Times of the Islands Summer 2016

Our journey starts at Providenciales airport where
we catch a flight with InterCaribbean Airways, whose
schedule makes getting to South Caicos a breeze, and
just 20 minutes later we gently touch down. (News has it
that government is set to embark on a major infrastructure
improvement at the airport.) We are greeted by the
charming and impeccably dressed Jeremiah, who transports
us in a luxury SUV to the resort, just a few minutes
away.
On arrival at the plush lobby, we are greeted by
Stephanie, who has a beaming smile and offers us welcome
cocktails so that we can start our vacation in style!
After a speedy check-in we are driven by golf cart to our
room which is on the second floor. The building is only
four stories high, nestled amongst the surrounding seagrass.
It feels like old-time Provo!
We are pleasantly surprised at the room’s comfort
and cleanliness. Having travelled extensively to all the
outer islands, accommodation can usually be described
as “rustic,” but East Bay Resort compares to Grace Bay
standards and beyond. Our large studio includes a balcony
with ocean view, a full kitchen, and a huge bed. The
kitchen is large and well equipped, and the management
will even shuttle you to the local store for groceries.
We decide to explore the beach. A short walk through
beautifully landscaped gardens and we are alone on a
pristine beach that stretches for over a mile! We see that
it has been mechanically groomed, a nice touch indeed.
The sand is soft and powdery and the small cove is calm
and tranquil. Already we feel a million miles from the rest
of the world—this is escapism at its finest!
We head back to the resort and learn that there is a
complimentary island tour that we are welcome to attend.
Jeremiah is driver and guide, so we know it will be fun.
Born in Middle Caicos but coming to South at the age of
four, he is passionate and caring about the island and
eager to share his local knowledge with a smile.
We drive slowly down winding lanes of Cockburn
Harbour and he points out historic buildings, often adding
a humorous tale. We stop at the Boiling Hole in the
middle of the salt ponds and he explains how it filled
the ponds with ocean water that was evaporated to form
salt—later raked, bagged, and shipped around the world.
On the incoming tide, the current is strong enough to
give the effect that the churning water is “boiling.” The
salt ponds now lay abandoned, but you can feel history
seep into this serene spot.
We continue our tour, Jeremiah occasionally honking
at friends and neighbors as we pass—all in this friendly
From top: The accommodations at East Bay Resort compare to Grace
Bay standards. What a view!
The historic Boiling Hole filled the salt ponds with ocean water that
was evaporated to form salt.
Alvaro shakes up a world-class margarita at the resort’s Admiral
Cockburn Lounge.
76 www.timespub.tc