Paradise Found: Turks & Caicos
Offer
A Beachlover's Dream
Vacation
By Larry Fox and Barbara Radin Fox
We've traveled extensively in the Caribbean, looking for the
perfect island: one with long, uncrowded beaches, crystalline waters,
outstanding resorts and restaurants and enough diversions to keep us
entertained when the sun become too much.
Imagine how surprised we were when we found that island, only 85
miles from Miami and in the Atlantic--not the Caribbean.
The perfect island was Providenciales in the island chain called
the Turks & Caicos. The beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands are
situated 575 miles southeast of Miami.
Covering about 190 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean, the Turks
and Caicos Islands are a popular diving and snorkeling detination,
and claims the third largest coral reef system in the world
Another top attraction are the more than 200 miles of immaculate
white sandy beaches, which are washed by crystal clear waters.
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The islands are relatively flat but the terrain can vary
from sand dunes to lush green vegetation. There are eight
inhabited islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos,
Parrot Cay, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales and
Pine Cay. Providenciales, better known as Provo, is the most
populated, with about 150,00 residents.
After flying to Miami, we boarded an American Airlines
plane to Provo. Local lore holds that the island chain was
named Turks and Caicos, after the Lucayan term for a string
of islands, caya hico, or the Spanish word for small
islands, cayos, and the red dome of the indigenous fez or
Turk's Head cactus, found throughout the islands.
The centerpiece of Provo is Grace Bay. Protected by a
barrier reef, the 12-mile-long beach has white powdery sand,
and crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling.
Grace Bay is also the home of JoJo, Provo's resident
Atlantic Botttlenose dolphin. JoJo, we were told, likes to
swim with people (and he even has an official keeper,
appointed by the Queen). But during our visit JoJo was a
no-show.
We were staying at the Ocean Club, a luxurious
oceanfront resort that has 86 elegant suites, as well as two
freshwater pools, tennis, shops, a fitness center and a
watersports and dive shop. The beach at Ocean Club is as
fine as it gets; soft white sand only a short walk from the
room and all the resort amenities close by.
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At Ocean Club, our days slipped into a serene routine.
Breakfast at the ocean-front Cabana Bar & Grill, a few hours in
the sun and then lunch, again at the Cabana. Dinner at the resort was
either at the Cabana or at the more formal Gecko Grille, an outdoor
dining room in a lush garden setting with dancing and music most
nights. Food at both restaurants was outstanding, a great change from
the overpriced, mediocre fare we have found on many Caribbean
islands.
After few days of sun, though, we decided to explore more of this
great island group. At Provo Turtle Divers, located at Ocean
Club, we booked an eco tour, a boat trip to Little Water Cay and
other sights off the eastern end of the island. A national park, the
cay is home to more than 2,000 rare and endangered rock iguanas. A
boardwalk along the south shore provided walking access into the lush
vegetation for a visit with the shy but weird-looking vegetarians.
The rock iguanas feed mainly on the Cay's berries, leaves, and fruit
and make their homes by burrowing in the sand or under rocks amid the
native palms and tall shrubs. Most of the larger iguanas took our
visit in stride, though the young iguanas scurried quickly to hiding
places in the bushes.
A second short boat ride brought us next to Fort George Island to
observe marine life along its shore. The tidal flats were said to be
a haven for sanddollars and sea stars. We searched hard but failed to
find any, though we did take home some nice shells.
Our sightseeing boat sailed off to Pine Cay Reef for snorkeling.
The massive coral reef, with its reindeer and brain coral, was
spectacula. And for those on the boat who didn't snorkel, the water
was clear enough to see the coral and fish on the bottom.
Provo is a quiet island, but does have its share of diversions,
both day and night. The Conch Farm, on the east end of the
island, raises Queen Conch for the area restaurants. The farm offers
guided tours very day but Sunday (946-5330). The Provo Golf Club
(946-5126) offers an 18-hole, par 72 course, practice facilities
and a pro shop. The Allegro Resort (945-5555), also on Grace
Bay, offers the American Casino, a modestly-sized casino offering
slots and tables games of chance.
Provo is also known for its art. The Bamboo Gallery
(946-4748), located in the Market Place on Leeward Highway, sells
Caribbean fine art and sculpture. The most unusual items on sale, we
found, were Haitian Voodoo flags, large banners with colorful sequins
forming the image that tells the story of some villages' saints.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visitors from U.S.A. and Canada may enter the Turks & caicos
without a passport, if they have an original birth certificate (or, a
notarized copy) and a photo I.D. (e.g.. Driver's License). All
visitors must hold a round trip ticket.
For reservations at the Ocean Club, call 800/457-8787 or visit
www.oceanclubresorts.com.
For more information, visit the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board's
excellent web site at turksandcaicostourism.com. The site has a lot
of information on accommodations, events and attractions.