A couple of months ago I turned 50 years old, and I knew this milestone birthday was something I wanted to share with my close friends. I lost my mom two and a half years ago to brain cancer, and one of the fondest memories I have is her singing “Happy Birthday” to me.
While I was searching for a fun, relaxing vacation spot, I stumbled upon round-trip tickets to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) at Southwest Airlines. You’re never going to believe how much a round-trip cost – $360. Yes, you read that right.
TCI seemed like a far enough distance to escape from it all, giggle with my girlfriends, and laugh off turning fifty – because after all, age is just a number.
The Venetian on Grace Bay
We stayed at The Venetian on Grace Bay which is comprised of 27 condos in one building. The condos sit on 4.4 beautifully landscaped acres offering over 300 feet of pristine and private views of Grace Bay Beach, recently awarded the “World’s Best Beach.”
Our condo was a three-bedroom, three bath luxury suite. From the beautiful décor to falling asleep on the screened in porch to the sounds of the waves crashing ashore, The Venetian on Grace Bay couldn’t have been more perfect.
Another plus of The Venetian was the proximity to any attraction and dining. We had quite the culinary experience and here is our must-try list:
• Grace’s Cottage at Point Grace Resort – charming and the food was delicious. Always go with the fresh fish here!
• Grace Bay Club for cocktails at their Infinity Bar and appetizers on the couches and firepits – the atmosphere is fantastic.
• Coco Bistro – It is truly one of Provo’s most elegant restaurants! It’s a spectacular dining experience!
• The Palms – We couldn’t turn down a bar in the pool. Who doesn’t love swimming up to a bar without having to get out of the pool? Their spa is rumored to be beyond fabulous.
Getting Out of Our Comfort Zone
Another thing on the agenda was to try things we haven’t done before. A few parasailed because they hadn’t experienced it before and while they might have been terrified, they did it! It was so much fun to see the joy on their faces as they conquering their fears.
We went on a snorkel and boat ride with Talbot’s Adventures. Captain Levardo Talbot and his crew were extremely patient and helpful. Some of us weren’t crazy about jumping in the water to snorkel, but we did it!
On our third day, we did the coolest thing ever – it was called High Wave Tours! You rent a luxurious two-seater catamaran and venture through the many cays and waterways. One place on our stop was Iguana Island, and yes, there were iguanas everywhere! This is a must for your vacation!
If you are going to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands with your family – which I hope to do someday soon – I recommend hiring Illeana Rasavio with Attimi Photography. She took the gorgeous photos for this story. She knows the islands well and can help you plan the exact shoot you have in mind.
I must admit I have not done that many girlfriend trips. When I vacation, I am with my husband and two kids, but for a milestone birthday like fifty, I felt I needed my inner circle of girlfriends. The funny thing is, we all laughed and giggled the same as if we were fifteen not fifty. I’ve heard the phrase “age is just a number” and this trip made me realize it really is – if only I could remember what I ate for breakfast.
To read the full story with images, see our September issue or read our digital issue by clicking here.
