By Dawn Wilson
There are approximately 40 islands and cays (small sandy island formed on the surface of a coral reef) that make up the Turks and Caicos Islands. Each island provides you with a different and unique experience. Turks and Caicos sits 550 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. There are reported to be just over 30,000 residents living on 8 of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The language spoken is English and the official currency is the US dollar. One of the reasons so many people are attracted to this area is because of its year round temperatures. The average low in Turks and Caicos is a comfortable 75 degrees. The islands are made up primarily of African descendants, however, the population has grown to include a diverse group of ethnicity’s. The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British overseas territory where the Queen appoints a Governor who presides over the Executive Council. The legal system of the islands are based on English Common Law. The Turks and Caicos islands have the world’s third largest coral reef and some of the world’s most beautiful sand beaches. You will love gazing at the tranquil turquoise sea as you lounge about on the beaches of the islands. Many of the beaches are a quick ride from the local airport and are hardly ever overrun by tourist. If you are up for a short island excursion, just take a boat to one of the deserted cays. This day trip is sure to be a great escape from the mundane and routine tourist attractions. Popular activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands are sailing, fishing, golfing and boating. If you seek the excitement of a casino, you’re in luck. You will be able to hit the slots or sit at a game table at the Casablanca Casino in Providenciales. There is definitely no shortage of things to do while vacationing in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Parrot Cay by Como, is an award winning luxury resort located on a Turks and Caicos private island in the northern Caribbean. Parrot Cay is a quiet, tranquil resort with white sand beaches. At the resort you have the option of a standard room, suite or a private villa or house. The large suites offered at Parrot Cay have french doors leading to your private balcony, overlooking the resort garden. When you want an even more private escape, the Parrot Cay beach villa or beach house would a great option. The villas and beach houses are available in one or two bedrooms with a private pool and direct beach access. Butler service is also available, by request. Parrot Cay offers several dining options, formal and informal. No resort retreat would be complete without a resort spa. Parrot Cay definitely delivers with its on-site spa, Shambhala, where they take a holistic approach to your treatments.
Photos Courtesy of COMO Hotels & Resorts
If you are looking for a truly personal and private island experience, you will definitely be able to find it at the Nandana Villa Estate, located in the West End of the Grand Bahama Islands.
Upon your arrival via the 5100 ft. private air strip, you are met by staff and personally escorted to the property. The Nandana Villa Estate is a luxurious private estate which goes above and
beyond any resort experience you could imagine. Some of the luxury services offered at Nandana Villa Estate include on-site masseuse, 120′ infinity pool, gourmet cuisine, Jet Skis, Jacuzzi, ATV’s, beach volleyball and an 18-hole golf course. Guest suites are approximately 1000 square feet and come complete with jacuzzi tub, luxury bath essentials, indoor/outdoor showers, spacious walk-in closets and either a garden view or an ocean view. If you didn’t think your experience couldn’t get any better, you just wait and see. While at the resort you have access to a 50′ yacht, off road terrain vehicles and a luxury 20′ tender. At Nandana Villa, the sky’s the limit.
Photos Courtesy of Nandana Villa
Amanyara borders the reefs of the Northwest Point Marine National Park. Amanyara received the Condè Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award 2013. The Amanyara accommodations are in a secluded area full of lush landscaping and is set on the white pristine sand beaches of Turks and Caicos. They are made up of 40 guest pavilions. In the center of the reception area is a circular bar with stunningly beautiful sea views and a reflection pond. Guest pavilions are located at the edge of a serene pond with timber sun decks. Entrance to the pavilion is through large sliding glass doors. Some of the guest pavilions are situated along the ocean with unobstructed views of the sea while others surround a dramatic infinity poo Pavilion interiors are made up of a neutral color palate and teak furnishings. Amanyara offers a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining, a library, fitness center, wifi, tennis courts, media-room and a spa. Amanyara is a great island hide-away.
Photos Courtesy of Amanresorts
The Gansevoort Hotel is a trendy boutique hotel, known for its chic and sophisticated vibe. It is located on the popular Grace Bay Beach. With its 91 guestrooms and 7,000 square foot infinity pool, the Gansevoort is an island oasis. The rooms of the Gansevoort are open and airy, allowing natural sunlight to illuminate throughout the space. The hotel also offers the convenience of an on-site, casual dining restaurant and a beach bar and grill. In the morning guest are treated to a complimentary buffet which is served beachside. Other hotel amenities include complimentary wifi, 24 hour fitness center bicycles and snorkel equipment. Pool pods are also available to guest who choose to relax by the pool for the day. There is a reason that the Gansevoort Hotel was named as a Condè Nast 2013 ‘Gold List’ members, why not discover the reason for yourself.
Photos Courtesy of Magda Biernat