A Trip to Paradise

There are a few generally accepted ideas of what paradise is. Some think paradise is a quiet lakeshore cabin in the wood. Others think it’s a quaint hamlet nestled in a dramatic mountain landscape, while still others claim beautifully white, sandy beaches, gin-clear water, and copious sunshine are the components that make up a proper paradise.

Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is a British Overseas Territory of about forty low-lying corral islands sprinkled in the Atlantic Ocean, just southeast of the Bahamas. I’m here to say that Grace Bay on the north shore of the island of Providenciales is, in fact, paradise. At least, it’s as close as we can get in this lifetime.

photo credit: Victoria Wise

Think I’m wrong? Go and see for yourself. And you should consider staying at Windsong on the Reef. A quiet resort with well-appointed rooms and suites, Windsong isn’t the most glamorous resort on Grace Bay. It isn’t a party spot or a see-and-be-seen destination. It isn’t a stationary cruise ship with loud restaurants and shows six times a day. It is a beautiful little hotel on a picture-postcard beach with a very good restaurant and bar, a peaceful pool, an impeccable staff, and its own natural coral reef for world-class snorkeling. It can be all-inclusive, and unlike many all-inclusive resorts, the food is fantastic and the drinks aren’t watered down. In fact, with its gorgeous dune seating, the restaurant is a destination in itself. Windsong is perhaps the perfect lodging for a family trip to paradise. Just a suggestion.

Getting to paradise is easy. American flies non-stop from DFW, and most resorts will have shuttles. If you plan on staying on the resort property of your choice, with only the occasional dinner or shopping excursion, don’t rent a car. Be aware, however, that taxi fare on Providenciales is larcenous. Getting to paradise is easy; getting around in paradise isn’t free. If you plan on dining out a lot or cruising around town, renting a vehicle may be the way to go.

As for dining and shopping, there are luxury jewelry shops, basic T-shirt shops, and everything in between; restaurants range from street food to fine dining. There are a few restaurants you should absolutely visit: Da Conch Shack, Hemingway’s, and especially Coco Bistro.

Food and shopping are great, but the stars of paradise are the beaches and the water. According to TripAdvisor, Grace Bay Beach is one of the top five beaches in the world. Most of the resorts have snorkeling gear, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards for use by guests. Windsong and other restorts also have Hobie Cats catamarans for guests to sail in the bay.

photo credit: Victoria Wise

If you want to explore farther afield, there is no shortage of tour companies offering everything from parasailing and guided scuba/snorkeling trips to deep sea fishing and catamaran outings. I highly suggest a half-day trip with Caicos Dream Tours. Enjoy snorkeling on a giant reef where to see beautiful coral formations and sea life. The tour stops for an hour or so of exploration on Iguana Island, which is aptly named. Caicos Dream Tours boats can be described as party barges. There is loud music and alcohol, but it is totally appropriate for kids of all ages. They serve lunch and non-alcoholic beverages, too.

Finally, you really should charter a private boat for a day and cruise to North Caicos Island. (Trust me on this.) Be sure to stop at a local spot called Seashell Beach. As you will discover, it, like Iguana Island, is aptly named. Your guide can point out the remnants of an old British army fort, and you can even see sunken cannons. If you’re lucky, you might come upon some dolphins to swim with. We did, and it was mind-blowingly incredible.

If you’re feeling adventurous, and if you’re a bit of a bird nerd, you can rent a car on North Caicos, which is rather rustic, and drive out to see flamingos by the millions roosting on a huge inland lake called Flamingo Pond. This is also aptly named – the good people of TCI don’t waste their time on fancy nomenclature.

Speaking of the islanders, they are friendly and helpful. They know you’re there to relax, have fun, and spend money. They will offer you whatever they think you might buy, but as tourism is the basis of the TCI economy, you should support these lovely people and buy mementos of your trip.

Or you may decide to never leave. It is paradise, after all.

photo credit: Victoria Wise