Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is an
archipelago of pearls strung out south of the Bahamas and 600-miles
from Florida. The eight large, and more than ninety smaller islands,
are situated on a plateau, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and a
pristine barrier reef. Two distinct island groups make up this
British Overseas Territory,
Turks Islands includes Grand Turk and little Salt Cay, and Caicos
Islands comprised of East, West, North, South, and Middle Caicos. Of
these only five of the large islands and a few little ones are
inhabited, offering visitors a huge number of deserted beaches and
cays to choose from for an even more private getaway.
TCI is renowned for its plethora of outdoor
and adventure options, fine dining and the breathtaking beauty of
the water and beaches and is often credited with having some of the
most gorgeous beaches in the world. The water temperature varies a
mere 8 degrees, 74 to 82, between winter and summer and the clarity
and turquoise shades are always stunning. The beaches owe their fame
to the fact that the sand is soft and is formed from broken down
limestone, shell and coral, making it powdery, white and
occasionally rosy-hued.
The islands are unique in ways including a
history that is not duplicated on any other Caribbean island. The
first inhabitants were the migratory Taino Indians, followed by the
Lucayans beginning in 750 AD. The oldest extant artifact, a canoe
paddle, dates from around 1100 AD. Some say that Columbus landed on
TCI in 1492 and documents prove that Ponce de Leon landed in 1512.
The entire native population was enslaved and forcibly removed to
work on other islands by 1513. Around 1700 the islands were settled
by salt workers from Bermuda and pirates like Anne Bonney and Black
Jack Rackham. Salt production was the foundation of TCI's economy
until the 1900s. The salt was so superior that George Washington
requested it for use by the Continental Congress.
Legend has it that Turks was named after the
Turk's Head cactus, so called because it resembles a fez. Caicos was
derived from the Lucayan words,
cayo hico, and ‘string of
islands.' Pirates were referred to as Turks and the name served as a
warning to beware the pirate islands.
After the American Revolution British
Loyalists left the US and were given land on the islands. Many of
the new settlers brought their slaves with them and established
cotton plantations. When slavery became illegal in the British
territories in 1834 the slaveholders simply vacated their
plantations. The former enslaved workers took over ownership of the
properties and many of their descendants continue to live on
inherited property.
Grace Bay, on the northern side of Providenciales, is home to 12-miles of beach sheltered by a barrier reef less than 2,000-ft. offshore. The coral reef makes it great for diving and its location makes it ideally situated to serve as a hub from which to launch excursions and all the activities that TCI has to offer. Ocean Club Resorts, two all-suite properties a mile apart, Ocean Club & Ocean Club West, is a wonderful choice for accommodations. https://www.oceanclubresorts.com
The spacious suites are noted for offering
all the comforts of home along with deluxe amenities and excellent
service. The expansive properties feature the "Stay at One, Play at
Both" program that allows guests to use the facilities at both
resorts. Amenities include a menu of eco-tours, golfing, snorkeling,
diving, cycling, other activities and an Excursions Concierge.
Dining options at the resorts include Solana, Seaside Cafe, Cabana
Bar & Grill and the fine-dining establishment, Opus Wine Bar Grill.
The on-site, Spa Tropique, is noted as the best spa facility on the
island. https://www.spatropique.com
Horseback riding along the beach is a wonderful experience. Riders get to plunge into the surf and experience the sea in an entirely new way. Rides are either 60 or 90 minutes long and must be arranged in advance. Provo Ponies was awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2016. https://www.Provoponies.com
The only conch farm in the world is located on TCI. Tours are offered and begin with a comprehensive overview of the farm's work and continue to the tanks and growing ponds. You end in the gift shop where you can purchase shells, jewelry and other related items. https://www.caicosconchfarm.net
Although TCI is in the Atlantic it is
culturally Caribbean and the best way to experience the culture
is to embark on the Heart of the Islands tour that
exposes visitors to the people and sites of North and Middle
Caicos. The eight-hour tour begins with a 30-minute private boat
ride. Stops include Flamingo Pond Nature Reserve, Conch Bar
Caves National Park, Mudjin Harbour, lunch at Frank's, a local
restaurant and Wade's Green's Plantation. The caves are the most
extensive aboveground system in the region.
Mudjin Harbour is a corruption of
Bermuda Harbor, once used to dock ships from Bermuda carrying
goods including slaves. Undoubtedly some of these slaves were
taken to Wade's Green Plantation. The Green Plantation, one of
three left on the island, is the best preserved. The land was
given to Loyalist Wade Stubbs in 1789. He began a cotton
plantation on 860-acres and held 384 slaves. It lasted until
1809.
A walking tour takes you along a
stone-fenced pathway. The fence and the hand-cut limestone
structures were constructed with slave labor. Highlights of the
tour include the ruins of the Great House, the Garden, the
Overseer's House and the Slave Quarters.
www.tcnationaltrust.org/Wades-Green-Plantation
Big Blue Unlimited offers this and a
menu of other tours. Reservations can be made online.
www.bigblueunlimited.com
Sun Charters is the Grace Bay operator of choice for private charter cruises. Guests sail aboard the Atabeyra while soaking up the sun and scenery with stops for snorkeling and sunset viewing. Snacks and drinks are provided, the service is exemplary and the voyage is customized for the group. https://www.sailatabeyra.com
TCI is so special that it is, of course,
a destination for the rich and famous. Keith Richards has a
villa, Justin Bieber visits often and Nicki Minaj celebrated her
most recent December birthday in the islands. While visiting the
celebs participate in regular island activities. #OCRislandhop
Da Conch Shack is a must. Conch is served in a variety of ways and you can watch as it is pulled from the water. Outdoor, beach dining, enhances the meal. It has been featured on CNN, The Travel Channel and BBC. https://www.daconchshack.com
The Thursday Night Fish Fry is a weekly
gathering of islanders and guests. Entrance is free and the
outdoor venue is filled with food stalls selling the best of the
island cuisine as well as souvenir and gift items. There is a
Junkanoo Parade and entertainment. Famous performers have been
known to take the stage at this celebration of culture and all
things Turks and Caicos. https://www.visittci.com