The Insider's Club: September

The most complete GUIDE to the INSIDE

The Insider’s Club

September 2017

Hot Spot of the Month

Turks & Caicos

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Choose Your News Explore: Turks & Caicos 4-7 Where To Stay 8-11 Exclusive Virtuoso World Travel Experiences 12-23 Tech News: Travel Technology 24-25

Explore: Turks & Caicos

Explore: Turks & Caicos Written by Damien Martin

The calling card of the Turks and Caicos Islands has long been white sand beaches overlooking tranquil turquoise water. On Sept. 7 and 8, as Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc across the Caribbean before making its way to East Coast of the U.S., that same water was turned against the archipelago.

Storm surge flooded parts of the islands, including the international airport in Providenciales, and knocked out power.

Fortunately, though, Turks and Caicos were not hit as hard as anticipated and as bad as other islands in the Atlantic and Caribbean.

“We’ve seen many hurricanes before, but this was more than anything we’ve ever experienced,” Ken Adams, a Turks and Caicos native who owns a building materials store in Providenciales, told CNN on Sept. 10. “We saw something like 200 mile per hour wind gusts. It was a scary experience. But it could have been worse. It’s not nearly as bad as some of the other islands.”

No fatalities were reported as of Sept. 13 for Turks and Caicos, and tourism director Ramon Andrews announced Sept. 11 that the international airport had reopened and that communications and power were largely restored. Resorts in the popular Grace Bay area that had reported in as of press time noted water damage and landscaping damage but no major structural

issues. Those that had put out public statements are planning to reopen this fall. As overseas territories of the United Kingdom, Turks and Caicos, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands will receive government aid from the U.K. for recovery efforts.

Not long after, on Sept. 22, Hurricane Maria came through as a category 3 storm, lashing Turks and Caicos with 125 mph winds but not hindering resorts’ plans to reopen.

Islands that were out of Irma and Maria’s path or, like Turks and Caicos, avoided catastrophic damage are likely to see an influx of visitors as travelers reshuffle their vacation plans. Those going to Turks and Caicos will find a playground in and around that beautiful water. Not full of lush vegetation even before hurricane winds came whipping through, the islands are centered on beach and salt life.

Caicos Dream Tours provides personalized snorkeling, fishing charters and water sports adventures around the island of Providenciales, known as “Provo” to the locals, where luxurious resorts line the spectacular Grace Bay Beach. The Columbus National Marine Park off Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and the coral reef right there in Grace Bay are a few of the great dive spots home to all kinds of marine life. If you prefer to keep your head above water, Provo Ponies has morning and afternoon horseback rides through trails and across Long Bay Beach. Even if you don’t want to take a dip, the horses love to.

In addition to being a source of fun, the ocean is also a great source of food, which you can experience at local favorites Da Conch Shack and Coco Bistro. Thursday nights are best spent at the Island Fish Fry, featuring food from several Provo restaurants, live music and cultural entertainment at Bight Park.

November brings the Conch Festival to Provo, in celebration of the islands’ national symbol and No. 1 export, a reminder of all the good the ocean has brought Turks and Caicos, even as it sometimes brings terrible storms.

Turks & Caicos:

Where you should stay

The Palms Turks & Caicos

Fans of The Palms Turks & Caicos prefer to keep this hidden gem hush-hush. Set upon Grace Bay Beach — ranked among the world’s most beautiful — this 72-suite getaway exudes a relaxed Caribbean rhythm while providing high-end amenities to fit your lifestyle. Most suites feature full kitchens with Viking appliances and a washer/ dryer; many overlook the ocean. The resort offers tennis courts, a serpentine infinity pool and access to most every watersport, along with a kids’ club, beach toys and floats.

The spa menu offers treatments inspired by Eastern and Western rituals to revitalize the body and mind.

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Grace Bay Club

The world-renowned Grace Bay Club, the first luxury all-suite resort in Turks and Caicos, offers a haven for uninterrupted relaxation. The resort has extensive beachfront access at 1,100 feet and features all oceanfront suites divided into three separate sections.

It includes the adults-only Hotel area with adults-only pool; the family-friendly Villas suites with a pool; and the uber-luxe Estate, with exclusive pool and area reserved for Estate guests only. Those who prefer a private home can experience The Private Villa Collection, five of the premier freestanding private beachfront villas in Providenciales featuring luxury resort amenities.

COMO Parrot Cay

COMO Parrot Cay is the northern Caribbean’s preeminent private island, wrapped in sweeps of sand and peaceful seas in the Turks and Caicos. It combines a thousand unspoiled acres and a mile-long powdered beach with relaxed luxury. The region’s best spa, the award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat, provides holistic Asian-inspired therapies. Choose from 75 unique guestrooms, suites, villas and beachside houses, all decorated in understated elegance. For absolute privacy, reserve a residence tucked away from the main resort. The island’s two restaurants serve gourmet dishes, including organic, healthful COMO Shambhala cuisine.

Gansevoort Turks + Caicos

With the widest stretch of beach on Grace Bay, the third-longest barrier reef in the world, and a 7,000-square-foot infinity swimming pool, Gansevoort Turks + Caicos exudes a sensual island vibe. Of the 91 guestrooms, 84 are beachfront and all feature Frette bedding and glass-enclosed rain showers. Core Fusion movement classes and vinyasa yoga await in Exhale Spa. Stelle restaurant offers modern Mediterranean cuisine with local specialties like conch and a variety of fresh seafood — dine in the beach lounge setting, beneath palms or on your personal floating island in the pool.

The casual beach bar and grill Zest! is open daily for lunch.

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Let It Sun

Grand Velas Los Cabos Valid for Travel 20 Dec 2017 - 04 Jan 2018

Experience Includes: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Promotion: KIDS 50% OFF (Ages 4 - 12) 50% OFF for children (ages 4-12) and teens (ages 13-15) from December 20th, 2017 – January 4th, 2018! | Already reflected in the rates $50 USD Spa credit per adult per day 10% discount in the resort’s boutique Early Check-In or Late Check-Out HOLIDAYS AMENITIES & ACTIVITIES : Available from Dec 19th 2017 - Jan 2nd 2018 CHRISTMAS TREE IN SUITE: Guests can enjoy a beautiful fresh tree ($), fully decorated or with every thing necessary to decorate as a family!

INCLUDES: Natural Christmas Tree Decorations and accessories (lights, ornaments, star and Nativity Scene) Gift-wrapped toys if desired ($). Guests select gifts prior to arrival.

THEMED ACTIVITIES: Picnic party with daily shows Movie Time for teens and adults Pancho’s Drive-in Movie Theatre Mexican posada Santa’s Workshop

• • • • • • • • • •

Santa’s arrival Christmas cards Letter to Santa ALSO: Teens’ Club for adolescents ages 13 to 18 - Kids’ Club with daily activities program - Nightly family shows, and much more!

Activities mentioned here are just a small fraction of the program. Subject to change without notice.

Terms and Conditions: Applicable for Kids from 4 - 12 years old traveling with one adult. Max 2 per suite $50 USD Spa credit per adult per day. Minimum purchase of $250 in a Spa SE treatment ONLY. Not redeemable for cash, non-cumulative, will not apply with other discounts or promotions 10% discount in the resort’s boutique, Not redeemable for cash, noncumulative, will not apply with other discounts or promotions. Not applicable at Spa boutique Early Check-In or Late Check-Out: Subject to availability

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Loy Krathong, Festival of Lights

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand Valid for Travel 02 Nov 2017 - 06 Nov 2017

Experience Includes: • Round-trip transfers between Chiang Mai International Airport and the resort • Daily buffet breakfast for two at Rim Tai Kitchen • Exclusive session to decorate handcrafted krathong (cray saucers that will be floated with a candle as part of the celebrations) • Traditional Lanna-style (Kad Mua) dinner for two on November 3, including live entertainment, or Hotel credit of THB 5,000 towards charges at our dining outlets • Four-hour excursion to Chiang Mai town in a Resort limousine with an English-speaking guide to partake in the local celebrations, including the Krathong Parade, on November 4

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

“Hamilton” Nights

The Peninsula Chicago Valid for Travel now Through 16 Dec 2017

Experience Includes: • Two tickets for “Hamilton” at The Private Bank Theatre “ORCHESTRA SEATS” • Overnight suite accommodations • American breakfast for two • Overnight parking (one vehicle) • $100 Hotel credit (Virtuoso Amenity) • Tickets available each Friday and Saturday night from September 16 - December 16, 2017 except October 21, 2017

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Beach Experience

Amanwella, Tangalle, Sri Lanka Valid for Travel now Through 06 Jan 2018

Experience Includes: • Stay Minimum 4 nights and enjoy: • Half-board (breakfast and choice of lunch or dinner), minibar (excluding alcohol) and afternoon tea by the pool • A visit to the rock temple • A 60-minute aromatherapy massage for 2

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

$50,000 Shopping Spree

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, CA Valid for Travel now Through 31 Dec 2017

Experience Includes: • • • • •

Two nights’ accommodations in the lavish Ritz-Carlton Suite A $50,000 shopping credit at South Coast Plaza Access to The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge Unlimited use of ACCESS, South Coast Plaza’s VIP Hospitality Suite A South Coast Plaza VIP Passport featuring exclusive offers from more than 100 stores and restaurants • Private car service from The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel to South Coast Plaza

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Romantic Getaways Sep-Dec 2017 Kasbah Tamadot, Asni, Morocco

Valid for Travel now Through 21 Dec 2017

Experience Includes: • • • • • • •

Your accommodation for three or four nights Daily breakfast Complimentary space-available upgrade on check in Private return road transfers from Marrakech to Kasbah Tamadot Bottle of house champagne on arrival Traditional Hammam spa treatment or 30-minute massage per person Dinner each night: a three course meal from our à la carte menu including a specially selected bottle of house wine, one private dinner for two in one of Kasbah Tamadot’s romantic locations and local taxes

Tech News:

Travel Tech

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