The Sands at Grace Bay Marks 25 Years of Excellence with a Grand Celebration and Unveiling of Renovations
The event paid tribute to the unwavering dedication of the resort’s exceptional staff and esteemed supporters, and served as the official unveiling of the resort’s spectacular renovations that include a completely reimagined lobby and resort-wide refresh.
Dr. Stan Hartling, the visionary CEO of Hartling Group, expressed his enthusiasm stating, “We were delighted to gather and inaugurate a year-long celebration marking the 25th Anniversary of The Sands at Grace Bay. This gala allowed us to extend our gratitude to our award-winning staff, as well as the champions and supporters who have been integral to our success over the past quarter-century. As we near completion of a major renovation to commemorate The Sands’ Silver Anniversary, this hidden gem and historical icon shines even brighter after 25 years of dedicated service to TCI.”
Preserving the inherent charm and elegance that defines the resort, The Sands’ renovation introduces enhancements across every facet of the guest experience, infusing modern amenities and stylish accents that captivate the senses. The newly reimagined open-air lobby welcomes guests into a contemporary ambiance, while meticulously refreshed guest suites boast updated furnishings and finishes, artfully adorned with decorative touches in cool blue tones and topped-off with crisp white linens. Beyond the chic room redesigns, the sleek new bathrooms feature oversized walk-in showers and frameless glass doors with rain-style shower heads, seamlessly blending coastal aesthetics with indoor luxury to provide an indulgent experience for guests.
Dr. Stan Hartling remarked, “This milestone event celebrated the visionary inception and the pivotal role that The Sands played in the success we now witness in the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism industry.”
Today, The Sands, The Palms, and The Shore Club collectively stand as a testament to the group’s unwavering commitment, with the development of The Sands acting as the catalyst for nearly $500,000,000 in current value investment by Hartling Group on the island. These properties not only redefine luxury living but also serve as significant employers, providing jobs for over 800 people in TCI.
Monday’s grand-scale festivities were attended by the more than 150 staff members from both The Sands at Grace Bay and Hemingway’s Restaurant, as well as many government officials and dignitaries including: Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam Governor of Turks and Caicos Islands; Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor; The Honorable Erwin J. Saunders, Deputy Premier, The Honorable Josephine Olivia Connolly, Minister for Tourism; The Honorable Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration; The Honorable Otis Chuck Morris, Minister for Home Affairs; The Honorable Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services; Wesley Clerveaux,Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism; Sean Astwood, Former Deputy Premier; Stacy Cox, CEO TCHTA; Raquel Brown, Experience TCI; Alvin Garland and Arlington Musgrove.
Dr. Stan Hartling delivered an engaging address, transporting guests back to the genesis of The Sands as well as Hemingway’s Restaurant, recounting the milestones that shaped this journey and showcasing the pivotal role that this iconic resort played in the success that is now seen in the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism industry. A fact often forgotten is that The Sands was one of the very first condo-resorts in Providenciales. This “little engine that could” was instrumental in proving that the condo-resort concept could thrive in the Turks and Caicos Island.
An awards ceremony followed, honoring employees from the Resort and Hemingway’s Restaurant with long service recognition for 20 and 25 years of service as well as 2023 Year-End award recipients including:
25 Years of Service – The Sands at Grace Bay
Duval Phedre and Pauline Theordore
25 Years of Service – Hemingway’s Restaurant
Terry Drummey
20 Years of Service – The Sands at Grace Bay
Anouze Jean-Williams, Pierre Beswick, Barbara Rigby, Delroy Mcintosh, Dyneville Romeus, ElvilCheristin, Kerline Joseph, Joan Hagan, Laurence Bastien, Patrice Parker, Rolanda Robinson, Ronald Rosemary
20 Years of Service – Hemingway’s Restaurant
AracelysGomez, Carene Elvariste, Clara Ramos, Getrude Jean Antione, Jean Frandy, Joseph Dorcely
Magalie Charles, Marie Gertrude, Paula Brooks, Reasa Louis, Sandra Vazquez, Tracy Smith, Wesley Joseph, Yanely Hall
The Sands at Grace Bay 2023 Award Winners
Employee of the Year – front of the house: Gary Philoxene, Pool & Beach Attendant
Employee of the Year – heart of the house: ElvilCheristin, Houseman Specialist
Supervisor of the Year-Annecie Augustine, Housekeeping Supervisor
Manager of the Year- Mandy Cameron, Reservations Sales Manager
Hemingway’s Restaurant 2023 Awards Winners
Employee of the Year – front of the house: Roselaure Jean, Server
Employee of the Year – heart of the house: Joseph Dorcely, Steward
Manager of the Year- Carolyn Robinson, General Manager of Hemingway’s.
Special recognition was also dedicated to the owners for their significant investment in the 25th anniversary resort renovations, as well as special recognition to original owners since The Sands’ opening: Miles Hamm and Linda Harper.
Further, in recognition of their work on the 25th Anniversary renovations, special thanks additionally went out to Joan Hagan, Yadviga Dzieduszynska, Maurice Daley, Marc Romkey, and the many others on the renovation team.
After the awards ceremony, the celebration continued with fantastic fireworks showcase, then the live DJ opened the dance floor for all to enjoy the night’s fun!
For more information about The Sands at Grace Bay, please visit www.thesandstc.com.
The Sands at Grace Bay is situated on the world-renowned 12-mile crescent of powdery white sand known as Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos. The oceanfront resort continues to gain acclaim as showcased by the many awards it receives ongoing, most recently being voted #1 Caribbean Resort in the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and acclaim the resort also earned in 2023. The resort once again garnered the TripAdvisor “Travelers’ Choice Award” for 2023, an honor it has carried for eleven years now. Additional outstanding accolades include being named one of the 2023 “Best Hotels in the Turks and Caicos” by U.S. News & World Report, garnering the Hotels.com “Loved By Guests Award,” and being named a Family Vacation Critic “2021 Family Favorite Hotel” as well as “Best Family Resort” in The Caribbean Journal Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2019.
This 114-room resort offers accommodations ranging from junior suites to full suites with one, two and two-bedrooms plus den that can serve as a third bedroom – featuring full kitchens with granite counter tops and stainless-steel appliances, and screened patios. Suites vary in size from 1,000 to 1,600 square feet.
Suites also come with dining and living room areas, private balconies, washer/dryers and more – all of which combine comfort-focused amenities and spectacular natural surroundings. The Sands at Grace Bay is the home of Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar, a legendary beach-side venue and local favorite. Spa treatments by Spa Tropique are also available by appointment.
