We get it, you've got questions about your upcoming stay at Villa Capri. We've put together some Frequently Asked Questions (with answers!) for you to peruse at your leisure. Here we go.
"IS THAT REALLY THE VIEW FROM VILLA CAPRI? LOOKS LIKE A GETTY IMAGE!"
That's one day when Chalk Sound was very calm a beautiful sunrise from Villa Capri :-)
“WHAT IS GETTING THROUGH IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS LIKE?”
It can be easy, or it can be long depending on how many planes are in when you land. Saturday and Sunday in high season (Jan-March) can be challenging since it’s spring break for many. Each family member fills out an immigration form, and one customs form per family. You may have to stand on a line for 30-40 mins through immigration. You pick up your luggage you’ll probably go to the “Nothing To Declare” line since you probably have nothing to declare.
“DO I NEED TO RENT A CAR?”
Yes you do and please do it now, they actually run out. Cabs are cost prohibitive on island and to get around you just need a car. Rent a car from one of the following:
Grace Bay car rental - You walk across the road once you land, no bus required.
Bus required:
Alamo
Budget
Tropical car rental
Sixt
Rent a buggy
Dollar/Hertz
Avis/Payless
Thrifty
“I’M A LITTLE FREAKED OUT ABOUT DRIVING ON THE LEFT…SHOULD I BE?”
It’s natural to be freaked out but you get over it way before you think you will! Word to the wise about driving on this island, be on the defensive. People drive while talking on the phone, drinking, eating, you name it. And they’ll pass you whenever they want. Just be careful.
“IS THERE WIFI AT THE VILLA?”
Yes there is wifi at the Villa. Being on an island it does tend to go down now and then and it’s not really meant for high capacity use.
"WHERE DO WE BUY GROCERIES?
The Graceway IGA is a large grocery shop where you can find just about anything you want, and it's a 15 minute drive. If you want some fancier gourmet-ish type of food you can check out Graceway Gourmet just another 5 minutes drive. Here’s more info.
Word to the wise: Always check the expiry dates on the food. We live on an island where we have to bring everything in on a boat or a plane. There are times when our lovely islanders who stock the shelves don't pay attention to the dates.
If you want the Villa stocked, we recommend Gourmet Catering, Vanessa will take care of stocking it up for you!
"WE WANT A PRIVATE CHEF EXPERIENCE, WHERE DO WE GO?"
We get this question all the time, "how much will it cost?" I hate the answer "that depends" but it really does. Do you want family style pasta? That's going to be way cheaper than a chef who comes over to prepare fresh lobster or filet mignon meals on the grill. So I would say, go to our Private Chefs page and give them a shout. We especially love Tiziano but you can't go wrong with any of them. Let them know what you’re thinking, and they’ll put together a plan for a memorable meal.
"WHERE CAN WE BUY LOCALLY CAUGHT FISH?"
There are plenty of fresh fish places on island, I’ve listed the ones we like on our site.
"WHERE DO WE BUY ALCOHOL?"
The IGAs all have a great selection, The Wine Cellar is great too. Imported beer is expensive but the local beer is great. NOTE: YOU CANNOT BUY ALCOHOL ON SUNDAYS SO STOCK UP! (But if you forget, you can always have drinks at a bar, or ask for a bottle of vino ‘to go’!) You can also buy a few bottles of duty free at the airport and bring them in. AND you can have the refrigerator stocked before your Sunday arrival with Gourmet Catering.
"WHAT ARE THE MUST-DOS WHEN WE VISIT?"
1. Make a reservation at Coco Bistro now! They have some of the best food on the island and they book up well in advance. If you can't get a resie, you can always stop by and see what the wait is. Great news - they have a street food version of their upscale stuff at CocoVan in their parking lot and it's freaking good! No reservations accepted at Cocovan, just go order at the Airstream grab a number and a drink and plant it at one of the coconut palm shaded picnic tables.
2. Go to the Island Fish Fry on Thursday (it’s only on Thursdays).
The Island Fish Fry is cool, because you get a taste of all of the great fish, chicken or steak dishes on our island. There is live entertainment, a great sunset, great food, and souvenirs to buy. Our faves: the Cool Runnings tent for yummy tacos, any bar tent, Smokey’s (if they’re there) for awesome snapper, any tent for conch fritters, Coco Vibes for drinks out of drilled coconuts.
3. Take a half day (or full day) boat adventure with Island Vibes. For the ½ day version, you’ll snorkel for 45 minutes or so, then off to Iguana Island (yes, inhabited only by Iguanas!) to chill, meet some lizard friends (optional!, but we always like to count how many we see), and enjoy some fresh conch salad and rum punch. After that, it’s time to turn 14 again - there's a slide and a diving board and the crew always finds a great spot to stop for some swimming. You have two options when you book - go on "the bus" where you don't know the other folks but they end up being your friends by the end of it (~$90pp) OR ‘go big or go home’ and reserve a boat all to yourself for about $1200 for the half day. It's one of our fave things to do with anyone who visits us and we only go with Dr. Dre and Big Mike as captains!
4. Take a jetski or paddleboard right from Sapodilla Bay (3 minute drive from the Villa) with Tropical Waves. After that, relax on the beach or hang out in the shallow, calm sea. Perfect for kids, and great for adults too.
5. Get up early one day, like 8am, get the snorkels and head to Somewhere Cafe on Grace Bay. Right in front of the restaurant is a reef that is roped off. You can't go inside the ropes but you don't need to, you’ll see so many fish it's crazy. As you're facing the reef, start on the left hand side and go out away from the reef to the sea grass. You'll see the most amazing sea turtles ever. Then after you make a round, head up to Somewhere Cafe for breakfast and bloodies! It’s really worth it to get there early, just around sunrise - there’s no crowds, the light is great and the fish are very active! Somewhere Cafe opens around 8:30. During August - October they likely will be closed for breakfast and maybe even lunch.
6. We have not yet done the ‘horseback riding in the water’ thing, BUT we've had friends do it and it was life-changing. Check out Provo Ponies. They book up fast and FAR in advance.
For all other activities check them out on the Villa Capri site under Activities.
"ARE THERE HAIR DRYERS IN THE VILLA?"
Yes there is a hair dryer in each of the 4 ensuites. There is also:
Small soaps and shampoo/conditioners
Towels
Beach Towels
Laundry Detergent
Dish detergent
Dish cloths
Some spices, at the very least salt and pepper
Washer/Dryer
Drip coffee maker
Blender
Toaster
Pots, pans, cooking utensils
Mid-week light cleaning (if you need more we can arrange)
"CAN WE DRINK THE WATER?"
We've had people who do not have a problem with the water, but in general we drink the filtered water that comes from the refrigerator, as it tastes just fine. You can also buy gallon jugs at any store (those tiny pint bottles just contribute to pollution). Bottom line with international travel: be safe, not sorry.
"ARE THERE BUGS?"
“Yes” is the short answer and there are sand fleas too (no-see-ums). Luckily in Chalk Sound there is usually a breeze so it helps keep them away. We always recommend applying a liberal coat of repellent, especially in the morning and in the early evening. Personally I like Skin So Soft wipes, they smell nice and easy to travel with!
You may also see a bug (or two) in the villa. Yes, they will come in and yes we do have pest control but we can’t possibly always get them. So you may find a dead bug here and there. Just scream for a guy and have him come get them and dispose!
“DO YOU HAVE BABY EQUIPMENT?”
Yes we do. Currently we have 2 Pack and Plays and we always encourage parents to bring their own sheets as we do not have any at the villa (primarily because parents usually like to bring their own sheets). We have one high chair and one rocking chair if there is an infant who likes to rock to sleep :-)
“SHOULD I BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE?”
I always tell people who are traveling in the storm season (June - October) it’s a good idea to buy insurance in the event that a storm or something else stops you from coming. Your own insurance company may have travel policies or Generali Insurance is an option. Typically if a storm has been named it’s too late to buy insurance. Check out all of the frequently asked questions on any insurance site.
“WHAT CAN WE DO TO GIVE BACK TO THE ISLAND?”
Turks and Caicos bounced back fast from Irma and Maria thanks to many reasons but there are still things that we need here. Villa Capri focuses on just a few to make a difference and we list them here. We like the TCReef Fund because they really make a difference in protecting our environment and our reefs. We love the Tired Stool Project because it not only protects our environment but helps schools too! And we love our TCSPCA, they are constantly helping our island animals! And they all could use our help.
