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Published: October 12th 2010
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Big thanks to Colin for taking us at 5am to catch our early morning flight from Dallas via Maimi to Providenciales. We arrived in Provo (Providenciales) late afternoon, the first thing that seemed a little strange was the short drive to our hotel, the Caribbean Paradise Inn, the taxi drove on the left with the steering wheel also on the left. After being in Texas where they drive on the right with the steering wheel on the left, opposite to us, we now feel total confused.
We had decided to stay at the Caribbean Paradise Inn based on tripadvisor reviews, it was as we expected, small, only 16 units, but comfortable and our room very clean and with a good air conditioner. We are a 5 minute walk to the beach through the large resorts, we are happy with our choice not only becuase the price was at least 1/3 of the price of the resorts on the beach but because the hotel has a casual atmosphere that suits the Caribbean. Wen who runs the front desk is very helpful, Jean Luc the owner is is a very friendly and really seems to care that his guests enjoy their stay.
There only seems to be a few visitors on the island at the moment as it is low season, the hottest time of the year with possible storms. We had dinner at a nearby resort, the West Indies, Ron's lobster was excellent and he raved about the butter sauce.
Day two was spent between the pool, beach and our room with the air conditioner on it's coolest setting, we were very careful not to stay too long in the sun and even though we used lots of sun screen both Ron and I ended up sunburn, I more than Ron. The sea is a beautiful torquiose blue and the sand very white and clean but due to some storms out to sea the water is a little rough. Although we did not venture in the surf beyond where we could stand I found myself knocked about in the waves and dumped a few times, Ron of course loved trying to body surf. We were able to get a lift to the supermarket where we bought some supplies, local beer, chips, fruit and yoghurts, an unusual combination, the 1 kilometre walk back was very warm. We tried Co Co
resturant for dinner, another delicious seafood meal was enjoyed, the restaurant is set in a beautiful coconut grove lit with lanterns.
Day three, after breakfast we decided to walk along the beach from midway along Grace Bay to the point, about 5 kms return, walking there was not too bad but the walk back was a little exhausting in the heat. In the afternoon we alternated between relaxing on our verandah drinking beer and eating pistachios and lying around the pool in the shade to try to limit further sunburn. Late afternoon we went foraging to buy picnic supplies from the supermarket, we gathered french brie, Californian wine, local bread and a few other goodies. We found a quiet place on the beach to sit and watch the sunset while we enjoyed our feast, a great way to end the day.
Day four, after a relaxing breakfast, and morning swim at the beach we hired a rental car in the afternoon and toured half the island, we soon realised there is not a lot to see other than the resorts and beautiful Grace Bay. Providenciales is best for relaxing on beautiful Grace Bay beach, with top resorts and
great restaurants offering fresh seafood. On our last night we had another wonderful seafood dinner this time at Hemingways Restaurant and then finished with coffee and desert at Grace Bay resort reclining on a comfortable day bed. Both restaurants are located right on the beach at Grace Bay, listening to the waves breaking on the shore added to the experience of dining under the stars.
Day five, the morning of our last day was spent packing our suitcases and using the computer as we didn't know when we will next find a good internet connection. In the afternoon we utilised our hire car to explore the other end of the island, we drove as far as North Point. There was not a lot to see at this end of the island but half way back we detoured to Chalk Sound, a beautiful area with an aquarmarine coloured lagoon and very impressive homes that had views both to the lagoon on one side and the sea on the other. On the way back to the hotel to pack our bags we stopped for cake and coffee and Hemingways as it is on the beach and we wished to enjoy one
last look at lovely Grace Bay.
When checking out Jean Luc showed us his plans for expansion of the hotel, he is hoping to build an new reception area that will also have a bar that can serve snacks, including somewhere to buy a drink or snack will undoubtly make staying at the Paradise Inn even more appealing. Jean Luc really does want his guest to enjoy their stay, we were sad to have to refuse his offer of a last glass of wine before we left as we had a plane to catch. With all the large resorts on the island it is good to know there is still a small owner run hotel such as the Paradise Inn taking care of their guests as if they are part of the family.
Tip: It cost $30 ($15 each) for a taxi from the airport, 24hr before leaving we hired a small car for $40 which got us to the airport and gave us a means of touring the island.
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lozz & simon
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wow....gorgeous, picture perfect