Travel
Turks & Caicos: Paradise is Close
Paradise is only a three hour flight from Manhattan. Honest-to-god paradise.
There are very few places in the world that are as relaxing as the Turks and Caicos islands. The sand is like superfine velvet and the water is shades of translucent and sparkling teal, blue & green. Oh yeah, and the weather is absolutely perfect, 360 days a year. Really. Photos can’t do these islands justice.
Before my trip to the gorgeous Turks & Caicos islands in the Caribbean, I wasn’t able to concentrate while sitting at my desk on the Upper East Side, struggling to get the formatting of an article to work with me instead of against me. But now, doing the same thing at the same desk, going back is all I can think about.
The minute I stepped out of the cab in front of The Somerset at Grace Bay, the resort where I’d be staying for the next five days, I was mesmerized. The gorgeous view of the lobby straight ahead, surrounded by luscious floral bushes and perfectly landscaped grounds, I was immediately greeted and handed a glass of delicious rum punch. Walking through the “breezeway” towards the long infinity pool that stretched towards the ocean, I felt the frenetic energy of Manhattan melt off my shoulders. As I slid into a seat under a sun umbrella, and ordered myself a seafood salad and a fresh fruit smoothie, I realized that leaving this place would likely be the most difficult thing I’d have to deal with all week.
Poolside at The Somerset, immediately after arriving
We enjoyed some fresh fruit by the pool, and as the sun started to set, we went for a walk on the beach. Sound like heaven? It is! But there are even more great reasons to visit. Here are a few more relaxing reasons why you should book Turks and Caicos to your next vacation:
The Island is Super Safe and Luxuriously Boutique-Feeling
Unlike some other islands (ahem – Jamaica!), Providenciales felt completely safe. Not only does Turks and Caicos boast the lowest crime rate in the Caribbean, but both the chief of police and the premier of Turks & Caicos call The Somerset home. The gorgeous island of Providenciales (one of several Turks & Caicos islands) reflects serenity and opulence everywhere you look, and is approximately the size of Manhattan, but with a population of only 23K. That’s only half the number of people living in Wall Street alone!
The island is very American-like, in the sense that the currency is the US dollar, and almost everyone here speaks English, which is nice. There are no endemic diseases, and the people here always make you feel right at home.
The country shot to fame mainly because of the spectacular beaches, crowned by the award-winning seven mile long Grace Bay beach on Providenciales. The biggest plus point of this place is that it doesn’t look overly commercial like most of the Caribbean vacation spots do. That’s mostly because Turks and Caicos doesn’t allow any building to be over seven stories. In fact, most of the buildings are under five stories and this simply adds to the already gorgeous skyline.
Everything here is very relaxed and low key, and the island is the quintessential image of a very modern British colony. Be sure to try the island tour by Van Kendal Handfield of Royal Taxi, that lets you take a peek at the many gorgeous, secret places that only the locals know about. I bought a stunning necklace made from conch shell that his wife made, and I get compliments every time I wear it.
Wearing the handmade artisan necklace I bought on the beach
Helen Doyle
Great article. You’ve definitely made we want to visit T&C. Thanks for all the advice : )
Judith Ruiz
This just made me want to visit T&C, Great article, and thanks.
Fashionable Liz
WOW – I’m definitely going to book a stay at this hotel. And I love that the flight from NYC is so easy!!
Sabrina Snyder
It is! Three hours goes by so fast – a movie and a little magazine reading and you’re there ?
Gayle C
I just booked it. Can’t wait to have dinner on the beach!
Geraldine Shelton
SO jealous! You’re going to love it 🙂
Jodi Thil
Gorgeous! My family and I will totally book a stay for a week or two! Such a quaint and charming place. Thanks, Hilary! ?
Jean Holt
Visited Turks with my boyfriend, the place for us is super mesmerizing. We’re sad to leave the place actually ?
Peggy Weber
It is expensive. Period. Having traveled through the Caribbean I must say this was the most expensive island I have been to. Not only are the hotels pricey but the food, drinks, tours, and transportation are as well.
Chris
Awesome! I believed this is the best place to disconnect and recharge. Amazing article. Thanks!
Mamie Alvarado
Been there! What I loved the most is the breakfast. It was made by the owner themselves. There is no menu but they will make anything you ask as long they have the ingredients. Even picky kids love the food. You better try ?
Diane Simon
Wow! This is such an amazing place to stay. White sand, luxury travel experience and a lot of adventures on the high seas. Can’t wait to be here. Thanks, Hillary! That’s why I love your articles. You’re an amazing writer. Keep it up, please!☺️