Turks & Caicos

Simply put, I love Turks & Caicos. Some of my favorite vacation memories are from there. Maybe it’s because my first trip there with dear friends was such a great experience that it can’t be topped? Maybe it’s because it’s the most gorgeous water, weather, and beaches? Maybe because my last trip there was with the man that became my future husband? Maybe it’s Maybelline? I kid. But, I have yet to meet someone who comes back from Turks & Caicos and is meh about it.

The first time I travelled there was with a group of ten friends that rented an amazing house together and spent the days playing in water, laughing while doing flips in the pool, and eating & drinking until the day turned to night and turned to day again. We learned to drive on the opposite side of the road, soaked up every last minute of a snorkel cruise, and lived our best life in that February sun. I think we all have a trip in which the time of life and people we were with were the best memories one could ever ask for, and this was that friends’ trip for me.

After such a great trip, I went back three years later in February with just one girlfriend, JV, for a girl’s trip, and then again with Colt the following October. Each visit has been time well spent.

As each trip has been slightly different, I am going to highlight overall favorites. It’s now been a few years since I have been, but I can’t get there soon enough again…

*Covid restrictions are ever evolving, so check to see what the latest is.*

Notes:

Each trip has been to Providenciales, which is the most visited island of Turks & Caicos. Providenciales is part of the Caicos islands and home of the only international flights. So, you will be flying into Providenciales if coming from the US.

Driving is on the left side of the road. I would say prepare your brain, but I don’t know how one preps for this. Do your best. Fortunately, traffic is never too heavy. And in my case with a van of ten friends piled inside after a snorkel cruise, we “collectively” figured it out and got home with many memories to boot. Thank heavens it’s a small island, and no drive is very far.

Unless you specify wanting an automatic, do expect to get a stick shift as that was the case when I went with Colt. Having a car is a great way to get to other beaches. Download the island’s map on Google maps before you go so that it’ll work without wifi. For the other trip with a girlfriend, we used the hotel shuttle and stayed close using a taxi a few times. However, we had both been before and were just looking to relax.

Do get REEF SAFE sunscreen for a snorkel cruise or anytime you’ll be in the ocean - SunBum is one option. It’s becoming more of a topic as the years have gone by. May want to research it before going.

If planning to get groceries, prepare for sticker shock - especially fruits/vegetables. When we stayed at West Bay Club, we got the very bare essentials to put in the fridge for lunch. Most places have included breakfast. We brought a few non-perishables in our checked luggage. Not ashamed to bring goods from home.

To Stay:

*Rental home for the 10 of us - we really lived it up there.*

*We spent lots of time in all the bodies of water.*

Have rented house (10 people in 2014 & above images) via Caribbean Days This is great for those going with a larger group and want to cook (or get a chef) for meals at home, swim in ocean water at the rental, and spend time in pool without worrying about other guests. At one point, some were in the pool, some snorkeling, some fishing off the pier, some in the shade by the house, and some throwing a football on the beach. Finding a great home for a group (thanks Matt) made hanging around the house so much fun. Would recommend this option for larger groups.
West Bay Club - Colt and I stayed here post hurricanes in October 2017. The included breakfast was great along with a spacious layout and kitchen.
Wymara Resort - When I stayed here with a girlfriend in February 2017, it was known as the Gansevoort Hotel. It was swanky then and has been further updated. Loved it!
If staying at a resort, choose one on Grace Bay. It’s named one of the top ten beaches each year and has the most beautiful sand and water. Other good options include Grace Bay Club, Seven Stars, Palms, and I’m sure there are many more. The Ritz-Carlton opens summer of 2021.

*West Bay Club. Turns out I did not take any photos of the place. Just a few from the pool.*

*But I did take a photo of West Bay Club’s yummy complimentary breakfast.*

Eats:

Coco Bistro - It’s one of the nicer places on the island and reservations are a must.
Grace Bay Club Hotel for dinner or for after dinner drink + music. Has a nice post dinner vibe.
Bay Bistro - ask to sit on outside decks or anywhere outdoors. It’s beachside, so enjoy the view. Dinner. Need reservations.
Coyaba for dinner. Need reservations.
Hemingway’s is a lunch option on the beach. Dinner is also an option if you want.
Da Conch Shack - it’s casual. Good for lunch, but you could do dinner there too.
If you stay at West Bay Club, Wymara, or that vicinity, walk down the beach to Somewhere Cafe for lunch. It’s your typical beach dive kind of place. Go in your swimsuit. We ate dinner there one night too because we were tired and wanted a simple fish sammy.
If you are there on a Thursday, you must go to the Island fish fry. It’s casual and think of it as a local county fair minus the rides and better food options. Do expect fried foods at the fish fry - no misnomers there. We loved it - we danced around with the kiddos there as a local band played.

*Gotta love a snorkel cruise - Colt & I joined other guests.*

*Caicos Dream Tours snorkel excursion that was private w/friend group.*

Activities:

Snorkel Cruise - have used Island Vibes twice. Have done the half day and full day cruise. Beware of the Rum Punch - goes down easily & makes ya tipsy. The fresh conch ceviche is delicious. More than the snorkeling, I enjoyed the boat ride and stopping at deserted islands. You will be picked up at the shoreline at your hotel - makes it so easy. Because one absolutely can not drive (on our wrong side of road) post rum punch.

*When I went with JV in 2017, I found 10 sand dollars on our snorkel trip. So fun!*

For the group of ten, we used Caicos Dream Tours for a full day private catamaran. You really can’t go wrong with either company.
Island fish fry every Thursday at 6pm at Bight Park. Walking distance from Wymara & West Bay Club. MUST GO. The locals are so nice and you really get a feel for the island and its vibes.
Just relax on one of the many beautiful beaches.
Ride horses in the ocean. Have used Provo Ponies. The animal lover in me absolutely loved this. Wear water shoes. They’ll give you a fanny pack for camera/phone to take pictures. I wore a bathing suit with denim shorts/button up shirt over. The guides will take the best pics of you on horses.

*Probably one of my favorite vacation days.*

Go check out a few different beaches. Options include:

Grace Bay
Long Bay - has palm trees on the beach near the water. Picturesque. It’s more deserted than Grace Bay. There’s one newer big hotel (Shore Club) - probably could get lunch or cocktails there. If you decide to ride horses, you will end up riding to Long Bay to do so. Will see more wind-surfers and such on this side of the island.
Sopodilla Bay and Chalk Sound - the calmest water ever. The sand in the water here feels amazing. It’s silky. Also, Las Brisas restaurant is there. Didn’t eat while over there, but it is supposedly a good option.
Bight Bay (seems like and extension of Grace Bay)

If you wanna be v fancy, stay at Amanyara. You may need 4-wheel drive to get to it. But ...you could go there for a nice dinner. Maybe take a taxi so you don’t ruin a rental? Have read about it, and dinner is doable. If you go, tell me all about it!

That sums up my love for Turks & Caicos. Enjoy. Relax. Have the rum punch and conch ceviche. Wear tons of sunscreen. Go to the fish fry. Live your best life there!

*Leaving you with a picture of conch ceviche!*

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