The month of August in the Turks and Caicos Islands holds cultural significance for two reasons. We celebrate Emancipation Day, the official end and liberation of slavery throughout the Caribbean, and it also marks another reason to celebrate – the arrival of the lobster season for the important fishery trades.
The Turks and Caicos Island Government announced on July the 26th that the opening of The Lobster Season would commence on Monday, August 1st 2023 through the 31 March, 2024.
Fishermen, restaurants, tourists and the local community at large can now look towards an exciting seven months with this fine local delicatessen being back on the menu.
South Caicos, being the lobster capital of Turks and Caicos rejoices each year for the new lobster season, for local fishermen throughout this sleepy island can now catch, process and export spiny lobster at last.
The official name for the local lobster is Panulirus argus. It is also sometimes referred to as rock lobster and sea crayfish. Spiny lobster differs from its northern cousin, Maine lobster, in two ways. First, the meat is only edible in the tail of a spiny lobster, whereas the meat is edible in Maine lobster in the claws, body and tail. Secondly, the spiny lobster meat tends to be coarse and dry in comparison to Maine lobster meat. Despite the contrast in texture, a South Caicos lobster on the open flame, is sure to produce a wonderful grill lobster.
Most South Caicos lobster is harvested from the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve, located near the coastline of East Bay Resort. Lobster is caught by trapping and hooking. Trapping involves use of lobster traps, whereas hooking is done by free diving (holding breath while diving). Free divers will use snorkel gear and a three foot long pole with a barbed hook end. Experienced divers will typically catch three lobsters per dive. Catching lobster by free diving can be risky, as spiny lobsters have long, stiff antennae over their eyes which can inflict serious wounds, as can their tails.
It is estimated that up to 75% of the South Caicos population is employed in the fishing industry. The opening of lobster season is known locally as, “The Big Grab”, when 30% to 40% of the lobster harvested for the entire season is caught. If having an abundant supply of fresh South Caicos lobster on your vacation is important, it is best to visit South Caicos at the start of lobster season in Turks and Caicos.
The local government instills strict rules and regulations to maintain the longevity of the indigenous lobster. The Department of Marine Fisheries and Resource Management appeals to citizens, residents and visitors in the Turks & Caicos Islands, to familiarize themselves with and to uphold the Fisheries Regulations, and urges all responsible citizens to report any violations.
The Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty wishes you a lovely 2023 lobster season.
Descend your private jet on the private island of Ambergris Cay, in the Turks and Caicos Island.
This private island in the Turks and Caicos, sits 600 miles south of Miami, on the southeast corner of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Archipelago that surround the stunning Caicos Banks. Originally established as a community for private homeowners, Ambergris Cay opened as a private island resort in 2019. Now, travelers seeking a secluded luxury escape can enjoy access to over 1,100-acres of mostly untouched land, ready to be explored by a select few.
Recognized for their ultra luxury and bespoke customer experience, the exclusive resort on the island is making headlines for being a “Dreamy Destination”.
With just 10 suites and 7 villas for rent on an all-inclusive basis, the result is a luxury boutique hotel atmosphere in a vast and diverse setting. Accommodations include beachfront pool suites with heated plunge pools and a collection of privately owned homes and luxury villas, ranging from 3 to 6 bedrooms. The experience is bespoke, tailored to the individual, and ever-evolving.
The beaches of Ambergris Cay provide front row seats to whale-watchers and much more. An island filled with lush vegetation, Turk head cactus, indigenous iguanas, and unexplored reefs is now yours to explore and can even be your new vacation homesite.
We are pleased to introduce a rare and unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of paradise on Columbus Beach on Ambergris Cay.
This stunning homesite, covering 4.82 acres, on two lots, with 500 feet of beachfront on the south-east side of the island, offers a peaceful oceanside location to build your dream Caribbean vacation home or estate.
About Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty
Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty is the premier luxury real estate brokerage firm in Turks and Caicos. Boasting a profound track record and significant foothold in all market segments, particularly new development and trophy properties, the firm is the go-to resource for developers, investors, homebuyers and sellers in this highly sought-after destination. With strong leadership backed by the world’s greatest international luxury real estate brand, and a diverse array of international agents representing 15 countries, Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty is influential in both the local community as well as the greater real estate industry worldwide. The firm’s signature office is ideally located in uptown Grace Bay with satellite offices at Grace Bay Club, The Palms and Point Grace. For more information please visit www.turksandcaicossir.com.
Home to Flamingo Lake, mangroves, rugged coastlines, iron shores, pockets of small and quaint beaches and unbeatable lake and ocean views, Turtle Tail is truly stunning. When a home offers all of the above plus an extraordinary 8,102 sq.ft of living, stunning isn’t enough to describe this one of a kind ocean front estate.
The iconic Tip of the Tail Villa is positioned on a glorious site that is impossible to replicate. A true “piece for paradise”, Tip of the Tail Villa has the “it” factor. The fabulous, 5 bedroom oceanfront home, with an ample 5,456 sq.ft internal plus 2,646 sq.ft exterior under roof sits on over one acre of land. But that’s not all. With an extraordinary 472 feet of water frontage with the Caicos banks to the front and magnificent ecosystem to the side and rear, one can enjoy lazy afternoons on their own private beach on Flamingo Lake in style.
Suitable for the little ones and water enthusiasts, the property is perfect for playtime or for paddle boarding/kayaking and checking out the marine life and the mangroves. Or luxuriate by the vast ocean – and the pool – with the built-in cabana daybed simply wallowing in the turquoise vista. Providenciales’ south shore – and its mesmerizing infinity views – Turtle Tail neighbourhood is now being enjoyed by many a savvy, high-net worth-investor looking for peace and serenity far from the madding crowd. Given that Tip of the Tail sits proud on the tip of Turtle Tail’s peninsula, it affords the owner ultimate privacy when desired, but with ready access to the imminent bars and restaurants and spa of South Bank – just a short paddle across the channel.
Embodying comfort, luxury and style, Tip of the Tail Villa provides an unrivaled Caribbean living.
About Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty (TCSIR) is the premier luxury real estate brokerage firm in Turks & Caicos. Boasting a profound track record and significant foothold in all market segments, particularly new development and trophy properties, TCSIR is the go-to resource for developers, investors, home-buyers and sellers in this highly sought-after destination. With strong leadership backed by the world’s greatest international luxury real estate brand, and a diverse array of international agents representing 15 countries, TCSIR is influential in both the local community as well as the greater real estate industry worldwide. The firm’s signature office is ideally located in uptown Grace Bay with satellite offices at Grace Bay Club, The Palms and Point Grace. For more information please visit http://www.turksandcaicossir.com.
For those looking for quiet, peaceful seclusion, the “Garden Island” of North Caicos is truly a destination where life is simple, relaxed and unstructured. Miles of white sand beach are protected from the Atlantic by a coral reef, providing safe swimming and sun bathing for all ages. North Caicos is 41 square miles, with a population of approximately 2500 residents, is located 12 miles northeast of Providenciales and accessible by a daily ferry service. The majority of vacation homes on North Caicos have been centered in the Whitby area attracted by the fabulous white sand beaches.
Located in Kew Town is the historical site of Wade’s Green, a cotton plantation established by loyalist Wade Stubbs in 1789. The land was granted to Wade Stubbs by the then reigning monarch of Britain, King George III, as compensation for losses incurred during the American War of Independence. Link to National Trust Website for more detail.
In our recent ‘Year In Review Market Report 2022’ we highlighted that North Caicos witnessed a record year in sales with a total of 60 transactions. Of this 46 land parcels sold, 4 were oceanfront, and 12 beachfront. The lead up to this, in 2021, North Caicos saw 29 real estate transactions. Homes and vacation homes have started popping up throughout with most located close to the wonderful beaches and small community areas.
For those looking for a private beachfront location without waiting to build a home are in luck with this spacious beachfront home, Paradise Found in Sandy Point. Designed by OBM architects and built by Norstar Group Ltd.
Impressive ocean views situated at 80 feet above sea level on the west side of Blue Mountain in Thompson Cove, ‘Caicos House’ offers a vista of spectacular sunrises, sunsets and views from Northwest Point to North Caicos.
Designed by SWA Architects, the home was positioned to take in the views, breezes and shade from a number of diverse decks and patio spaces as well as the potential of adding a guest house on the spacious one acre property.
Inside, the living space is open plan living capturing the constant north shore breezes through louvered windows and the screened in dining lanai.
The location of Thompson Cove is a great attraction for marine life, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking and, most importantly, a safe northside harbor and dock for a boat up to 30′. With two dedicated beach accesses, a community park to walk a dog and a fully paved private roadway, the neighborhood offers residents their own paradise centrally located on Providenciales.
This exceptional 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with 3,280 SF of interior and exterior living space is set on over an acre of land with plenty of space to enhance the property if so desired along with a dock on Thompson Cove for the avid watersports family. This elevated community is home to many luxury rental properties.
Want to take a tour of the Caicos House? Click on the link below and enjoy!
For more detail and information we welcome you to contact the listing agents.
Living and selling the Turks & Caicos luxury lifestyle.
PATRICK STAPLES | 649.432.3222 patrick@tcsothebysrealty.com
Living the Island Dream!
ANNA PARRISH | 649.232.7751 anna@tcsothebysrealty.com
The Palms Turks & Caicos, 5-Star Amenities and Services
The incomparable Palms Turks & Caicos on the world’s #1, Grace Bay Beach with its classic Caribbean elegance, superior service and amenities has proven to be a popular choice for many repeat guests validated by the multi-awards presented to the resort throughout the years. The attention to detail in every aspect from the custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, crown molding, and marble flooring to the premium furnishings brings a luxurious quality paired with the services make this an incredible choice for the Caribbean vacation lifestyle. This has culminated in record sales over the past five years as noted within our 2021 Year-End Market Report as investors truly appreciate this 5-star resort and the pleasurable atmosphere it provides.
If you are contemplating a condominium for your vacation lifestyle, consider The Palms Turks & Caicos. We invite you to view the newly listed Penthouse 2501.02.03, which is a 3-bedroom suite that occupies the entire 5th level offering exceptional privacy with beautiful, elevated views of the spectacular serpentine infinity-edge pool and turquoise ocean beyond. Beachfront Suite 5106.07.08 also a 3-bedroom is on the north-west corner of the resort and features a patio area and easy access to the beachfront. For further detail, links to these two real estate offerings are provided in the text.
The Somerset On Grace Bay is an elegant and impeccably built condominium development located on a prime position on our award winning Grace Bay beachfront. Originally completed in 2007 it has maintained its splendor, gracing the shores of the beautiful beachfront and welcoming back repeat clientele through the years. This full-service resort appeases the most discerning of owners and guests and has become a popular condominium choice for real estate purchasers this past year, as noted in the “Year In Review Market Report 2021”.
Trafalgar Terrace under the arched pavilion serves as the grand entry point to the resort amenities, such as the signature lap pool, infinity edge pool, and beach beyond which are the center of attraction surrounded by the residences. The resort offers luxury, residential accommodation in a few options; The Cottages which overlook the Croquet and Event Lawn, The Stirling House Villas overlook the resort pools, and the stately Oceanfront Estates. There are only 16 Oceanfront Estates within four buildings whereby each residence expands the entire floor on each level in a lavish square footage of exquisite details including marble flooring, granite countertops, crown and base molding details, custom gourmet kitchens and the finest of fixtures and fittings featuring the charm and warmth of Caribbean British Colonial décor.
We welcome you to view our listings at The Somerset On Grace Bay.
Cottage 1BStirling House E206Stirling House 203Welwyn Estate D-102
We’re all familiar with the trademarks of traditional Caribbean architecture. Wrap around verandahs, louvered windows, stone walls, arched doorways and colourful shutters functioning as both embellishment and protection. These homes have long served as staples of our history, peppering the shorelines and hilltops of Providenciales, from the original settlements, to the first wave of foreigner migration to T&C’s shores, with builds pioneered by the Ward family.
With development now taking on more of a steady rolling swell, rather than a crest with peaks and troughs, the last decade of T&C’s home design has seen the emergence of a more contemporary aesthetic. As a personal example I (FINALLY) made the transition from an open air home with louvered windows and gorgeous breezes through most of the year, to hurricane rated glass windows and an eco-friendly air condition system 🙂 As an avid lover of traditional Caribbean design, I never thought I’d say this, but I haven’t looked back since.
My example is a humble residential perspective of someone who feels deep roots to this timeless aesthetic, but with a steady influx of international buyers, I’m not alone in my pursuit of home design with an increasingly modern tilt. Below are 3 architectural firms that are truly transforming the landscape of Providenciales and redefining how we think about Caribbean design:
London and TCI based firm Blee Halligan Architects cut their teeth as development partner to Windward on the Blue Cay project and have continued this partnership on the South Bank project and The Peninsula at Emerald Estate, four standalone contemporary Beach Houses on the exclusive northeastern tip of Leeward, which are undeniably the showpiece properties of the collection. Blee also works on private projects throughout Providenciales, building on their design ethos of building in nature; designing for specific geographic, climatic and cultural nuances of the locale.
Beach Enclave is known for outside the box thinking, enter stage left, the first ever South American architectural firm to design in the Turks and Caicos. Hired to create minimalist low impact designs for the Beach Enclave Long Bay expansion and Beach Enclave North Shore second phase, Jacobsen Arquitetura successfully provided integrated designs to two seemingly varying sites. Linear design using natural materials, space and light, combine to create comforting ordered spaces with zero distractions to evoke a feeling of calm, provided by both the clean interiors and tropical views the designs overlook.
With over 20 years’ experience designing homes in Turks & Caicos as well as an international presence in Ireland and Great Britain, James Hamilton Architectspride themselves on empathetic design, with their clients needs at the heart of their process. A browse through their website will illustrate the numerous projects they’ve been involved in, and the varied nature of the homes they can produce. A personal favourite is Villa Fred, which marries the softness of cedar shingled roofing, order of symmetry and more modern linear elements like planked roofing, recessed lighting and pocket sliding doors opening to expansive views.
Anyone who has lived in the Equatorial zone, or has traveled to the Caribbean/S. America over the years during Christmas season, will be familiar with the Trade-winds. The Trade-winds, dominate most of the tropics and subtropics throughout the world and are a nearly constant (they only drop away during end of September and October) northeasterly wind in our hemisphere, that starts to blow in November of every year. By the time December rolls around we experience whether akin to Aspen, Colorado. Think bright blue skies with the sun beating down, but a cool chill in the air. Substitute snow-capped mountains for swaying palm trees and sandy beaches and you begin to get a feel for the special draw of Turks and Caicos (‘T&C’) during the holiday Christmas period.
Boat trips
Coral is beautiful to look at, but we don’t allow it to be taken out of the sea 🙂
Every December 26th since I was a child, we have enjoyed a Boxing Day boat trip on the Atabeyra. For those with British heritage you’re familiar with the joys of Boxing Day, which for all intents and purposes, is a much less chaotic day than its forefathers Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Irish call it Wren Day, other countries call it St Stephen’s Day, but for all who celebrate it, in practicality it has become a day to relax and unwind after the stress of the holiday season is over, and gather with friends and family to enjoy a final day of good food and great company. If you can enjoy this holiday, or any other day in December on a boat, you’re quids in! Boating is a year-round event in T&C, and it doesn’t stop during Christmas. The weather is beautiful, the sun is shining and we’re still swimming in the ocean. Granted the sea may be a little colder than we locals like it, but there’s no better way to wash off the cobwebs than taking a Boxing Day plunge, and let’s face it, anyone from the Northeastern seaboard or Europe would laugh if they heard us admitting we find it a little cold! The temperature is akin to taking a dip in the Mediterranean during Summer time, refreshingly cool, enough to enliven your skin and leave you feeling renewed and energized.
Inter-island travel is open again
Mudjin Harbour, Middle Caicos
If you, like many, have been confined to your homes/apartments since the outbreak of COVID-19, self-isolating, locked-down and going through the rigmarole of at home schooling like the saint that you are, imagine jumping on a ferry with your family (face mask on of course) and making your way over to North Caicos (population approx. 1,500). From North Caicos, you can rent a car and head over to Middle Caicos on the causeway to explore the caves and bluffs with virtually no one else in sight. Fresh air, clean breezes, big ocean and natural adventures abound in North and Middle Caicos, and are just what the doctor ordered after months and months of quarantine. Sure, you can stay cooped up in your apartment until the frost from winter thaws, or you can safely enjoy all that T&C’s sister islands have to offer, and give your family the gift of a memory they may not have otherwise had.
Outdoor Activities
Tip of the Tail Villa
With the end of the dreaded hurricane season in November, December’s climate is well known as the most hospitable environment for international travelers. We’ve talked about boating and beaching, but there is no end of outdoor activities to take advantage of. With highs in the low 80’s and lows in the high 70’s, December is a perfect time to get on that kayak or paddle-board and explore miles and miles of unspoiled natural environment. Mangroves, the same ecosystem that protects our shorelines during hurricanes, are peaceful and rife with small marine life, turtles and bird watching for the nature lovers out there. There are many places where you can enjoy these activities conveniently just by stepping out of your private villa’s backyard, like Tip of the Tail Villa. Otherwise you can join one of the many operators on a guided tour of these precious ecosystems. I especially like Big Blue Collective who have long been ahead of the game in focusing on small private groups and preservation of the flora and fauna of T&C.
Call me crazy, but without the usual queues of the seasons you receive when you live in the Temperate zone, its tough to know when Xmas is on its way. We tend to live in a perpetual endless summer in T&C, but there are a few key indicators that the Christmas season is well under way. The first of these signs is the lighting of the giant Christmas tree that has long been an annual tradition. In years gone by the space that Seven Stars now occupies, used to be home to one of the first resorts in T&C, the Ramada, and after that it changed hands to the Allegro. Those times are a distant memory now, and it’s hard to imagine a time when Seven Stars wasn’t Seven Stars. The resorts on this prime beachfront land are so varied in aesthetics, but the one common feature, other than the land they’ve occupied, is the lighting of the Xmas tree. That’s the thing about traditions, they stand the test of time.
You may have heard the term “disruptor” being thrown around over the last few years. Uber Eats would be a well known example, as a company that caused radical change to an existing industry or market by means of innovation, in this case to the F&B industry. Air B&B would be another example of a disruptor company for the Hospitality industry. Though we technically can’t categorise COVID-19 as a company, the virus’s advancement worldwide, has caused radical change, not only to the way we do business in all private sectors, but also to the way we live. The term disruptor is somewhat misleading, in that it implies a negative interference with the norm. Though change on any level can be unsettling, the Uber Eats and Air B&B’s of the world have brought positive improvements to the F&B and Hospitality industries, by widening the traditional net of employment and consumer base through convenience and accessibility.
In 2020 the COVID-19 virus has been the disruptor of the Real Estate industry. Our process for selling homes still relies ultimately on the guiding principles of trust and connection with our buyers and sellers, but we have had to pivot quickly to replace what has traditionally been a face to face industry, marked by in person viewings and showings. With the help of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand and the importance placed on the use of technology, thankfully we’ve been in a position to make the most of our new reality and cater to our clients needs by hosting virtual spotlights, creating 3D virtual Matter-ports, and taking buyers on Facetime walk throughs. Below is a list of 6 properties sold, either wholly, or with the assistance of technology.
The Wright House
Listed and sold by Michael Bovell
The Wright House in Chalk Sound, overlooks Silly Creek with waterfront vistas abounding. A perfect example of the power of technology to affect a sale and purchaser. The Wright House was listed in July 2020 and sold after 37 days on market, all, wait for it…virtually. The purchasers were familiar with Turks & Caicos and made contact with the listing agent who toured them through the property on Face time and found a connection for them – a perfect fit of homeowner with home – they loved the decor, the layout, the views, the location, and the property had signed contracts for its purchase within two weeks of the list date for $1.1M.
Villa Rocco
Listed by Michael Bovell, sold by Dee Agingu
Just across the way from The Wright House, in private Silly Creek estate, Villa Rocco, a 4 bedroom waterfront home sold after 65 days on market for $1.5M. In the case of Rocco, both the listing and selling agent were within the Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty family. Again, Face time walk through was the technology of choice for the selling agent to familiarise the purchaser with the property, which was beyond their expectations.
Water’s Edge
Listed by Patrick Staples
An oceanfront classically Caribbean home sits just on the Water’s Edge, as its moniker describes, with south facing views. Charming and idyllic, this 3 bedroom home on .6 of an acre was sold through a combination of the Turks and Caicos Real Estate Association network and technology. At $1.125M, the home sold after approximately 5 months, with a simple Face time walk through via iPhone, but with those views it’s easy to see why.
Haven House
Listed by Dee Agingu, sold by Lisa Lopes
Sensing a theme emerging? Homes between $1-2M located in the area of Chalk Sound/Silly Creek are trending in the last few months. Haven House sold after 85 days on market for $1.1M. The three bedroom home was introduced to the buyers through a physical walk through once the islands opened up officially in July. Matter-ports were the technology of choice for these buyers, who reviewed multiple homes and dollhouse views before they were able to fly in for 48 hours. Once the scope had been narrowed, a Face time walk through was used to reaffirm their love for the property.
The Grandview 302
Listed by Nina Siegenthaler and Richard Sankar, sold by Lisa Lopes
One of the prettiest little spots on the beach, the Grandview has long been an unimposing gentle residential resort with lots of appeal. Even so, the average time between listing and sale for condominiums usually runs between 12 – 18 months. This little beaut sold after 48 days on market from within the Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty family with the aid of a Face time walk through, for $1.5M.
Villa Alamandra
Listed by Nina Siegenthaler, Sold by Imelda Burke
A Balinese dream and the second highest sale price in Silly Creek’s history – Villa Alamandra deviates slightly from the trends above, in that it has been on market a little longer than its neighbouring sales. What makes this story so unique is not the technology employed, Face time walk through was used here as well, but the fact the purchaser was a first time buyer in Turks & Caicos. At a sale price of $2.95M, that is a significant level of trust and investment in the country and the agents brokering this sale, and a reflection of the certainty the buyer had in this property being right for them. The confidence required to bring together the sale could only be achieved through the professionalism of the agents involved and the purchasers ability to see the property live.
In summary, we’re seeing an overall shortening of the length of time properties are sitting on market and a more focused view from buyers looking for the perfect home to ride out the remainder of the pandemic. COVID-19 has disrupted not just our way of doing business for the better, it’s provided buyers with the motivation to take the step(s) they have been dreaming about. For some that means the purchase of a larger home, for others it means investing in the Turks and Caicos real estate market for the first time.
At Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty we remain at the forefront of brokerage leadership with the use of technology. Whether it’s the importance we place on digital listing assets through the use of high resolution photography and video, 3D virtual reality tours and Matter-ports (special shout out to our amazing Marketing Director Denise Douglas for putting these together), our apple TV app, streaming and syndication capabilities, our use of augmented reality through CURATE and Ro0omy, or simple Face time walk throughs to ensure we’ve found the right fit for our buyers and sellers. At Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty we believe in pivoting and staying ahead of the curve. No not that curve…which has now been flattened in the Turks & Caicos. Special acknowledgment to the Turks & Caicos Government for a job well done on flattening the curve, and providing the country with the Stamp Duty Tax reduction during this difficult time.
p.s. The Stamp Duty Tax reduction is still in place until 30th December 2020 on land and properties up to $2M.
Turks & Caicos Real Estate | Caribbean 