Southern Shores

Posted on March 31, 2014 by marta

A flat calm day on the south side of Providenciales and the entrance to the Marina at Harbour Club Villas.

Most of our island visitors miss the most beautiful and tranquil side of the island where you will find Harbour Club Villas and Marina. The shoreline is absolutely beautiful with waters that are shallow and numerous beaches where you can walk for a long ways out before it gets deep. This area off shore is called the Caicos Banks, the domain of the bonefish and flats as far as you can see. The ocean doesn’t get deeper than 15 to 20 feet and as you skim over the surface, you’ll see the bottom not too far below. Here are some of my favourite photos of the area known as Turtle Tail just by the villas at Harbour Club.

Fishing flats down on Turtle Tail about a mile from Harbour Club.

Wade the waters of Juba Salina in search of bonefish.

Views overlooking the turquoise waters of the South side of Provo

Tidal beaches on Cooper Jack Bight are within a kayak ride from Harbour Club’s villas.

Take a kayak out and explore the tidal beaches near the villas and just outside the Marina channel.

Turquoise blue waters that are crystal clear and shallow.

A lone fisherman motors home as the sun sets.

Hope to see you staying with us at Harbour Club Villas and Marina……we’ll show you our beautiful piece of paradise with numerous beaches and all kinds of sights to see. We’ll point you in the right direction.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Birds at Harbour Club Villas

Posted on March 11, 2014 by marta

A beautiful Bahama Woodstar hummingbirds flies to the Dwarf Poinciana flowers for nectar.

Activity around the pool at Harbour Club Villas has been amazing. I sit there often trying to capture all our birds coming in to feed from the variety of flowering plants. Our villa guests too are taking photos of the Hummingbirds and Bananaquits that are always there twittering and flying from perch to perch. Our resident Green Heron often comes for drinks and preens himself by the pool. He’ll squawk at you if he doesn’t like you enjoying “his” private pool!! We have Mourning Doves that peck at the gravel under the neem trees at the top of the driveway. They must be finding food there and also seen this week was the Northern Mockingbird.

Pretty little bananaquit sitting in our Tamarind tree…see the fruit…….found in my favourite Worcestershire Sauce.

We see Mourning Doves every day pecking at something underneath the neem trees.

The Northern Mockingbird is locally called “Preacher Bird”

Our resident Green Heron preening and grooming by what he thinks is his own private swimming pool!

The Island Honeysuckle attracts many birds to our pool area at Harbour Club Villas.

My first sighting of a Cuban Crow in one of our Palm trees……uncommon to see on Provo and has a bizarre gobbling cackle which is how I tracked him down at the villas.

A baby Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher just learning to fly……….so cute!

The Gray Kingbird comes to the Turks and Caicos to breed in the summertime.

The American Kestrel known as Sparrowhawk is commonly seen here year round.

The Yellow Warbler male has reddish brown streaks and lives and breeds in the Turks and Caicos year round.

And just because I love them so much, another photo of the Bahama Woodstar hummingbird that guests can watch daily by the pool at Harbour Club Villas.

Birdwatchers have so many birds they can see when on holiday and staying at Harbour Club Villas. The surrounding area has other water birds as well so have those cameras ready!

Harbour Club Villas

Posted on February 9, 2014 by marta

Harbour Club Villas and Marina looking out over Flamingo Lake

The six villas at Harbour Club make for a charming vacation hideaway that’s a little removed from the hustle and bustle of Grace Bay but still within a five minute drive.

View from Jim Hill looking over Flamingo Lake towards Harbour Club Villas

We have made a name for ourselves marketing the natural beauty and tranquility of the southern shores of Providenciales where the villas are located. Our guests are drawn towards quiet enjoyment of the natural beauty that surrounds us. We have guests coming for the excellent “catch and release” bonefishing in Flamingo Lake and Turtle Lake and the nearby ocean flats, scuba divers that return year after year and leave from our marina docks, birders, photographers and birdwatchers that enjoy the water birds, flamingos, egrets, herons, ospreys that are in our area and kayakers that love to explore the Cooper Jack shoreline and Delou’s beaches.

Six, one bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchens for your vacation rental on Provo’s south shores.

The villas were built in 1998 on the southern shore of Providenciales and comprise six, one bedroom villas, a pool and gazebo, a private marina with several dive companies close by including Flamingo Divers, Caicos Adventures,Ocean Vibes, Provo Turtle Divers and Provo’s newest addition, Aqua TCI. Here’s some photos of Harbour Club Villas and Marina on the south shore of Providenciales.

Gazebo with pool for just lazing around and relaxing.

The Marina at Harbour Club Villas from where several dive companies leave in the mornings for the dive sites at West Caicos and French Cay.

Contact Harbour Club Villas for all your diving needs, dive packages with several dive companies operating out of the marina just a short walk away from the villas.

Bonefishing just steps away in Flamingo Lake right infront of the villas.

The villas are located very close to two bonefishing lakes and flats about a mile down the road. Grab your rod and fish whenever you want to. If you don’t fish, no worries as we are always happy to share our knowledge of this beautiful island paradise especially all our great beaches.

Villa with gazebo and pool with a barbecue/grill for guests to use.

Stone walkways and tropical vegetation.

Poolside ………. relax and read a book and catch some sunshine.

Sheltered gazebo where guests can barbecue and have a drink or two.

Entrance to the pool at Harbour Club Villas

Flamingos in front of the villas in Flamingo Lake…a great spot for other water birds too

Breakfast on your own private patio with lake views

Freshly roasted island coffee for breakfast with a view

Villas are spacious with high ceilings and louvered and screened windows that look out over the lake. Bedrooms are air conditioned with a queen sized bed. The living room has a queen sofa bed onto which we place a proper queen sized mattress to make it as comfortable as a regular bed. The villa dining area has seating for four, counter top bar separating living room from a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with walk-in shower, flat screened cable TV and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Each villa has its own patio area with table and chairs overlooking the lake. We also provide guests with beach chairs, coolers plus lots of pocket novels as well as local books with island type information.

Spacious bedroom with queen sized bed

Bathroom with walk in shower, towels and beach towels provided.

Louvered and screened windows, ceiling fan and airconditioning.

Comfortable couches and ample space throughout Harbour Clubs villas

Flat screened TV’s for our guests viewing pleasure and a fully equipped kitchen

Flat screen TV with counter/bar and complimentary WiFi throughout villas and grounds

Comfortable living area with dining table and chairs with views of the lake

The lake is right outside your villa..great for bonefishing

A sofa bed can be pulled out for additional guests or for group bookings such as weddings.

Sofa beds can be made up with a regular queen mattress on top to make it more comfortable

Villas are all spacious with ample room and with fans throughout.

Open and airy with louvered and screened windows to catch the breezes

Room for additional guests with the sofa bed pulled out

Queen mattress is placed onto the sofa bed to make it as comfortable as a regular bed.

Extra bed in the nook by the windows for additional guests

Sofa beds are as comfortable with added queen mattresses

Ample room for a sitting area when the sofa bed is in use.

Flamingo Lake and Harbour Club Villas in the distance.

Bonefishermen love fishing the lake in front of the villas.

Harbour Club entrance sign with bonefisherman.

Marina view towards Coper Jack on the south side of Providenciales.

View from Jim Hill a short walk away that overlooks Five Cays and the marina entrance.

The sun sets and the reflections on the lake waters are stunning.

Six, one bedroom villas ……….rent one or rent them all for your next family occasion such as weddings.

Villas can be rented seperately or you might consider several villas for a family occasion such as weddings, reunions, anniversaries or birthdays.

Many weddings have selected the villas as their home away from home.

A beautiful night for a wedding reception at Harbour Club.

Mirror calm reflections on Flamingo Lake right by Harbour Club Villas.

One bedroom villas fully self contained for your vacation on Provo.

Harbour Club Villas welcomes any and all inquiries. We hope to see you soon in our beautiful islands of the Turks and Caicos.

Marta

www.harbourclubvillas.com

Pirates Hideaway Salt Cay

Posted on January 31, 2014 by marta

Our limousine awaits outside Pirates Hideaway, our island home for a few days.

Our trip to Salt Cay was just simply too short…………I had met with Candy Herwin on Provo and she had given me all the information on this little jewel of an island. I had been there in 2003 and just can’t believe it took me this long to return. Candy has converted an old salt raker’s house into a charming , four bedroom, two bathroom house called Pirates Hideaway. I loved it and for three days, it was our home. Our limo was a neat little red golf buggy just perfect for beatling around in.

Replica salt wagon stands outside our home for three nights

Salt Wagons like the replica above were used for loading piles of raked salt and drawn by the donkeys.

This fella was adept at opening the gate.

Morning coffee, a quick text and away we go to explore the island.

Spacious kitchen and living room at Pirates Hideaway

Champagne birthday celebration.

Captain’s Quarters master bedroom where I stayed.

A lot of love, care and attention has been put into this quaint salt raker’s house which has a warm, inviting feel to it. Add the history and limitless knowledge of Salt Cay that Candy Herwin has and this makes it a unique home away from home for visitors to experience and enjoy. She has so many stories to tell and is always searching out the history of these islands. She has taken upon herself to interview and talk to the islands old timers to record and preserve their reminiscences and stories of when they were young. Photos too……….she has such a collection.

Loved the breezes flowing through and billowing the curtains.

Love the shark bathroom and the wooden slat windows.

Great pirate murals throughout Pirates Hideaway.

I’m not sure why I love these wooden slats so much……reminds me of a bygone time when things were much simpler.

Love this shot of the old wooden gate and Pirates Hideaway

On one of my walks in the early morning hours

Good to see that these old stone walls are still standing

Saying goodbye to Salt Cay……..so sad to leave.

A beautiful little island surrounded by a turquoise sea.

All good things must come to an end…….that is until next time. Believe me, there will be a next time and very soon.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Half Moon Bay

Posted on January 27, 2014 by marta

This little guy popped his head up in Turtle Cove Marina before we were leaving.

A beautiful trip heading out from Turtle Cove Marina following the shore line towards Little Water Cay and the iguanas and on to Half Moon Bay. It’s a favourite stopping spot with a magnificent stretch of beach and of course that signature turquoise water.

The reef as we head towards Half Moon Bay

A long stretch of pure white , soft sand and silver palms at either end.

Struggling vegetation due to erosion of the sands.

Picturesque rocks and aqua ocean backdrop.

A green iguana comes up to say hello.

Conch shell lying at the water’s edge.

A sing ray cruises by in the shallows close to the beach.

A stick and a sea fan make for great toys

Loads of dragonflies.

Hoping you get an opportunity to enjoy this idyllic beach on an afternoon cruise. Maybe you’ll spot the iguanas as we did.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Harbour Club Villas and Marina

Posted on January 12, 2014 by marta

Our little piece of paradise overlooking Flamingo Lake and our Marina at Cooper Jack.

Harbour Club Villas and Marina……a gem of a place on the South Side of Provo with Flamingo Lake on one side and our Marina leading out to beautiful Cooper Jack Bay on the other. It’s a new year and past time to tell you a little about our piece of paradise, our location, surrounding area and all the beautiful out of the way spots and things you will find when staying with us.

A kite cam view of our six rental villas. Thank you to our neighbors Polly and Byron for this sensational photo.

Fifteen years ago, we built six , one bedroom villas overlooking the lake on 2.2 acres in an area that is called Turtle Tail. It is a unique place to call home while visiting Providenciales. A place where you can look out sometimes and see bonefish tailing, watch the hummingbirds, doves, bananaquits and a green heron or two that drops by the pool daily for a drink and squawks at you if you intrude on his space. A walk down into the marina and you are greeted by our neighbour’s two potcakes, Effie and Gemma who love coming by for threats from our guests. Can you believe that our guests actually bring treats, and premium cuts of meat with them to feed these two dogs?

A perfectly still, calm day….we call it a French Cay day.

Take out our complimentary kayaks and spend a few hours paddling close to the shore in a foot or two of water exploring the hidden coves, Delou’s beaches and even some of the small cays to see the iguanas and snorkel.

A bird’s eye view of the lake, villas, marina and channel out to Cooper Jack Bight

Delou’s beaches across the channel and accessible by our complimentary kayaks

Many of our guests take out the kayaks and explore the shoreline…..beautiful little coves and tidal beaches, some coral heads to snorkel and some of the little cays have green iguanas. A delightful way to spend an afternoon on a beach just made for two.

Out kayaking making for one of the cays.

Visit one of the little cays with the kayaks and see our local iguanas.

One of the tiny tidal coves along the shore line

Kayak on Delou’s beach and Cooper Jack Bight

We have scuba dive boats just waiting to take you out to West Caicos or French Cay

Walk down to the Marina in the evenings and here’s where you will find all the dive operators….Flamingo Divers, Ocean Vibes, Caicos Adventures, Provo Turtle Divers and Jodi, the Snuba lady too. Our marina is the shortest distance to the amazing dive sites at West Caicos and French Cay. We’ll help you book some scuba diving, snorkeling or snuba so just let us know what you’d like to see and do.

Here’s Snuba TCI heading off for a wonderful day of snuba and snorkeling.

I’ve spent many hours on this small beach.

We have gorgeous sunsets which you can enjoy from the Marina

Flamingo Lake and one of our guests bonefishing

Bonefishermen love staying at our villas. All they have to do is walk out their villa door and be bonefishing in the lake within minutes. Sometimes you can even see the bonefish tailing from the villas. There are several areas where you can wade the flats too.

Bonefish churning up the lake waters at sunset.

Reflections on Flamingo Lake right by our villas.

Sunset and a flamingo on Flamingo Lake with Harbour Club Villas in the background.

A beautiful early morning calmness on the lake.

A Reddish Eagret looking for fish in Flamingo Lake.

Birdwatchers, birders and wild life lovers will enjoy watching the many water birds that fly in to enjoy the lake. As you walk from Harbour Club Villas along the Lake and Juba Salina, you’ll see all kinds of Herons, ducks and even flamingos.

Often we see small groups of Flamingos

Taking a look at the beautiful fishing flat close to Harbour Club Villas

Bonefishing on the flats of the south side of Provo.

Juba Salina is further down Turtle Tail and often you’ll see flamingos down this way.

Marta’s little beach or Dog beach at sunset….it’s tucked away so you’ll have to ask me where it is!!

This celebrity’s mansion overlooks the waters of the south side just down the road from the villas.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these photos of the south shore line close by Harbour Club Villas. It’s a wondrous area that’s quiet and tranquil, great for fishing, bonefishing, kayaking, walking and bird watching. For those that want to scuba dive, we are available to make the arrangements for you. Come and enjoy our piece of paradise……..the south side of Provo.

Marta

www.harbourclubvillas.com

Pintails on Flamingo Lake

Posted on January 3, 2014 by marta

Sunset over Flamingo Lake and three pintails

: The sun was setting as the ducks swam in the lake.

: Beautiful White-Cheeked Pintails swimming and feeding on Flamingo Lake

: A beautiful evening for a cruise on Flamingo Lake by Harbour Club Villas

Evenings at the lake by Harbour Club Villas brings out all kinds of water birds. This evening, three pintails enjoyed their cruise on the lake.

Marta

www.harbourclubvillas.com

Horseback Riding on the Beach with Provo Ponies

Posted on November 20, 2013 by marta

Beautiful Long Bay beach and waiting for Provo Ponies and our Harbour Club Villa guests to head my way.

A quiet late afternoon on Long Bay beach just waiting to take photos of our Harbour Club Villas guests out horseback riding with Provo Ponies. I kept myself entertained taking a few photos of the kite boarders and a washed up conch shell. Provo Ponies was started as a rescue mission for horses and ponies in the TCI. Camille and few of her close friends purchased 7 Paso Fino’s that had been shipped to Provo from the Dominican Republic. Sadly, there were signs of abuse and the horses were in such poor condition, malnourished and dehydrated. It’s not an easy thing to raise and care for horses on an island such as this one where everything has to be shipped in. Remember that there is no or very little fresh water here and not much soil to grow grass or hay or grains. Provo Ponies was formed when it became evident that these rescue horses would have to earn their keep. They became fit and were thriving under Camille and friends excellent care getting regular exercise, food and loving attention.

The horses went straight for the water

These horses love the water and the kite boarders were out too.

Long Bay waters are shallow and perfect for the ponies.

Josee enjoying herself riding Ike (I think that's Ike)

Ike’s story is that he was abandoned on Grand Turk and left to fend for himself. He was eventually rescued and bought from his owner and is now happily working and exercising on Long Bay beach. He is a Morgan Percheron cross, born in 2000 and rescued to a wonderful new life in 2010.

Kevin loving his ride along the beach and in the water.

Did you know that the horses make all kinds of sounds to each other as they love being in the water.

Great way to spend an afternoon on Provo with Provo Ponies and Clyde, Turtle, Bosco and Ike!

Meet a few of the ponies………… Clyde on the left, is the guide horse for now and he’s a thoroughbred/Clydesdale cross. Turtle is a beautiful, massive Belgian and 18hh who was found and bought from the owner in 2010 when he was about 700 pounds underweight. Bosco is a Standardbred whose greatest love is wading in the water and of course Ike who doesn’t mind the hard work because he loves his job!

Time for a little gallop along the beach!

Another turn in the water for our Harbour Club guests as the sun slowly sets.

What a beautiful horse Bosco is.......I love this photo!

Time to head back to the corrals.

End of a perfect afternoon ride

Hoof prints in the sand at sunset

It’s time to head back to the corrals after an amazing afternoon on horseback enjoying the sun, sand and water………………a taste of heaven! It is best to book your ride early, go on line and book before you arrive as Provo Ponies is always busy.

See you on the beach, next time.

Marta

Salt Cay Weekend

Posted on October 12, 2013 by marta

Flying in to Salt Cay with Caicos Express on a clear day just great for photos.

I just love Salt Cay and returning there after 10 years made me wonder what took me so long! It is truly a stunningly beautiful, friendly and charming gem of a place. A girl friend’s birthday celebration and three whole days of golf buggying around this little island was a perfect getaway.

Deane's Dock as our pilot brings us in for a smooth landing.

Closer view of the repaired break water at Deane's Dock

Salt Cay's little airport has remained the same for all these years.

Pirate's Hideaway was our home away from home

A replica of the donkey drawn carts that hauled the salt, stand in front of Candy Herwin’s treasure of a cottage called Pirate’s Hideaway where we stayed for the three nights. Candy is a wealth of knowledge on Salt Cay but unfortunately she wasn’t going to be on island during our stay. Nonetheless we met, she told me everything I needed to know along with giving me her wonderful map of Salt Cay. She’s currently on Provo where she had lined up meetings with two elderly ladies to record their stories. She uses a video recorder and has been helping the residents of the islands to preserve their culture and heritage so that these stories can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Candy Herwin's map "A History Tour of Salt Cay".

The only way to see Salt Cay..........our little golf cart took us all over the island

Our first donkeys...we were a bit leery of them but realised quickly that all they wanted was food or water.

This lovely mansion was being worked on. A new front patio overlooking the ocean and repairs to the seawall

Colourful gates and charming houses, old stone walls and even a stop sign or two.

I just love these old walls and sandy lanes.

This little baby donkey was adorable as he stood outside the gate to our place.

Looking across the salt pans towards the Brown House and St. John's Church.

Sunrise through the gates of St. John's church

North Creek in the early morning had such muted colours.

We found so much sea glass as we walked the beaches of Salt Cay.

We visited with sweet Miss Amie over her garden fence.

This beautiful little cove was our first late lunch stop, beer, snacks and a snorkel.

We stopped for a few provisions.

Dinners were at Pat's Place........stew peas to die for and Pat explains twice fried plantains. Delicious fry fish and chicken curry.

Pa Poley (Mr. Holton Dickenson) was the best tour guide ever! Thank you!

Captivating North Beach.........not another soul there. Birthday champagne on the beach!

Colourful doorway frames a black cat

Did you know that the donkeys on Salt Cay are good at opening gates?

I simply have to stop for now. Hoping this has given you a taste of Salt Cay and all its’ people (93 I’m told), places, stunning beaches, and history too. Noticeably absent are some of the historical parts of this little island. This I have left for another day. After all I only took some 3400 photos.

I love Salt Cay and will return again very soon.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Posted on September 19, 2013 by marta

Full moon and a mackerel sky, mackerel sky - never long wet, never long dry.

I glanced outside this evening to see this spectacular moon. Even better yet was the mackerel sky. In the days of sailing ships this type of sky was viewed as a likely forerunner of stormy weather. It has been so hot of late and we’ve had some lightning shows with thunder and some short rains. I’m hopeful that the mackerel sky tonight will bring some cooling rain. Here’s an old saying…….Mare’s tails and mackerel scales make lofty ships take in their sails.

A halo presented itself around the moon and those perfect little clouds

Magical moon in a mackerel night sky.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

MyTurksAndCaicosBlog.com

Turks and Caicos Vacation, Travel, Fishing, and Diving

Category Archives: Turks and Caicos Islands

Southern Shores

Birds at Harbour Club Villas

Harbour Club Villas

Pirates Hideaway Salt Cay

Half Moon Bay

Harbour Club Villas and Marina

Pintails on Flamingo Lake

Horseback Riding on the Beach with Provo Ponies

Salt Cay Weekend