Turks and Caicos
Flawless. Seductive. Tranquil. Come stressed but you’ll leave sedate.
Pristine sands, rich indigenous flora, and some of the most spectacular marine life on the planet — Turks and Caicos has long been a favoured divers haunt, but a smattering of deluxe boutique hotels have raised the bar. Despite its obvious spoils: empty swathes of immaculate beach, ridiculously clear water and a divine climate – not to mention historic settlements and the most convivial locals – it remains under the radar. Wild beach donkeys may be your only company.
Experiences
Spot whales while at anchor off the island of Providenciales; head to The Hole – a limestone swimming hole more than 20 meters deep; try deep sea fishing or stay on the surface wakeboarding and waterskiing, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, or paddle boarding; explore the colonial capital, Turk, and stop for a bowl of conch fritters; do sunrise yoga on an empty beach; doze in a hammock slung between two palms in a secluded bay; drop anchor to dive the coral reefs; hit the boutiques at Grace Bay Beach; scuba dive at the extraordinary 14-mile barrier reef on Provo’s north shore — one of the world’s largest coral reef systems rings the coral islands.
Where to Stay
Exclusive private villas and opulent luxury hotels; the private island resort Parrot Cay; or for definitive privacy, a superyacht crammed with water toys.
When to Go
January to April is high season, July sees the Grand Turk Game Fishing Tournament. From October to March fine weather is a given.