Christmas Holidays are a time of celebration, tradition and family….and for some, a great time to get away from it all and relax. Over the past 10 years, Turks and Caicos has been gaining popularity, and some would say it's even starting to hit the mainstream. Like most popular Caribbean islands, Turks & Caicos is pretty much a year-round destination. The official "season" runs roughly from mid-December to mid-April, the driest time of year in the Caribbean and incidentally the gloomiest time of year in the northern areas of the U.S. and Canada. Late December is definitely one of the most popular times to visit for sure.
We have to admit, Christmas in Turks and Caicos is not a cheap holiday. If you are on a budget, you might want to look somewhere else. Turks and Caicos is a very high end destination, and celebrities and the "who's who" have been known to visit regularly. Some celebrities such as Bruce Willis and Donna Karen have even purchased real estate and made these islands their home away from home. Having said that, there are some affordable options such as Coral Gardens and Ports of Call, but the majority of resorts in Providenciales, or Provo as it's called by those familiar with it, are 4 and 5 star luxurious properties. If you are thinking of planning a holiday getaway, here are some reasons why this Caribbean Island might just be the right choice for you:
1. IT'S NOT TACKY
Yes, the resorts will decorate in traditional holiday design, but as with most things in Turks and Caicos, it is done with understated elegance. A large picturesque Christmas Tree in the roundabout. Colourful lights along the Grace Bay strip. A few fireworks on New Year's Eve. Classy, not overdone.
2. LARGE UNITS
Unlike many other Caribbean destinations filled with big box all inclusive hotels, Provo is home to many boutique resorts, each with an average of 80-100 rooms. Sure there are a couple traditional, big all inclusives (Club Med and Beaches), but the bulk of the hotels are suite properties, most with 1, 2 even 3 bedroom suites complete with kitchen, dining and living areas. With more room than just a crammed hotel room, you can feel free to add in some elements of home; some decorations, maybe a small Christmas Tree with a few gifts underneath.
3. YOU CAN COOK....BUT ONLY IF YOU WANT TO!!
Even though you are away, some people still miss some comforts of home during the holidays. One great thing about Turks and Caicos is the food. You have access to great food and produce via the IGA and the local Grace Bay Gourmet… the Whole Foods of Provo. Considering that many of the hotel rooms are equipped with full upscale kitchens, whipping up a few traditional treats is almost as easy as it is at home, but with much better views.
4. IT'S QUICK AND EASY TO ACCESS
Holiday travel can be painful. With high volumes of travellers and unpredictable weather on the East Coast, delays are inevitable. Since the airport expansion a few years ago on Providenciales, there are many direct flights available with airlines such as Delta, American, Jet Blue, West Jet and Air Canada. Direct flights from many major cities in North America such as New York, Boston, Charlotte, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto are less than 4 hours away. Plus, once you arrive, most of the major resorts are no more than 20 minutes from the airport. Quick, easy and direct.
Moving on, if you have already made up your mind that Turks and Caicos is the right destination for you over the holidays, here are some of our top recommendations on where to stay:
If you are looking for a deal:
The Alexandra Resort - This is one of the few hotels actually offering a Christmas Discount, but there is a catch - you have to book before November 1, and that's assuming that they don't sell out. With a prime beachfront setting next door to two popular resorts, The Regent Palms and The Somerset, the Alexandra is a steal at 20% off between Dec. 22 - Jan. 5.
If you want privacy:
A Private Villa is definitely the way to go. There are many Villas available on the island, but many of the villas in the upscale properties such as Parrot Cay and Amanyara book up years in advance. Rest assured, there are still some great villas available for the upcoming season:
Amazing Grace - a 5 bedroom palace on the leeward side of the island
Avalon - a four bedroom oasis on Grace Bay Beach
5 Little Cays - a 4 bedroom villa located in serene Turtle Tail on the south side of Providenciales
Many of these villas will require a 14 night minimum stay if you plan to stay between Dec. 25-28. If you plan to arrive on the 29th or later, that requirement will go down to 7 nights.
If you want exceptional elegance on World Famous Grace Bay Beach:
Grace Bay Club offers upscale elegance with a touch of laid back charm. Stay in the adults only suites, or book one of the villas in the family friendly Estates. Units are large and spacious and can accommodate a family large or small, and the resort offers many incredible amenities such as an adults only pool, spa, fitness centre, complimentary non-motorized watersports, a kids' club, and the Caribbean's longest Infinity Bar.
Christmas is a special time in Turks and Caicos, and the locals as well as visitors alike look forward to seeing the towering Christmas tree at the Seven Stars roundabout, and the Grace Bay strip lit up with glimmering festive lights. If you are thinking about booking a trip to this enticing destination, don't delay. Rooms book up quickly, especially the private villas and 2 bedroom and larger units at most of the well known hotels. With availability changing daily, check our listing of Turks and Caicos Resorts or call 877-468-8757 to reserve your room today.
