News Archives - The Official Coral Gardens On Grace Bay Resort

Updated entry requirements for the Turks and Caicos Islands

January 30, 2023

Updated Off Season Restaurant Information

August 28, 2022

Travelers will be Required to Take a COVID-19 RT-PCR, NAA, RNA or Antigen Test Within Three Days of Travel

July 22, 2021

Dear valued partners,

The safety and health of our local population and international travelers remain top priorities for the Turks and Caicos Islands, which is now one of the most inoculated countries in the world with over 60 percent of the population vaccinated. Today, the Turks and Caicos Islands announces an update to travel requirements to the destination as a part of TCI Assured, a quality assurance pre-travel program and portal, which will require all travelers to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR, NAA, RNA or Antigen test result from a test taken within three days of travel, effective on July 28, 2021.

Under the new travel guidelines, the date of the sample collection must be within three days (72 hours) of the travel date, which was reduced from the previous requirement of a test to be taken within five days of arrival, and a Test Date Calculator on the TCI Assured portal will assist travelers in determining when to take the test. Approved amendments to the Arriving Passengers Health Clearance Regulations also in effect on July 28 include the acceptance of professionally administered Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Tests (RT-PCR); Nucleic Acid Amplification tests (NAA); RNA or molecular tests; and Antigen tests for entry to the Turks and Caicos Islands. The test must be conducted by a medical laboratory with either of the following credentials: accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP); registered by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA); ISO 15189 certification. Previously, the destination was only accepting RT-PCR tests. Antibody tests and results from home-based test kits will not be accepted.

We realize many of your teams and guests are inquiring about protocols for travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands. As part of TCI Assured, which has been in place for travelers since our borders opened on July 22, 2020, you can share that travelers must also have medical / travel insurance that covers medevac (insurance companies providing the prerequisite insurance will also be available on the portal), a completed health screening questionnaire, and certification that they have read and agreed to the privacy policy document. These requirements must be complete and uploaded to the TCI Assured portal, which is available on the Turk and Caicos Islands Tourist Board website (www.turksandcaicostourism) in advance of their arrival. Visitors can then expect to present their TCI Assuredcertifications to local authorities upon arrival.

The Turks and Caicos Islands has remained vigilant and consistent regarding our international traveler requirements, which are the same for vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers. Because of this, we have received an Alert Level 1 from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This represents a major milestone our vaccine campaign, which began in January 2021 and has resulted in more than 60 percent of the adult population being fully vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

On behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Board, we thank you for your partnership and your individual efforts to prepare to welcome guests and promote tourism to our stunning destination. These updated procedures will go into effect on July 28, 2021, and we look forward to working with you on a seamless experience for all.

With regards,

Pamela Ewing

Director of Tourism

Turks and Caicos Announces Airport Reopening July 22

June 1, 2020/0 Comments

Reopening Update

May 30, 2020/0 Comments

COVID-19 Update

April 4, 2020/0 Comments

Behind the Scenes at Coral Gardens – Meet Brendan

January 9, 2019/0 Comments

Behind the Scenes at Coral Gardens – Meet Matthew

December 5, 2018/0 Comments

Family and personal relationships are at the core of what makes Coral Gardens so special. We are so fortunate to have families and friends return to stay with us year after year. As we head into the holidays, we’d like spend some time introducing (and re-introducing) you to some of the people behind the scenes at Coral Gardens. This month we’re kicking things off with the one and only, Matthew Williams, General Manager at Coral Gardens.

Matthew, tell us a bit about yourself – Where are you from originally? What was “past life” before moving to Turks?

I’m originally from the UK. Before moving to Turks, I worked in the hospitality industry there as an assistant manager in country house hotels, having graduated university in hotel management. I also had the experience of working with the Savoy Hotel Group in London at Claridge’s in Mayfair. In the late 80’s, I ventured to St. Martin to work at the prestigious La Samanna, before returning and settling in the North of England for next 7 years.

How long have you lived in Provo and what brought you here?

I moved to Provo in the early 90’s finding an opening in the Grace Bay Club, which at that time was a luxury small boutique resort.

How long have you been with Coral Gardens?

I have had a longtime relationship with Coral Gardens resort, appearing on the scene in late ’98 as manager. More importantly, with a great love of the outdoors and the fantastic waters, as a PADI Master Scuba Diver I was part of an adventure concierge offering onsite dive classes to guests & visitors, right off the beach in front of Coral Gardens

What do you enjoy most about working at Coral Gardens?

I love meeting people and getting to know them. I also enjoy welcoming repeat visitors back, with some I have know for over two decades.

When you’re not working, what’s your favorite thing to do in Provo?

Scuba diving – I am fortunate enough to be called up by local dive operators to guide & dive master on their excursions, though I really don’t teach as much these days. I bike extensively around Provo on a mountain or road bike and when time permits I will hop on the ferry with the bike to catch a long ride around North & Middle Caicos. Cooking is one of my favorite pastimes, whether a fresh ocean catch or firing up the wood smoker to create mouthwatering ribs and other delightful dishes.

What do you love most Turks/Provo?

For the most part the casual lifestyle and the weather. The beautiful surrounding turquoise waters and fresh air. Finally, spending time with my wife, family and our dogs.

What’s the one thing that you recommend that everyone do/experience while they’re here?

Get out and explore but don’t forget there is so much to the Turks and Caicos Islands than Provo.

Any last thoughts?

That answer could go on quite a while! Let’s chat more when you visit us!

Holiday Happenings in Turks and Caicos

October 11, 2018/0 Comments

As most of North America endures a deep freeze from November thru February, Turks and Caicos remains idealistic with sunny skies and temperatures between 80-85 degrees. These summery conditions make Coral Gardens a great place to spend Christmas and/or New Years. Grace Bay loves the holidays and hosts a variety of fun events for you and your family. Allow us to explain:

December 17^th: The Christmas in Blue Hills event kicks off the holiday season featuring maypole dancing, storytelling, performances by local musicians while the colors and creativity of the Turks and Caicos islands are on display.

December 26^th: While known as Boxing Day around the world, Providenciales hosts the Maskanoo Parade and Street Fair. In its 4^thyear Maskanoo is a celebration that is inspired by the rituals African slaves brought to the Caribbean during the 1700’s and 1800’s. You will see brilliantly colored costumes, glittering masks, festive music and local delicacies. Following the parade is a street fair held between Saltmills Plaza and the Regent Grand shopping area. Browse the works of local artists while bands entertain on the main stage.

December 28^th: The fun continues with the post-Christmas Beach Party event in Grace Bay. The day and evening sunset will be filled with authentic foods, kayak races and live music all set on the most beautiful beach in the world. This is a fun event for the whole family and a great time to get to know the locals.

December 31^st: Throughout the year Turks and Caicos reflects the conservative influences from the British kingdom, but on New Year’s Eve the entire island lets their hair down to celebrate the passing year. Nearly every restaurant and resort will host a festive dinner, DJ dancing and flowing cocktails. Around 11pm Grace Bay beach will be ablaze with numerous bonfires where revelers gather to watch the fireworks displays. Ricky’s Flamingo Café hosts the largest NYE celebration which is geared for the 20’s and 30’s crowd. While Coral Gardens and Somewhere Café host a very family-friendly party where children, parents and grandparents dance the night away to a local DJ.

We hope this overview of the holidays in Turks and Caicos has inspired you to visit us at Coral Gardens during this festive season. The holiday season kicks off our busiest time of the year, so make your travel plans now and maybe you’ll see Santa Claus on the beach at Grace Bay.

What to Pack for Your Vacation

September 19, 2018/0 Comments

Great island, great condo

5 of 5

Don’t waste your time looking at other places, this condo provides a comfortable and luxurious place to stay with a great view of Grace Bay – one of the most beautiful beaches on earth. Enjoy the protected Coral Gardens reef right where you stay.

Daniel V.Colleyville, Texas

Wonderful trip

5 of 5

Fantastic time in Turks and Caicos ..we were 2 couples for a week at this wonderful condo with a million dollar view . Waking up and having breakfast with that wonderful view was the best. Having the beach right outside your back door was wonderful. Best location . Most relaxing trip ever! Everyone at Coral Gardens made our stay great. We had everything we needed in the condo. Thanks for a great stay. Looking forward to visiting again.

JodiDublin, Ohio

Wonderful! Beautiful! Relaxing! Fun!

5 of 5

My husband and I have traveled to many Caribbean Islands and definitely have ranked Turks and Caicos as our favorite!!! Our room at Coral Gardens was very nice and had beautiful views! The condo was also very spacious and was equipped with everything we needed. The whole entire staff was incredible and so eager to make our vacation so relaxing and fun! We had the most fun just spending time every day on the beach snorkeling, swimming and meeting so many nice people from all over the world! Somewhere Café which is right on the property was awesome! The service, food and staff was wonderful!!!

LuAnn A.Seguin, Texas

Excellent location, amazing beach and beautiful property

5 of 5

We have been to Turks & Caicos 3 times and have loved it each time. it’s our favorite place to visit. Coral Gardens was a great location and a beautiful property. We had a very nice condo and all the services and amenities you could ever need. The staff at Coral Gardens was wonderful to us and went out of their way to make sure all our needs were met with grace.

Debbie B.Miami, Florida

Lovely Spacious Condo in a Idyllic Grace Bay Location

5 of 5

The Coral Gardens has the good fortune to be located directly on the best snorkeling reef in Grace Bay, and that central location on Grace Bay is just the beginning. Grace Bay is world renowned for it’s beauty for many good reasons. The warm, crystalline blue waters, the calm surf, the pristine white sands make Grace Bay a “must do” experience. In order to enjoy your stay the accommodations need to be comfortable and relaxing. This Coral Gardens condo has that in spades. The entire facility and beach area was immaculately maintained. The spacious condo was very tastefully decorated, well furnished, and equipped with every necessary item for vacation. The floor plan allowed this one bedroom to live much larger than you would expect.

Ron C.Newberg, Oregon

Perfect Location! Amazing beach!

5 of 5

The property was perfect! The view from room was amazing, overlooking the ocean. Everyone that worked at Corel Gardens was extremely nice and helpful! The location was great. We walked everywhere! Somewhere Cafe was convenient and the food and drinks were really good. The beach was fantastic!! The ocean was gorgeous. We loved having the reef right there. We went snorkeling each day and saw some amazing sea creatures. We will definitely recommend this place! And hope to be back!

Marcie H.Nashville, Tennessee

Property Info

5 Penns Road
Providenciales
Turks and Caicos Islands TKCA 1ZZ

(800) 787-9115

reservations@coralgardensongracebay.com

Office Hours
Monday – Sunday 9am – 6pm