Catamaran Rides + Da Conch Shack

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What better way to see Turks & Caicos then from the water?!  We  hired SAIL PROVO to take us around Grand Turk and to a northern cay – Pine Cay – for full day of snorkeling, sailing and exploring.  Oh and I can’t forget the delicious lunch and rum punch!  We picked the catamaran up at Walkin Marina leeward and sailed out  past Blue Haven Marina towards the open ocean.  Once we were about a 1/2 mile off the coast, we stopped at a reef  to snorkel.  The water was warm and crystal clear so it made for a delightful snorkeling experience.  We saw a ton of tropical fish, colorful coral and cool looking reefs.  After about 45 minutes, we sailed towards Pine Cay to a private beach know as Sand Dollar beach.  No need for an anchor, we literally beached the boat. As we walked on the fluffy white sand we spotted nothing but water, sea shells and a group of rain clouds in the distant.  Since it was Sand Dollar beach, we grabbed our snorkels and started hunting.  We learned that the brown sand dollars are alive – so we left  those alone – the white ones were good to take!  Unfortunately we were not that lucky – only one person snagged a sand dollar – and that one person was one of  T.W.O.!  After our treasure hunt we boarded the catamaran for a bbq lunch – chicken, sandwiches, fresh fruit and of course rum punch and Turks Head! It was the perfect atmosphere!  Lunch ended, but not our day.  We headed back towards the Marina and made a stop along the way to snorkel again.  At this spot we found a 3 foot lobster.  Biggest one we have ever seen! It was hidden in the reef and our Dad spotted it.  That itself was worth the stop for sure!  Once on board, T.W.O. sailed us back to the marina.  Yes…you can call us Caribbean certified skippers that’s for sure!  It was a lovely day and we had a great time with the Sail Provo crew.  Thanks again for the memories and such a great experience.  Can’t wait to come back!!

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Da Conch Shack 

Conch creole, conch salad, curried conch…..bring it on! At Da Conch Shack you will find a picturesque setting on the beach with your typical caribbean architecture.  Pastel pink, Caribbean blues and light turquoise greens  fill this open white shack restaurant.  Conch shells line the walk ways, make walls and even used as light fixtures.  I wonder where they get the name from?!?!?  We enjoyed the food, the atmosphere and of course you can’t go without trying Jan’s Infamous Rum Punch.  Save your server time and just order a pitcher!image

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Villa del Sol

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Villa del Sol was our home for the week when we visited Turks & Caicos. It was the perfect place to stay with our group of 6. The 3 bedroom and 3 bath villa was located on Grace Beach on Provo Island. The updated kitchen, open living spaces and large bedrooms were great amenities for us. The outdoor space had a lot of outdoor furniture, a hammock, beautiful pool and access to the beach. The beach was amazing – secluded, clean and big enough for our lounge chairs, paddle boards and fruit rum drinks. We can’t wait to go back and stay at Villa del Sol.

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Beach Bag Essentials

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Beach Bag Essentials

1. Beach Towel  //  2. Book //  3. Sunscreen //  4. Hat  // 5. T.W.O. Bag  //  6. Bathing Suit

 

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Salt Creek Beach

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Like most weekends, T.W.O. likes to stay active and find new trails.  This past weekend, T.W.O. ventured to Salt Creak Beach and ran the famous trail near the St. Regis and Ritz Carlton.  The golf course and ocean views were spectacular.  There is no doubt we will be running this trail again and will include a pit stop at the Monarch Cafe.

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Happy trails,

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Resort Style

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Sunday Afternoon with Coast 2 Coast Collection

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How would you spend your perfect Sunday?  Taking a walk?  Going to the gym or movies?  Baking in the kitchen?  Well, all those are great things as long as you enjoy doing them.  T.W.O. spent their Sunday afternoon in Santa Barbara, which is one place they used to call home.  It has a special place in our heart – from soccer tournaments, to watching our brothers play summer college baseball, to one of us attending UCSB and most recently a family wedding.

A perfect Sunday in Santa Barbara to us would be brunch at The Boathouse, a stroll on State Street, stopping by Wendy Foster for our hair ties and ending with a visit at Coast 2 Coast Collection.

The Boathouse (formerly known as Brown Pelican) is a great restaurant located on Hendry’s Beach.  It’s a great spot for family, friends or even a romantic date!   Three out of four times when we have dined at The Boathouse, we have seen dolphins.  Let’s hope that we just didn’t jinx ourselves – or you! After lunch  – –  – on to State Street!

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SONY DSC SONY DSCCoast 2 Coast Collection was introduced to us 2 years ago and little did we know that it would be a part of our lives.  From candles, home décor, vintage jewelry and most recently a custom made bracelet for a bridesmaids’ gift from our sister-in-law, Coast 2 Coast is a definite stop on our trips to Santa Barbara. This luxury gift and tableware boutique has a wide array of brands – Bernardaud, Chrstofle, Hermes, Lalique and St. Louis.  Immediately when you walk in the store, your jaw drops and you just want to buy everything for your home.  From the linens to the table settings and frames and mirrored trays to the serving utensils – they all are luxurious pieces.

And what goes well with these pieces…of course vintage costume jewelry! Some of the designers are Chanel, Dior, Givenchy and Miriam Haskell.  We didn’t have any trouble finding something we liked – – – that’s for sure!  These pieces are classic and original.  The person sitting next to you at the charity event won’t be wearing the same necklace.  Sounds fabulous, right?

 Men – there is also a sports memorabilia section for you –  –  – so don’t wait in the car!

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 Next time you are in Santa Barbara, you have to make a stop at Coast 2 Coast.  Don’t walk away empty handed; you will regret it later! Thanks Holly for having us!!

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The Bacara Resort and Spa

SONY DSCIf you are looking for a nice relaxing vacation or getaway weekend and are willing to spend some money – The Bacara Resort and Spa is a great choice!  Located North of the downtown, this resort has it all.  Beach, pool, spa, dining, views and a fantastic wine room!  T.W.O. spent a lovely afternoon walking around the grounds and some time in the Foley Wine Room.  (More to come on that in a later post!)

 This Spanish-style resort is welcoming right when you pull in.  The “piazza” has a gorgeous fountain that is calming and the service is fantastic.  The lobby is inviting with the beautiful floral arrangements and the complimentary lemon and cucumber water.  It feels like you walked into the ultimate spa!  The outside amenities include a pool, cabanas, fire pits, outdoor seating and the best part – views of the ocean.

 Check out some of T.W.O.’s favorite highlights of the Bacara!

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