Canadian World Traveller Spring 2019 Issue

69
Club Med Turkoise
An Inviting Adult-Only Escape in Turks & Caicos
by Susan Campbell
Idon’t know about you, but when I used to
think of Club Med, wild and crazy spring
break romps and family vacations full of
exuberant kids came to mind. So when I
found out that Club Med also has an adultonly
escape, and it just happened to be
located right on one of my top three favorite
beaches on the planet- I was all in!
Glorious Grace Bay Beach- Providenciales
Before we get into the nuts of bolts of this
resort, we must talk about this beach.
Seemingly endless uncrowded miles of brilliant
white crushed coral carpet cresting
turquoise calm aqua waters- it’s seriously
worth a trip to Providenciales - also locally
called “Provo”- just to experience it. In fact,
Grace Bay Beach constantly ranks in the top
ten beaches of the world, and was chosen
number one on Trip Advisor in 2018. It’s that
gorgeous.
Casual barefoot fun on Provo’s best beach
Of course, Grace Bay Beach is the chosen
location for all of Provo’s main resorts, it all
depends on the kind of holiday you’re looking
for. But if you’re seeking a really fun,
casual, all-inclusive adult-only escape there,
look no further than Club Med Turkoise.
Newly refreshed
Following massive renovations after hurricane
damage in 2017, and also because it
was due as this was one of the very first
resorts to be established on the island, the
entire complex has now been upgraded to 4-
trident standards- Club Med’s internal rating
system.
With 284 rooms stacked in colorful complexes,
the resort spans 34 acres of super prime
beachfront property. But I won’t lie, the older
rooms are still a tad small and Spartan by
today’s resort standards- and most don’t
have balconies. So do opt for one of the 92
new deluxe rooms, with balconies, fresh
decor, and sea views. But seriously, you’ll not
be spending much time in your room anyway
with so much to do.
For dining, there’s one big main buffet
restaurant- with indoor and outdoor seating.
It’s truly massive and comprehensive on all
levels, and the fare was consistently fresh
and creative. There’s also a fancy wine tasting
room with tapas, but not included in the
price. Sharkie’s Grill & Beach Bar is your only
other option for food, but their casual fare is
very tasty and the seaside location is lovely.
They could use a few more food option spots
to be honest, but they told me an additional
more high-end dining room was in the works
for this year, so that will be welcome.
Activities & entertainment
If you can tear yourself away from lounging
on that soul-soothing beach, you can try
windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding,
sailing, and snorkeling, all included in the
cost. There is also a great dive operator on
site. There’s also tennis, beach volleyball,
basketball courts and billiards as well. Or
you can work out at the newly renovated
indoor fitness centre and enjoy free fitness
activities like sunset yoga. And of course,
being a Club Med, there’s always some kind
of crazy races or themed activities and parties
going on all day, and all night it’s live
music and energetic dancing by their newly
renovated infinity pool. ( Which is incidentally
open 24/7 - a rare treat.)
Fly through the air or spa by the sea
Then there is the flying trapeze! The signature
activity at this particular resort is a huge trapeze
set-up for guests including free lessons.
Even if you don’t partake, it’s a lot of fun to
watch. Also fun is to hear the shrieks of those
attempting it while you are getting a glorious
seaside massage at the new spa nook right
next door.
The beauty of this spot is that there is plenty
of room to have some quiet time by the sea,
but lots to do if you want to join in and be
social. Best of both worlds, and a bargain on
Grace Bay Beach.
www.clubmed.ca/r/Turkoise/y
Canadian World Traveller Spring 2019