Turks & Caicos consists of a long chain of islands that stretch from the southernmost tip of the Bahamas down to the edge of the Dominican Republic. Its largest and most populated landmass is picturesque Providenciales, but there are hundreds of sandy cays dotted across the sea that provide endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

Providenciales

Providenciales, or more commonly known as “Provo”, covers an area of 38 miles and is the most developed island in Turks & Caicos. It is here where most international flights arrive at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS). Surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches, Provo has been ranked “Best Beach” by Conde’ Nast magazine and by the World Travel Awards for several years running. Found on the western end of the island chain, Provo offers all modern conveniences, including luxurious hotels, villas and condos, numerous restaurants, spas and shopping facilities, a championship caliber golf course, and full service grocery store. Although Provo is the most developed of the islands, it is still a destination for those who want to escape their busy schedules and relax.

What to do in Providenciales

Grace Bay which features the famous 12-mile Grace Bay beach is the location for most of the tourism infrastructure, the Princess Alexandra Marine Park, which is also the playground of “Jo Jo” the famous bottlenose dolphin. Visitors to the world’s first Conch Farm discover how to grow conch from tiny veligers to four-year-old adults. This is where most of the water sport activities take place from diving to deep sea fishing and everything in between.

Stones engraved by shipwrecked sailors (or waiting ship wreckers) can be found on the hilltop overlooking the now abandoned Marina Inn near Chalk Sound and Sapodilla Bay. If you like old ruins that are not too difficult to get to, visit 2 sites of plantation houses built by Loyalists, Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill. “The Hole” at Long Bay is a deep and wide Limestone chimney with a mysterious depth of salt water at the bottom.

 

Living Luxe on Parrot Cay

With the stamp of approval from stars such as Justin Timberlake, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, Parrot Cay is the beach escape of your dreams. Parrot Cay is the beach escape of your dreams. Donna Karan also owns a home at the lush, 1,000-acre island resort Parrot Cay boasts the level of service and amenities that make for a “once in a lifetime” type of vacation, an easy 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales.

So what makes this heaven on earth so special? For starters, like most beaches in Turks, you’re promised powder-soft sands and calm, clear waters. The water here is ideal for long afternoons of snorkeling and diving, and yoga on the beach is an unbeatable experience for those who like to access their inner zen. The resort’s world-class Shambhala Retreat Spa takes a holistic approach to their services with Ayurvedic and aromatherapy body treatments. Post-spa, we recommend you stretch out on your private beachside daybed with a glass of rosé. Celebrities, they’re just like us!