Upscale Providenciales Is Picture Perfect

Take a Trip to Turks & Caicos. and You’ll Know Why They Call It “beautiful by Nature.”

- Sheryl Nance Nash

You’ll have a new definition of beautiful once you visit Turks & Caicos. Step foot on the 12-mile Grace Bay Beach, and you’ll know why this year it was crowned the world’s best beach, according to TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards. Even frequent Caribbean island hoppers who are not easily impressed drop their jaws at the sight of these turquoise waters and white sand. The water twinkles like diamonds. The bright sun, clear blue skies, the flora and fauna awash in vibrant pink and fuchsia and the array of palm trees—it’s unforgettable.

No wonder the 40-plus islands and cays that make up Turks & Caicos are described by natives as “beautiful by nature.” No false advertising there! Just under 600 miles southeast of Miami, 80 percent of the archipelago is uninhabited and accessible by small plane, ferry or boat. The country is home to the third-largest coral reef system in the world. Divers think they’ve died and gone to heaven (snorkelers too). Colorful sea life is abundant. You’ll find all sorts of water wonders: tubing, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, kiteboarding, sailing, fishing or galloping on a pony in the water. Kids will love “snuba,” which is like snorkeling with a 12-foot tube so they can dive a little deeper.

If you’re not in the mood for action, you’ll be in good company, too. Plenty of people chill on the shore, enjoying the sun, snoozing or kicking back with headphones or a book.