We recently returned from a great mother-daughter trip to Turks and Caicos in early December to get a little R&R and kick off the holiday season. We stayed at multiple properties, met with hotel management teams and set out to experience all we could in our 4-day stay. On this trip we got a chance to experience both sides of the island - the wide calm beaches of Grace Bay on the west and the more secluded, wind-surfing capital of Long Bay on the east.
Turks is a favorite Caribbean honeymoon destination with several Turks luxury hotel options for couples looking for a combination of active properties and secluded resorts like Amanyara. There are also several private island hotels like client-favorite COMO Parrot Cay and Ambergris Cay.
I’ve visited several Caribbean islands, St. Kitts, Antigua, San Juan, Bahamas, BVI and more, and Turk and Caicos quickly climbed to the top of my favorites list. The island is only about 38 square miles and comprised of 40 small islands and cays. Its clean, safe and relatively easy to get to. The locals say the hardest thing to do here is keep a secret.
Once you get off the airplane onto the tarmac you are greeted by the brightness of Turks and Caicos. Vacation mode is on: the sun, the people, the water, everything feels bright and happy as it should when you start your Caribbean vacation.
The airport is tiny and there were plenty of staff to answer questions and ensure Covid entry protocols were followed. Airport staff were bustling to make sure your hands were sanitized several times before getting your temperature checked and multiple documents approved by attendants in PPE. Once your bags were collected, we met our private driver outside the airport (a must in our opinion for airport arrivals). He was friendly and happy to see us — the island, which largely relies on tourism dollars, was currently operating at just 30% occupancy.
Our Bedroom in the Deluxe Ocean Front Suite- The Shore Club
Accommodations:
The Shore Club- One of the newest hotels on the island and located on the more secluded Long Bay Beach, The Shore Club is bright, warm and sophisticated. Between the beach, 4 pools, complimentary kids club and multiple dining venues (including a new restaurant the opened last month!) this resort will keep the whole family entertained.
The Palms- This resort is the sister property to The Shore Club and located on the other side of the island on Grace Bay Beach close to the town of Provo. Most of the 72 suites are condo style and come with a washer/dryer and fully equipped kitchen.
Grace Bay Club- This island mainstay is set on the widest area of beach in Grace Bay with 88 suites and villas including adults only accommodations and designated areas. It offers something for everyone with expansive beach front villas for families or ocean view junior suites. Plus they have great beach side dining options available all day.
Amanyara- Located on the tip of a 5,000 acre nature and wildlife reserve that is surrounded by dive reefs just beyond the white sands, Amanyara’s accommodations include 40 expansive pavilions and multi-bedroom villas, some with private pools. Villas are serviced by personal chef and come with a golf cart for getting around the property.
Beach Enclave- Individual villas with 3-7 bedrooms located on multiple beaches across the island. Each one has a private pool, nonmotorized watersports equipment, and a dedicated full time butler with chef services and villa pre-stocking available.
Activities:
Catamaran day trips to North and Middle Caicos, plus several other islands and cays
Off road, 4x4 adventures
Fishing, snorkeling, boating, jet ski rentals
Biking around town
Horseback riding in the ocean
Nonmotorized water sports off the beach (hobie cat experience, paddle boarding, kayaking)
Packing Recommendations:
Waterproof iPhone case for your water activities
Beach attire for warm weather - even in their coolest months of Jan & Feb temperatures don’t dip below the mid 70s
The island is very casual; ladies, you can feel comfortable in sandals at dinner
Insider Tips
As of mid Dec. 2020, travelers are required to have pre approval via the TCI Cares portal, a negative nasal PCR test result within 5 days of arrival and proof of specific travel insurance. All of these documents are requested electronically during the approval process and reviewed again in person at the airport.
Bring Cash for cabs (which can be expensive) or plan on renting a car- but note that they drive on the left side of the road - after all it is a British territory!
Coco Bistro is a must-visit restaurant off property. Of course, we ate and drank our way around the island so have many other restaurant suggestions too.
If Turks and Caicos has been on your bucket list for a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or family vacation, we would love to help you plan a great vacation. Clients can receive up to 25% savings on room rates for one bedroom suites and higher for travel through out 2021, but be sure to book with us by March 31.