- Location
- Forest Hills
anyone been to both and can help me choose one. :flower:
Bahamas Atlantis (cove) or Turks & Caicos (alexandra)
- Thread starter reefman
- Start date
Ive been to Atlantis, wasn't overly impressed based on all the great things i had heard. Turks is supposed to be amazing place, never been though. I have heard it's a chill kind of place, relaxing . You dive? If so then Turks would be my place
- Location
- Franklin Lakes, NJ
Never been to T&C but Atlantis sucked.
- Location
- Clifton NJ
If you do go to Atlantis, stay at the Comfort inn and Suites net door. You have a FULL access pass to Atlantis at a 25% cost. We did it last year and had a pretty good time.
It gets a little boring after 2 days. Our friends that stayed at Atlantis really didn't like it. They spent literally 4 times what we spent so they expected more.
It gets a little boring after 2 days. Our friends that stayed at Atlantis really didn't like it. They spent literally 4 times what we spent so they expected more.
TCI has my vote. Never been to Bahamas, but I think Atlantis might have more available activities especially if you have kids on the trip. From stories, I hear it gets expensive fast.
If you need a kids friendly resort on TCI, look into Beaches Resort.
If you need a kids friendly resort on TCI, look into Beaches Resort.
I have been to both.
Atlantis first, followed by 3 consecutive Turks and Caicos trips.
Have stayed at Alexandra, grace bay club, and the sands.
Hands down turks and Caicos is a better vacation. Especially if you rent a car and see everything that the island has to offer. Restaurants & the private beaches cannot be missed. The rental isn't even expensive and the island is super easy to get around. Cabs would cost more in the end then a rental. I didn't rent my first trip and regret it.
For the money the Alexandra is great and we enjoyed it. It was clean and everything was pretty modern.
I enjoyed the sands over Alexandra, it is more pricey. (Sometimes you can snag a great deal on jet setter) The Alexandra is larger then the sands but the sands is just what I think a Caribbean hotel should be. That perfect balance modern and island feel... Has a great layout and you feel secluded.
If you did want some other input on things to see just let me know. I'm visiting again in January.
Atlantis first, followed by 3 consecutive Turks and Caicos trips.
Have stayed at Alexandra, grace bay club, and the sands.
Hands down turks and Caicos is a better vacation. Especially if you rent a car and see everything that the island has to offer. Restaurants & the private beaches cannot be missed. The rental isn't even expensive and the island is super easy to get around. Cabs would cost more in the end then a rental. I didn't rent my first trip and regret it.
For the money the Alexandra is great and we enjoyed it. It was clean and everything was pretty modern.
I enjoyed the sands over Alexandra, it is more pricey. (Sometimes you can snag a great deal on jet setter) The Alexandra is larger then the sands but the sands is just what I think a Caribbean hotel should be. That perfect balance modern and island feel... Has a great layout and you feel secluded.
If you did want some other input on things to see just let me know. I'm visiting again in January.
- Location
- Forest Hills
thanks for the feedbacks. this will just be me and the mrs so no kids vacation.
I think i'm steering toward T&C from the opinions.
@jonnyj-yes, any more input is appreciated.
I think i'm steering toward T&C from the opinions.
@jonnyj-yes, any more input is appreciated.
Some affordable hotels
The Sands [absolutely my favorite, just something about this place]
Alexandria [stayed here, very nice place]
Royal West Indies [RWI]
Ocean club West/East [is a little older and more run down, they have two locations. West is on a phenomenal beach line and very close to many stores and restaurants, good if on a budget but if the above places are available i would choose them.]
Generally you can always find amazing deals on Jetsetter or Jetblue.com.
For more money you could Look into the following [no particular order]
Grace Bay Club [Stayed here with my girlfriend and its just amazing]
Gansevort
Seven Stars
Regent palms
With all inclusive you can simply stay at the resort and love your stay, but If you decide to stay at a regular hotel, rent a car and go see the following.
Go to Taylor Bay beach for the day. Its around a 20 minute easy drive to a private SHALLOW beach that's amazing. clear as can be - i have snorkeled and seen tons of fish including wrasses and other beautiful fish and inverts. It's knee deep forever. You can walk out so far. YouTube for an example
Go to Sapodilla Bay [right next to taylor bay] They are both very shallow - On most days, there is a guy from south africa there that rents jetskis,cayaks, and other water sports. - snorkel along the right side where the rocks are and you will see tangs and other types of fish/inverts. Large coconut crabs live in the little caves on the under hang.
You can pack a cooler bag (which I would bring for the trip as a carry on) and make your own drinks/beers. I bring floats and all and just hang in the sun all day in the shallow calm water.
One of the days that you go their, go to a place LAS BRISAS for lunch dinner or whatever you want. Beautiful place on chalk sound. Very VERY safe and delicious. They have a Seafood paella thats amazing. Everything there is top notch including the service.
-----
Go to pellican beach - Great beach you can walk for miles and collect shells and stuff with the wife or kids. Very cool small pool formations of water. calm and Beautiful.
Some dinner spots..
Go for dinner/cocktails/lounge @ grace bay club one night. Its fine to bring children and its a really beautiful night. The decor is beautiful and pricey but worth every minute. My girls favorite, she kept getting a chocolate drink that was great.
Dinner at Coco bistro [crazy place - you eat under the palm trees., great food] pricey but worth the experience alone.
Dinner at bay bistro
Dinner at caicos cafe - affordable fresh fresh fish.
Lunch at The Conch Shack - something i would never miss. An absolute dive with fresh conch, fish tacos, shrimps - ETC. Rum punch. Very nice and safe - wish i could be there right now.
Lunch at Coral gardens - get the fish tacos. [Somewhere Cafe] This has the best snorkeling. Coral gardens has a reef on there beach. If you don't have equipment you can rent for like 10$
Lunch at the sands - everything is amazing [Hemingway's Restaurant] nice a clean.
The Sands [absolutely my favorite, just something about this place]
Alexandria [stayed here, very nice place]
Royal West Indies [RWI]
Ocean club West/East [is a little older and more run down, they have two locations. West is on a phenomenal beach line and very close to many stores and restaurants, good if on a budget but if the above places are available i would choose them.]
Generally you can always find amazing deals on Jetsetter or Jetblue.com.
For more money you could Look into the following [no particular order]
Grace Bay Club [Stayed here with my girlfriend and its just amazing]
Gansevort
Seven Stars
Regent palms
With all inclusive you can simply stay at the resort and love your stay, but If you decide to stay at a regular hotel, rent a car and go see the following.
Go to Taylor Bay beach for the day. Its around a 20 minute easy drive to a private SHALLOW beach that's amazing. clear as can be - i have snorkeled and seen tons of fish including wrasses and other beautiful fish and inverts. It's knee deep forever. You can walk out so far. YouTube for an example
Go to Sapodilla Bay [right next to taylor bay] They are both very shallow - On most days, there is a guy from south africa there that rents jetskis,cayaks, and other water sports. - snorkel along the right side where the rocks are and you will see tangs and other types of fish/inverts. Large coconut crabs live in the little caves on the under hang.
You can pack a cooler bag (which I would bring for the trip as a carry on) and make your own drinks/beers. I bring floats and all and just hang in the sun all day in the shallow calm water.
One of the days that you go their, go to a place LAS BRISAS for lunch dinner or whatever you want. Beautiful place on chalk sound. Very VERY safe and delicious. They have a Seafood paella thats amazing. Everything there is top notch including the service.
-----
Go to pellican beach - Great beach you can walk for miles and collect shells and stuff with the wife or kids. Very cool small pool formations of water. calm and Beautiful.
Some dinner spots..
Go for dinner/cocktails/lounge @ grace bay club one night. Its fine to bring children and its a really beautiful night. The decor is beautiful and pricey but worth every minute. My girls favorite, she kept getting a chocolate drink that was great.
Dinner at Coco bistro [crazy place - you eat under the palm trees., great food] pricey but worth the experience alone.
Dinner at bay bistro
Dinner at caicos cafe - affordable fresh fresh fish.
Lunch at The Conch Shack - something i would never miss. An absolute dive with fresh conch, fish tacos, shrimps - ETC. Rum punch. Very nice and safe - wish i could be there right now.
Lunch at Coral gardens - get the fish tacos. [Somewhere Cafe] This has the best snorkeling. Coral gardens has a reef on there beach. If you don't have equipment you can rent for like 10$
Lunch at the sands - everything is amazing [Hemingway's Restaurant] nice a clean.
Attachments
- Location
- Union Square, NY
I've been to both. Atlantis is better for families, there are so many activities in a very safe environment. It is extremely expensive, but everything is perfect. We spent a week there and went out only twice.
The Cove is beautiful, they have a casino at the pool area and it is mostly an adults/quiet area. The kids section is right next door and the dolphin exhibit is on the other side. You will have to walk to most things but its a really nice property.
If you are a diver, you're better off at T&C though, that is a great dive spot.
The Cove is beautiful, they have a casino at the pool area and it is mostly an adults/quiet area. The kids section is right next door and the dolphin exhibit is on the other side. You will have to walk to most things but its a really nice property.
If you are a diver, you're better off at T&C though, that is a great dive spot.
Went to Turks stayed at Sandals Beaches before the Italian village was built so seven years ago. We had a group with small kids and did the beach pool thing and if you like food it was real good. If you are looking at the water you walk to your left and there is a big reef 50 feet from the shore. It has ropes around it and you can only go around it but along with coral we did see a turtle nurse shark barracuda and it was the best reef I have ever snorkeled and only a short walk away.
Atlantis is nice I have only been at it for a day trip. We went on all the water rides.
I also found out a new hotel is going up in the same area to give Atlantis a run for its money as it is said to cost less with the same quality but I do not know when it will be done.
out of all our vacations we all say we want to go back to Turks.
Atlantis is nice I have only been at it for a day trip. We went on all the water rides.
I also found out a new hotel is going up in the same area to give Atlantis a run for its money as it is said to cost less with the same quality but I do not know when it will be done.
out of all our vacations we all say we want to go back to Turks.
- Location
- Westchester, N.Y
Ok, been at both places 3x in last 8 years. It's what you want to do at each island that can make you like one more than the other. Both places are amazing. Bahamas has tons of things to do such as Stuart Cove. Go and have experience like you never had with diving with sharks. Stuart Cove was awesome. I stood at Cove in Atlantis. You can go snorkel at Cove beach and see some nurse sharks by the rocks. You will see plenty of fish. Plus their display of they own fish is truly amazing. Sharks, Sting Rays, Piranhas ect. For you and your wife staying at Reef or Cove hotel is really nice. It's same as Altantis but newer hotel with less kids. Altantis hotel rooms are in need of remodeling. But grounds are still beautiful.
This year we went to Beaches in Turks. We have two kids and this place is made for family's. But that didn't stop me from going snorkeling at Pikes right behind Coral's Garden. Very relaxing vacation. Saw plenty of fish in Pikes. Schools of Blue tangs and tons of Parrot Fish. If your luckly like me you will see Barracudas swim right next to you. I also stood at Italian village in Beaches. Both are great places to go. You can youtube and find plenty of video on both places. I love the nights at Turks with cool breeze. Bahamas very humid. I would tell you you can't go wrong either place. It's what you make of it it's up to you. Some pictures from Pikes...
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/photography/150533-turks-caicos.html
This year we went to Beaches in Turks. We have two kids and this place is made for family's. But that didn't stop me from going snorkeling at Pikes right behind Coral's Garden. Very relaxing vacation. Saw plenty of fish in Pikes. Schools of Blue tangs and tons of Parrot Fish. If your luckly like me you will see Barracudas swim right next to you. I also stood at Italian village in Beaches. Both are great places to go. You can youtube and find plenty of video on both places. I love the nights at Turks with cool breeze. Bahamas very humid. I would tell you you can't go wrong either place. It's what you make of it it's up to you. Some pictures from Pikes...
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/photography/150533-turks-caicos.html
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Been to both.
Lived, sailed, and vaca in Nassau and went to T&C twice.
T&C hands down.
They have everywhere from Sandals for families, the Sands for couples, and Club Med for sleazy drunk hookups. And the best part is Grace Bay which is one of the best and most idyllic Caribbean beaches. If you want to dive then Dive Provo is a great dive operator place right in the middle of everything.
Atlantis, meh. It's much nicer than Jones Beach but in the end you are at an overpriced casino with a kick *** water park/aquarium.
Rent a car in T&C though. It has some nice places and taxis are a pain to deal with.
Lived, sailed, and vaca in Nassau and went to T&C twice.
T&C hands down.
They have everywhere from Sandals for families, the Sands for couples, and Club Med for sleazy drunk hookups. And the best part is Grace Bay which is one of the best and most idyllic Caribbean beaches. If you want to dive then Dive Provo is a great dive operator place right in the middle of everything.
Atlantis, meh. It's much nicer than Jones Beach but in the end you are at an overpriced casino with a kick *** water park/aquarium.
Rent a car in T&C though. It has some nice places and taxis are a pain to deal with.
AMAZING POST! I am in process of debating honeymoon location in Nov. and since I have been to almost all the caribbean island other then a hanfull and T&C is one of them, I am sold!
Thanks a ton
- Location
- Westchester, N.Y
Drcooper, if you go to T&C a little tip. Don't fly in or out on weekends. Very small airport. They are almost done making it bigger. But make your flights on weekda?s.
I would consider St John over T&C.
Its mostly a state park and a lot more secluded in Nov.
Stay at the Westin and rent a Jeep and drive out to secluded beaches.
https://www.google.com/search?q=tru...Q&biw=1432&bih=747&sei=uP0wUpfALsWp4APiwICIDQ
Its mostly a state park and a lot more secluded in Nov.
Stay at the Westin and rent a Jeep and drive out to secluded beaches.
https://www.google.com/search?q=tru...Q&biw=1432&bih=747&sei=uP0wUpfALsWp4APiwICIDQ
Loved St. Johns. Been going to St. Johns since I was younger and it really is a gorgeous place. I just wanna try something new so think T&C. I am debating what hotel to stay at. Gansevort vs. Ocean Club West?
Those two hotels cannot be compared but..
Ocean club west is old, dated and doesn't have elevators. I stayed there partially on one of my trips. It is however in a great location for walking. Close to super market. Close to a lot of restaurants and a beautiful stretch of beach: close to casino if that's your thing.
The lunch and pool area was very dated, but it's a nice affordable Caribbean style get a way.
Much better options for around the same price
Alexandra and sands to name two.
The ganzevort is very ritzy, i was there a few times because my girl loves it; dinner drink type of visits. As expected its very modern and beautiful. Just felt like everyone had there nose in the air. Felt like a competition. Sectioned seating for those who spend more money etc.
Like mentioned earlier if you want ritz but not that who is who feeling go to Grace bay club: if you want Caribbean style with great food and service and modern go for the sands.
There are other amazing places but I can defini
Ocean club west is old, dated and doesn't have elevators. I stayed there partially on one of my trips. It is however in a great location for walking. Close to super market. Close to a lot of restaurants and a beautiful stretch of beach: close to casino if that's your thing.
The lunch and pool area was very dated, but it's a nice affordable Caribbean style get a way.
Much better options for around the same price
Alexandra and sands to name two.
The ganzevort is very ritzy, i was there a few times because my girl loves it; dinner drink type of visits. As expected its very modern and beautiful. Just felt like everyone had there nose in the air. Felt like a competition. Sectioned seating for those who spend more money etc.
Like mentioned earlier if you want ritz but not that who is who feeling go to Grace bay club: if you want Caribbean style with great food and service and modern go for the sands.
There are other amazing places but I can defini
- Location
- Westchester, N.Y
You must of tried St. Thomas. That was a nice stay too. I stood at Ritz which I liked the pools but didn't like man made beach. But coki beach was awesome. Right next to Coral World in St Thomas.
T&C in Beaches they bought over a resort right next to them. Now name Key West Villiage might be better for couples and units are like condo with its own small pool in each unit. Prices are more reasonable. They are Right next to Italian village where I stayed. It might be worth looking into.
T&C in Beaches they bought over a resort right next to them. Now name Key West Villiage might be better for couples and units are like condo with its own small pool in each unit. Prices are more reasonable. They are Right next to Italian village where I stayed. It might be worth looking into.
May do the Sands as I get enough of the "nose in the air" crowd every day here in Miami. THanks man
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