Sleeping Beauty
They are unspoiled and largely undiscovered, yet the Turks and Caicos boast great beaches, great diving and luxurious hotels to die for.
There’s a bit of a buzz about the Turks and Caicos Islands right now. It may not be one of the better-known Caribbean destinations, but it’s making waves as the one to watch.
New hotels are opening (the luxurious Amanyara on Providenciales debuted in 2006 to rave reviews) and more are planned, including the Ritz-Carlton on West Caicos, which opens this year. Yet the key draw is that this remains one of the most untouched regions in the Caribbean – and laws are in place to keep it that way. There are 27 national parks and the 40-island archipelago boasts 32 uninhabited islands and cays.
Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales (Provo), Parrot Cay and Pine Cay are the only inhabited islands and each has its own distinct character and attractions.
The tourism industry is focused on Provo, with 12-mile long Grace Bay Beach often bagging “best in the Caribbean” awards and a host of restaurants and hotels to choose from. Grand Turk, the island capital, is laid back and historic, with Bermudian architecture and authentic feel. The migration of humpback whales from January to April is easily visible from its shores. Nearby Salt Cay has its own rustic charms, and the diving between the two is some of the best you’ll come across.
Parrot Cay and Pine Cay are privately owned, home to the exclusive Parrot Cay and Meridian Club, while Middle Caicos and North Caicos are a nature lover’s paradise, with flocks of pink flamingos among resident wildlife. There are green woodlands and the biggest cave network in the Caribbean on Middle Caicos.
South Caicos is the centre for fishing, with lobster and conch exported from the islands, and there’s historic Cockburn Harbour and the natural phenomenon of the boiling hole to explore.
Most visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands wonder why the water is so blue. In fact, it’s crystal clear; the reflection of bright white sand infuses the sea with turquoise and cobalt-blue shades, creating visibility down to an impressive 200 feet on a good day.
The dazzling waters, which seem to stretch to infinity, secluded beaches with awe-inspiring views of turquoise all around, coupled with sunshine some 350 days a year, are just some of the reasons 60 per cent of visitors return again and again to this unique archipelago.
