Travelers have plenty of fantastic options for vacation spots in the Caribbean, and with more flights heading to the region, the competition is intense. So, what makes people choose one island over another? As a frequent traveler, I look for destinations that meet several criteria before I commit, especially if it’s my first visit. I’m tired of crowded beaches and persistent vendors, and I’m also not interested in high-density, soulless resorts. Living in one of the world’s largest and busiest cities (Mexico City), I crave a different pace of life for my vacations.
This is where Turks and Caicos truly stands out. It met my high standards and even checked some boxes I didn’t realize were important to me. I was recently invited by a major hospitality group to experience firsthand what makes TCI (Turks and Caicos Islands) unique compared to other Caribbean hotspots. Here’s my honest review of the island from a first-timer’s perspective and why I’ll definitely be returning.
**Proximity**
When we think of an island with turquoise waters, palm trees, and white sandy beaches, we often imagine a faraway place. However, Turks and Caicos, while seemingly distant, is surprisingly close. You can reach the island (actually a collection of 40 islands) in just 1.5 hours from Miami, which is shorter than some city commutes. You can be in Provo, as the locals call Providenciales, by lunchtime.
**High-End Yet Casual**
Turks and Caicos exudes understated sophistication. You might find yourself having breakfast next to Forbes billionaires without even knowing it. This is why celebrities love it—there’s no paparazzi in sight. It’s not pretentious, so you don’t need to pack formal attire. You can wear flip-flops and shorts to dinner if you like, but high fashion is also welcome.
**Affordable Luxury**
While Turks and Caicos isn’t as cheap as Daytona Beach, it’s not as expensive as St. Barths either. Hospitality leaders like Grace Bay have been careful not to overcharge. Quality accommodations range from $200-$300 per night, with 4-star resorts starting at $400 and 5-star suites or villas beginning around $800+. Flights are also reasonably priced, with direct, non-stop flights from Miami costing around $288 roundtrip from June to October. Prices increase slightly during the winter months.
**Low-Density Accommodations**
Tourism can often lead to overcrowded destinations, but Turks and Caicos offers a different experience. The island has very few high-rise buildings, with most accommodations designed to be low-density and luxurious. This means more space and fewer neighbors, making you feel like royalty. Grace Bay properties lead this trend, focusing on quality over quantity.
During my stay, I was fortunate to be a guest in one of Grace Bay’s new lagoon villas in South Bank. These private houses are perfect for families and luxury travelers, offering a breathtaking man-made lagoon. South Bank, opening for bookings this fall, features four types of low-density accommodations: ocean estate villas, lagoon villas, boathouse townhomes, and luxury condos.
**Strong Supply Chain**
A strong supply chain is crucial for a great vacation experience. Turks and Caicos benefits from its proximity to Miami, ensuring that visitors can get anything they want quickly. This is especially important for luxury travelers who expect high-quality food and amenities. The island is one of the largest consumers of Dom Perignon in the Western world, highlighting its commitment to meeting visitors’ needs.
**Exceptional Food**
The food in Turks and Caicos is fantastic, thanks to fresh local fish, a strong supply chain, and talented chefs from around the world. Some standout restaurants include The Conch Shack, Omars, Sweeties, and Infinity. Don’t miss the Thursday fish fry, where local restaurants set up stalls to serve the catch of the day.
**Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos**
1. **Get ‘Fast Track’**: To avoid long lines at customs and immigration, book a ‘Fast Track’ concierge service. Prices start at $70 per person and are well worth it.
2. **Direct Flights**: You can fly directly to Providenciales from several U.S. cities, including Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Puerto Rico. International direct flights are available from Toronto, Montreal, London, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and Antigua.
3. **Where to Stay**: Many luxury travelers choose Provo for its tranquility, as cruise ships dock on a different island, Grand Turks. Grace Bay properties offer various accommodations, from hotels for couples to private villas for families.
4. **When to Visit**: The best time to visit is from February to June for sunny days and warm waters. August to November has higher chances of rain but still sees high occupancy.
Turks and Caicos has long been a favorite among celebrities and those in the know, but with its growing popularity, it’s set to see record tourist numbers in 2024. If you want to experience its current charm, book your trip soon.