Get to Know the Stunning Islands
Just an hour and a half flight from Miami, or three and a half from New York, Turks and Caicos is a collection of idyllic islands that’s attracted travelers and vacation home buyers for years. “Turks and Caicos is a great spot to vacation or live because of the friendly and welcoming people, the beautiful water and white sand beaches, and the ease of access from the U.S.,” says Patrick Staples, Global Real Estate Advisor for Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty.
Most visitors head to the main island, Providenciales (known locally as Provo), which offers soft, sandy white beaches, great snorkeling, and gorgeous beachfront resorts. Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking for a vacation home, here’s what you need to know about Turks and Caicos.
What To Do
Turks and Caicos is geared towards travelers who want to relax and unwind on the island’s award-
winning beaches, and most island activities take place on the water. On Providenciales, the most popular beach is Grace Bay, a screensaver-worthy stretch of white sand beach and turquoise water. If you’re here for the day, you can grab lunch at Omar’s Beach Hut, which serves fresh lobster, or Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe, which specializes in jerk chicken and conch fritters.
The tropical destination is also great for water sports. Snorkeling is popular here, and the barrier reef off the coast of Grace Bay is the world’s third-largest. You can also go kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and sailing around Grace Bay.
If you want to stick to land activities, you can head to the Conch Bar Caves or Indian Cave on the North and Middle Caicos islands. You can also spend a day on Grand Turk, the second most populated island, which offers sightseeing like The Grand Turk Lighthouse and a small walkable downtown, Cockburn Town. Museum lovers can check out the Turks and Caicos National Museum, which has two locations in Providenciales and Grand Turk.
Where to Stay
Many of the major hotels and resorts in Providenciales are located on Grace Bay. The area is home to Seven Stars Resort, a luxury resort with large one- to three-bedroom suites on 22 lush, landscaped acres. The property offers a heated saltwater pool, water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding, and land activities like tennis and pickleball. The resort recently opened The Farm Restaurant, an eco-friendly restaurant featuring ingredients grown in its hydroponic garden.
Another great option is The Ritz-Carlton Turks and Caicos. Opened in 2021, the hotel boasts 147 ocean
view guest rooms, including 23 suites. The resort also offers five three-story penthouses with private rooftop plunge pools. The resort has an adults-only pool, signature Ritz Carlton Spa, and a kids club for kids ages 4 to 12. Dining options include the upscale BLT Steak and Casa Nonna, a seaside Italian eatery.
Tucked away on the eastern end of Provo, Blue Haven Resort is an all-inclusive property with large studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites on a private beachfront. The boutique property has three bars, two restaurants, a spa, and a kids club. Other on-site amenities include snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards. Guests who stay here also get access to Alexandra Resort, the hotel’s sister property on Grace Bay.
Where to Buy
If you’re interested in making Turks and Caicos home for at least part of the year, consider The St. Regis Residences Turks and Caicos. The property offers a variety of room options and floor plans, from one- to four-bedroom suites outfitted with modern amenities. Residents will also have access to the property’s luxe amenities, like the casino, kids’ club, and beachfront wellness and fitness center. Each sophisticated residence features open living spaces, high ceilings, and refined finishes. Units start at $1.6M.
Another gem on the island is Villa Mirabelle, a stunning four-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot beachfront villa. The property also includes a private guesthouse with an additional bedroom and bathroom. From its prime beachfront location on Sapodilla Bay Beach on the south coast of Providenciales, the villa boasts
gorgeous ocean views from nearly every room.
“When you walk up to Villa Mirabelle and enter that beautiful mahogany front door, you recognize that this Villa has ‘soul,’” says Staples. “Villa Mirabelle is the epitome of a Tropical home: the rich, natural finishes, the blend of Caribbean and Mediterranean open-air architecture, and, of course, the spectacular beach front location on Sapodilla Beach, which is one of the prettiest beaches you will find on any Tropical island.”
Designed by award-winning architect John Redmond, the property features natural stone and Spanish cedar throughout the villa. In addition to an enviable beachfront location, Villa Mirabelle has a sparkling pool surrounded by an expansive 2,500-square-foot pool terrace. The property will be listed at just under $6M.
Mariette Williams is a frequent globetrotter whose food and travel writing focuses on Florida and the Caribbean.