Categories
These days everybody knows exactly what they want from their vacation. With only a few precious days off annually to enjoy some rest and relaxation with the family, it is important to choose wisely. Package holidays can be the answer for some as they take care of everything from flights to accommodation and activities. But what if you are a bit picky? What if your tastes and ideas of a good time don’t match up with Mr and Mrs Average on the package trip?
If your expectations for a good vacation really push the boundaries, then why not try out a visit to Turks & Caicos? For a slice of paradise with a difference, this dreamy island chain really set out to impress.
The details
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Dependent Territory consisting of around forty cays and islands. Only eight of the low lying islands are inhabited and the population is around thirty thousand people. Of course, these numbers become swelled by the visitors who come to enjoy the pleasures on offer in this place of paradise beaches and turquoise seas.
The islands have a real Caribbean flavour, although they are closer to the mainland US coast than their more distant Caribbean neighbours. The flight from Miami is only 90 minutes, so it doesn’t take long to reach this relaxed and laid back holiday destination.
The peak time to visit Turks and Caicos is from around US Thanksgiving, right through to the middle of April. This is when the weather is at its best and it’s also the peak time for whale watching.
The main island is Provodenciales, this is where the international airport is situated and much of the resort activity goes on here. For hotels, resorts and condos the area around internationally famous Grace Bay Beach is a wise place to start looking for your holiday kicks.
What shall we do?
Grace Bay has won many international awards and plaudits for its long, pristine stretches of sand and calm, turquoise waters. Perfect as a romantic retreat for honeymooners or a fun-packed activity destination for the family – whatever you want it to be, Grace Bay Beach comes up with the goods.
For a memorable and special day out, deep sea fishing Turks and Caicos style has something for everyone. On fully equipped boats, you can have an adventure for the day hunting down game fish or simply exploring some of the uninhabited cays in the area. Why not channel your inner Robinson Crusoe and visit Fort George Cay? Only reachable by boat, this empty piece of paradise makes the perfect stop off for a beach party or barbecue. The waters around the cays are full of tuna, mahi mahi, marlin, swordfish, shark and more, and for deep sea fishing Turks and Caicos offers the best experience to seafarers with the taste for a challenge.
Snorkelling in Turks and Caicos is great fun due to the rich marine life on show. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, turtles, rays, starfish and more.
After relaxing on the beach, you may crave activity and action. Choose from horse riding, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, biking, para-sailing and windsurfing, all available on the islands.
Off the beach
If you like to have a flutter on the tables whilst on holiday, Providenciales has its own casino. Only a few minutes from Grace Bay, why not try your luck at the Casablanca Casino?
Perhaps a round of golf is more to your taste? All year round the exquisitely manicured lawns and lush fairways at Provo Golf Club welcome keen players. This club has a wonderfully laid back atmosphere and regular players come back each year to enjoy the challenge of this breathtakingly beautiful course.
You have to taste the food of a destination to really get into the character of the place. In Turks and Caicos the national dish is conch, the large shellfish found in local waters. Eating it freshly plucked from the sea, either in fritters, salads, burgers or curry -once tasted you’ll never forget it. One of the most popular restaurants for sampling conch recipes is Da Conch Shack, a fun and relaxed island café that serves up hot conch day and night to hungry holidaymakers.
Turks and Caicos has so much variety and choice on offer in accommodation and activities, it is perfectly possible to put together a fun holiday itinerary by yourself. One thing is for sure, when you design your own vacation in the islands of Turks and Caicos, paradise and perfection is guaranteed…