Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/471424
It only takes 90 short minutes by plane from Miami to reach this archipelago of 40 mostly undeveloped, uninhabited islands and cays, but it takes less than 90 seconds to fall in love with it. The islands of Turks & Caicos have made a splash in the warm Caribbean Sea over the past couple of decades, and today, a reputation for brilliant white beaches—over 230 miles worth— superb diving, upscale resorts, gourmet dining and tranquility precedes them. Turks—namely Cockburn Town, Grand Turk—is a low-key, traditional destination whose laid-back attitude belies its designations as the center of the government, the capital, and financial center. Traverse through the 22-mile-long and mile-deep Columbus Passage, a submarine canyon, to find the jewel of this destination: Providenciales. Part of the more well-known Caicos Islands and home of the renowned 12 mile Grace Bay, visitors of Providenciales find impeccable dining, world-class lodgings and all the vestiges of a true beach escape. Take to the seas, and Turks & Caicos becomes a paradise of a wholly different kind. International anglers seek to score blue marlin, sailfish and wahoo, and mangrove salt flats hold wily bonefish. Thirty percent of the archipelago is protected by park or reserve status, and incredible underwater visibility pairs well with the plethora of eagle rays, turtles, and massive schools of jacks. Wall dives let intrepid adventurers discover silent worlds deep below the surface, and wreck dives like the HMS Endymion, a relic of the Napoleonic Wars, await just 20 feet below. Water Cay Pine Cay Jubber Point Providenciales South Bluff Turks Islands Caicos Islands A T L A N T I C O C E A N 0 2 miles 0 2 km Turks & Caicos 81 2 5 7 10 3 6 13 9 1 11 15 16 4 12 8 14 TURKS & CAICOS BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS RESORT VILLAGES & SPA Located on Grace Bay's unspoiled white-sand beach, this resort is home to 20 gourmet restaurants; the supervised Kids Camp; Pirates Island Waterpark; ten pools; 13 bars serving unlimited premium beverages; unlimited land and water sports; and the Xbox Play Lounge. Experience four vacation experiences in one with uniquely- themed villages, including Paris in paradise at the French Village; easy-going island elegance at the Caribbean Seaside Village; the Bellisimo Italian Village, with luxurious two-bedroom family suites; and a laid-back island charm at the all-new Key West Luxury Village. Enjoy some of the Caribbean's best scuba diving*, play with Elmo & Friends at The Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street ® , and indulge in a treatment at the Red Lane ® Spa*. *Resort dive courses, night dives, and spa services are additional. AAA Four Diamond. See ad on pages 88-89. 1 LUXURY INCLUDED ® GANSEVOORT TURKS & CAICOS, A WYMARA RESORT OOOOO H Caribbean cool meets urban chic at this modern boutique, oceanfront retreat on Grace Bay. Savor ocean views from any of the 91 guestrooms, including 32 suites and four penthouses. Lounge by the 7,000-square, foot infinity edge pool, heal your core at the award-winning Exhale Spa, or wine and dine at Stelle. It's all here for you. 2 GRACE BAY CLUB OOOOO H The world renowned Grace Bay Club, first luxury all-suite resort in Turks & Caicos, offers guests a haven for uninterrupted relaxation. The resort, with the largest beach front access – 1100 sq ft features all ocean front suites. Divided into three separate sections that caters to discerning travelers of all tastes, it includes the adults-only Hotel area with private restaurant, bar, and swimming pool; family-friendly Villas with their own restaurant, bar, and pool; and the uber-luxe Estate, with amenities. AAA Four Diamond. 3