Affordable Turks and Caicos – We've Found A Hidden Gem

As Turks and Caicos continues to welcome an amazing array of new upscale hotels and restaurants that attract a loyal following of celebrities and a-list vacationers, it has also become a financially challenging destination for many. It seems like yesterday when mentioning Turks and Caicos would draw quizzical looks from vacationers – where???  But word soon spread about the 12 mile stretch of pristine beach along Grace Bay and the short less than 3 hour flying time from northeast airports.  Before long world class condo-hotel developments sprang up all along famed Grace Bay beach and the number of visitors grew proportionately.  As new resorts opened, prices inevitably climbed.

That’s why I’m so excited to let you know about a wonderful (and affordable) vacation property that’s just 900 feet from Grace Bay beach.  Many of you know that Turks and Caicos has been our favorite island destination for many years and we were thrilled to learn about The Island Club.  Clint and I have just spent 10 wonderful days at The Island Club which is a particularly great spot for long  vacations on Providenciales.  We met lots of folks who were renting there for several weeks and some for a month or longer.

Let me tell you why this property is such a hidden gem:
Location, Location
The Island Club is a short walk away from Grace Bay Beach, with a public access beach path right across the street.  We had a great time walking over to the beach, relaxing in their lounge chairs, and strolling along to beach-side hotel restaurants (Hemingway’s, Sibonne, etc).  The Island Club is next to the Salt Mills Plaza and across the street from the new Regent Village development, which means there are lots of shops and restaurants to walk to.  Better yet, the new Gourmet IGA grocery store is also a convenient walk away.  We could easily make our way around and find lots to do without renting a car.  But, when the time comes to pick up a car rental, Grace Bay Car Rentals (with the least expensive rates on the island) is also within walking distance.  (Tip – reserve in advance, the island often sells out of rental cars).  What location could be better – everything you need is within walking distance!

Cozy, Attractive Apartments
The exterior of the apartment complex is simple and well maintained, but the interior is amazing.  A series of two story, two bedroom townhouses wrap around a central courtyard, and whoever did their landscaping is a genius.  The interior of the courtyard is a riot of colorful plants, bushes and variegated foliage positioned along winding pathways that  give each unit privacy while providing a brilliant tropical atmosphere.  A nice central pool provides a focal point and great gathering spot for meeting others.  The apartments themselves have two second floor bedrooms (nice balcony and bath).  Downstairs is a fully equipped kitchen, dining table, living-room, and bathroom with washing machine, as well as an outside terrace – all in all very comfy.

Friendly Folks
The managers of The Island Club share offices with McLean Robinson Real Estate just next door.  Earlene (on-site manager) made us feel very welcome and was always on hand to answer questions and offer opinions on the best places to try.  We met lots of interesting vacationers (quite a few from Canada) out by the pool, where a relaxed, quiet atmosphere ruled the day.  This is a wonderful spot to spend a peaceful, low-key vacation, provided you don’t need room service, an on-site spa or other high-brow hotel amenities.

Affordable Prices
The most attractive attribute of The Island Club is their rental prices.  From mid-April until mid-December, townhouse rates are just $120 per night!  High season rates are $180 per night, and if you rent for a month, you’ll pay for three weeks and receive one week free.  How great is that?!!

If You Go
Book your reservation at http://www.islandclubgracebay.com, or with Turks and Caicos Island reservation experts http://www.turksandcaicosreservations.tc

Taxi fare from the airport to the Island Club will cost $13 pp each way (as of winter 2011).  Be sure to check out the restaurant and bar promotions listed in the TCI Mall Restaurant and Bar Guide.  More great info on the islands can be found at Turks & Caicos Tourism, and Where When How Turks and Caicos.