islandgurl

This is for bigredspring1. Wow....you just saved me from packing another suitcase full of coffee, creamer, detergent, etc. Thanks again. I was hoping that if the hotel was not filled to capacity, it would be easy enough for me to request an upgrade or at least a different studio on an upper level. I know that I will have a great time, since my main reason for going is for quality snorkeling. I am reallllly hoping that the clarity of the water and marine life are comparable to the South Pacific. It would be so much quicker and convenient to get to the Caribbean rather than Fiji or French Polynesia. As a huge thanks, I am going to have the plaintain encrusted mahi mahi on our first night at Hemingways.

Also, I really appreciated the posts from Eileen and Dove.

bigredspring1

Islandgurl: Can you bring me back one in a doggie bag? Oh, with a side order of conch fritters and a brownie sundae for desert!

cdt

Islandgurl: For snorkeling don't miss Smith's Reef. It's a shore snorkel but a bit hard to find. You also need to snorkel at the barrier reef (boat required).

We wanted to take a snorkel trip to Middle Caicos or North Caicos but they weren't running the week we were there (not enough demand, off-off-season).

We've snorkeled in some good places and Provo had the best corals I've ever seen. Fish life good but not spectacular.

Be warned that the water at Grace Bay is not always clear and calm. It varied a lot while we were there.

If the wind is from the east, which is normal, you should find beautiful water at Malcolm's Road Beach - reachable by 4WD or boat. There's supposed to be good snorkeling there but I guess we didn't look in the right spot - if you go, get some advice first.

DebRI

Message: bigredspring1 -- Thanks for the info! We are off to the Sands in three weeks. This will be our first vacation with our 15 month. We were originally going to Beaches and at the last minute I changed to the Sands.

Few quick questions. Do we need to bring sand toys -- if not does the hotel have some or is there a place to buy? I assume so but just wanted to confirm that Hemingways and the other restaurants have highchairs and kids menus. Finally, was hoping to take some walks with our 15 month old using the stroller -- don't know what the sand is like but can you use the stroller to walk on the beach if not are there paved sidewalks on the roads next to the hotel.

bigredspring1

hey deb...good questions...We brought a bucket/shovel thing with us. If you can fit it I would suggest it. Im sure you can buy one either in the convenience store at the Sands or at the IGA but Im fearful what you might pay for it. They have high chairs at Hemmingways and a limited kids menu. One thing, bring sippie cups. We ordered my son an apple juice one night- A) it was 3.50 B)they bring in it in a regular cup as if an adult was gonna drink it. Unless you have one of those all terrain strollers the sand is too powdery to push a stroller on the beach. We also had hoped we would be able to do this but no luck. We did take a walk to the Saltmills one day but you are walking on the road. In the day it was fine...in the dark I wouldnt try it. You will love watching your little one see new things. Just keep in mind its not the same vacation you used to take pre-kids.

mnag

We will be staying at the sands with our 20 month old in May. This post has been very informative. I just had one question. If we rent a car for a few days do you know if we should lug our carseat with us or could we rent the car seat someplace? thanks

bigredspring1

mnag...hmmm i dont know about the car seat...we brought it for him to sit in on the plane...that worked really well he was more comfortable in it i think...if you werent bringing it on the plane i bet the bigger rental car companies (avis etc) have car seats...my advice would be to bring it...even if youre not buying the little one an airline ticket, if the plane is not full they will let yuo use it in an open seat. On the way there the flight was not full and I was kicking myself for buying a seat. On the way home it was full and I was glad i had. Im not sure we could have handled the lap thing- although we brought a portable dvd player and that worked wonders.

massachusetts_mom

Three more questions....do the one bedroom garden views have screened porches? Is there a table on the porches or just chairs? Lastly, do the units have a VCR, CD Player, DVD player...or is it just a simple TV?

bigredspring1

easily answered questions...yes, yes, and no. more specifically: the one bedroon gardenview i had had a screened in porch...if they are on upper floors they are balconies...the porch had a table with 4 chairs and 2 like lounge chairs with a side table...our unit had 2 tvs no vcr/dvd/stereo- oh...it did have a clock radio! ask whatever you like- ill do my best to answer.

massachusetts_mom

Thanks again! So, you are saying that the upper floor balconies are not screened in....just first floor units? Did you go to the manager's weekly party at the Sands? I heard it was very nice. What night of the week is it on and what goes on...food? drink? band?

bigredspring1

The upper floor balconies are all screened in...very nice. The mangers party was on tuesday night. It lasts for about an hour and they have drinks and appetizers. They also have music. It was nice 5-6 I believe.

massachusetts_mom

Thanks bigredspring1...can anyone tell me if it will be buggy and humid in July?

bigredspring1

I cant speak for July, but I was amazed how few bugs we encountered in March. We brought bug spray and never even considered using it. Maybe the constant breeze keeps the bugs away.

TG

All porches are screened. Provo is LESS buggy and LESS humid than Cape Cod in July!

massachusetts_mom

Thanks for your responses...

bigredspring1

Absolutely right TG

beachgirl77

Hi,

I have a question for anyone, really that has been to the Turks & Caicos...My father goes there 3 times a year and swears that it is the most beautiful place, but my boyfriend and I (28 yrs old) are looking to go away late April and we're not sure if this is the place for us. My last vacation was to the Wyndham El Conquistador is Puerto Rico and it was PERFECT. It was in the middle of no where, beautiful and yet there were plenty of restaurants and daily activities. I definitely need to relax, but I want to be able to stroll through some stores if I get bored. Is this the place for me?

bigredspring1

hmmm...im not sure beachgirl. If you are looking for a lot of "activity" and shopping this may not be the place. If youre looking to relax on a beautiful beach and enjoy the ocean this is a good spot no doubt. I wouldnt consider Provo a mecca for shopping at all.

krb2020

we will be staying at the sands next week with our 9 month old- was a crib or pak and play provided? highchair?

jlbowers7100

Is anyone able to compare The Sands to Ocean Club West? We are going in Nov. We've been to OCW twice, but thought about trying The Sands for various reasons. This time we will be traveling with our two young children (1 & 3), my mother, brother and sister in law. If anyone has feedback on the 3 bedroom units at each place, I would greatly appreciate that as well! Thank you