Despite its earthly condition, our planet is home to a lots of little pockets of paradise across the world. Some of them are well-known, but there are other, more unusual and beautiful places, which don’t attract hordes of tourists. The Turks and Caicos Islands are one of these lesser-known havens, designed for the perfect romantic holiday you have always dreamed of.
Introducing the Turks and Caicos Islands
Some extraordinary treasures can be found amidst the Atlantic Ocean. One of them is the Turks and Caicos Islands, north of Hispaniola, the island home to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Despite its almost Caribbean situation (it is not located in the Caribbean Sea, but it does belong to the Caribbean Community and has extraordinarily clear waters), the islands are in fact a British Overseas territory. As such, the official language is English, but the presence of the Dominican citizens means that there are also a number of Spanish-speakers. Cuba and the Bahamas, which form part of the Archipelago, can be found over to the east and share its waters with the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Caicos Islands are the largest of this group of Islands and are formed of six principle islands and two smaller ones. The name ‘Caicos’ originates from the colourful coral reefs found in the depths of the surrounding waters – a wedding present perhaps for the more daring couples among you. On the other hand, the Turks Islands are made up of two areas borne out of two fabulous islands: Salt Key and Grand Turk Island, both of which are slices of Paradise. Altogether, the overseas territory with its capital, Cockburn Town is made up of 28 extraordinarily attractive islands with a tempting average temperature of 26 degrees meaning you can enjoy the beach all year round.
Magical Nature
As these Islands don’t have a lively urban structure (not that any of the Islands need it) flora and fauna are their biggest attractions. The green parts of the islands are full of pine trees and mangroves that have allowed the Islands’ biodiversity to flourish. This landscape’s various shades of green makes for stunning scenery, which couples rush to visit. The leader of this nature army is the red cactus which looks like a Fez, a type of Turkish hat, although the island is named after the Ottoman pirates who were known as the ‘Turks’. Some of the best photos of your trip will be the ones that capture the Islands as they are; with their impressive and steep reliefs and ponds amid the vegetation. At certain times of the year the Islands serve as a midpoint along the migration route of many animals, meaning that up to 150 different species inhabit the Islands at any one time, the flamingos being perhaps the most impressive of them all!
Unbeatable Beaches
The Turks and Caicos Islands has 332 square metres of coastline. On the surface, the white sands merge into the pristine Atlantic waters that are as beautiful and clear as crystal. Grace Beach Bay in Providenciales is considered to be one of the best beaches in the world. Here you will find the majority of the archipelago’s large hotels such as The Regent Grand, a fantastic resort with total privacy, tranquillity, exquisite style and elegance, as well as a golf course and wonderful landscaped spaces. The Tuscany triumphs for its views, suites and array of local experiences on offer.
The Venetian Grace Bay, is one of the most sophisticated places on the Island, a luxury hotel with its impressive Provo Golf Club and a wide range of physical fitness activities. Beach House Turks&Caicos, resembles a doll’s house, and is the perfect, quaint place to enjoy couples activities such as spa treatments and diving, as well as many more. Also an expert in luxury retreats is the Seven Stars Resort & Spa, which carefully maintains its tropical essence whilst also enjoying a strong Greek influence.
In the Aquamarine Beach House Hotel, there is a range of rooms located in the most aquatic part of the Island from which you can hear the whisperings of the waves. The Gansevoort Hotel, part of a large chain of luxury hotels, incorporates a New York-inspired elegance whilst also remaining surprisingly well adapted to the ambience of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Lastly, The Somerset is made up of villas on the seafront that form a little village with one of the most spectacular views in the world. Whilst offering a range of holiday activities this hotel also offers a wonderful sense of tranquillity.
Sapodilla Bay, Taylor Bay and Governor´s Beach are some of the other fabulous beaches that can be found in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Long Bay and Caicos Bank are also two of the best places to enjoy all sorts of water sports including kayaking and Kiteboarding.
Beauty beneath the Surface
Beneath the surface of the Turks and Caicos crystal clear water, an incredible spectacle awaits, in which the expanse of coral reefs are the real show stoppers. The archipelago is perfect for couples worried about deep under water adventures. Due to the raised earth in this area and the fact that the Islands are settled on limestone rock, the water is not particularly deep. Visibility underwater is also very good meaning you can fully enjoy your diving experience, with the top two places to dive being The Bight and Smith Reef. Between the corals and the ocean floor, humpback whales, manta rays, dolphins, turtles, sharks, grouper fish, barracudas and many more pass through the calm waters – an incredible sight that all adventures must go and see!
Culture in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Although politically speaking the Bahamas have nothing to do with the Turks and Caicos Islands, they do form part of the Archipelago and as a result, some of their culture. If you choose the Turks and Caicos Islands as your honeymoon destination, you will find yourself being encouraged to try delicious, local dishes typical of the Islands. Most of these dishes will consist of shellfish, and specifically the ‘Conch’ shell that has been used in local cuisine on the Islands for many years. Deep fried Conch and Conch salad in particular are the culinary favourites. Going on a honeymoon means exploring wherever you have decided to go from top to bottom. So, we would recommend having a listen to some ‘Ripsaw’, a local music genre and ‘Junkanoo’, a Bahamian genre, both of which fill the Islands with beautiful, rhythmic and native music. We would also recommend checking out some of the Islands’ art and artisan products that live on despite the extinction of the native community responsible for the Islands’ magnificent cultural legacy.
Did you know about the Turks and Caicos Islands? If not we have just given you a one of the best suggestions for a honeymoon destination. Don’t waste the chance to visit paradise!
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