Turks & Caicos holidays

Turks & Caicos holiday highlights

Stretches of uncrowded beaches that constantly appear in ‘world’s best’ lists, miles of vibrant unspoilt coral reefs teeming with life, salt lakes which are home to a variety of marine birds and uninhabited islands and cays combine to make Turks & Caicos a genuine tropical paradise. Cerulean waters lap the shores and play host to dolphins, marine turtles and, between late January and early April each year, migrating North Atlantic humpback whales. Jojo the dolphin is an Atlantic bottlenose who has played in the Turks & Caicos’ shallow waters for over three decades. He happily interacts with people in his natural habitat – a rare phenomenon that’s made him a national treasure.

The main island, Providenciales, or ‘Provo’ as it is more affectionately known, is the nation’s most developed island and home to many luxury villas – some of which are owned by Hollywood stars and rock royalty. Our featured Turks & Caicos resort, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa (see opposite) is ideal for families and has plenty of fine facilities and fantastic activities.

At the western end of Providenciales is the Chalk Sound National Park, a spectacular 3-mile beach overlooking water so implausibly turquoise it will leave you speechless. Tiny verdant cays are dotted within the sound adding to the natural splendour and paradisiacal ambience.

Each of Turks and Caicos’ other main islands have a distinct character – from the fishing capital South Caicos and the dramatic coastline of Middle Caicos to the historic capital island Grand Turk, a favourite cruise destination, and the tiny, laid-back hideaway of Salt Cay. It would be wrong to miss out on all that this remarkable nation has to offer but it may take more than one visit.

At hundreds of dive and snorkel sites, many just a short swim from the shore, turtles and eagle rays share pristine coral reefs and the wreckages of ill-fated ships

with hundreds of species of vibrant and inquisitive fish. Turks & Caicos is deemed a diver’s paradise, with Provo’s Grace Bay – a 12-mile stretch of powder-soft sand – nudged by breathtaking clear blue waters that are home to an extensive coral reef ecosystem. The nearby Eel Garden is one on the most popular sites and the whole area is a favourite with wall divers.