One of the nation’s largest, award-winning leisure tour operators, Travel Impressions has highlighted a new destination of the month: the picture-perfect Turks and Caicos Islands. With an average temperature of 83 degrees, crystal-clear ocean waters and beautiful sandy beaches, it’s easy to call this island destination a paradise.
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to numerous natural wonders, including a chain of 40 unique islands and cays, over 15 beaches spread across 230 miles, the world’s third-largest barrier reef and a vast stretch of coastline perfect for nature hikes.
The islands also host a variety of hotels and restaurants, so guests have plenty of amenities, living and dining options to help them feel relaxed and pampered. With travel dates spanning the rest of 2020, tropic-ready travelers can visit Turks and Caicos any time of year, to celebrate spring break, summer vacation, the holidays or any special occasion in-between.
Hotels and Resorts
The hotels and resorts that call the Turks and Caicos Islands home provide high-end luxury and a plethora of amenities and dining options, all set against stunning island views. Islandgoers looking for ultimate extravagance will find comfort in any of the elegant Turks and Caicos hotels, including the all-inclusive, private island escape of Ambergris Cay, the Alexandra Resort, the Blue Haven Resort and Beach House.
Ambergris Cay
The exclusivity of this private island isn’t its only draw – Ambergris Cay also has an array of activities like kayaking, snorkeling and guided nature walks, bonefishing, water sports and kitesurfing lessons. Other amenities include a daily, 30-minute complimentary spa treatment per adult and all-inclusive gourmet meals.
The Alexandra Resort
Guests can find true island luxury at the Alexandra Resort, where natural beauty meets contemporary comforts. Notable amenities include a large freshwater pool and swim-up bar and an on-site fitness center, as well as the Mango Reef restaurant, which serves a variety of international and Caribbean-inspired dishes.
Blue Haven Resort
Thanks to its wide range of suites and guest rooms, Blue Haven Resort is perfect for couples, groups and solo-travelers alike. Between easy access to the sea via Blue Haven Marina and a private play beach – featuring volleyball, tennis, horseshoes and more – guests will have fun by land and by sea.
Beach House
The all-inclusive, adults-only resort pampers its guests with impeccable surroundings that overlook the white sands and aquamarine waters of Grace Bay Beach. Here guests will find elegant dining, pristine suites, prime beach access, premium drinks and free shuttle service and dining privileges to its sister resorts, the Alexandra Resort and Blue Haven Resort.
Island Activities
Though the Turks and Caicos Islands’ hotels and resorts are the definition of luxury, guests will want to enjoy the outdoors as well. Thankfully, the islands have a wealth of activities for vacationgoers to partake in.
Beautiful Beaches
The beaches of the Turks and Caicos Islands, including Grace Bay Beach, Long Bay Beach and many others, are beautiful and unique. Turks and Caicos vacationers can enjoy picnicking, sunbathing, swimming and relaxing at some of the world’s prettiest beaches.
Made up of broken-down shells and coral, the soft, pale sand of Turks and Caicos beaches is a step above what you will find along other waterfront properties.
Diving and Snorkeling
The crystal-clear waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands make for amazing snorkeling and diving experiences. Home to lush sea grass and the third-largest barrier reef in the world, which stretches out across 14 miles, the area hosts countless spectacular dive sites, like the Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef.
Scuba Diving Magazine included the Turks and Caicos Islands in its 2019 “The Best Scuba Diving in the World” list. The area was also highlighted as one of the best spots to see large oceanic wildlife.
Nature-loving guests will enjoy seeing the vibrant coral, eagle rays, turtles and fish. Those looking to explore even further can participate in an exciting wreck dive. The HMS Endymion, an old frigate and remnant from the Napoleonic War, lies 20 feet under the water, waiting to be rediscovered by divers young and old.
Cave Systems
Guests looking for more natural wonders on Turks and Caicos have options. The islands house a plethora of caves, sinkholes and other hidden areas to explore.
Dry cave systems are located all over the Caicos Islands. Tourist-friendly caves include Conch Bar Cave and Indian Cave, both of which are dry systems located on Middle Caicos.
Nature Hikes
For vacationers looking to feel more at one with nature, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer coastlines perfect for a calming stroll or adventurous nature hike.
The central islands of Provo as well as the East, Middle and South Caicos are home to diverse environments. Meanwhile, nature reserves and national parks are still being developed for tourism.
Weekly Island Fish Fry
Thursday evenings at Bight Park, the Turks and Caicos Islands host more than a dozen local cultural acts, entertainers and food vendors who fill the air with a buzz of excitement and delicious aromas.
Both locals and visitors can experience some family-friendly fun while enjoying the freshest seafood – like fried fish, boiled lobster and conch salad – prepared by culinary masters.
Vacationing on the Turks and Caicos Islands is a breeze. Between all the hotels and resorts and natural wonders consisting of beautiful beaches, clear ocean waters and cave systems ready to discover, visitors can choose a vacation filled with adventure, relaxation or any combination of the two.
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Have you ever been to the Turks and Caicos Islands? Tell us about it in the comments.