- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 33
- Reviews
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2
- Photos
Second Trip
- February 23, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
This was our second trip in as many years at the Sands. Hotel was everything we expected it to be. Rooms a spacious, clean, and have full ammenities. Screened in porch with patio furniture is a nice addition to an already large room. We had a 1 BR Suite, full kitchen, washer/dryer, with an ocean view. Staff is extremely courteous, hotel is very well maintained. Our party was 3 people, myself, wife, and 16 year old daughter. Beach is one of nicest on planet. Free Hobie Cats, snorkel equipment, kayaks are available. Banana boats ($25), parasailing ($75), excursions ($75 and up) available from beachfront concierge.
On Site restaurant is excellent and reasonably priced. Most restaurants are excellent and suit every desire and price range. Rent a car, it will pay for itself with convenience and offset the cost of Taxi service ($10 per person each way). We will be back next Feb for year #3. Relaxing and quiet. If you seek action TCI is not for you really.
Paradise Found!
- January 4, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
We visited for five days, and felt that we had found Paradise. The beach was absolutely beautiful with pristeen turquoise water, and clean white sand. The resort was beautiful, landscaped with pools and waterways meandering throughout the perfectly manicured grounds. A van from the resort met us at the airport, and when we arrived and checked in, we were met by friendly staff who seemed happy to have us there. They answered our many questions about getting around the area, and accessing the amenities that they offers.
Our Garden View room was beautifully decorated, clean and spacious. We never lacked for anything, and when we did request extra coffee for our room, we were generously accomodated within the hour. The screened-in porch overlooked the beautiful grounds and a view of the ocean. We took the shuttle on day 2 to IGA for snacks and beverages, but dined at Hemmingways most of the time. The food was always good, and presented attractively. The portions were generious and service always friendly and prompt. We enjoyed live music two different nights in the restaurant.
We were looking for a quiet and laid-back place to relax and enjoy, and found it here. For those looking for more activity, the resort has bikes to ride, tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness center and information on local excursions and things to do. We took the Glass Bottom Boat and Snorkeling Cruise which we greatly enjoyed. Just when we thought we had seen the most beautiful beach ever, the crew took us to an area that was breathtaking, absolutely beautiful.
Worst Resort
- December 18, 2008
- Rated 1 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Hands down the worst resort we have ever stayed at. From the moment we got there the people at the front desk were not friendly and did not make you feel welcome. Our room was small and cramped in the courtyard. On our first night the air conditioner did not work and made a horrible noise plus it leaked water all over the floor. They came in and fixed it and by the next day it quit working again. Then we were moved to a garden view room which was overlooking the pool. It had a better view but it was next to a parking lot and the walls were paper thin. You could here the neighbors and any movement outside the room. Our bed was as hard as a rock and what would you know our air conditioner quit working again. Now we had already lost two nights of sleep and were not being taken care of for the inconveniences. Then on our last night our air conditioner did not work again and it could not be fixed before we had to leave. The only positive about the resort was the location but it is beautiful all along Grace Bay. We will not go back.
Thanksgiving at The Sands
- December 4, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Our family of four, including two college age kids, spent Wed-Sun of Thanksgiving break at The Sands at Grace Bay. It was our second visit to Sands and we were completely satisfied. We had a second story, two bedroom suite, in building 5. The unit had a great wrap around porch, screened in, with comfy chaise lounges and other furnishings to sit and look out over the pool towards the water. We had no problems with the room. Plenty of towels and other supplies made the stay comfortable. The kitchen was fully equipped and the unit was very clean. The beach was uncrowded and always plenty of chairs available. The food at Hemingway's was good. We enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner under the stars. We'll definitely go back. We've stayed at other Provo locations, but the Sands is our favorite.
Amazing Island Getaway - Can't wait to go back!
- October 6, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
We had to change our reservation from the end of July to mid September, and although we wound up in the middle of "low season", we had the best time! The Sands is a beautifully maintained resort - clean, well laid out, great amenities, really one of the best ones we saw on Grace Bay. The staff was friendly and helpful, even if they didn't always have the latest information on restaurants and taxi fares (make sure to ask and then ask again!). Spend the extra $ and get a "beachfront" room with both the bedroom and living room looking at the beautiful blue water - it's worth it!
Many of the hotels and restaurants were closed because of low season, and due to Hurricane Ike, many more had taken the opportunity to close for repairs. However, we were looking to escape and get away, so it worked out great.
We shopped at the IGA for breakfast and lunch, but ate dinners out. We were able to find a couple of excellent restaurants, despite the closures. One was Hemmingway's right at the Sands, with a beautiful layout right on the beach. Another find was Bay Bistro at Sibonne, 200' up the beach from the Sands. This is the sister restaurant of Aqua, which had great reviews, but was closed. However, we were able to have almost the same experience here as we would have had there. Another great one was Simba, just a short taxi ride away.
Provo (Providenciales) is a "small community" and many of the locals seem to know each other, especially the restaurant owners. We kept running into the same folks or someone who knew this other person who came from the same town in the states, etc... After 3 days, we felt like locals ourselves!