Coral Gardens is the original condominium resort on the west end of Grace Bay Beach. It is known as the best place on the island for snorkelling at the Bight Reef just steps off the Coral Gardens beach. There are several new exclusive resorts in this part of Grace Bay including Windsong, Wymara and West Bay Club. The fabulous new Hyatt Andaz is opening this Spring next door. Coral Gardens was previously the home of the gourmet Coyaba Restaurant which relocated several years ago. Coral Gardens is the home of the very popular Mexican themed Somewhere Café in front of the beach seen in one of the photos above. Somewhere is open for three meals a day with all day and evening fun.

Q’s & A’s Here are answers to common questions about the place:

What’s with all the noise? Our unit was always in a very quiet area at the opposite end of the active part of the resort where the bar and restaurant are and we had a large vacant beach front lot beside us. That was too good to last and the construction finally started in Fall 2023 to build the huge new Hyatt Andaz Resort beside us. It was very noisey from late 2023 until Fall of 2025 because of the construction. That is now over except for finishing touches and the Hyatt Andaz is about to open. The noise is almost completely gone and we will soon have new high quality facilities available to us next door. It is certainly safe now to book for the next season from Fall 2026 into 2027. Please read reviews below for more information and varying opinions about the construction noise from next door.

Do I need a car? Your choice but most likely the answer is yes but you can take an occasional cab instead. The Coral Gardens area is too far for walking to other places you will want to go. The grocery store is very close but not an easy walk especially when you return with your groceries. There are very good modestly priced restaurants at the Turtle Cove Marina which is a five minute drive from Coral Gardens. Having a car is very conventient with free parking is available for guests in a private lot just outside the unit but there are no reserved spaces. Park as close as you can to the resort entrance as that is where the entrance to our unit is. Around the island drive on the left and be very careful especially at traffic circles where you are to yield to vehicles coming from your right. If you just want to relax use a cab to get around or take an island tour.

How do I check in? We have on site property managers who will give you the key and information on your arrival and assist you with your needs and any problems while you are there. They will also contact you with information ahead of your arrival. There are two management companies at Coral Gardens and our unit is managed from the first most central office you see as you walk towards the beach. It is a little confusing with two management companies in one resort. One was set up by the developer (CoralGardens.com) managing some units and Coral Gardens on Grace Bay being operated by and for the owners of other units including ours. You may contact us in advance and while you are there for advice or to let us know of any problems you may have.

Is there a safe for keeping valuables? Yes, it is in the bedroom closet and it works electronically. You set your own 4 digit code each time you close it.

What is the sleeping arrangement? There is a King Size bed in the private upper level bedroom and there is plenty of room to set up a crib for a baby in that room. The bed now has a 20 inch thick ultra luxurious American made mattress, possibly for the best sleep of your life. It is higher than most beds due to the mattress. We have top quality linens for the bed. A high quality sofa bed replaced the old one in October 2023. There is a pack and play crib which is kept in the closet inside the bedroom. The living room sofa opens up to a Queen Size bed so the place is suitable for up to 4 adults and a baby. Linens are provided except for the crib.

What housekeeping services are provided? We are not a hotel with hotel services and prices, but a discounted direct rental from owner home where we expect guests to mostly keep the place clean for themselves during their stay. The resort cleaners do a thorough job cleaning before you arrive and after you go in addition to servicing the units every third day while guests are there. There is a dishwasher in the kitchen. Some consumable supplies are provided to get you started but you may need to replenish them yourself. The island’s well stocked largest grocery store, Graceway IGA is on Leeward Highway close to Coral Gardens. In addition to food you can get any cleaning supplies you may need there.

What about towels and bathroom supplies? We provide hand towels, face towels and bath towels for 4 people and there are liquid soap dispensers in each of the powder room and ensuite bathroom and of course toilet paper. Housekeeping provides a small supply of shampoo, conditioner and bath gel. There is a hair dryer supplied. Beach towels are provided by the resort at the beach entrance and you can get fresh beach towels as needed.

What about laundry? There is a convenient free laundry room you can use downstairs in the building. The laundry room is kept locked and you may get the entry code for it from your host if you wish to do laundry. It has two fairly new full size washers and dryers and is rarely busy. Bring some of your own detergent if you plan to use it. There is an iron in the unit and a steamer.

Can I drink the tap water? The tap water is desalinated treated sea water and is perfectly clear and safe to drink, cook, bathe and make ice cubes from. Many people prefer bottled flat or sparkling water and that is a choice. If using the tap water we recommend that you fill a pitcher with water for drinking and keep it in the fridge, as it does not get cold from the tap even if you run it a long time.

What is provided for beach and snorkeling? There is a beach attendant for the resort and you can have free use of the turquoise Coral Gardens beach loungers, umbrellas and towels. If you are not snorkeling it is best to swim away from the reef area for a sandier bottom. You register as a Coral Gardens guest, at the beach entrance, before you first get towels. They also have snorkel gear for rental. When you first get towels they will just want your name and room number on a sign in sheet and it is Suite 4205 and they probably will get to know you and not ask again. In the unit we have several snorkels and masks for your use. We recommend bringing your own flippers or water shoes for snorkeling but we do have size 9 men’s water shoes which is a common fit. When you go to the reef there are rocks before the marked snorkeling area and you should wear water shoes if you do not use flippers, to protect your feet. When you snorkel do not go inside the marked orange circle for the reef. If you go inside the circle it is illegal and you could damage the reef. You will see plenty of fish as you approach the marked area. If you do use our snorkel equipment please rinse it in fresh water after use and return it to the bag in the closet.

Is the beach private? There are no private beaches in Turks and Caicos. All are open to the public and there is a public walkway to the beach right beside us. Coral Gardens is part of a protected national park area and there is further protection as it is a sea turtle nesting area. Fishing is not allowed in the park area. There are no facilities for the public but people come from all over the island to snorkel at the Coral Gardens reef. There is a public walkway to the beach close to our unit. People who are not guests are not allowed to use our resort beach chairs and usually stay off the beach area directly in front of Coral Gardens. It would be very unusual for guests to be approached by beach vendors like they are on some other islands. Our pool area is exclusively for the use of you and other guests staying on the premises. There is no life guard on duty at the beach or the pool.

What security is at the resort? A few years ago there were major concerns about crime in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos due to gang related events away from Grace Bay and other tourist areas. Coral Gardens had a security guard present from 5 PM to 7 AM daily and this has been increased to 24 hours a day. There have been no incidents to raise concern at the Coral Gardens Resort and gang related crime on the island has gone down in the past few years with a deep drop in the crime rate in the year 2025.

What is done for heating and cooling? Heating is never needed. There is central air conditioning with controls on the main level, and upstairs for the bedroom level there is a separate ductless air conditioning wall unit with a remote control box on the wall by it. We replaced the older central air system with a new one in 2024 and wall unit in 2025. There are also three ceiling fans in the unit.

What kitchen and dining facilities are there? The kitchen has GE appliances being fridge, stove, dishwasher and built in microwave. There is a blender, a kettle, and a 2 slice toaster. There are lots of kitchen tools and sufficient dishes and cutlery. There are lots of wine glasses and two martini glasses. There is a variable selection of bottled spices for your use. There is a drip coffee machine that uses #4 coffee filters which are provided. We do not supply much coffee and we recommend that you bring your own preferred ground coffee from home. We do provide a small supply of sweetener and tea bags. We provide a roll of paper towels. There is a kitchen island in addition to regular counter space where you can prepare meals and 3 wicker bar stools the wide side of the island in the living area. We do not have a dining room table. There is a round table on the balcony with outdoor chairs where you can also eat.

Is the unit accessible? It is not accessible or recommended for people with walking issues. There is no elevator and it is on the second floor so you will have to go up and down stairs. The bedroom which includes a large walk in shower in the Ensuite bathroom is up a set of stairs in this two level unit. If you need accessibility look for a ground floor unit or rent at a place that has an elevator.

How is the internet? Wireless internet for the resort is available in the unit with a booster in the bedroom. Internet speed is a little higher in the bedroom but very good and reliable all through the unit. The cable TV box has the Wifi password on it. The resort changed over to FLOW for much more reliable higher speed internet and cable TV service. Each unit at the resort has its own Local Area Network (LAN). By the pool and beach you can use the open network of Somewhere Café.

What about TV? There is a 40 inch Sansui HD LCD TV in the living room and a 40 inch Sony HD LCD TV in the bedroom. Both have very good picture and sound but they are not Smart TVs. In the living there is a new DVD Blue-Ray player and there are some interesting DVDs there for your use. Each TV has a cable box from Flow and there are many cable channels available.

What restaurants are near? There is the Somewhere Café on the premises which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast starts and the bar opens at 8:30 AM. There are no dinner reservations needed or allowed except for large groups at Somewhere. Dinner reservations are a must at most places. Just past Somewhere, right next door at the Windsong Resort there is the Dunes Restaurant (for dinner only) and JoJos Café. JoJos by the pool, is great for lunch by the beach and also has an excellent bar. We will soon have new bars and restaurants at the Hyatt Andaz beside us the other way. Tamara restaurant at Hyatt Andaz looks likely to become one of the several great restaurants of Grace Bay. Just past Andaz there is the West Bay Club which has the Drift restaurant by the beach for lunch and Two West for a very nice dinner. Right beside West Bay Club is the Wymara Resort which has the acclaimed but expensive Indigo restaurant and closer to the beach there is the Blue Water Bistro for lunch or dinner along with the very lively Pink Bar. The Marine Room restaurant is now open across the road. It is high up and has a great ocean view. Marine Room has received rave reviews and we confirm it is both excellent and expensive. Turtle Cove Marina is a mile down the road west of us and it has reasonably priced less formal restaurants Mango Reef, Baci and Sharkbite. We highly recommend Baci for reasonably priced quality Italian food. At Baci you can dine right beside the water and parked yachts, or you can take out pizza. Baci is the place to go for veal with several choices of veal entrees. Towards central Grace Bay at the Sands Resort we recommend Hemingways right at the beach, and also Mr. Groupers for fish of course, and on Thursday evenings the island fish fry party is now next to Mr. Groupers. The fish fry is a popular street party event where there is live entertainment. It is tricky driving or parking in the fish fry area on Thursday evenings due to the many people who go there and traffic detours. Bay Bistro is at Sibbone Hotel towards central Grace Bay near Hemingways. In that area you will find the luxurious Palms Resort with Parallel 23. In the central part of Grace Bay Beach for more fine dining we recommend Caicos Cafe, Coyaba, Coco Bistro, Grace’s Cottage and Le Bouchon Du Village. To have dinner at Coco Bistro where you sit with the Palm trees around you, may require reservations made weeks in advance unless you want an early or late dinner. Coco Bistro also has a less formal and less costly affiliate on the property called Coco Van which many people love as much or more. . There is also Seven for fine dining at Seven Stars Resort. Seven Stars also has The Farm restaurant with healthy locally grown food. The Farm is a place where you can get sushi or dim sum in addition to regular menu items. Opus at Ocean Club East feels like a mini Coco Bistro. Ocean Club East also has great and reasonably priced food at the lively Cabana Bar on the Beach. Their fish tacos are possibly the best anywhere. Mr. Groupers by the fish fry site is a lower priced place for lots of choices in fish and lobster too. Beyond Grace Bay and Turtle Cove we recommend local food from Omar’s, Bugaloos and Da Conch Shack. On the Atlantic side of the island on Long Bay Beach there is the Shore Club, a luxury hotel featuring Sui Ren which is great for sushi. Many restaurants can be booked for reservations online from their websites (like Coco Bistro) or using Open Table. For pubs or sports bars we recommend Danny Buoys or the informal Terrace which is part of Seven Stars in the central Grace Bay area. Pelican Bay Restaurant at Royal West Indies Resort has an all you can eat lobster buffet every Wednesday in season and also has a lively Happy Hour from 5 to 7 every day.

What excursions are there? There are not a lot of attractions to see or visit on the island of Provo, but there are many scenic spots if you drive around or have a taxi take you for a tour. You can be dropped off at a different beach or a resort which will welcome you if you have lunch at their restaurant and a cab can come back for you. It is fun to stop for break at a local bar off the tourist path. The best excursions are on the water including a great number of sailing and snorkel trips. While our reef at Coral Gardens is very good you will find better snorkel spots on an excursion and all snorkel gear including flippers is provided. For water excursions you usually can get ground transportation to Leeward or Turtle Cove Marinas included or they will pick you up at the beach. Caicos Dream Tours regularly picks up and drops off guests at the Coral Gardens beach. The nicest and most expensive catamaran trips are on the Lady Grace which is part of the Ritz Carlton Hotel and provides a buffet of excellent food from the hotel including sushi and top service by the crew. We recommend their sunset cruise. You can have a lot of wonderful experiences and even make friends for life while on a sailing trip in Provo. There a number of boating service providers. There are also clear kayaks which are guided for nature tours of the mangrove area near Leeward. We also recommend visits to other islands especially Middle Caicos. The only golf course in the Turks and Caicos is in Provo not far away on road towards Leeward. Check it out at Royal Turks and Caicos Golf

What about shopping? Turks and Caicos is not known for great shopping and the prices tend to be high with almost everything imported with a high duty on it. For groceries (also wine, beer and liquor) we are close to the Graceway IGA which is a large store that should have everything you need. You do not need to bring food with you from home. In central Grace Bay there is the associated store Graceway Gourmet which is smaller but has a better selection of things visitors would want with smaller containers available and the prices are the same at both stores. Liquor sales are not allowed at the grocery store on Sundays but you can always get a good selection of wine and other things at L & M a variety store run by our friend Mario in the plaza where the French bakery and Caicos Cafe are located. They are open for alcohol sales on Sundays and open late most days. L & M sells Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee beans or ground at a fair price. Some hotel gift stores offer liquor and wine on Sundays. For the French bakery go early as they do sell out of eveything by noon usually. Central Grace Bay has a growing number of tourist oriented high end shops and great coffee shops like Lemon-2-Go, and Beans and Leaves. More and more good shops are being established at the Salt Mills Plaza in the central area. There are many new shops mainly offering quality clothing, art and decor. You can also find shops for tacky souvenirs to bring home if that is what you are seeeking. There are jewelrey stores offering duty free items in the central area with airport outlets as well. We like Jai’s for jewelrey. At the airport our favorite store is Nell’s Gift Shop for clothes and souveniers. There are many more basic local stores around the island and larger specialty stores but no malls so you should ask based on what you need.