of protein 4. Final plated dish should weigh no more than 6 - 8 ounces 5. Half an hour to complete and plate dish 6. Chefs must submit a list of ingredients for this round and 7. Chefs are allowed to walk with any ingredients they may need.

For Round 2, chefs are to prepare a dish using ingredients from a mystery basket. The chefs will have a total of one hour to prepare and complete their dish (15 minutes to plan and present the dish on paper and then 45 minutes to prepare the dish they described on the sheet of paper). The final product should reflect what they planned and presented.

For more details on the chefs and judges, click here!

Congratulations to Chef Wentworth Smithen!

TIME: 1:00PM

Time for lunch! I know this quaint little local spot called Yubrenta’s Bar & Snackette. Very unassuming and nothing fancy but I can promise you one thing: GOOD FOOD. I’ll be having the baked chicken with rice and peas and a passion fruit juice (an extra side of sweet plaintains would be nice too!).

After we’re done chowing down we’re heading to Chrishi Beach Club to kickback and unwind on the beach (maybe I’ll have desert here).

A view of the Yubrenta Bar & Snackette sign from the road

Yubrenta’s is a no-frills, unassuming local dining experience that boasts the most important thing: GOOD FOOD

Find a spot to hold you for a few hours, kick your feet up and enjoy the eclectic South Beach meets South of France vibes at Chrishi Beach Club. Enjoy a variety of good eats here as well.

A view of Nevis Peak from Chrishi Beach Club (didn’t I tell you it was like a friend that’s always by your side?)

The beach at Chrishi Beach Club (I believe that’s St. Kitt’s off in the distance)

TIME: 7:00PM

It has been a long, exciting and fun day overall and now I’m BEAT. Thinking about having dinner at Indigo or ordering room service. Looking forward to a peaceful evening or possibly meeting up with a few ladies at the bar at Indigo for more addictive conversation!

See you tomorrow, it’s our last full day on the island and the last day of the Mango Festival (where we’ll enjoy a Masterclass with Iron Chef Judy Joo).

Good night!