Turks & Caicos are located in the Caribbean, just southeast of the Bahamas. These islands are characterized by relatively high living standards, the US dollar, friendly English-speaking locals, clean water, and have a low crime rate. The beaches here have some of the prettiest, powdery white sand you’ll ever see. The waters are crystal clear and blue, and Grace Bay has calm waters that makes for great snorkeling. Turks have some of the best diving opportunities, with extensive coral reef and also a 7,000 foot wall drop off.
The downside is that nothing here is cheap. Food is flown in from Miami, and is about twice what you’d expect to pay. Resorts are priced better in the low season which runs from May through mid December.
Beaches Turks & Caicos
The only upscale all-inclusive resort on the island, and definitely the nicest of all the Beaches Resorts (the others are located in Jamaica), Beaches Turks & Caicos (located on Grace Bay) continues to delight families. There are four villages in all, and the most popular among my family clients is the Italian Village featuring spacious family suites and a great pool. For families with older kids, Key West Village is more laid back and quiet. The water park is a hit with the kiddos, and the Kids Club takes babies. Food here is very good for an all-inclusive, and diving is exceptional.
For those traveling without the kids, the best promotions are after Labor Day but before Christmas Break, except for Thanksgiving Week.
Amanyara Resorts
Worlds away from Grace Bay, this uber-luxury resort is a destination on its own. Accommodations are located in bungalow-style “pavillions” and are set on picturesque ponds, oceanside, or have private gardens with their own plunge pools.
The service levels and food quality are about as good as it gets and will exceed your expectations. The spa is fantastic. Overall, the property has a very zen-yoga vibe to it. Families are welcome, but it’s a pretty low key property and more suited to adults.
Regent Palms Turks & Caicos Resort
A luxury, full service condo-style resort set on Grace Bay. The property is plantation-elegant without being pretentious. The spa is considered the best in the Caribbean. A great honeymoon/anniversary location or a luxury spa retreat. Junior Suites are gardenview; suites are 1-3 bedrooms and are oceanfront.
Grace Bay Club
“The” luxury resort in Provo, made famous among the jetsetters. All suites are oceanfront, and nothing is less than 600 square feet. Gorgeous beach, great food, luxuriously appointed rooms. A great choice for couples, families, and small groups.
Trendy South Beach style upscale resort for the young at heart. Perfect for a romantic extended weekend or for a girlfriends getaway. Important to note is that the bathrooms are a little “less than modest” (open to the bedroom area and with glass enclosures) so I wouldn’t recommend for families. Hip but not overly energetic.
Somerset Resort
A boutique style, luxury condo property with units ranging from 1 to 5 bedrooms. This is a great choice for the extended family that’s thinking of renting a beach-house.
~Happy Travels! Cindy Grant, travel consultant with Expert Family Travel. Located in the Dallas Fort Worth metro area (Texas) Near Frisco, Plano, Little Elm, and The Colony. 972-625-6200.