TCI Provo.......where to stay?

[emmagee]

My parents both turn 70 this year and want to take my wife and I on a trip to celebrate, so we al going to TCI in June. We have pretty much decided on Provo and based on my research, it seems like Fifi's operation is the dive op to use. Now, where to stay.

While this isn't a low budget trip, we don't need, or want a luxury high rise resort, we all prefer a more laid back atmosphere. We certainly aren't interested in uber fancy night clubs, casino's, etc. What we would like is a nice, low key place with decent amenities, pool, internet, etc, that hopefully has a bar or at least a bar near by and hopefully a number of great restaurants near by. Oh, it should also be on the beach.

Something like near downtown Ambergris Caye, Belize where there are numerous restaurants within walking distance would be perfect.

Any suggestions? My Mom read something about Sibonne, which sounds nice, but we are also looking for other options. Any advice, recommendations are most appreciated!

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

Sibonne will do nicely although you won't really be in walking distance to a lot of dining choices. You should really consider a rental car as Provo is not known for being pedestrian friendly. Also some of the best restaurants IMHO are definitely not within walking distance. You will want to eat in Turtle Cove (Bacci, Magnolia, etc.) and Ports of Call area (don't miss a meal at Coco Bistro). The good news is there really isn't a lot of night life on Provo compared to other Caribbean destinations. The casino is a joke. The whole island is relatively low key. Be warned that a dive day with Fifi is the best option but it is definitely a whole day. You won't be back until mid-afternoon.

 

[chester]

Royal West Indies is another good option.. I stayed there on my last visit and am doing so again this May for a week. Relatively speaking (since Provo is xpensive), it's a pretty good deal.. I got a rate of $180/night.

Another option is Ocean Club, though I haven't stayed there. If you haven't done it already, check out the hotel page on Trip Advisor for Provo.. lots of good info (and pictures).

 

[Valwood1]

Any suggestions? My Mom read something about Sibonne, which sounds nice, but we are also looking for other options. Any advice, recommendations are most appreciated!

We've never been to T&C but are booked for April 29th. My bride was shocked at the hotel room rates, and searched for other options. She finally found a place, right on the beach, through ..VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® Vacation Homes Rentals by Owner (vacation rentals by owner, or some such thing). We're getting a one bedroom place with kitchen, etc. that's across the island from the Grace Bay area; there seems to be a lot of 2BR pr more places, too. Since you apparently need a rent car in almost any case, the non-hotel option might be worth a look.

 

[emmagee]

Thanks to all that have responded so far, the info is most appreciated, I also welcome any additional tips anyone has.

Val, I hadn't thought of VRBO, but my wife is aware of it, one of her friends told us about it several years ago, they have used it several times and realy seem to like it.

Tim, regarding diving with Fifi, when you say it's an all day affair not returning until mid afternoon, is that 1:00, 3:00, etc? Generally my wife and I do a two tank dive and then have the rest of the day, most places that has you back by 12:00 or 1:00, usually being picked up at 8:00 or so. While I want to do as much diving as possible, I prefer to do at least 2 tanks/day, I want to spend time with my parents as well. Not a problem if we are back by 1:00 or so, but I don't want to ditch them all day, every day and get back at 4:00. If this is the case, are there other dive ops that would have us back by 1:00-2:00? We could do 3-4 all day dives with Fifi and maybe 2-3 dives with someone else that would also give us time with my parents.

Thanks again, everyone!

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

I am not sure what time other dive ops get you back. The problem is that the premier diving is out at West Caicos or French Cay which require a 45 min. boat ride. Throw in the fact that Fifi picks up at major resorts with the bus and you can see why the day will be long. I usually got back between 2 and 3 inthe afternoon. The Thursday dive is a three tank and you will gone until 4 if I recall correctly. You might check with Provo Turtle Divers, Big Blue Divers and Dive Provo to see if they can get you back earlier. Fifi has the best dive platform IMHO but the other ops are also good from what I hear. I will be down with non-diving wife and children and have made plans to only dive three days to keep peace in the family. An alterntive would be to charter a boat for the whole group and have them throw some tanks on board for your and the wife. You could then do the pirate caves, snorkle for sand dollars, etc. and still dive.

 

[THX1138]

We stay at The Sands. Central location on Beach, some restaurants and an Irish Bar within reasonable walking distance, but I to would suggest renting a car given the number of people. John

 

[emmagee]

Thanks everyone!