Turks & Caicos Trip Report: Grace Bay Club & Amanyara
Aug 4, 2013, 1:37 pm
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,432
I'm planning to book here for late august and am traveling with a 2.5 yo and 6 mos old.
Regarding room style: We try wherever we go to stay in suites that have a separated second room (doesn't need to be bedroom per se) that we can sleep the kids in cribs in at 7.30pm, leaving another space for us to be after they're down. Can anyone advise as to whether the pavilions have a separate enough secondary, closed-off space for the babies? The Sri Lanka reservations office seemed to think so but also hesitated to call any area other than the main part of the pavilion a separate room. I know there's obviously an outdoor area we could spend time in.
Regarding upgrades, what are the odds on getting upgraded to an ocean or pool pavilion if we book a standard (late August)?
And finally, any thoughts on bugs/mosquitos or humidity/temperatures that we should consider in terms of babies? They're both well behaved and will stay with us. We're just looking for a little time on the beach and in our room to relax and recharge... I'm just a touch concerned about hurricane season.
Thanks!!
Regarding room style: We try wherever we go to stay in suites that have a separated second room (doesn't need to be bedroom per se) that we can sleep the kids in cribs in at 7.30pm, leaving another space for us to be after they're down. Can anyone advise as to whether the pavilions have a separate enough secondary, closed-off space for the babies? The Sri Lanka reservations office seemed to think so but also hesitated to call any area other than the main part of the pavilion a separate room. I know there's obviously an outdoor area we could spend time in.
Regarding upgrades, what are the odds on getting upgraded to an ocean or pool pavilion if we book a standard (late August)?
And finally, any thoughts on bugs/mosquitos or humidity/temperatures that we should consider in terms of babies? They're both well behaved and will stay with us. We're just looking for a little time on the beach and in our room to relax and recharge... I'm just a touch concerned about hurricane season.
Thanks!!
We were upgraded from a pond pavilion to an ocean. We booked through Virtuoso and are frequent Aman guests.
Regarding mosquitoes....we didn't have many in July. Regarding hurricanes, find out if the resort will change your dates if a hurricane is approaching. It was hot in July, but also breezy by the ocean.
Have a wonderful time!
Aug 4, 2013, 2:29 pm
#32
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: RDU
Programs: US Airways Silver; Delta
Posts: 77
I'm planning to book here for late august and am traveling with a 2.5 yo and 6 mos old.
Regarding room style: We try wherever we go to stay in suites that have a separated second room (doesn't need to be bedroom per se) that we can sleep the kids in cribs in at 7.30pm, leaving another space for us to be after they're down. Can anyone advise as to whether the pavilions have a separate enough secondary, closed-off space for the babies? The Sri Lanka reservations office seemed to think so but also hesitated to call any area other than the main part of the pavilion a separate room. I know there's obviously an outdoor area we could spend time in.
Regarding upgrades, what are the odds on getting upgraded to an ocean or pool pavilion if we book a standard (late August)?
And finally, any thoughts on bugs/mosquitos or humidity/temperatures that we should consider in terms of babies? They're both well behaved and will stay with us. We're just looking for a little time on the beach and in our room to relax and recharge... I'm just a touch concerned about hurricane season.
Thanks!!
Regarding room style: We try wherever we go to stay in suites that have a separated second room (doesn't need to be bedroom per se) that we can sleep the kids in cribs in at 7.30pm, leaving another space for us to be after they're down. Can anyone advise as to whether the pavilions have a separate enough secondary, closed-off space for the babies? The Sri Lanka reservations office seemed to think so but also hesitated to call any area other than the main part of the pavilion a separate room. I know there's obviously an outdoor area we could spend time in.
Regarding upgrades, what are the odds on getting upgraded to an ocean or pool pavilion if we book a standard (late August)?
And finally, any thoughts on bugs/mosquitos or humidity/temperatures that we should consider in terms of babies? They're both well behaved and will stay with us. We're just looking for a little time on the beach and in our room to relax and recharge... I'm just a touch concerned about hurricane season.
Thanks!!
Aug 4, 2013, 8:18 pm
#33
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Redwood Shores California
Programs: UA, AA, Flying Club
Posts: 43
We just returned from a two week stay at Amanyara with two children (2 and 5) in tow. We stayed in two types of pavilions – the ocean pavilion and the suite pavilion.
The ocean pavilion has no separate or secondary area. However, they arranged everything impeccably for us to make it as comfortable as possible for the children. ^
Have a look at the set up below with the crib and the toddler bed.
The suite pavilion is a different story altogether with two pavilions at either end separated by a huge sitting area and nanny quarters. Plenty of privacy.
Mosquitoes are most certainly an issue.
They set up three mosquito coils for us in the outside lounging/dining areas, as well as an electronic device inside the pavilion every evening at turn down. If you abhor mosquitoes/flies, one simply cannot keep the doors open.
The ocean pavilion has no separate or secondary area. However, they arranged everything impeccably for us to make it as comfortable as possible for the children. ^
Have a look at the set up below with the crib and the toddler bed.
The suite pavilion is a different story altogether with two pavilions at either end separated by a huge sitting area and nanny quarters. Plenty of privacy.
Mosquitoes are most certainly an issue.
They set up three mosquito coils for us in the outside lounging/dining areas, as well as an electronic device inside the pavilion every evening at turn down. If you abhor mosquitoes/flies, one simply cannot keep the doors open.
Aug 4, 2013, 11:09 pm
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
Aug 10, 2013, 1:54 pm
#36
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: SPG Marriott Gold
Posts: 90
This is all incredibly helpful. Thanks to all, especially indianenglish for photos. I'm going to PM the GM and see if they can help us sort out the sleeping arrangement. I'd have the kids sleep in our room as indianenglish set it up in their pavilion but the baby still wakes and cries now and then and will keep the toddler, everyone, etc. up.
I could give it a try but would really prefer the two separate spaces.
indianenglish, I don't abhor flies or mosquitos but did you find it uncomfortable? were the coils etc effective?
I could give it a try but would really prefer the two separate spaces.
indianenglish, I don't abhor flies or mosquitos but did you find it uncomfortable? were the coils etc effective?
Aug 10, 2013, 2:52 pm
#37
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Programs: Too many...and an Amanjunkie
Posts: 1,667
Well, two tuna maki rolls as appetizer (one roll is the standard) followed by Idaho potato puree with olive oil as my main...
My request was taken professionally but heard that the chef reassured himself with the Assistant F&B manager twice that this was the order I requested
My wife kindly asked for a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour which was granted and a very interesting experience. The cooks all knew not only her name but at which Amans we have stayed in the past...
My request was taken professionally but heard that the chef reassured himself with the Assistant F&B manager twice that this was the order I requested
My wife kindly asked for a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour which was granted and a very interesting experience. The cooks all knew not only her name but at which Amans we have stayed in the past...
Last edited by ngfan; Aug 10, 2013 at 2:57 pm
Aug 11, 2013, 10:32 am
#38
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New York
Programs: SPG Platinum, AA 2.0 MM, DL Plat, Hertz Plat, LY Gold
Posts: 1,602
We stayed in a Pool Pavilion with an infant and it was a bit tight for our comfort but doable.
They did suspend a curtain from the ceiling around the crib which made it a bit more private.
They did suspend a curtain from the ceiling around the crib which made it a bit more private.
Aug 11, 2013, 11:06 am
#39
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 264
Does anyone have any insight on which pavilion to get? Ocean ? Is it worth splurging a little and getting the Ocean pavilion 115 that has its own little cove?
Pool Pavilion? I think I'd prefer to look out onto the ocean.
Would November be a good time to go? Can anyone contrast the differences / experience between Amanyara and FS Bora bora?
Thank you
Pool Pavilion? I think I'd prefer to look out onto the ocean.
Would November be a good time to go? Can anyone contrast the differences / experience between Amanyara and FS Bora bora?
Thank you
Aug 13, 2013, 3:59 pm
#40
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Redwood Shores California
Programs: UA, AA, Flying Club
Posts: 43
Update
If you want a high degree of privacy and depending on your budget, I would recommend the Suite Pavilion.
I am a mosquito magnet in the tropics, so I just roll with it. The coils were very effective but the thing is you cannot enjoy the lovely weather whilst being in the room.
Aug 13, 2013, 4:27 pm
#41
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Redwood Shores California
Programs: UA, AA, Flying Club
Posts: 43
Does anyone have any insight on which pavilion to get? Ocean ? Is it worth splurging a little and getting the Ocean pavilion 115 that has its own little cove?
Pool Pavilion? I think I'd prefer to look out onto the ocean.
Would November be a good time to go? Can anyone contrast the differences / experience between Amanyara and FS Bora bora?
Thank you
Pool Pavilion? I think I'd prefer to look out onto the ocean.
Would November be a good time to go? Can anyone contrast the differences / experience between Amanyara and FS Bora bora?
Thank you
If you want to feel you are in the Caribbean and on the ocean, I would recommend the Ocean pavilion. Also, it is possible to walk into the ocean with your snorkel gear or just step out into the water and go for a morning swim in the ocean.
The ocean pavilion with the cove would be be brilliant, especially if you would like to have a private dinner with your SO.
In the pool pavilion, you could be literally anywhere in the tropics and of course you have your own private pool. And i know this sounds a bit dodgy, but there is too much vegetation for my taste around the pool pavilions.
The suite pavilions are huge - probably 2500 sq ft. But they come with a price tag to match. And again, no ocean views.
Aug 17, 2013, 2:18 pm
#42
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Northeast USA
Programs: AA Kryptonite
Posts: 93
Amanyara - Ocean Pavilion Choice
'Afternoon FTers. My wife and I are headed to Amanyara in the beginning of September. We selected an Ocean Pavilion, but #115 with the private cove was already taken. Any other recommendations for specific pavilion numbers to request?
Aug 21, 2013, 8:21 am
#44
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: SPG Marriott Gold
Posts: 90
Hi folks,
I booked Grace Bay Club through DavidO. Might first booking with him and he was really helpful and prompt through the whole process.
Leaving this Saturday and will report back on our return.
Very grateful for the advice.
M
I booked Grace Bay Club through DavidO. Might first booking with him and he was really helpful and prompt through the whole process.
Leaving this Saturday and will report back on our return.
Very grateful for the advice.
M