Turkoise

It’s true, I have been slacking on this blog. Though I highly doubt there are too many people who have even noticed. That said, I did meet some great people on my most recent trip to Turks and Caicos back in April and had promised to update this blog with some of our hilarious adventures involving a crazy cast of resort characters (most notably, Frank the Tank). The problem is, to be honest; I don’t have a lot to say about this particular trip. Which is a bit weird for me? I had a lovely time and all of my expectations were met tenfold (sun, sand, soul) but it really was about doing absolutely nothing. Doing absolutely nothing - but in the most gorgeous scenery imaginable. 

While I have always hoped to visit Turks and Caicos, being that it is an incredibly expensive place to visit I certainly didn’t expect to get there this year, or by myself for that matter. But, I like to think I have an eagle-eye when it comes to finding inexpensive flights. So when I spotted a West Jet flight for $320 (tax included) I took a chance and booked it. It was perfect - a direct, 3.5 hour flight and a 5 night visit to the island that would only cost me 4 vacation days. On an island like this, hotels are at a premium price so traveling alone can be an expensive endeavor. However, with such a low list of expectations, I figured I could easily, happily and affordably find a studio villa through homeaway.com or stay at the Comfort Suites (a popular low-cost option). But, an online advertising banner for Club Med caught my eye – thankfully – and I scored myself 5 nights of all inclusive accommodations and a Club Med membership for $600 (tax included). Seriously – an unbelievable deal.

My 10 am flight was slightly delayed but pretty uneventful. Considering what I paid, I would have been perfectly happy strapped to the wing. I scored a seat at the back in an empty row (my favourite) and was able to get a decent look at the island (and incredible blue sea) as we flew in. The one major piece I would give about Turks, is to prepare yourself for major chaos and a tiny bit of stress at the airport. The airport is very small with a teeny tiny little luggage belt and extremely congested luggage pick-up area. Add to that multiple flights coming in at roughly the same time (likely intended to streamline shuttles and domestic flights etc) making the baggage area utter chaos. And it’s not so much the baggage issue itself but the impatient people who are willing to push you out of the way, let their children run wild and complain as loud as they possibly can. They will threaten your chill if you are not properly prepared.  It wasn’t easy, but I did manage to ignore it and after about 30 minutes of patience I spotted my, ahem, leopard print suitcase and made my way outside to paradise.

Because I hadn’t purchased my air and hotel stay together, I did not have transfers included with my package. However, when I went outside there was in fact a Club Med representative (Diesel) waiting for me and I was able to take their shuttle for a $15US (versus a $30 taxi fare). Fantastic!  The ride was short – down an impeccably clean highway, past some local shops and homes. The island seems quiet, financially healthy (relative to other Caribbean islands I have visited), and dare I say it, a bit boring. We arrive at Club Med and are greeted by a group of G.O.’s (I’ll explain momentarily) with a cool towel and a cold drink, given a bit of orientation and escorted to our rooms.

I have to admit - I was more than pleasantly surprised with the resort. I didn't know much about the place before arriving. Club Med had always struck me as a place that had its heyday back in the eighties and nineties so I was expecting something a little less...current. While the resort definitely shows it's age - it was way nicer and newer than I dared to hope for. The rooms themselves are quite spartan, but they are clean and have anything you might need (flat-screen TV, telephone, coffee/tea service) with the exception of a balcony. But who needs to hang out in their room when a beach like that awaits outside.

I've been to many beautiful beaches (Maui, St.Martin, Mayan Riviera, Cuba, St. Barth's and Rio De Janeiro to name a few) but the beach here really is something special. The water really is THAT beautiful. Clear, calm...perfect. Club Med's long stretch of beach, while short on shade, has tons of chairs and hammocks.

The pool is lovely too....lots of chairs with soft, white cushions on them...and its in close proximity to the bar where you can keep yourself cool with a fresh mojito.

And although I did absolutely nothing...there are a ton of different things that you can try for free: trapeze, a snorkeling boat expedition, volleyball, bocce, water aerobics, soccer, ball hockey, baseball, sunset yoga on the dock. There was also some really cool late afternoon entertainment at the beach bar with a guitarist playing rock and pop music while the sun set and the party got started. The "show" each night was pretty good - mostly because it didn't take itself too seriously. The staff at the resort participate in the show which always includes a trapeze component which was always cool to watch.

The Club Med experience is definitely different than a regular resort, so it might not be for everyone. The staff (for the most part attractive and young) known as "G.O's" are encouraged to mingle with the guests during the day, at dinner and at the bar later which inevitably leads to some "intermingling" which could give the feeling of being transported back to highschool or spring break. That said, the casual set-up (communal tables for dinner etc) definitely works for the single traveler. I got to meet many people over the course of my trip just by sitting with them at dinner or drinks: Fernando and Mattias from Argentina, the lovely Kelly and Dr. Taylor, Kim from New York, Laura from D.C., Linda and her husband celebrating their wedding anniversary, Liz, Camille and the rest of the Club Med regulars...plus a woman from my hometown who chatted with me in the pool. Small world. Oh, and lest I forget the highlight of the trip - a real-life version of "Frank the Tank" who was rocking the party every night by removing his shirt and singing "ooh-ooh" into the mike. Though a bunch of us had secretly dubbed him Frank the Tank, we were shocked to find out that his name was actually Frank. So perfect.

Hmmm. Wait a minute, didn't I start off this post by saying I didn't have much to say?