Turks and Caicos

No matter which areas visitors find themselves in on Turks and Caicos, there is one color they’re sure always to see and that’s blue. The sky-blue waters lap the shores of some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Here are eight areas visitors will want to explore:

Blue Hills

On the northwestern coast of Providenciales, Blue Hills is primarily a residential area with some lovely restaurants along the coast. It’s the oldest settlement on the island and used to be the home of wreck salvaging in the Turks and Caicos. The barrier reef off the north and west coasts of Providenciales was quite hazardous to seafarers before the advent of satellite GPS. Blue Hills is the only place in the Turks and Caicos where remnants of the shipbuilding industry can still be seen. Home to one of the Island’s most coveted luxury properties, Villa Stark never ceases to amaze. A striking vision of unfettered beachfront opulence, this villa can entertain large groups with utmost style, comfort, and discretion between the main villa, beach house, and yoga pavilion.

Chalk Sound

The Chalk Sound, also known as Chalk Sound National Park on Providenciales, is an impressive natural lagoon easily recognizable for its small rocky islands in shallow brilliant turquoise water. This unique, serene, and colorful sound, dotted with tiny, lush and fertile islands, is the perfect spot for a getaway since no motorized boats are allowed. You can kayak and explore the wealth of the islands or even snorkel to get up close and personal with marine life.

Grace Bay

Grace Bay has been praised by Conde Nast and island magazines, among others, for its remarkable beauty. It’s located on the northeast coast of the island of Providenciales. The beach is so lovely that it has received many awards, designations and accolades. Visitors staying at Villa Hawksbill can soak up all that beauty since this incredibly stunning villa is right on the beach. This estate home, sitting on five acres, is spread across a number of separate buildings designed as a multi-generational Caribbean retreat with room for 22 people. You are privy to every amenity imaginable, including a cinema room, gym, and tennis court.

Leeward

Leeward Beach is one of the finest beaches in the Turks and Caicos. Located on the northeast end of Providenciales, the beach surrounds the upscale residential region of Leeward, which is exactly where Emerald Pavilion is located. This villa offers modern technology, modern amenities, and an exclusive location between tranquility and activity. You can go for a relaxing dip in the outdoor heated pool or walk steps for a swim in the bluest of blue waters since Leeward Beach is a good area for swimming. The Leeward channel area is quite active. Tour boats cruise back and forth, wakeboarders and tubing enthusiasts play between the small islands, and kayak and stand-up paddle board eco-tours meander through the shallows.

Long Bay

Long Bay is the kiteboarding spot on Providenciales, It offers a huge expanse of clear shallow water exposed to the constant east-southeast trade winds making it a great place for this activity. In addition to the spectacular water and clean sandy ocean bottom, the shallow depth makes learning the sport pretty uncomplicated to learn since it’s easier to stand without drifting downwind. Long Bay Beach fronts the residential region of Long Bay Hills, where many luxury Turks and Caicos villa rentals are located. One of the most striking is Villa Pearl West, sitting on a pillow of soft, white sand on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Among the villa’s many amenities are a spa with a massage area, hammam, and sauna; tennis and basketball courts; and a state-of-the-art 1,000-square-foot gym.

Providenciales

The locals call Providenciales “Provo.” It has the highest population of all the islands in the territory and so a main tourist destination. Along with its gorgeous beaches, Providenciales is loaded with water sports activities that keep both children and adults entertained. Visitors are always on the lookout for Jojo, the wild dolphin known for being friendly with humans. You can be close to all Provo has to offer when you spend your Turks and Caicos vacation at Bajacu sitting right on 120 feet of private, white sand beachfront. The stunning contemporary gated property can accommodate 18 guests. It has every possible amenity, including a terrace, a lovely infinity pool, and an outdoor dining area.

Turtle Cove

The main area of activity in Turtle Cove is the Turtle Cove Marina. It’s the largest marina on the island and home to various water sports businesses, boat cruise and fishing operators, along with private vessels. Turtle Cove was the first area on Providenciales to ramp up tourism development. Smith's Reef Beach and Babalua Beach front the Turtle Cove region. Smith’s Reef, the main and easiest-to-access beach near Turtle Cove, is an excellent snorkeling site. To the west of the marina inlet is Babalua beach.

Turtle Tail

Turtle Tail is a luxury residential region on the south coast of Providenciales, offering some of the grandest vistas on the island. The long, winding Venetian Road is the only access to Turtle Tail and is one of the loveliest scenic drives in the country. Limestone hills and bluffs make up Turtle Tail’s terrain. There are a number of luxury Turks and Caicos villas for rent on Turtle Tail. One of them, Cinco Villa at Wymara, is tucked into an elevated hillside overlooking Turtle Trail Bay. Staying at this stellar oceanfront home is the way to spend a luxury vacation. A terrace leads to an infinity pool, a sunken outdoor lounge with a fire feature, and a staircase leading to a swim platform ideal for relaxing and tanning.

Turks and Caicos is a major fishing country, so diners who love seafood are in luck. Most restaurants feature ocean-fresh seafood along with meat, chicken, and other choices. These six establishments will give visitors wonderful culinary memories of the island:

Bella Luna

Bella Luna is a long-established Italian restaurant in the heart of Grace Bay. This establishment offers classic Italian and seafood dishes and also features a pizza garden with gourmet, handmade thin-crust pizzas baked in a brick oven. The menu is complemented by their wine collection, which includes more than 100 labels. Seating for the pizza garden is primarily al fresco among lush trees and palms. Indoor seating is also available.

Bugaloos Conch Crawl

Bugaloos is a beach-side seafood restaurant in Five Cays, serving lunch and dinner. They have an extensive international wine list, specialty spirits, and cigars. As its name implies, there are many dishes on the menu featuring conch like coconut cracked conch served with a special dipping sauce, Bahamian conch salad or Buffalo cracked conch. Of course, there are also other seafood items on the menu like snapper, grouper, lobster and shrimp. You can actually have your meal in the ocean on tables and chairs sitting right in the water.

Coco Bistro

Being designated one of the most well-known restaurants in the Turks and Caicos, Coco Bistro in Grace Bay, uses the freshest ingredients to create its international and Caribbean fusion fare. Tucked inside a coconut grove, the restaurant is one of the busiest on the island. For a delicate flavor, choose the pepper-crusted rare tuna with a tropical fruit salsa, lime ginger beurre blanc, sesame-crusted rice balls, grilled asparagus and red pepper coulis or try the pesto-rubbed fresh Atlantic salmon. Save room for sweets afterward for Coco Bistro’s famous coconut cream pie.

Coyaba Restaurant

This posh little restaurant features daily specials such as whole yellow snapper in Thai spices or lobster thermidor in a Dijon mushroom cream sauce. The menu is unique and creative and the ambiance laid back, yet chic and romantic. The wine list is also well-curated. Whenever possible, Coyaba is dedicated to using artisanal products, sustainable purveyors, local fishermen and farmers for their ingredients. Signature entrees include grouper in beer batter and mushroom ravioli with pine nut pesto.

Kitchen 218

A visit to Kitchen 218 is an intimate culinary experience with farm-to-table dining from the restaurant’s own hydroponic garden. Menus change frequently based on seasonal ingredients and the chef’s inspirations. A unique feature is the seven-course tasting menu with wine pairing. The regular menu features a tasty tuna tartare, a pumpkin ravioli suitable for vegetarians, and an outstanding coconut-herb mahi mahi, among many other fish dishes.

Las Brisas Restaurant

Guests wanting to cool down while waiting for dinner can do so at Las Brisas Restaurant since the central deck of the eatery has a pool. The menu features Tapas and Mediterranean cuisine with a Caribbean splash. Diners can choose to eat at the poolside bar, terrace, gazebo or in the inside dining room. Entrees include choices like seafood creole, coconut shrimp and beef Wellington. There are a number of chef’s specialties, including snapper curry and lobster thermidor.

There are many creative locals on Turks and Caicos and their works can be found at a number of galleries. Also, those wanting a glimpse into island history also have a place to visit. These three places should be on visitors’ travel itineraries:

Anna’s Art Gallery

This charming gallery features pieces by local artists. The owner of the gallery, Anna Bourne, is an artist herself. If you would like to have an authentic, exclusive piece of the Turks and Caicos, head to Anna’s. The gallery houses original paintings, prints, sculptures, jewelry, cards, and accessories. Anna says, “Whenever I travel, I always buy an original by a local artist and every time I look at those paintings, they never fail to bring me back to that moment or place.”

Art Provo

Art Provo is a vibrant and colorful gallery with a wide selection of original island art, prints, art glass, and jewelry. Art Provo prides itself on having something unique and distinct for every taste. Collectors say that Mary O’Neill, the owner, only has beautiful and quality artwork in her shop. Art pieces are shipped with care and excellent customer service is provided. The shop carries a comprehensive collection of prints, ceramics, hand-crafted jewelry, and unique art glass pieces. Which local treasure to bring home will be the only difficult decision you’ll have at Art Provo.

Turks and Caicos National Museum

Explore Turks and Caicos culture, history, nature, and environment at the National Museum. Travel blogs consistently call the museum the best little museum in the Caribbean and truly a little gem. The museum is a publicly funded, not-for-profit organization and is not a part of the government. See items from shipwrecks, from the one-time salt industry and lighthouse artifacts. All the collections at the museum represent the rich historical, cultural and natural heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its people.

After soaking up the sun all day, luxury travelers might want to leave their Turks and Caicos villas for an evening of relaxation and cocktail sipping at one of these five popular island spots:

Amanyara

Relish a sunset cocktail from one of the upholstered window seats in Amanyara's soaring round bar. The circular bar also features an impressive lofty ceiling. It includes a central service bar with a number of oversized lounging daybeds on its deck. Don’t miss the Amanyara Mojito, a unique take on the classic topped with champagne is a refreshing antidote to a long day in the sun.

Deck

Located at the Seven Stars Resort, Deck is an ideal place to spend the evening. Romance is in the air once the sun sets and the beach is lit up by the twinkling lights on the palm trees and the torches. Deck’s specialty cocktails are made for sipping all night long. Try the watermelon margarita (with tequila, watermelon, lime, and Cointreau) and the Dark and Stormy (made with Bambarra Gold). The bar menu includes perfectly spiced jerk chicken wings and an award-winning conch salad and the service is absolutely top-notch.

Great House (South Caicos)

Soak in breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caicos Bank while sipping the signature Blue Margarita or one of the many other featured cocktails at the Great House Bar. Featured cocktails, an extensive wine collection, and a plethora of other exquisite drink options make the Great House Bar the ideal place to unwind and enjoy pre-dinner drinks or to share an intimate nightcap.

Infiniti Bar

Infiniti, at the Grace Bay Club, has the longest bar in the Caribbean: a sleek ribbon of marble inset with sexy lights. The ambiance of this restaurant/bar reflects the sophisticated chic atmosphere of the islands where guests can sip on a cocktail while enjoying the sound of waves from nearby Grace Bay Beach. Enjoy a heavenly sunset and relaxing music. Infiniti also has a vast selection of Caribbean rums.

Sharkbite

Located in Turtle Cove Marina, Sharkbite is a lovely situation overlooking the water and the yachts. The bar menu includes frozen cocktails like daiquiris and pina coladas, as well as a delicious rum runner with rum, blackberry liqueur, banana, and grenadine. Turk’s Head lager and amber can be found on tap. If you get peckish sipping on their cocktails, you can turn to a special wing menu with nearly a dozen sauce options.

There are many colorful events happening in the Turks and Caicos. These four sound like a particularly good time:

The Caribbean Food and Wine Festival

The Caribbean Food and Wine Festival is widely considered to be the most remarkable culinary event of the year in the Turks and Caicos. The festival attracts visitors from around the world who want to experience a premium event. Each ticketed event offers attendees an irresistible palate-pleasing cuisine experience. Turks and Caicos Minister of Tourism said the festival showcases the nation’s exceptional culinary reputation with a taste of global culinary trends furthering the island's place as leaders in the Caribbean food and beverage scene. This is an event every food and wine aficionado will want to experience.

The Caribbean House Evolution Festival

This festival always brings good vibes and happy beats to Turks and Caicos. It is a must-attend event for music lovers visiting the island. A place where locals and visitors alike can take part in the happy beats of house music and be themselves in all their diversity. A destination festival for house music lovers around the world and a space where local and international DJ’s come together and take part in a musical experience. Caribbean House Evolution is firmly on the world map, making Turks and Caicos a destination for house music lovers.

Conch Festival

The culinary Conch Festival is held in November in the traditional fishing settlement of Blue Hills on Providenciales to celebrate the Queen Conch and everything it represents in the Turks and Caicos. Local restaurants vie to create the best conch dishes, including fritters, salad, and stew, international conch fusion flavors, and much more. The Conch Festival is also a great place to see local conch shell crafts and handmade jewelry.

Maskanoo

Maskanoo is a street festival held on Boxing Day that combines elements of masquerades and traditional Bahamian-style Junkanoo. The festival is hosted by the local hotel and tourism association and takes place in the evening on Grace Bay Road in the heart of the shopping district. Craft and food vendors also offer a wide selection of goods. Great food, local music and a parade followed by various musical acts on stage will keep you entertained well into the night.

There is no shortage of unique things to do in Turks and Caicos. The island’s spellbinding natural bounties offers a number of exquisite experiences. These four activities will make some unforgettable memories:

Horseback Riding

There is plenty to explore in Turks and Caicos, and what better way to do it than on horseback? Explore the white sand beaches and quiet dirt roads leading to secluded Long Bay Beach or ride at sunset along Bight Beach. You can even ride your horse through the crystal-clear ocean. It doesn't matter what experience-level rider you are, so saddle up!

Kayak or Paddleboard Tour at the Mangroves

Take a magical journey through the shallow water estuaries of the Turks and Caicos national park system. Connect with nature as you paddle through a maritime forest with mangroves lining the canals. The mangroves not only block the winds, but make the water crystal clear and provide a natural nursery for so much wildlife! This activity is for all levels since 90% of the tour is in knee-deep water.

Kiteboarding Lessons

Anyone wanting to learn the sport of kiteboarding or just looking to get a taste of what it’s all about can take advantage of one-on-one private kiteboarding lessons in the Turks and Caicos. Spend the day learning about wind theory, safety and setup on land and then get straight into the water to learn to use the kite.

Snorkeling with Humpback Whales

The Turks and Caicos is one of the few destinations where it’s feasible to snorkel with Humpback whales and the opportunity does often occur. This once-in-a-lifetime magical experience is intended to be as low of an impact to whales as possible. As is often the case, the boat will stop a distance from the humpbacks, snorkelers will enter the water, and the whales will approach or pass on their own. Giving birth is one of the primary reasons the Humpbacks make the long migration, so it’s common to see calves. In some unforgettable encounters, whales and calves have spent time around the snorkelers, which in some cases has been longer than an hour!