The Ocean Club, Turks & Caicos Islands

For travelers seeking peace and tranquility in a luxurious, island setting, look not further then the ocean Club in Providenciales (Provo) on Turks and Caicos.

At this low-key resort overlooking Grace Bay, the staff ensures friendly service, the food is fresh and innovative, and time is the last thing on guests' minds, as nothing will interfere with their complete escape from a hectic lifestyle. Even the tiny airport on Provo sets the pace for a stay at Ocean Club - the atmosphere is informal, the service is courteous and the tempo is slowed down.

Ocean Club is a cluster of 86 individually owned condominiums on 12-mile Grace Beach. The white sand is dotted with pink umbrellas and lounges occupied by guests sipping pina coladas or reading.

Energetic guests can rent a catamaran or kayak, snorkel, scuba dive, play golf and tennis, fish, sail or parasail. Most facilities are available at the hotel or through Provo Turtle Divers. Golfers can play a few rounds at the Provo Golf Club's 18-holechampionship golf course. Those not interested in watersports can loll on the beach, take early morning walks, relax by the pool or test their luck at the nearby Port Royale Casino.

The Ocean Club, which opened in 1991, plans to begin construction by 2000 on Ocean Club west, which will be situated about a mile down the beach on Grace Bay.

The resort is ideal for 30- to 50-year old guests, and upscale families and couples.
Most clients hail from Northeastern U.S.

The Ocean Club features beachfront, oceanview and gardenview deluxe suites. Guests can choose from studio, studio deluxe, one-bedroom junior, one-bedroom, two-bedroom deluxe and three-bedroom deluxe suites. All condos are air conditioned and feature private balconies of varying sizes. Each is individually decorated by the owner, but most blend wicker and rattan furniture with such color combinations as green and coral or electric blue. Local artists’ paintings decorate the walls, and some suites feature cathedral ceilings. In the oceanfront rooms, turquoise waters create a gorgeous, natural backdrop. Amenities include a washer/dryer, an iron and ironing board, a television, a radio and a hair dryer.

Since the development consists of separate condos, public areas are mostly outdoors, except for the front lobby, where guests pick up their keys. The resort has clothing and sundries shops, and a small health club with a treadmill, an exercise bike and free weights. Near the beach is a small swimming pool, and close to the condos is the garden pool, surrounded by flora. The pool areas are a popular spot for couples with young children.

The Ocean Club features two restaurants: The Ocean Club Cabana Bar and Grille, and informal venue that serves breakfasts, lunch and snacks; and the more formal Gecko Grille, which is open for dinner.

The cabana bar serves light lunches and features a full-service bar just steps from the beach. Guests can order such dishes as grilled mahi-mahi or chicken sandwich, fresh fish salads and fried conch fritters.

Executive Chef Annick Vernay specializes in exotic, gourmet seafood dishes at the Gecko Grille. The cuisine is international, with a Caribbean flair. Sample dishes include grilled mahi-mahi with mango chutney sauce, jerk wahoo Creole-style, spicy conch chowder, conch ceviche, yellowfin tuna prepared a number of ways, grouper encrusted with avocado and macadamia nuts served with pineapple and tomato salsa, and flame-roasted pork chops marinated in papaya juice with a grilled banana and papaya chutney. The Gecko Grille also features live music and dancing, and outdoor dining under the stars with the white lights illuminating the trees.

Employees at the resort are attentive, courteous and friendly. The room service and housekeeping staff are efficient and unintrusive.

Could be improved: Service is a bit slow at the cabana bar, but guests can order ahead by calling from their room before arriving for lunch.

Strongest Selling Point: The relaxed ambience created by the soothing, interior design of the suites, the friendliness of the staff and natural setting make Ocean Club an ideal place for travelers looking to unwind in luxury.

Rates and Packages: Dive, honeymoon, golf and summer packages are available at the resort, including the "Stay Seven, Pay Six" deal. Sample winter room rates for a one-bedroom oceanfront in 1999 begin at $495 through April 30.