Make memories that will last forever with a Turks and Caicos vacation

White sands, blue skies and luminous turquoise water. It might sound like a Caribbean cliche, but the Turks and Caicos Islands actually deliver on the promise of an ocean paradise. Backed by one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, the Islands are famous for their calm waters - which makes them a fabulous destination for all kinds of watersports. And with gorgeous beachfront villas at every turn, whether the order of the day is action-packed or set for serious relaxation, the Turks and Caicos Islands are ready to welcome you for a vacation you’ll never forget.

Voted Best Beach in the World multiple times by the likes of Conde Nast Traveler, Trip Advisor and more, Grace Bay, on Turks and Caicos’ Providenciales Island, should be on every beach-lover’s bucket list. Over 3 miles long, there’s powder-soft white sand as far as the eye can see, and incredibly bright water that seems lit from within when the sun shines - which it does, most of the time. Protected by the reef, the waters here are perfectly calm, ideal for children and adults alike, whether you’re strolling, swimming, or simply splashing about. Some stretches of the beach lead into resorts and have loungers and parasols set up, but there are plenty of quieter areas. Many of our Grace Bay villas open out into these quiet sections of sand - so you’ll feel as if you have a private beach all to yourself. What better way to kick off a holiday that’s all about relaxation?

Turks and Caicos is a dream destination for watersports. From snorkeling to scuba diving and paddleboarding, you need to explore the water to truly get the most out of the Islands. At Bight Reef, on the island of Providenciales (known as Provo), you can snorkel right off the beach along a clearly marked ocean trail, making it a great choice for beginners or younger visitors. You can often see turtles here along with a host of colorful tropical fish. For more experienced snorkelers or divers, the best option is a boat trip out to the reef, where you’re likely to spot nurse sharks, majestic rays and pods of dolphins. You’ll get better visibility too. Most boat trips will pick you up right from the sands at Grace Bay, so a memorable morning underwater is really a must-do on the Islands.

If you prefer to keep your head above water, consider a kayak or paddleboard excursion through the mangroves off the east coast of Provo. You can set out by yourself if you’re confident with your equipment, or opt for a guided tour through the reeds up to Little Water Cay. Known locally as “Iguana Island”, Little Water is home to a population of some 2,000 rock iguanas and not much else. It’s a true desert island experience.

The good news? Some of our villas come with snorkel equipment or SUP boards, and our concierge team can organize boat trips, equipment rental, and more.

Of course, not everyone enjoys days out on the water - and don’t worry, if you count yourself in that category, Turks has plenty for you too. First up, there’s golf at Provo Golf Club, known as one of the most challenging courses in the Caribbean. With beautifully manicured greens and fresh ocean breezes, a morning here is time well spent. Keep your eye out for tropical birds as you play the holes - golfers often spot egrets, herons and even migratory flamingos while on the course.

There’s plenty of good shopping around Grace Bay too - particularly jewelry, fashion and arts and crafts, including handmade baskets and paintings of local life. Head for Regents Village or Saltmills Plaza, the main shopping hubs on the island.

No trip to Turks and Caicos would be complete without tasting the national dishes - conch and spiny lobster. These two types of seafood are so important to life here that they are featured on the Islands’ flag. First up is conch, or sea snail, served here every which way, from ceviche to delicious deep-fried fritters. The Conch Shack, a barefoot beach bar on Thompson beach, is one of the most popular spots on Provo for conch fritters, washed down with a Turks Head beer (fun fact: the Turks Head cactus is also on the national flag!). Ocean fresh spiny lobster is usually found on the dinner menus of the more upscale restaurants on the Islands, and served with garlic butter and a glass of white wine it’s simply delicious.

Experience Luxury Retreats’ beautiful Turks and Caicos beach houses

With spacious outdoor areas, private swimming pools and direct beach access, our luxurious homes on the Turks and Caicos Islands are the perfect home base for a relaxing island getaway.

Luxury Retreats offers many beautiful properties along this stunning slice of sand. From modern glass and concrete homes to traditional colonial style villas with shaded verandas, our Grace Bay villas are sure to delight. With properties ranging from two bedrooms, all the way up to expansive 10-bedroom estates, no matter who you’re traveling with, we’ve got the perfect option for you. Many of our homes here have direct beach access, making them great choices for families with children, or multi-generational groups traveling together, while are smaller properties are ideal for honeymoons and romantic getaways.  

On the opposite side of the island from Grace Bay, you’ll find Turtle Tail, a long spit of land with a great selection of luxury homes. This side of the island is more secluded, ensuring privacy and peace and quiet for you and your traveling companions. If you’re looking for a spacious beachfront Turtle Tail estate with enough room for all your friends and family, we’ve got several great options to choose from, each one with sweeping ocean views, direct beach access and private pools.

Just along from Turtle Tail on the south of the island is Long Bay - another quiet stretch of beautiful white sand. Long Bay catches the sunrise, so set your alarm and enjoy the feeling of walking the beach while the early morning colours paint the sea pink and orange. With modern properties designed to make the most of indoor/outdoor living, and space for up to 14 people, a Long Bay beach house is a great idea for families or groups of friends traveling together.