Surprise, Suprise!!! We decided to bring the laptop and we are having such an amazing time that we thought it was a necessity to share out first few hours with everyone. Don’t worry… we didn’t bring the computer to do work, we brought it to use as a resource to find info on Turks and Caicos (they have a lot of good sites about restaurants, sites to visits, and other good info online), and to download pictures, update the blog, etc…
Well, the trip got off to a rough start, but less than 24 hours later, we have forgotten completely about that part of our honeymoon experience. However, I will share anyway. We arrived at the airport at about 5:45am Monday morning for our 7am flight. The flight was on time and although storm clouds were rolling in, we boarded and taxied to the tarmac ready to head to Miami. Unfortunately the tarmac is where we spent the next 2 hours since we did not get in the air before the storms began. We finally took off and made it to Miami only 10 minutes before our next flight was supposed to depart, so we were hopeful that it would be delayed or they could wait for us, but….. we arrived at a gate that required us to be “tugged” into the gate and before we could make it, the tug broke. We then sat on the plane for an additional 40 minutes before making it off the plane just after 1pm (in just enough time to allow the honeymoon couples going to Cozumel, Mexico to make their connection). Our connecting flight to Turks and Caicos was scheduled to depart at 12:35pm and had departed without us. We were told we were re-booked on the next flight that was scheduled to depart at 7:20pm…6 1/2 hours later! We tried to negotiate at least being given a day pass to the AA Admirals Club (as well as another couple that missed their flight), but that request was quickly denied by the airline reps (long story.. William has already typed a letter to American Airlines during our 6 1/2 hr layover using the little battery that was left in the laptop since the Miami airport has no working electrical outlets to plug in cell phones or computers. That’s not an exaggeration…. that went in the letter also). After another small delay on our second flight, we were underway to Turks and Caicos and arrived just after 9pm. We made it through customs with no problems and our luggage was the first out.
Here is where the real honeymoon story begins. We were taken by taxi to our resort, the Regent Palms, and were greeted by front desk staff with cold towels and punch in their open air lobby. While we drank our punch, one of the front desk associates gave us some general info about the resort and then gave us a brief tour (it was dark, but we were able to get an idea of where we were). Our suite is absolutely incredible. We have 1,500 sq feet of space complete with a full living room, dining room, kitchen (with Viking appliances, sub zero fridge, pots, pans, dishes, and silverware), bedroom, 1 1/2 baths and a balcony with a day bed. We even have a laundry room with complimentary detergent.
When we woke up this morning, we were like kids on Christmas morning as we went into the living room and see what the view would be like out our window and it was simply breathtaking. We started off the morning with buffet breakfast at the resort that had a good selection on cereals, yogurt, fruit, breads, cold cuts, eggs, grits, potatoes, bacon and sausage. We then explored the amenities the resort had to offer (gift shop, boutique, swimwear boutique, and convenience store). We also confirmed our couples massage for tomorrow (really looking forward to this!). Then, it was off to the pool for a little relaxing. I would just like to make sure you know that William and I have discovered a new definition for relaxation. He told me I ruined his old feeling that tv and video games are what you do to relax. He had no idea that sitting by the pool for almost 5 hours could be so much fun. I have to admit that I did not know that either. We found a couple of really comfy lounge chairs with an umbrella, so we just chilled there all afternoon reading magazines and mixed it with a couple dips in the pool, a dip in the ocean, and a bite to eat at the swim up pool bar. The pool staff frequently brought around cold towels and frozen fruit to keep everyone cool (the weather is hot and humid). Towards the afternoon, it started to get a bit crowded around the pool, so we came back inside to relax. In the morning, there were only about 10 or so people around the pool (September in Turks and Caicos is apparently the hottest month and the slowest month). In the afternoon, there were some people who came in for a wedding this weekend, so it may be a bit more crowded than we would have liked, but there is no doubt in our minds that this will be a truly unforgettable experience. For dinner, we decided to venture out from the resort and tried a restaurant suggested by the concierge. We enjoyed our meal and the service was excellent. We even brought back leftovers since we have a full kitchen. At this moment, we are just relaxing in the living room and excited about our couples massage tomorrow.
Well… that covers the highlights on Day 1. William will try to post pictures soon.