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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Turks & Caicos

Where the conch is fresh and the water is warm—all year round.

Travel
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Turks & Caicos

If “summer forever” is your personal motto, I highly suggest making your way down to Turks & Caicos sooner than later. The group of 40 islands that make up the British territory lay claim to an impressive 350 days of sunshine per year (even on the coldest days in “winter,” the islands have an average low of 73 degrees; yes, please). And best of all, it’s only a short three-hour plane ride from NYC. Pack your bag full of bikinis, and take notes.

 


STAY

Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@theshoreclubtc

The Shore Club Turks & Caicos

This extravagant resort is exactly the Caribbean getaway you deserve. Situated on Long Bay Beach, the property features private verandas in each suite, full kitchens and living spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and four different pools because variety. (Pool with swim-up bar: check. Lap pool: check. Adults-only pool: check. Family-friendly, yet still Instagrammable pool: check.) 

True to its name, The Shore Club Turks & Caicos, the beach is on point. (Pro tip: The clear blue waters are best enjoyed with a drink in hand.) Providenciales is known for kiteboarding, so instructors are available to show you the ropes of the local sport if you’re feeling adventurous. Snorkels, sea kayaks, paddle boards, and Hobie catamarans are also available to play with.

When you need a relaxing break from the surf, book a massage at the Dune Spa (we recommend the Balinese treatment: a coconut back scrub, followed by a mix of Chinese, Hindu, and European methods), and sink into 90 minutes of tranquility in a private beach-front villa. No serene spa soundtrack necessary—the ocean breeze is *literally* right outside the door.

 

EAT

Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@theyoungtravelier

Da Conch Shac

If it’s good enough for Christie Brinkley and every Victoria’s Secret model under the sun, it’s good enough for us. This pastel beach-front spot is famous for their conch and seafood dishes, and for good reason: All fare at Da Conch Shack is sourced directly from the ocean on the property. It’s the freshest food you can get, and it’s definitely worth a visit.

 

Parallel 23

Make sure at least one of your dinners is reserved for this upscale restaurant, located across the island of Providenciales at The Palms on Grace Bay Beach. Executive chef Lauren Callighen’s menu includes butternut squash ravioli, steak dishes, and sea bass cooked to perfection. Oh, and the wine list is top-notch.

 

Fish Fry

For the most authentic Turks & Caicos experience of your trip, head to the weekly Fish Fry, held at Bight Park on the island of Providenciales on every Thursday night. According to locals, this is *the* place to be. Get there early (official start time is 5:30) to check out the local vendors and eat all the fresh fish, conch fritters, and jerk chicken you can handle. Once the sun goes down, the real party starts. Each week a new live music band takes the stage as local dancers perform. A junkanoo rush, a traditional Caribbean street parade drum performance, caps off the night on a high note. If you like a party atmosphere, you’ll enjoy the energy of this all-night affair.

 

DO

Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@mybuenavida

Play with Potcakes

Puppies and beaches—can you think of a more perfect day? In Turks & Caicos, it’s not uncommon to see dogs roaming around the island. In fact, they’ve developed into their own native breed, lovingly called potcakes. Potcake Place rescues these pups and helps them find loving homes. Even if you don’t intend to take a dog home from vacation, you can play with one for two glorious hours. Potcake Place will provide the fur baby, a toy, treats, a water bowl, pick-up bags, and a leash. Pups are on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to get there by the charity’s 10:00 a.m. opening time!

 

Whale Watching

If you find yourself in this tropical destination in January, February, March, or April, you’re just in time to watch masses of humpback whales migrate south to give birth and mate. Make your way over to Salt Cay by boat from Grand Turk for the best views. (Word on the street is that if the whales are in good spirit, you can can even swim with them—if you happen to be that brave.)

 

Glow Worm Cruise

A what?? Yup, a “glow worm.” Three to six nights after a full moon each month, ocean banks light up with flecks of neon green light just after sunset as the marine worm performs a mating ritual. This natural phenomenon is unique to Turks and Caicos and is completely controlled by the lunar cycle, so plan accordingly!

 

Top photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@greerbrody

 

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