Seven Benefit from Grace Bay Resorts Scholarship Programme

Seven Benefit from Grace Bay Resorts Scholarship Programme

Dr. Carlton Mills (left) and Donna Musgrove (seventh from left) of the Grace Bay Resorts Community Foundation pose with the recipient students and their parents shortly after a brief news conference to announce the scholarship programme. By Vivian Tyson – SUN Senior Editor

Seven students are to benefit from the perennial generosity of the Grace Bay Resorts, through its education and community development scheme – the Grace Bay Resorts Community Foundation – set up in August 2009.
Of the seven scholarships, four were handed to employees of the Grace Bay Resorts – Grace Bay Club and Veranda and two from the 2010 graduating class of the Marjorie Basden High School in South Caicos. Among the recipients are Deandro Toussaint, Girlie Joseph, Telisha Adams, Kanute Cox and Darron Hillaire Jr. Cox and Hillaire are from the Majorie Basden High School.
According to Dr. Carton Mills, who is responsible for staff development at the Veranda Resort, the Foundation is responsible for developing education standards in the Turks and Caicos Islands through its adopt a school programme.
Toussaint will take up his scholarship at the prestigious Munro College in Jamaica, where he will be doing sixth form, while the other six will take up theirs at the TCI Community College. Toussaint is regarded as one of the most outstanding athletes in the TCI, and according to Dr. Mills, the scholarship will open the doors for him to improve on his budding talent.
“This will give him the opportunity to further enhance his athletic training. This will also give him the opportunity to further enhance his training under Mr. Brenford Gayle, former principal of the Marjorie Basden High School and Mr. (Neil) Harrison, former physical education teacher at the Helena J. Robinson High School in Grand Turk – two gentlemen who are familiar with the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Dr, Mills said.
Added Dr. Mills: “As you are aware, we have a number of students currently pursuing studies and also enhancing their athletic abilities at Munro College in Jamaica. Donna Musgrove, a key member of the Foundation, travelled with Toussaint to Jamaica on Tuesday, September 7, to have him enroll at Munro, which is located in the deep rural parish of St. Elizabeth, more than three hours drive from the capital Kingston.
Toussaint’s tuition is approximately $4,000 per year, and he would be receiving a stipend from the Foundation, while cost for each Community College is about $3,000, and will also receive stipends.
According to Dr. Mills, back-to-school items were slated to be issued to the Charles Hubert James Primary School in Kew, the Adelaide Oemler Primary School in Bottle Creek, North Caicos, and the Iris Stubbs and Marjorie Basden High School in South Caicos – the four school adopted by the Foundation, during the course of last week.
Dr. Mills, who said the Foundation would be providing school supplies to the institutions, recently paid installation fees for the provision of electricity to new blocks at the Charles Hubert James Primary School and the Iris Stubbs Primary. He noted that the buildings were constructed in 2009, but could not be used because they had no power.
The scholarship recipients, who were present at the ceremony at the Veranda Resort, were thankful for the munificent gesture by the company, and said they would be doing their best to make their sponsors proud.

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Posted Sept 17 2010
Turks & Caicos SUN Newspaper

GRACE BAY RESORTS SETS NEW FULLY-INCLUSIVE STANDARD IN TURKS AND CAICOS WITH OPENING OF THE VERANDA RESORT ON PROVIDENCIALES

February 2010

Five Star Fully-Inclusive Resort Features Inspired Caribbean Décor, Two Oceanfront Restaurants and the Only Private Beachfront Cottages in Turks and Caicos

(Providenciales, Turks & Caicos) – Grace Bay Resorts, the company behind the celebrated Grace Bay Club (www.gracebayclub.com) in Turks and Caicos, has once again raised the bar among distinctive resorts in the region with the opening of The Veranda Resort (www.verandatci.com) in Providenciales on February 1, 2010. The five star fully-inclusive 123-room residence-style resort features oversized home-like accommodation in addition to eight private oceanfront cottages, two beachfront dining experiences, unprecedented services and amenities, three separate private pools with one reserved for adults only and breathtaking views of Grace Bay beach at every turn.

“There is a growing demand for value-added product in the luxury marketplace today and we feel The Veranda’s five star fully-inclusive program fills a much needed niche within the luxury sector of Turks and Caicos,” says Nikheel Advani, Chief Operating Officer of Grace Bay Resorts. “We have gathered some of the finest hospitality talent to ensure this property is operated at a five star level. Once a guest steps foot on this property they will recognize the familiar fingerprint of our impeccable service and personalized standards that have come to define the Grace Bay Resorts experience.”

The Veranda is being managed by Grace Bay Resorts, the 15-year old luxury hospitality brand. All 123-units including the eight beachfront cottages are available for private purchase with Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty. Prices range from USD$335,000 to USD$2,950,000.

“Representing an investment of over $80 million, The Veranda Resort is one of very few new resorts to open in the Caribbean this year,” says Mark Durliat, CEO of Grace Bay Resorts. “The successful completion of this project is further proof that the Turks & Caicos, despite the global economic turndown, remains an attractive destination for foreign investment in the leisure sector.”

FULLY-INCLUSIVE DEFINED
The Veranda Resort’s fully-inclusive concept is redefining the five star travel experience for the new value-conscious traveler seeking a boutique luxury resort experience with all expenses determined upfront. Rates at The Veranda are structured on a per night/per person basis and include all meals, premium beverages, on-site children’s programs and non-motorized water sports. A la carte dining is available at all on-site restaurants in addition to the Bar at Marin and Sky Lounge serving a selection of premium alcohol from Grey Goose vodka to the elite Kim Crawford Pinot Noir from New Zealand. In addition to the aforementioned amenities, guests of The Veranda enjoy added services including concierge and in certain suite categories personal butler service, in-room chef, dining service, pre-arrival provisioning of groceries, shopping and delivery throughout stay, childcare services and daily housekeeping including dry-cleaning and laundry. Added touches for all room categories such as in-room Espresso machines stocked with premium Illy coffee, Sony Playstation 3 Videogame consoles, Egyptian cotton linens, IPod Docking Stations and a selection of Elemis Spa Amenities further reinforce the resort’s five-star status. Guests are encouraged to experience complimentary on-site daily activities including yoga classes, movie nights and sailing, kayaking and beach volleyball.

THE OVERSIZED ROOMS
Perched on 11 acres, The Veranda Resort occupies approximately 800 feet of beachfront along the famed 12-mile-long sugar-white sand of Grace Bay. Inspired by British Caribbean architecture, the vibrant community-style resort is divided into three types of accommodation: the four-storey Veranda House, a collection of 2-storey Veranda Townhouses located along the Veranda’s picturesque walkways, gardens and pools and eight freestanding Beachfront Cottages with private plunge pools and direct beach access. All buildings feature Caribbean chic architectural styles and furnishings inspired by the legendary coastal destinations of Nantucket and Key West. Each residence features flat screen televisions, a BOSE Sound Dock entertainment system, wireless internet and a custom fully-stocked in-room kitchen and bar facilities with stainless steel appliances and full washer/dryer. Each bathroom environment is decadent with marble floors, stone vanities, deep soaking tubs, and glass enclosed rain showers.

The Veranda House is located at the heart of the resort and is comprised of studios (up to 594sqft), one bedroom (up to 956 sqft) and two bedroom (up to 2198sqft) layouts. Perched on the top floor of the Veranda House is a collection of unique two-story loft style two-bedroom residences with entry foyer, master and guest bedrooms, 17 foot ceilings and private balconies that offer stunning views of Grace Bay.

Located along The Veranda’s picturesque walkways, gardens and pools are the multi storey one-, two- and three- bedroom Veranda Townhouses ranging in size from 687 sqft to 2,996 sqft. All residences feature spacious outdoor verandas and viewing decks.

The eight freestanding three- and four-bedroom Beachfront Cottages at The Veranda are surrounded by lush landscaping for privacy and boast direct access to Grace Bay beach. All cottages come equipped with the amenities and services you would expect from a five star resort including: private plunge pools, concierge and butler services, private chef, dining service, pre-arrival provisioning of groceries, shopping and delivery throughout the stay, childcare services, daily housekeeping services, laundry services and much more.

DINING
Marin
At the heart of the property is Marin, the resort’s signature beachfront restaurant and bar perched alongside the Linear Pool and white sand beaches of Grace Bay. Marin provides dramatic ocean views and gourmet cuisine infused with local and Caribbean influences for an unexpected dining experience. Fresh seafood is the primary focus with an extensive wine list of over 120 selections stored within a contemporary glass wine wall. Long sommelier tables decorate the interior space for larger parties, while intimate clusters of beachfront dining provide more private retreats along the shore and pool. Blue glass tiles decorate the adjoining Bar at Marin inspired by Keith Hobb’s neighboring Infiniti Bar at Grace Bay Club, complete with outdoor fireplace and four egg-shaped swinging chairs. The bar will provide an additional 40 seats and serve a collection of Caribbean inspired tapas. Bar service will begin at 11am. Marin boasts 200 seats and will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Grill Bleu
The perfect setting for a light meal, this alfresco venue overlooks Grace Bay Beach. Boasting the only Tandoori Oven in Turks and Caicos, the menu offers a continental blend of grilled favorites and tropical libations. Contemporary in design, the space seats 100 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Natural sand colors with bright blue accents keep the focus on the surrounding environment while colorful flavors are prepared in a striking open-air kitchen.

Courtyard Café
Experience homemade favorites including a range of gelato and specialty coffees in an intimate Courtyard setting surrounded by colorful Caribbean fountains and lush tropical gardens. Fresh pastries and sandwiches are made daily in addition to frozen drinks and smoothies. Open for breakfast, lunch and light dinner fare.

RELAXATION
Sabai Spa & Wellness Center
Sitting across a tropical water garden, the new two-story Sabai Spa beckons guests with pampering and wellness programs and an extensive fitness center offering yoga, state-of-the-art equipment, Lit Nova surface tennis court and personal training/nutrition counseling. The Asian-inspired style design incorporates natural elements such as wood and stone, providing a fresh and soothing setting for guests to indulge in the ultimate pampering and beauty services. The eight treatment rooms feature a mix of single and couples rooms as well as separate, secluded private suites. A full menu of Elemis spa services such as massages, facials, body treatments and four manicure/pedicure stations are available to guests in addition to full his/hers facilities with steam rooms, outdoor showers and relaxation areas.

For more information, visit http://www.verandatci.com or call 877-945-5757.

About The Veranda Resort & Residences
The Veranda is developed by owned Faez Ltd., a Turks & Caicos company controlled by UK entrepreneur Andre Serruys. The property development team consists of Ronald D. Sutherland, president of The Hemisphere Group and Jeffery A. Lee, architect and senior partner of Lee & Astwood Architects. Both have extensive experience with some of the finest resort and residential properties in the Caribbean basin.

About Grace Bay Resorts
Grace Bay Resorts is a boutique developer and operator of high-end, luxury resorts and branded residences, founded from its flagship property Grace Bay Club in Turks and Caicos which opened in 1993. Led by Mark Durliat and Nikheel Advani, the developers and hoteliers behind this renowned resort, and Michael Brewster, Managing Partner of Denver-based SV Capital Partners, Grace Bay Resorts provides development, branding and management for its brand and is expanding its award-winning services into other Caribbean destinations and Latin America, with a target of 10 properties in the next few years.

About Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty
Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty is the leading luxury real estate brokerage firm in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Joe Zahm, President of Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty, and Mark Durliat CEO of Grace Bay Resorts, joined forces in 2003 prior to the launching of the highly successful residential program at Grace Bay Club. This relationship has been a fruitful one, with well over 100M in real estate sales sold at The Villas and the Estate at Grace Bay Club. Mr. Zahm and Nina Siegenthaler, VP of TSCIR, have worked hand in hand with Mr. Durliat’s operating group (led by COO Nikheel Advani) to create a dynamic sales program that has forged a market leadership position in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
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