Eat like a local at Thursday night Fish Fry

Posted on by
Reply

One event that is a must-do while vacationing on Turks and Caicos is the Thursday night Fish Fry. Just a short cab ride away, discover the true flavor of the island with some of the best local tastes in town.

Tastes of the town

Island specialties such as jerk chicken, conch fritters, just-caught fish and an array of fresh seafood are cooked on the spot by small vendors. Popular options are Froggies on Da Beach, Blue Hills Native Cuisine, Uncle Dough’s, Hole in the Wall and Middle Caicos Café among others.

Not just great food, enjoy top-notch rum punches mingling with locals and dancing to the rhythms of a steel band.

The rum punch, too, is mixed in a way locals swear can’t be replicated by any hotel bar.

The Turks and Caicos Fish Fry takes place every Thursday from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Bight Park. 

 

Sunset Wine Pairing

Posted on by
Reply

Wine lovers and gourmands are in for a treat at The Somerset’s new sunset wine pairing.

Each Wednesday at approximately 5:45 p.m. (depending on time of year), guests are invited to join us on the beachfront Estate Lawn for hors d’oeuvres and wine as the sun begins to set over Grace Bay.

O’Soleil’s Wine Steward, Venroy Brown, will guide you through five different wines as he presents them with bites of Caribbean cuisine prepared by our chef.

A perfect follow up to the Wine Paring would be a memorable dinner at O’Soleil Restaurant, located beside the croquet lawn.

Available for a fee, the Sunset Wine Pairing is open to the first 24 guests who sign up.

Masters viewing party at O’Soleil

Posted on by
Reply

If you’re not able to be in Augusta this weekend, the next best thing is watching the pros putt from our piece of paradise. And we’re putting a Somerset spin on the viewing party to make it fun.

Golf fanatics will be able to watch the 2013 Masters Tournament without foregoing Turks and Caicos sunshine and cocktails.

On Sunday, April 14, 2013, The Somerset on Grace Bay invites you to The Pearl Bar at O’Soleil Restaurant to watch the final round of the famous Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

Bar menu selections and drink specials will be available, and if you need a break, you are just steps from our stunning infinity pool or Grace Bay beach.

Sneak “sip” of our new cocktail

Those in attendance are invited to try our new signature cocktail, which is in the final stages of mixology. The refreshing beverage will officially debut the following Monday evening at the Manager’s Reception.

The challenge

Want to make it interesting? If you are at The Pearl Bar whenever a birdie is made, you’ll get a free shooter. An eagle? We’ll give you two!

Are you up for the challenge?

 

 

2013 “Sea”ster Hunt a success!

Posted on by
Reply

Good Friday, March 29, 2013, on beautiful Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos, dawned partly cloudy, but soon gave way to the brilliant sunshine for which the islands are renowned. Many were visiting us in the Turks and Caicos on family vacations from cooler climes such as North Carolina and New England gathered seaside for the 2nd Annual Somerset “Sea”ster Hunt.

Earlier in the week, the children had painted “Easter Eggs” (ocean rocks) with Kaye Ann, Director of The Somerset’s Caicos Kids Club.

On the morning of the hunt, the beautifully decorated rocks were hurled into the ocean by the youngsters. Then, with the help of snorkel-clad Dads (and a few Moms), the children made their way into the waters of Grace Bay to retrieve as many “eggs” as they could gather.

Amidst great encouragement, the family who turned in the most “Sea”ster eggs emerged triumphant: the Ellisons, from Somers, New York. Remarkably, they were REPEAT champions, having also aced the inaugural Somerset “Sea”ster Hunt in 2012.  Congratulations to Dan, Amy, Henry and Ruby! The Ellisons were awarded the coveted mounted Conch Shell in honor of their achievement, as well as having their names added – for the second time – to the permanent trophy on display in our lobby.

We are sure to see them again next year as they continue to defend their title as “Sea”ster Hunt champs. Are you up for the challenge?

The Somerset Easter Tradition: 2nd Annual Sea’ster Hunt

Posted on by
Reply

Easter is just around the corner and so is our Sea’ster Hunt! Last year’s Sea’ster Hunt was such a success and loved by guests that we’re making it an annual tradition.

The winning family will receive a family portrait to commemorate the trip and have their names forever engraved on The Somerset’s “Conch Shell Award.”This new “egg hunt” tradition is fun for the whole family. During the week leading up to Easter, children of all ages are invited to paint the Sea’ster “eggs” (egg-shaped rocks).

On Good Friday, March 29, 2013, the decorated “eggs” will be “hidden” in the turquoise waters of Grace Bay. Families will work together, snorkeling and swimming in the sea, to gather as many painted “eggs” as possible.

Last year’s winners, Dan Henry and Ruby Ellison will be returning try their luck to re-claim the coveted trophy. Good luck to everyone!

 

O’Soleil and LunaSea Reopen

Posted on by
Reply

We’re pleased to announce that our two on-site restaurants have reopened with fresh menus and expanded hours after a brief close.

Joint executive chefs Roberts and Marian, whose food and culinary expertise are known throughout Turks and Caicos Islands, led the direction for the new menus.

The restaurants at The Somerset will continue to feature fresh, local cuisine with a focus on exceptional quality and service. To view the hours and menus, click here.

In addition to dining with us at O’Soleil and LunaSea, make sure to attend our weekly BBQ Party on the Beach with fresh local seafood, DJ, dancing and bonfire. It’s always an anticipated event on Tuesday evenings.

Pools are Aglow After Recent Renovation

Posted on by
Reply

Our two pools are even more spectacular after the completion of the recent renovation. During the day, you’ll notice the glass tiles mirror the beautiful turquoise seas of Grace Bay. At night, the pool setting becomes magical with a soft glow from the tiles.

The tiles were specifically created for The Somerset and we’re the only place in the Caribbean – one of only a few worldwide – with these glow-in-the-dark tiles. The tiles, which are imported from Spain, are recycled glass and LEED-certified.

Make sure to plan an evening stroll or cocktail by the pool to enjoy the beautiful sight.

 

Turks and Caicos November events: Conch Festival

Posted on by
Reply

The Turks and Caicos Conch Festival will be held Saturday, November 23-24. It’s fun reason to stay with us at The Somerset on Grace Bay, now that Hurricane Sandy has passed us safely by, and we enter the “gentlest season” here in the Caribbean.

The festival will feature a weekend-full of activities on Providenciales, home to the World’s Best Beach. The popular beach-side event attracts tourists and locals alike to celebrate the islands’ most famous delicacy, historical icon, and number one export. The main event will take place on Saturday afternoon (November 24) at noon in the charming Blue Hills area of Providenciales, outside of Three Queen’s Bar & Restaurant. Stay tuned for more event information on this website.

Saturday, November 3: Conch Fritter eating contest at Native Cuisine

Conch festival month kicks off with a conch fritter eating contest to be held on Saturday, November 3rd at Native Cuisine restaurant in Blue Hills starting at 2pm. Cash prizes for first, second and third place.

Saturday, November 10: Conch Knocking competition at Sailing Paradise

The conch knocking competition will be held on Saturday, November 10 at Sailing Paradise. The party starts at 2pm with the main event taking place at 4pm. Cash prizes for first, second and third place with be awarded for whoever “knocks” the most conch in a limited time. Food and drink specials along with music will be on hand to entertain. Register for this event at Sailing Paradise or at 3 Queens in Blue Hills.

Saturday, November 17: Conch Peeling competition at Froggie’s

A new event added this year will take place at Froggie’s on da Beach on Saturday, November 17 starting at 2pm.

Friday, November 23: “Conchy Night” at Froggie’s on da Beach

Come dressed in your best “Conch Hooker” costume and win a cash prize.

Saturday, November 24: Ninth Annual Conch Festival

This focus of the festival pits the island’s best chefs against each other in a hotly-contested tasting competition judged by a panel of experts as well as the Festival attendees.Tasting begins at Noon and runs until 5PM.

Sunday, November 25: Run for Charity

The longer race begins at 6:30AM while the 5K race goes off at 7:00AM. Both races begin and end at Wrightfully Fit near Turtle Cove and wind through the scenic beachfront of Providenciales. Entry fees are $60 for adults and $30 for children under 18.

Sign up in advance at Wrightfully Fit Fitness Center (located at the Miramar Resort near Turtle Cove marina) or by calling 941 3311.

For more information about Turks and Caicos events, please contact our concierge.

Turks & Caicos has been voted the #3 top Island Destination

Posted on by
Reply

turks and caicos luxury resortsThe Turks & Caicos has been voted the #3 top Island Destination in the Caribbean by
Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards:

Readers describe these tropical islands as “exquisitely clean and unspoiled,” highlighting the “crystal blue waters” and “white powder sand.”  Comb the beaches for their signature conch shells before stopping atreader favorite Jack’s Shack for a mojito.

Every year since 1988, a select sample of Condé Nast Traveler readers have taken the Readers’ Choice Survey.

The Turks and Caicos received a Readers’ Choice Rating of 84.9, based on some of the following ratings:

Beaches: 95.0
Lodging: 88.0
Activities: 87.0

As for how the ranking was achieved, questionnaires hosted on a website contained lists of candidates (individual cities, hotels, etc.), and write-ins were allowed. Only candidates that received a required minimum number of responses were deemed eligible for an award. Each candidate was rated, criterion by criterion, on a five-point scale: excellent, very good, good, fair, poor. Criterion scores, which represent the percentage of respondents rating a candidate excellent or very good, were averaged to determine the finalscore—e.g., in the category of Islands, Maui’s 89.5 is the average of its scores for Activities, Atmosphere/Ambience, Beaches, Friendliness, Lodging, Restaurants, and Scenery.

Conde Nast Traveler is the world’s premier travel magazine, with travel tips, vacation ideas, destination information, and how to find great travel deals.

Turks and Caicos Weddings at the Somerset: Caribbean Romance

Posted on by
Reply

Turks and Caicos weddingsMost of us dream of planning the perfect destination wedding in the Turks and Caicos at an idyllic location, perhaps graced by Trade Winds, but always on a sugary beach with a backdrop of azure sea and sky.

No matter the size or style of your wedding, the Somerset’s professional wedding staff will handle every detail to create a special event for you and your guests.

At the Somerset, we help with:

  • Personal wedding coordination
  • Officiate to perform wedding ceremony
  • Registration of legal documentation, 1 certificate copy
  • Selection of ceremony location throughout resort or beach
  • Bridal bouquets and boutonnieres
  • 2 tier wedding cake – 12″-8″ (30 cm – 20 cm) flavor choice, flowers on top
  • Decorations, including Bougainvillea decorated-beach chuppa
  • Signing table, linen, and chairs & white bow sashes
  • Wedding chairs with white bow sashes for guests
  • Live wedding ceremony music

Planning Activities for your Guests

While the wedding ceremony itself is important, it’s what newlyweds and their guests can do after the wedding that is equally important.

The island of Providenciales is home to an 18-hole golf course, a casino, three marinas and world-class shopping and boutiques.

Of course, the ocean is the focal point of most activities here on Providenciales.

The south coast of Provo faces the Caicos Bank, home to marine life, including conch, spiny lobster, dolphins and humpback whales.

Grace Bay Beach

Plan your honeymoon and wedding at Grace Bay, just a walk down the aisle from the Somerset, one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean. Famous for bathing, snorkeling, or just relaxing under swaying palm trees, this beach is the perfect backdrop for a wedding.

Contact our Special Events Coordinator for more information about planning a Turks and Caicos wedding:
Email: specialevents@thesomerset.com