Embark on an unforgettable journey with me as I recount my incredible adventure in the stunning paradise of Turks and Caicos! From unforgettable activities to luxurious accommodations and delectable dining experiences, I'll share every detail with you!

Before delving into the highlights of my trip, let me offer some valuable insights prior to your arrival. As a developing island, Turks and Caicos boasts raw beauty alongside some unique quirks. Be prepared for rugged roads, stray dogs meandering about, and a different approach to waste management compared to what you might be accustomed to. However, let these nuances serve as a gentle reminder of the vibrant local culture and the warmth of the island's inhabitants. We felt safe the entire time, but of course, stay vigilant just like you would at home. In addition, being on an island where everything needs to be imported, expect higher prices across the board, from dining and groceries to gas and more. For phone service, we added the international plan to our phones while we were. Although helpful when using GPS, my AT&T service was so-so on the island.

As far as where to stay, for those seeking a bustling hub with easy access to resorts and tourist attractions by foot, Grace Bay is the ideal choice. I would compare it to a similar vibe of 30A in Florida if you’ve ever been there. It’s a more updated part of the island with shopping, food, and tons of places to stay. However, if you share my love for immersive exploration, and want to see more of the local culture, my heart lies with Chalk Sound Bay. We rented an exquisite villa, about 30 minutes from Grace Bay, and used two rental cars to explore the island for five days. It was incredible!

Let these tips be a helpful guide rather than a deterrent because Turks and Caicos is truly an incredible destination. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the beaches boast some of the most stunning and clearest waters you'll ever see.

TRAVEL

We prefer to fly Delta Airlines, but at our time of travel (June) they only offered one inbound and outbound flight per day. You deplane outside and venture to an inside customs line that flowed seamlessly, especially during our Friday arrival. Don’t forget a pen for the paperwork!

Like I said, if you’re staying somewhere other than Grace Bay, it’s advisable to rent a car for convenient exploration. A heads up about the cars, as a small island that has to have everything imported, the vehicles available (that we rented through Grace Bay Rentals) may not be the newest models and gas is $7/gallon. Additionally, be prepared to adapt to driving on the opposite side of the road, but I promise you catch on quick! It's worth noting that the island relies heavily on roundabouts instead of stoplights. Additionally, be prepared for frequent passing on the roads, numerous potholes to navigate, and the occasional sight of people parking on sidewalks.

When we departed on a Wednesday (one of their slower days), we found the TSA line so quick, but the airport has limited seating and no air conditioning (but big fans!). A helpful tip: venture upstairs for additional seating options and more store options. You can also get a massage while you wait!

Currently in the news, you may have seen that Turks and Caicos is imposing jail time for anyone found with ammunition. Firearms, ammunition (including stray bullets), and other weapons are strictly prohibited in the Turks and Caicos Islands, so make sure to triple-check your bags. I was even randomly selected for additional screening as I was boarding the plane, along with several others. Despite having just passed through TSA, they had me remove my shoes and laptop and proceeded to swab my clothes, the palms of my hands, my shoes, hand luggage, and computer to test for explosives. It was an experience I had never encountered before.

ACCOMODATIONS

Our stay at this amazing villa was next-level! Tucked away in stunning surroundings, this five-bedroom gem had everything our crew of seven adults and two kids (including a 2 year old) could dream of.

Picture this: a sparkling private pool overlooking the water, our own dock access, a game room, a gym, plus kayaks and snorkeling gear for some aquatic adventures. And inside? Well, let me introduce you to Fritz, the absolute MVP of housekeeping. This guy made sure we had it all covered - from laundry duty, to dishes, to keeping the place spotless. Not to mention one of my favorite things - nearly every room has both an indoor shower and a private outdoor shower.

Oh, and did I mention the thoughtful extras? I used their two pack and plays, a high chair, Keurig coffee machine, and even a clothes steamer. Plus, each bedroom had its own A/C control, just like a hotel room would.

But wait, there’s more! Need groceries? No problem, they’d stock your fridge with whatever you wanted. Feeling fancy? We even hired a private chef one night!

Seriously, this villa was the stuff of dreams. From luxury to laid-back vibes, it had it all - making our stay absolutely unforgettable.

FOOD:

For breakfast and snacks by the pool, we made use of the groceries we had stocked at the villa.

For lunch, we visited Omar's on the Beach, a laid-back beachside spot featuring an incredible DJ, delicious food, and tasty Bloody Marys. We also dined at Baci Pizza, located at the marina, where we enjoyed excellent pizza and salads right after snorkeling at Smith's Reef. Another great spot was Crest & Berry, where we savored amazing smoothies and acai bowls, and I enjoyed a lox bagel.

Dinner was my favorite part of the day because we ate at some incredible places. Las Brisas, situated near our villa, served amazing food and offered lovely views of both an on-site pool and overlooked the water. Caicos Café, though not waterfront, impressed us with its fantastic food and excellent service. Another favorite of mine was Indigo, located at the Wymara Resort. Overlooking the pool, it was by far the most expensive, but the outstanding food and impeccable service made it well worth it. The only place I wasn't a fan of was Somewhere Cafe for Mexican. Despite its incredible ocean view, the food was so-so, and the service was lacking.

For drinks one night I joined my sister-in-law and brother-in-law at Da Conch Shack. This casual beachside restaurant features a live DJ and offers seating right in the sand.

Note: My brother-in-law and sister-in-law also enjoyed a meal at Conchy Conchy, a beach-side tent serving dishes like jerk chicken on Sapodilla Bay Beach.

ACTIVITES:

For activities, we enjoyed hanging out by the villa pool and using the private dock to access the provided kayak and stand-up paddleboards. We also snorkeled at Smith's Reef (bring your own gear), where we saw turtles, coral and fish. Plus there is an incredible spot right by where you park that has incredibly clear water that my toddler LOVED!

However, my favorite experience was renting a private catamaran with Island Vibes Tours. We opted for a half-day trip, but I highly recommend a full day. Request Dre and Lamont as your captains; they are amazing. They took us to see dolphins, snorkel at the Turks & Caicos Barrier Reef, and visit a secluded sandbar with the clearest water I've ever seen, perfect for collecting seashells. We also explored Iguana Island, took a detour through a canal to see luxurious private homes, and had a blast using the slide on the boat. They provided lunch, which included assorted wraps, soda, water, local beer, and rum punch.

Note: My brother-in-law and sister-in-law also visited Sapodilla Bay Beach, a cozy spot with tent bars and food options like Conchy Conchy, where they tried the jerk chicken. They described the beach as serene, with available rentals for chairs, umbrellas, jet skis, and even glass-bottom kayaks.

I hope my experiences have inspired you to embark on your own unforgettable journey. From the raw beauty and unique culture of the island to the luxurious accommodations, delectable dining, and beachy activities, there's no shortage of amazing experiences in TCI. Whether you choose to explore the bustling Grace Bay or immerse yourself in the local culture of Chalk Sound Bay, rest assured that Turks and Caicos offers something truly special for everyone. As you plan your trip, remember the valuable tips shared here and get ready to create lifelong memories in this stunning paradise. Cheers to your extraordinary adventure ahead!