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In the 18th century, survivors of a French shipwreck washed up on a
Caribbean island and called it La Providentielle. Later the Spanish
changed that to Providenciales and today it takes the affectionate
nickname of Provo.
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As far as places to wash ashore go, you couldn't do better. There is
something of a feeling of refuge to this little gem in the Turks and
Caicos Islands. This is not the place for wild nightlife and thumping
discos; this is a retreat to the simple beauties of beach and sea, in
a friendly island environment that is just a short hop from Miami.
Various Hollywood personalities have retreated to the Turks and
Caicos in search of that low-key, beauty-rich environment off some of
the more beaten paths of the Caribbean circuit. Bruce Willis, Oprah
Winfrey and Keith Richards own properties on the islands. |
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The Turks and Caicos even offer up their own version of the Grace
Kelly story. American actress and model LisaRaye McCoy became the
First Lady of the island in 2006 when she married the Honorable
Michael Misick, the Premier of the islands. (Read
more about her here.)
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Provo is home to glorious beaches including a 12-mile stretch of
gleaming white on Grace Bay that is renown throughout the Caribbean,
and in fact, the world, as one of the most beautiful. Calm seas lap
gently at your feet and the shore is perfect for a morning jog, an
evening stroll, an afternoon's lounging by gentle seas (protected by
offshore reefs) or even a late-night wade under the Milky Way.
An island vibe such as this calls for some accommodations akin to
home. Ocean Club Resorts offer two locations on Grace Bay, and the
spacious modern suites with full kitchens and laundry facilities,
plus screened in porches give guests a sense of residence. |
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Relax
or Play
Don't let the laid-back label fool you. There is plenty to do if you
tire of the beach: biking, tennis, world-class golf, sailing trips,
and plenty of snorkeling and diving and water sports. Guests have
access to the facilities of both resorts and can either go by shuttle
or take a leisurely walk along the sand to the sister property. Kids
are welcome, and the resorts provide toys for pool and sea, and
nannies to give parents a real break.
What
Lies Beneath (the Waves)
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Before the luxury accommodations began to appear on Provo, the
islands were one of those best kept secrets of the scuba diving
world. Though still not overwhelmed by divers, the cat's out of the
bag. Provo Turtle Divers
has been around since 1970 (and both Ocean Club resorts can set you
up with package deals). Thanks to currents and low rainfall, the
visibility in the area is magnificent and the coral is abundant and
healthy. Odds are good to see a turtle or shark and the service is top-notch. |
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Visit
a Conch Farm
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If you love conch fritters, you may want to see (or maybe not) where
the delectable critters come from. The Caicos
Conch Farm is the only one of its kind in the world. You can buy
yourself a nice souvenir shell while getting a look at how these
unusual creatures grow and reproduce. The farm itself prevents
overharvesting conch in the wild and even returns a portion of the
"crop" to the sea. It's a guaranteed hit with the kids. |
Good
Eats
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Caicos Café is a laid back gem but no one's sluffing off with
the food. French ex-pat Pierrik Marziou and his partner Daphne offer
some of the best cooking on the island. Seating is on a tree-shaded
deck and the atmosphere is of a neighborhood eatery. The seafood is
same-day fresh and gourmet good. Just walking distance from Ocean
Club West on Grace Bay. (Open daily noon-10pm. Ports of Call, Provo 649-946-5278) |
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Turks
and Caicos International Film Fest
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Did I say Hollywood escapes to the islands? Every year in October,
Hollywood sets up camp in Provo, bringing in a variety of stars and
filmmakers for a
long weekend of film. Think of it as something like the drive-in
of yesteryear. Pull up a beach chair after dusk and watch feature
films, documentaries and shorts on a screen by the sea under the
stars&ldots; and with the stars!
Check out my blog from the 2007 International Film Festival when I
had an opportunity to meet LisaRaye McCoy and Michael Clarke Duncan. |
Look for flights to Provo (Airport Code=PLS)!
Find a good deal on a hotel in Provo:
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