By Stephanie Pham
If you’re looking for the next spot to put on your dream bucket list, I’ve got the perfect place for you. Clear waters, adventurous activities and a coastal experience, Turks and Caicos Islands, also known as Proidenciales, is the tropical paradise you’ve been looking for. These enchanted islands, located in the North Atlantic and part of the British Overseas Territory, are an 11 hour flight away from Los Angeles (including a layover).
My trip began at 11:59 p.m. at the Los Angeles International Airport. With a one hour layover in Miami, the gateway to Providenciales was only two hours away. When I stepped foot off the plane, the overwhelming heat of the sun bared down on me.There, my unforgettable experience truly began.
Hotels, Resorts, Villas and Airbnb
While I personally stayed at the Alexandra Resort with my family, there are various options available when it comes to choosing where you want to stay. Turks and Caicos offers a variety of hotels, resorts, villas and even Airbnbs, all with access to the beach.
The Alexandra Resort has multiple suites with a maximum of six people per room. Each suite has a fully equipped kitchen, small living space, a master bedroom and another bedroom. I had a balcony view of Grace Bay Beach and close access to both the beach and pool.
Best Feature
Providenciales is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, specifically Grace Bay Beach. Known for its endless white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, the most memorable aspect of the experience is the view. Whether you choose to snorkel, swim, scuba or walk on the shores, Grace Bay Beach is the epitome of paradise.
Beneath the surface of the sparkling waters hides a world of color. A beautiful vibrance of coral, barrier reefs and fish, Grace Bay Beach consistently ranks among the top spots according to tripadvisor.
Activities
Turks and Caicos islands is more than the sight of a lifetime, there’s a limitless amount of activities for people of all audiences. Sunrise, sunset, island fish frys, boat excursions and water activities from all over the island, it’s everything you need for a dream trip.
Everyday ends with an array of purple, orange and pink when you turn your head towards the sky. The sun says goodbye as a new day of adventure starts. As the soft grains of white sand slide between your toes, the ocean breeze brushes through your hair. The sunset from Turks and Caicos islands is a sight that will never leave your memories.
The sun setting marks the end of a day in paradise, but not to worry, for the start of a new day is marked by an even more enchanting sight. My last day of vacation started at the crack of dawn, when the clouds covered the sky and darkness still lingered. I jumped into the still warm waters as the sun began to peek through the clouds. An adventure in itself, swimming in the ocean during sunrise is definitely something to mark off my bucket list!
Although the waterfront stretches on for miles, there’s nothing better than exploring the entirety of what the island offers. I personally took a boat excursion that included snorkeling with sea turtles, visiting a sandbar, a section of shallow sand in the middle of the ocean where you can walk on water, exploring shipwrecks and much more!
There’s more than just beaches on the islands. Every Thursday, an Island Fish Fry is hosted near Mr. Grouper. An abundance of souvenir booths, food stalls and trucks, drinks and local businesses join together to create a fun experience for all the tourists. Personally, the prices of the souvenirs were pretty high, but just strolling around the festive setting made the trip much more enjoyable.
I will always be grateful for the opportunity to travel to Providenciales. It will forever be a memory in my heart and mind, especially the culture and beautiful seas. An unforgettable and unfathomable trip, Turks and Caicos Islands is a trip to be remembered.
