Back in September, JetBlue invited me to experience JetBlue Getaways, and I had to pinch myself. JetBlue is my favorite airline (is it completely ridiculous to have a favorite airline?) because of the quality of their service (I swear, they have the nicest flight attendants), the snacks (yes, this is a very important factor), and “Even More Space” which is a must if you are tall (and insist on always carrying on like I do.)
JetBlue Getaways is (to use their words, because I really liked them) “dedicated to bringing humanity back to vacation travel by offering a complete vacation experience” (from booking, onboard your flight, to your destination, and your return flight.) They are now offering vacation packages to 85+ destinations and offer exclusive rates and savings on your vacation package.
I said yes immediately (duh!), contracts were signed, and I found myself daydreaming about January (it seemed so far away, back then.) As I’d never been to Turks & Caicos and had always wanted to go, T&C was an easy choice.
Check in was a breeze using the self-service machines, and because I always carry-on, I cruised right through check in and onto security.
I have to say, for airport terminals, the JetBlue terminal in JFK is so nice. Clean, bright, and happy… (and I have to say it helps that it has a Benefit kiosk and a Ben & Jerry’s… two of my favorite things!) There was an actual bar at my gate, and were it not so early in the day I would have most definitely sat and enjoyed a cocktail prior to boarding.
A few hours later, I was at my resort. JetBlue put myself and my friend Alex up at the Seven Stars Resort in Grace Bay. I was blown away by the resort… and our suite! Overlooking the ocean, with a giant balcony.
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Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
I arrived in the early afternoon and spent the afternoon by the pool, just reading (this book is incredible, for the record) and relaxing. I was by myself as Alex couldn’t make it til Friday and I have to say, it was kinda nice just having some alone time to do nothing/speak to no one/soak up the sun!
On Thursday evening (after a long, leisurely bath in my ginormous tub), my book and I had a lovely dinner at Seven, the resort’s fine dining restaurant. If you’ve never eaten at a fine dining restaurant by yourself, I recommend trying it sometime! I had two appetizers for dinner… a delicious tomato salad and truffled mushroom ravioli. Both were majorly delicious. The service was exceptional. In between each course they brought out little treats and palate cleansers, and with dessert they brought the most delicious coconut truffles. I love when you get little surprises (i.e. more food — insert pig emoji here) at nice restaurants!
I woke up the next day and did a little work on the balcony and then spent the day at the beach. Times were very tough.
Once Alex arrived, we went to the hotel’s beach deck and had a little white wine. From there, we ventured off of the resort for dinner at Anacoana. If you visit Turks & Caicos I highly recommend checking it out – it’s a fun spot and the infiniti bar is really cool. We both had the lobster and it was absolutely delicious!
We spent the entire next day at the pool (more reading, more relaxing!) and then went to the Bay Bistro for dinner. The food here was incredible… especially the appetizers! The coffee rubbed tuna was my personal favorite, as was the lobster tart (pictured above.) Both were majorly yummy.
The next day was more of the same… lounging, reading, swimming, relaxing… I noticed that I didn’t feel stressed out, which felt pretty good. Sadly, it was nearly time to return home!
But first… coconuts! I love coconut water and nothing says vacation quite like drinking straight out of a coconut!
Planning your own trip? An abridged guide!
Flight/Hotel: Seven Stars Resort, booked through JetBlue Getaways!
Restaurants: Seven at the Seven Stars // Anacoana // Bay Bistro // Coco Bistro (I was bummed that we couldn’t get a reservation here — if you plan a trip to T&C, book this one in advance and then tell me all about it!) // Da Conch Shack (we did not go here either but I’ve heard it’s amazing for lunch!)
Tours/Things to Do: Cave Tour (really wanted to do this!) // Horseback Riding in the Ocean (I don’t ride, but this looks so cool!)
A huge thank you to JetBlue Getaways for an incredible trip!
We are going to Turks & Caicos in March and I cannot wait. I was there once before and it’s amazing! The food is delicious, plus it’s beautiful and SO easy to get to.
And totally not weird to have a favorite airline! Mine is JetBlue too. Live TV, man. What’s not to like? We’re flying them to T&C too. (Of course!
Loved this post–looks like it was such a fun weekend and it’s getting me excited for my trip!
What an incredibly opportunity! T&C is on my list of potential getaways this year, so it’s fun to live vicariously!
http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/
so beautiful! adding turks and caicos to my travel wish list! xo jillian
What a fun destination and awesome opportunity.
xo
PinkSole
Wow, this looks so amazing! Turk and Caicos is definitely now on my to-visit list 🙂
What an amazing trip! I’m now dreaming of warm weather – sounds nice on a rainy and cold day like today!
Such gorgeous photos Grace!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
what a rejuvenating and relaxing trip this must have been. it’s so nice to do nothing (and drink from coconuts!) love jetblue and always fly with them. thanks for sharing!
xx
p.s. the new site is gorgeous!
I love dining out alone! Especially at nice restaurants with a book!
Also, did you like Leaving Time? I enjoyed it but thought it was an interesting departure from Jodi Picoult’s other books that are usually much more realistic/less fantasy. My favorite is her first book, Songs of the Humpback Whale if you have a chance to read it!
Love the new design!
I LOVED Leaving Time! the best book I’ve read in a long time. But I’m not a very loyal Jodi Picoult reader… my mom gave me this for Christmas, telling me it was one of the best books she’s read in a while. It also helped that I have a weird obsession/fascination with Elephants. But I hear you on the fantasy element – the ending threw me for a loop!
I could not HANDLE the ending of Leaving Time. I finished it in Australia and was desperate to discuss with someone and it was the middle of the night back in the States!!!!
Anyway – love T&C, used to go many times when I was younger. And I feel you on loving JetBlue, lol – I love their SHAPE UP snack! Haha.
How lovely! Seems like a travel agent service, but without the hassle. After all of your hard work at BB and on your new, marvelous blog, it probably felt great to have a weekend to relax! Definitely deserved.
xx- Lynn-Holly
My lanta, I need a vacation!! For now, the 50 degree temps in Kansas City will have to do 😉 hahah..the views were picture perfect. I’m so glad you had a good time!
What a brilliant collaboration! I am definitely pinning this – it sounds like an amazing vacation and destination. xo
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
wow, what a freaking cool experience! 🙂 Also, I’m a little obsessed with JetBlue so I feel ya on having a favorite airline. Whenever I go to NYC I always try to work around making a JetBlue flight happen.
Amazing getaway… that view!
Alyson
http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
so glad i’m not the only one… felt a little strange writing it! 😉
This all looks stunning! As someone else with a solid appreciation for all things edible the food alone would be enough to convince me to go…let alone the views from the balcony. What a wonderful opportunity 🙂
Charli
Wooow this place looks amazing!
+ What a lovely new page!
xx
SASHA
I LOVE JetBlue! We do all of our trips through them so we can use points to plan vacations! Turks and Caicos looks amazing!
I’m not sure what to say about all that beauty – but I did just text my hubby at work, mentioning that perhaps a 20th anniversary in T&C might not be a bad idea…! I’ll let you know his response! 🙂
haha – keep us posted! 😉
Well, he said let’s go for it! Now, if I can just figure out how to plan a trip like this! We will have to head east first (from SoCal) and then onward. Yikes!
AHHH! I went to T+C on my honeymoon last year. You must get to coco bistro next time! But agree – the lobster at Anacoana is amazing!! Now I’ve got the itch to go back!
Your new site looks so amazing btw!
Well this place looks like heaven! I’m actually writing this while on my first JetBlue flight and they just served me complimentary Doritos. And free wifi. So they rule.
Xo Jessica
http://www.mystylevita.com
YES! The Free Wi-Fi! I knew I left something out of my post.. 🙂
Dear Grace,
I read your blog everyday. I’m a stay at home mom in Las Vegas and certainly not very well-traveled or stylish. But your blog is SO beautiful. You find the loveliest things and you’re such a gorgeous and kind person. It’s exciting to get to read about your travels and city-gal pursuits. I just wanted to say I enjoy your taste and your writings immensely. Also, I really appreciate the two different blog viewing options. The simple drag down is still my favorite, but I will try to work my way over to the fancy one. Congrats on such a big project. The site is a joy to visit.
Annie, thank you so much for the sweet comment, you made my night! I am so happy to hear that you like the redesign. 🙂 xo
Concur on the favorite airline. Once you start racking up the points and achieving status, it makes all the difference in the world to be a loyal customer.
AAHH! Such beautiful photos! I’d give anything to be there right now… well, any beach really (let’s be honest).
Sounds like an amazing experience. Quick question, I am considering of taking JetBlue for my trip there as well, was the aircraft a good size, how many seats approximately? Just wondering since I’m slightly claustrophobic. Thanks!
To be honest, I can’t remember – but I remember it being a reasonably sized plane! It probably varies from trip to trip, though… Usually you can look up the size of the plane when you book! If you’re very concerned I would recommend booking by phone – the agent will be able to tell you! Good luck!