A One-Stop Resource for Villa Selection in Turks and Caicos. Plus Free Travel Rewards, Money-Saving Tips and More!

Transcription

1 A One-Stop Resource for Villa Selection in Turks and Caicos Plus Free Travel Rewards, Money-Saving Tips and More!

2 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S The Luxury Villa Experience... Why Vacation in a Villa... Top Five Reasons to Book a Villa Key Questions to Ask Before You Book... Where to Stay - Selecting the Right Area for Your Villa Vacation... Our Top Villa Picks... What to Pack for Your Villa Stay... Money Saving Villa Tips for Your Villa Vacation... What Villa Vacationers Say... Reward Yourself... The Turks and Caicos Reservations Team

3 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 3 The Luxury Villa Experience There is perhaps no better way to fully enjoy the splendor of the Turks and Caicos Islands then by staying in a private, luxury villa. With hundreds of accomodation options spanning a range of sizes, prices and locations, selecting the perfect Turks and Caicos villa can seem like a daunting task until now! Based on over a decade of living, working and enjoying the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands, the team at Turks and Caicos Reservations has prepared this insightful guide to help you through the process of planning and booking your perfect Turks and Caicos villa vacation. This guide will help you determine how to choose the ultimate Turks and Caicos villa and contains practical information such as: 4 Top five reasons to book a villa for your next vacation 4 Ten key questions to ask before you book 4 Where to stay selecting the right area for your villa vacation 4 Our top villa picks in Providenciales Call Toll Free to the Islands: What to pack for your unforgettable villa vacation 4 Money-saving tips for your villa stay Plus, earn free travel rewards just for booking through Turks and Caicos Reservations.

4 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 4 Why Vacation in a Villa? The Turks and Caicos Reservations Website is packed with helpful information A Caribbean vacation promises glorious, sun-drenched days walking barefoot on fine white sand or submerged in restorative waters and there is no place better to enjoy these luxuries than the Turks and Caicos Islands. With one of the longest and best-preserved coral reefs on the planet and being home to the world s best beach as voted by Trip Advisor users and Conde Nast Magazine, Turks and Caicos is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Just off the coast of the United States, it s easy to get to but hard to forget! One of the best ways to enjoy all Turks and Caicos has to offer is by vacationing in a private villa. Renting a villa offers you the opportunity to experience the islands more like a resident than a visitor. In a villa you still can get similar amenities as in a resort but with more privacy and freedom. It can be as if you are coming to your second home rather than just on a vacation. Whether traveling as a couple, a family or in a group, there s a private villa just right for you offering the opportunity to discover the relaxing and rejuvenating charms of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

5 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 5 Top Five Reasons To Book a Villa 1. Privacy. Booking your own private villa assures you of a level of privacy and intimacy not available in other accommodation options. When you have the entire villa to yourself you have the ability to do as you please, when you please without having to consider other guests. If you want luxury and service but also privacy, villas are a great option because many can provide full or part time staff members to help with cleaning, preparing meals and making arrangements for excursions. Many private villas come with pools and private beach access, meaning you will never have to worry about reserving lounge chairs or towels! Also, in Turks and Caicos there are a number of mobile spa services so you can enjoy a restorative treatment in the comfort of your own villa. 2. Intimacy. Whether it s family bonding time or a romantic escape you seek, your villa provides the perfect venue. Villas are great for reconnecting with family members and provide the ideal environment for families big and small to enjoy each other s company. Because you are in new surroundings it won t feel exactly like home and it is more comfortable than being in a traditional hotel room where space is limited and there is less opportunity to be alone together. 3. Value. Villas offer more value for the money. For the size and type of amenities offered, booking a private villa can end up being a great value. Often times, at a resort, the nightly rate can be quoted by occupancy and could include fees for features and services that you may not use. When you stay at a private villa, the rate is often per night or week vs. per person and can vary considerably based on the season. If you are a family or group travelling together and want shared space, villas can be a cost-effective option. 4. Enhanced Vacation Experience. The experience of staying in your own private villa is unique and enables you to feel at home while away on vacation. Services such as a private chef, personal butler, concierge and spa treatments can be easily arranged based on your schedule and preferences. Even without these amenities, staying in a private villa enables you to make yourself at home and enjoy the islands more like a local than a tourist. 5. Comfort. Generally, villas offer more physical square footage space, so you can spread out and their settings are in more residential areas so your views are more private. Hotels and condos tend to be grouped together closely, so the views and other amenities are shared.

6 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 6 10 Key Questions to Ask Before You Book Once you ve decided that a villa vacation is for nearby, if a new restaurant opened up or what the you - what s next? Here s what to ask before neighborhood is like. booking that dream vacation in a villa: 3. What s the catch? Get familiar with the 1. What s the price? In general, villas are priced requirements and policies for each villa you are by the night or by the week (versus by occupancy) interested in before you book. As mentioned, villas so they can offer great value. Rates can also vary offer great value but each one can be different greatly. During the peak and holiday seasons, in terms of what s included in the rate, policy on prices will be higher and there may be a minimum pets, the amount required for a deposit, taxes, length of stay required or a forced Saturday to check in and check out days and times, amenities Saturday stay. Also, included in the included, maximum number of rate there is normally a certain amount persons allowed, cancellation policy, of power usage, however exceeding that can result in additional charges. Working with a destination expert can help you understand these types of charges as well as take advantage of seasonal rate swings and last-minute deals. 2. Where can I get the best information? Working with an independent agent can be beneficial when booking a villa. Turks and Caicos Reservations is an excellent source of information because our reservation agents live on the island, we visit the properties regularly as well as the areas they are located in and around, and can provide insider information that can make a significant difference in your decision-making. While reading reviews and ratings is useful, nothing beats speaking directly with people on the island and familiar with the villas. Destination experts located on site are able to tell you things you wouldn t know otherwise things like if there is construction going on Working with a cleaning services offered, airport company based shuttles and other services. Ensure on the island like that you fully understand all the Turks and Caicos terms so you are sure there are no Reservations surprises upon your arrival. is like meeting a 4. When should I visit? Timing is friend here before everything especially when planning you arrive. a tropical vacation. Typically, villas in the Turks and Caicos get booked three to five months in advance. However during peak season and the holidays the booking window can be six to eight months in advance. To ensure you have the most selection, begin your search early and be prepared to book well in advance of your stay. Also, be aware that most villas require a minimum length stay from three nights to two weeks. However, don t rule-out last minute bookings either. If you find yourself heading to Turks and Caicos and want to stay in a villa working with a service like Turks and Caicos Reservations can be helpful as we are likely to know of cancellations and unlisted availability.

7 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 7 10 Key Questions to Ask Before You Book (cont.) 5. What are the extras? During your search for the perfect vacation villa, consider the amenities you will want and need. Whether it is having a pool, BBQ, Internet access, laundry facilities or cable television, you want to be sure to understand what is included in your villa stay. Just as there are villas to match every budget, there are villas to meet most, if not every need. Decide early which amenities are musthaves and include them in your inquiry so that the most suitable villas are recommended to you first. Also, if you book your villa with Turks and Caicos Reservations you will get an added bonus as part of our Travel Reward Program. 6. What services are available during my stay? One of the special advantages of renting a villa is the option to self-cater and personalize your vacation. A wide Just for booking with range of services are available such Turks and Caicos as babysitting, a private chef, tours Reservations, you and excursions, rental cars, dinner will get a choice of reservations, grocery shopping and other free gifts such as spa services. Ask our reservation agent what treatments, a photo extras are available to enhance your shoot, rental car and vacation and meet any other special restaurant discounts. needs you may have. there are villas located throughout the family of islands including: North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Salt Cay and Grand Turk. 8. Will I need to hire a car? For most visitors renting a villa, a rental car is a necessity. Even though the island is relatively small and access to restaurants, shops, stores and beaches are all easy having a car at your disposal is a good idea. When you work with Turks and Caicos Reservations to book your villa, we automatically offer you a 10% discount on car reservations and you may also qualify for a free one as part of your rewards program. Having a car can enhance your whole vacation experience as it gives you full access to all the sights and activities the island has to offer. 9. How long do I need to book for? It s typical for most villas to have a minimum stay requirement normally a two or three night minimum is required but during peak season it can be longer and it varies by villa owner. Typically villas are rented weekly. 10. How should I pack? After working with numerous travellers who ve 7. Where should I stay? Before booking you should stayed in villas, we ve come up with a check list of know the exact location of your villa and how close how to pack for your villa vacation. In general, you it will be to the beach, restaurants, entertainment want to pack as you would for vacation normally. and shopping. In Providenciales, the villas located You will not be required to bring linens or towels in the Grace Bay or Leeward area are closer to the or kitchenware as all the villas in Turks and Caicos main resort strip. Villas in Chalk Sound, Taylor Bay come fully equipped. However there are little and Silly Creek are on the south end of the island items that you can bring to make your stay more where the more exclusive beaches are situated. For comfortable see our travel checklist on page 11 experiencing Turks and Caicos beyond Providenciales, for tips on how to pack.

8 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 8 PROVIDENCIALES Turks & Caicos Islands Where To Stay Selecting The Right Area For Your Villa Vacation Location, location, location! There are many villas available to rent in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Which one is right for you? Call Toll Free to the Islands: Deciding on the size and location of your villa are the two most important decisions you ll need to make. The size of the villa is often dictated by how many people are travelling together and the budget. The location of the villa depends on what you want to do while on vacation. Villas are located in various neighborhoods, all offering something unique and appealing. Since Providenciales is the main island and has the most villas, we ve provided a detailed description of the various villa areas. This is designed to give you a feel for which one would best suit you.

9 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 9 Where To Stay (cont.) Villas are spread out all over the island, but the most popular spots include: Chalk Sound, Taylor Bay, Sapodilla Bay, Grace Bay, Leeward, Long Bay, Turtle Tail, Turtle Cove and The Bight. Chalk Sound is a peninsula surrounded by turquoise blue waters and is one of the first areas to offer vacation villas. Chalk Sound is a short drive from the airport and offers mesmerizing ocean and bay views as well as spectacular sunsets. This area is primarily residential and has few stores or restaurants. What villa owners and guests love so much about Chalk Sound is the bright, blue water views of the ocean and the bay. Also, villas in this area tend to be larger and great for accommodating multiple families. Within Chalk Sound, at the far eastern end of the peninsula, is an area called Sapodilla Bay named for the local fruit trees that grow on the coast and in gardens here. This is primarily a residential area with many villas having private access to the beach. All beaches in the Turks and Caicos are open to the public. The beach here is great for young children as they can walk in the water for a long time and still be only waist deep. This beach isn t as long as Taylor Bay, which is nearby, and it doesn t have many trees or shady spots so it s important to make sure you have a sun umbrella (these are easily available for purchase at the grocery store). Taylor Bay is another spot within the Chalk Sound peninsula that offers breathtaking views. This area is noted for its crescent-shaped beach that has a long, slow descent providing a wide shallow surf perfect for young children. Staying in a villa located in Sapodilla Bay, Taylor Bay and Chalk Sound would require access to a car as there are limited services in these areas. Grace Bay is the most central and popular area for vacationers. This is the home of what s been voted as the best beach in the world numerous times by both TripAdvisor readers and Conde Nast magazine. Grace Bay has a 12 mile stretch of white sand beach. Most of this beach is lined with resorts and condo developments that also serve as hotels. There are a handful of private villas located directly on Grace Bay and many more just one or two blocks

10 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 10 Where To Stay (cont.) off the beach. This is an ideal location if you want to be in the middle of everything close to the island s most popular beach, restaurants, shopping, and night-life. If you are not planning on hiring a car this is also a good location to consider as you can walk everywhere. Further down from Grace Bay you ll find Leeward. This is primarily a residential development located at the end of the island with a small marina, two resorts and numerous private villas. Again, here you ll find luxury beachfront villas as well as more practical ones just one or two blocks away from the beach. Since there isn t any grocery store or full-service restaurant in this area you ll want to have a rental car. You can easily walk to the beach and this development is fully paved so bike riding is also a convenient mode of transportation. On the other side of Leeward you ll find an area called Long Bay. This is named for its long, dramatic beach. There are no restaurants or shops in this area but you will find a wide variety of villas many with breathtaking water views and tucked away on unpaved roads. This area is appealing to kite-boarders, bird watchers and hikers. Having a car is highly recommended. In the middle of the island of Providenciales is an exclusively residential area called Turtle Tail. This is characterized by a long stretch of narrow land that lies low in some parts and rises high on others. The villas here have amazing water views and some also have private beaches. Opposite Turtle Tail is Turtle Cove, the epicenter of the boating community in Turks and Caicos. This is home to the main marina and therefore has a number of restaurants and shops easily accessible. Some of the island s best diving and snorkeling spots are here too. Next to Turtle Cove along the lower road that hugs the coastline is an area called the Bight. This is a residential area with several resorts and adjacent to a long stretch of beach with great snorkeling.

11 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 11 Our Top Villa Picks There are so many unique villas to choose from when coming to Turks and Caicos and each one has something special to offer. To give you an idea of the variety, we ve highlighted some of our favorites. Don t hesitate to contact us for more information. Click on the name of the villas to get more details. Bedrooms Villa Name Location 3 Villa Balinese Turtle Tail 3 Place De La Sol Taylor Bay 3 Tropical Shores Silly Creek 3 Casa Ananas Ocean Point Bedroom at Villa Balinese in Turtle Tail 3 Villa Blue Heaven Sapodilla Bay 4 Five Turtles Taylor Bay 4 Villa Alamandra Silly Creek 4 Pelican Vista Leeward 4 Sunset Point Villa Ocean Point 4 Mirabelle Sunset Bay 5 Villa Seacliff Chalk Sound 6 Long Bay House Long Bay 6 La Koubba Sapodilla Bay Call Toll Free to the Islands: Serenity House Grace Bay 9 Emerald Shores Silly Creek 9 Casa Varnishkes Long Bay

12 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 12 PACKING CHECKLIST 4 Swimsuit/s 4 Cover-up 4 Hat 4 Sunblock 4 Flipflops 4 Sun dress 4 Long pants 4 Disposable underwater camera 4 Camera, batteries, charger and media card 4 Passports What to Pack for your Villa Stay When you vacation in a villa in Turks and Caicos it s like going to your second home. So, when you pack keep this in mind. First you ll want to check the list of items included in your villa but almost all villas in Turks and Caicos come fully-equipped, which means there should be no need to bring linens, towels or any kitchen items at all. In fact, many villas include games and things like X-Box and/or Wii as well as ipod players and media rooms. So you may want to bring your current stack of NetFlix DVDs to catch up on your movie watching or have your kids bring their favorite computer games, ipads and/or ipods. However, most people don t come to Turks and Caicos to play video games and watch DVDs. The lure of these islands is the sun and the sea. So, the first item on your packing list should be good sunblock, factor 50 or higher. After that all you really need is a sun hat, sunglasses, your swimsuit and flip-flops. The average temperature here ranges from degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. Even with plenty of fine-dining options and one casino, the island s nightlife has a very casual vibe so dressing up is optional. During the days, all you need is a bathing suit and cover-up or just shorts and a teeshirt. In the evenings women can wear sundresses and sandals and men will need at least one pair of long pants. A good rule of thumb is to set out all you think you ll wear and then reduce the number of clothing items by half. All villas have washing machines, so you can always do laundry if you run out

13 THE THE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE TURKS TURKS AND AND CAICOS CAICOS VILLA VILLA GUIDE GUIDE What to Pack (cont.) of clothing. But, you will most likely find yourself wearing your swimsuit exclusively and will probably go home with clean cloths that have never been worn. A camera, extra batteries, media card and charger are also important to bring with you- not only because you ll want to capture the beauty of Turks and Caicos but also because buying any of these items once you are here can be challenging. Dockside dining in Silly Creek at Villa Tropical Shores Spending time in the water is sure to be an activity you do while on vacation here. To make your time more enjoyable it can be fun to bring water toys, floats, and a disposable underwater camera. Some villas may have these items on hand, so packing them may not be necessary. The ocean is generally very calm so it s possible to use floats and play water games in the sea as well as in the pool. Plus the sea is so clear, you ll enjoy taking underwater photos. Finally, make sure you bring your passports. Travelling to Turks and Caicos is an international adventure and you ll be required to present your passports when you arrive. Mesmerizing blue views from the master bedroom at Villa La Koubba

14 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 14 Money Saving Tips for Your Villa Vacation Booking a villa vacation can represent significant value, especially when travelling as a family or with a large group. To gain additional savings, consider these ideas: Book your stay during the off season to get better rates Save 10% on rental car fees and get other free travel rewards when booking through Turks and Caicos Reservations Share the villa with another family and cut your costs in half Select a villa within walking distance of shops and restaurants and save on rental car and taxi costs If travelling with kids, bring some of their favorite, easy to pack snacks and other dry goods that may cost more at the grocery stores here When dining out, try local spots featuring local cuisine - this will save you money and provide a more authentic experience What Villa Vacationers Say We ve been vacationing for years in a top-class resort in Hawaii but last year after enduring a particularly heavyfooted family, we decided to give the Caribbean a try. We stayed in a villa in Chalk Sound and found we rarely wanted to leave the place. We were in heaven - we had everything we needed right at our fingertips. We will NEVER vacation at a resort again always a Villa -- more intimate, more family time, more experience and so comfortable. The way to go! Allison StLedger Hopkins, Los Gatos, California Vacationing in the Caribbean is always a treat but staying in a villa can make the whole experience even more special. If you want to feel like a local on your next vacation, have the team at Turks and Caicos Reservations lead you in the right direction. Wether its a penthouse condo, luxurious ocean-front villa or charming cottage by the sea, Turks and Caicos Reservations has in-depth local knowledge and will help you find the right villa for your needs. Since they live and work here they have rest relationships with all the tourism operators and can help with all aspects of your vacation. Charmaine Welch, New York, NY For outings, it s easy to organize your own excursions by renting kayaks for the week and bringing your own snorkel equipment. This allows you to pick a spot at any beach and won t limit the amount of time you can explore Check with Turks and Caicos Reservations for Villa special offers and free travel rewards.

15 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 15 Reward Yourself Turks and Caicos Reservations is the only central reservation service exclusively focused on accommodation options in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Although only a few hundred miles off the coast of the United States, this Caribbean destination is lesser-known than most of its neighbors. With a wide range of accommodation offerings and no large hotel chains we saw the need for a dedicated team to help visitors understand how to get the most out of their visit to Turks and Caicos. This is how Turks and Caicos Reservations was born. Privately-owned and operated and based on the island of Providenciales, we have been doing business in Turks and Caicos since Since we live and work here, we know intimate details about the destination and pass this information on to you. Our personalized service and valuable travel information is available free of charge via phone, , live chat and our website. Call Toll Free to the Islands: Best of all, when you use our services you get rewarded! Our goal at Turks and Caicos Reservations is to listen to your needs and apply our unmatched destination expertise to ensure you get the most out of your trip to Turks and Caicos. As an added bonus for working with us, we reward you with a free gift. Because of our long-standing relationships with local businesses, we ve been able to secure special travel rewards that we pass on to those who book with us. When you book your villa stay with Turks and Caicos Reservations you are automatically entitled to a 10% reduction on car rental PLUS you have a choice of a free reward such as a spa treatment, restaurant voucher, photography shoot and other special offers that are updated regularly. The rewards offered vary by booking value and availability. See website for full details.

16 THE ULTIMATE TURKS AND CAICOS VILLA GUIDE 16 We hope you found this Ultimate Villa Guide helpful. As residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, we know what a wonderful experience it can be to stay in a villa. We also know how overwhelming it can be deciding on which villa to book so we hope we ve made the process a bit more manageable. We would love to help you plan your next vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Subscribe to Our Blog Keep up to date with the latest tips, trips, special offers and news on Turks and Caicos by subscribing to our blog Join our Facebook Page Become part of the expanding Turks and Caicos Reservations community. Read advice and experience from other travelers, and share your own! As with our blog, we ll share latest tips, trips, special offers and news. The Turks and Caicos Reservations Team From left to right: Elisha, Dulga, Sonya, Val, Jessica & Susan Contact Information: villas@turksandcaicosreservations.tc Toll free UK number: Local Turks and Caicos phone number: Call Toll Free to the Islands: Turks and Caicos Reservations is a team of destination experts based in Providenciales and dedicated to helping you book your perfect vacation here. Established in 1998, the team at Turks and Caicos Reservations offers unmatched knowledge of and passion for the Turks and Caicos Islands and they are just waiting to put that to use for you. Photography used in parts of this brochure courtesy of Tropical Imaging