Searching for serenity on a beautiful Caribbean beach where the landscape beckons you to lie back and let go? Book a non-stop flight from Charlotte to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos and in less than three hours you’ll be lounging on one of the world’s most welcoming destinations surrounded by stunning stretches of sand: Grace Bay.
This staggering seven-mile powdery-white shore is the heart and soul of Providenciales, or “Provo” as the locals call it, the most developed of the eight inhabited islands in Turks and Caicos. Grace Bay is immaculate with its crystal-clear turquoise water going knee-deep for miles. Locals take pride in keeping the beaches and the sidewalks clean. No trash on the ground, no plastic carelessly chucked into the water. The residents will report anyone who litters or harasses tourists; they want to maintain a warm welcome to their visitors.
STAY
Provo is easy for Americans. The local currency is the U.S. dollar, and ATMs are plentiful. The streets are safe, and no big buildings distract from the natural beauty of the ocean. In fact, only a few structures have permits to build higher than four stories. One is the Seven Stars Resort—a high-end accommodation on the leeward side of the island.
Named after the seven daughters of the constellation Pleiades in Greek mythology, Seven Stars shines as a favorite choice for visitors traveling with or without children. The spacious suites offer kings beds with sweeping views of the bay from a private balcony. Three-bedroom suites have a full kitchen and living room with a stackable washer and dryer. Guests may swim in the island’s only heated outdoor swimming pool just steps away from the ocean and partake in several water activities included in the resort stay such as hobie cats, paddleboards and kayaks.
The beach is untouched and uncrowded. Seven Stars has beach attendants who serve you drinks and food as you soak in the sun. The water is teeming with marine life like the brilliant orange starfish that swim close to shore, but the conch is Provo’s main claim to fame. The locals farm them, sell their shells and eat the meat as a delicacy. Definitely visit a conch farm—the kids will love it—or go on a snorkel trip arranged by the resort where a guide will free dive to the bottom of the ocean to retrieve a conch. Once in hand, the divers extract the conch, make a conch ceviche for your enjoyment and clean the shell so you can take it home as a souvenir. If that’s too rustic, try the cooked conch fritters at the famous local barefoot diver bar, Bugaloo’s.
EAT
Speaking of restaurants, Provo has plenty of good eats including a variety of establishments for the refined palette. The most popular, Coco Bistro, an open-air dining experience under the palm trees, requires reservations months ahead of time and is walking distance from Seven Stars. For breathtaking sunset views of the bay and harbor, choose Magnolia Restaurant and sit on the terrace. For elegant, sophisticated flair, make reservations at Parallel 23 to sample a fusion of exotic international flavors and Caribbean specialties.
PLAY
But the real flavor of this island is experienced on the water. If seeking a thrill, venture to Shore Club for some of the best kite surfing conditions in the world. Another popular activity is horseback riding on the beach where the horses walk leg-deep in the ocean allowing you to graze your toes along water as you ride.
At the end of each relaxing day, sip cool drinks and unwind on the sand as the sun sinks low on the water. After a wintry season, Grace Bay in all its grace and glory, may warm up not only your body, but your soul.
KRISHA CHACHRA is a Charlotte-based travel writer for regional and national magazines. She has visited more than 50 countries on six continents. Contact her at krishachachra.com or on social media at @destinationsanddelish and @krishachachra.