What would a trip to the islands be without bringing back a suitcase full of souvenirs for yourself and gifts for those at home? Fortunately, there are plenty of places to pick up a Caribbean treasure or two while on Provo, including many beach bazaars along Grace Bay. A brief list of venues and locations follows…
The Salt Mills
The newest shopping area on the island, and the most upscale. Look for Quicksilver, Tommy Bahama, and other nice beach wear at Blue, great original artwork at Anna's Gallery, and then grab lunch at The Salt Mills Cafe, dinner at Iguana, and after-dinner drinks at Bambooz.
La Petite Place
This newly opened retail plaza is located between Ports of Call shopping mall and the Caicos Plaza mall on Grace Bay Road. Pay a visit to Caicos Adventures (1-649-941-3346) to book a dive trip or shop for dive and snorkel gear. Next door find Caicos Wear Boutique, where you can purchase a cool Caribbean print shirt, swim trunks (check out the Brazilian stock), sandals, casual island wear, beach jewelry, and gifts.
Ports of Call
Providenciales’ largest shopping complex is the Ports of Call mall, right in the heart of the Grace Bay area. The Pirate’s Chest (1-649-946-5069) features an adventure in Caribbean shopping, selling everything from jewelry to shell art to suntan products. Or book a dive at Dive Provo (at least buy a shirt that says you did), where they also have beach accessories, swimwear (check out the “all-over” tanning suits, ladies), and snorkeling gear (1-649-946-5040). Island Sportique (1-649-946-5378) sells tennis racquets (and strings them, as well), and also carries a large variety of sportswear, footwear, and swimwear. Seatopia (1-649-946-5587) has the island’s largest selection of swimwear for adults and children, and toe rings (surprise the boyfriend).
Arch Plaza
Centrally located on Leeward Highway, Arch Plaza is the main location of Royal Jewels (1-649-946-4699), where you can find it all – duty-free 14k and 18k gold jewelry, diamonds, rare conch pearls, watches, perfume, cosmetics, fine leather goods, crystal, cameras, and more.
Caicos Café Plaza
Next to Ports of Call is Caicos Café Plaza, where, at The Goldsmith II (1-649-946-5628), you can pick up duty-free gold and silver, sunglasses, film, and, oh yeah, Cuban cigars (for those who yearn to smoke – or smuggle back home – illegal contraband). Captain Hook’s European Hairstylists (1-649-946-5093) offers unisex trims, colors, and highlights. Manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, and body wraps are available at Beauty on the Beach. Visit Paula Higgs’ Coco’s Boutique (1-649-946-5387) for sophisticated resort wear from American and European designers.
The Market Place
Centrally located on the Leeward Highway, the Market Place comprises several small shops and kiosks, including the Bamboo Gallery (1-649-946-4748), whose curator, Titus deBoer, offers paintings and sculpture from local and Haitian artists, as well as the Unicorn Bookstore (1-649-941-5458), where you can find everything from hardbacks to children’s books to best-selling paperbacks (check out the section on Turks & Caicos).
Central Square
At Central Square, located on the Leeward Highway, you will find Greensleeves (1-649-946-4147), a shop that offers picture framing and is brimming with locally made handcrafted gifts and souvenirs. At Other People’s Affairs (1-649-941-5760), the island’s freshest flowers are available. Also find the original Goldsmith (1-649-946-4100), a popular jeweler. In the back alley is Payless Wholesale Provisions (1-649-941-3912), a grocery and convenience store where items are sold in bulk. At the Tourist Shoppe (1-649-946-4627) you’ll find, well, a shop full of the island’s best touristy stuff.
Ocean Club Plaza
Across from Provo Golf & Country Club find Ocean Club Plaza, where L’Oasis Boutique (1-649-946-5613) offers sophisticated beach and resort wear, as well as the most exclusive selection of designer T-shirts on-island.
Leeward Highway
Opposite the Texaco gas station, find Seatopia’s full-service water sports shop (1-649-941-3355), offering dive, snorkel, and pool gear and chemicals. Western Union (1-649-941-3702, 1-649-941-5436) offers money transferring, while Gilley’s Discount Liquors & Wine Cellar offers, well, discount liquors and wine.
South Winds Plaza
Located on the Leeward Highway, find all your gift selections at the Bed & Bath Parlor (1-649-941-4140), including Lenox china and crystal, and Tommy Bahama linens.
Downtown
In the heart of downtown look for Inter Décor (1-649-946-4360) at Butterfield Square, where you’ll find Caribbean furniture, gifts, and accessories. A turn at Blue Hills Road at the north end of downtown will bring you to Sarah’s (1-649-941-5948), which offers wine, beer, liquor, and cigarettes. S. Walkin & Sons Marine Sales & Service (1-649-946-4411) offers marine and fishing supplies, and Sperry Topsiders boat shoes.
Neptune Plaza
On Dolphin Drive between Grace Bay Road and the Leeward Highway, find Lockland Trading Company, Provo’s answer to Starbucks, which offers coffee, ice cream, and a full-service pharmacy. Also find the Grace Bay Medical Center (1-649-941-5252) here.
Looking for gas to fill up your rental car?
Try Texaco’s two locations (1-649-941-5440, 1-649-941-5048) along the Leeward Highway (one right across the street from the turn on Venetian Road to get to Five Little Cays House), or Shell (1-649-946-4377), also on the Leeward Highway. You can’t miss them.
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