The Sands at Grace Bay

Sands isn’t one of the flashiest properties on Grace Bay, but it is one of the most reasonably priced (at least compared to the steep rates of other Provo resorts). This resort is set on six acres of beachfront property, defined by immaculately manicured lawns and pools connected by meandering canals. Six, three-story buildings with pale yellow facades and white trim hold studios and suites. The drawback to the property’s long layout is that ocean views are very limited in all but the Ocean Front units.  

Sands is one of the more popular resorts on the island for families, who are drawn by its large units and kid-friendly amenities. Although there’s no kids’ club, the property caters to little ones with a kids’ menu at the restaurant, three good-sized pools, and an ample availability of toys and board games. 

Families tend to congregate around the beachfront pool, while couples often escape to the quieter garden pools. Hemingway’s restaurant is popular with guests and non-guests alike, and as a result, it can get packed at peak times; however, with several other restaurants found within walking distance and all units equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes, guests certainly aren’t limited to dining at Hemingway’s for every meal. 

Sands at Grace Bay is set almost at the center of Grace Bay Beach’s 12-mile stretch of gorgeous white sands. Although there are numerous other resorts found on either side, the Sands’ large stretch of beach feels relatively uncrowded. It’s a 15-minute walk to the nearest grocery store, plus numerous restaurants and two shopping plazas are found less than 10 minutes away on foot. 

Most of the island’s attractions are a short drive away, including Caicos Conch Farm, which can be reached in a 10-minute drive. Provo Golf Club is a five-minute drive away, while Providenciales International Airport can be reached in 15 minutes by car. 

Sands at Grace Bay is made up of studios in addition to one-, two-, and three-bedrooms suites, all of which received a full facelift in late 2016. Units feature tile floors, wicker furniture, and beachy beige-and-blue color schemes. Armchairs and sofas are accented with swirl patterns, a motif that’s picked up by a few elegant pieces of artwork. All units have sizable sitting areas, with suites also featuring four-person dining tables. Whitewashed armoires hold flat-screen TVs and, with the exception of studios, all units offer sleeper sofas. Free Wi-Fi is standard, and most units have washers and dryers. Bathrooms with travertine tile floors feature Gilchrest and Soames bath products and modern fixtures. Some have shower/tub combos, while others have glass-doored showers and separate jetted tubs. 

Studios feature well-equipped kitchenettes with microwaves, toasters, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers, while suites offer beautiful full kitchens with granite countertops. All units (Courtyard Studios) have roomy balconies or porches with cushioned wooden loungers. Balcony and porch screens provide protection against insects, but obscure views somewhat. Guests should bear in mind that Ocean View units only offer partial ocean views -- you’ll need to upgrade to an Ocean Front unit for the full view.  Ocean Front Deluxe units have huge wraparound balconies with outdoor dining tables.   

Sands’ main pool, which is located adjacent to Hemingway’s restaurant, offers partial views of the ocean beyond a border of beach grass. Padded loungers line the attractive wooden deck surrounding the pool, which is accented with a few palm trees and low bushes. The resort’s two other lagoon-style pools -- one of which includes a pretty rock-and-waterfall feature -- are tucked amid lush vegetation and connected by winding canals. There’s also an outdoor hot tub with a gated entrance, which is framed by bushes for privacy.

The resort offers direct access to a wide stretch of Grace Bay Beach. Palapas and loungers are dotted along the white sands. Free nonmotorized water-sports equipment, including paddleboards, snorkeling gear, kayaks, and Hobie Cats are available for guests.  

In terms of dining, Sands’ casual restaurant, Hemingway’s, serves Caribbean-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dark wood and rattan tables spill from a small interior dining area with whitewashed ceilings, out onto the poolside patio, and up onto a wooden deck overlooking the beach. The food is well-prepared and prices are more affordable than the restaurants at most neighboring resorts. Live music performances are hosted on Tuesday evenings.  

The lower level of Building One includes a teensy, independently owned spa, a fitness center, and a hospitality lounge. The spa has just two treatment rooms, which are decorated with loud, striped wallpaper (guests can also arrange in-room treatments). Massages, facials, and body wraps are among the treatments available. The compact fitness center offers a decent range of treadmills, stationary bikes, and weight machines, as well as a single LCD TV. The big hospitality lounge is bright and business-like, furnished with a handful of comfy sofas and armchairs, as well as a pair of glass-topped dining tables. This space also doubles as a meeting room, with audio and visual equipment available for rental. A PC and printer station is set in the hallway, just outside the lounge. 

There’s a convenience store located in a standalone building at the front of the property, which sells snacks, liquor, beachwear, and assorted souvenirs. Free bikes are available for rental and the property includes one lighted tennis court. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout, and there’s free self-parking on site. Babysitting services can be arranged for a surcharge.