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Best Turks and Caicos Beaches

Located in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of 40 low-lying islands. It is a great travel destination if you are looking for picture-perfect Caribbean beaches. The gateway island of Providenciales, known as Provo, is home to beautiful Grace Bay Beach, where you’ll also find many restaurants and shops nearby. There are also many fantastic off-the-beaten path beaches if you are looking for seclusion. Below are the top five beaches in Turks and Caicos.

Grace Bay Beach

Grace Bay Beach is the most popular beach in Turks and Caicos, home to many luxury resorts. The bay features a beautiful barrier reef system that is home to a large variety of marine life. Situated on the north shore of Provo, the bay’s soft white sand and clear water are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and enjoying a beach stroll.

Leeward Beach

If you are looking for peace and quiet, Leeward Beach is a great place to visit. It’s the perfect white sand beach with turquoise water and a tranquil atmosphere. You won’t find any large resorts here, so the beach feels quiet and secluded. Offshore, the sheltered channels on the eastern side of the beach are great for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and wakeboarding. Leeward Beach is also a great spot for enjoying a picnic on the beach.

Half Moon Bay

This beautiful bay is a combination of a beach and a sandbar lagoon, located between Water Cay and Little Water Cay. It is the top boat excursion destination in Turks and Caicos. Not only will you find a beautiful tropical beach here, but a shallow lagoon on the south side of the beach as well. It is a great place for nature lovers. The unique Turks and Caicos rock iguana can be frequently seen scurrying about the sand dunes, and the turquoise waters are home to tiny lemon sharks. The beach itself is lined by palm trees that provide some shade. Most visitors visit Half Moon Bay by boat cruise or yacht charter, but it’s also possible to kayak over from Providenciales.

North Bay Beach

This hidden gem of a beach is often overlooked. Located on the quiet island of Salt Cay, North Bay Beach is one of the finest stretches of sand in Turks and Caicos. It combines everything that makes a perfect tropical beach – powdery soft white and peach-colored sand, clear azure blue water, small reefs for snorkeling, shallow wave breaks for stand-up paddleboarding and a calm atmosphere perfect for a picnic on the beach. North Bay Beach doesn’t see many visitors, so you are likely to have the beach to yourself.

Pine Cay Beach

Located on the north shore of Pine Cay is the gem of a beach that has to be seen to be believed. The beach boasts pristine sand and calm turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The Meridian Club is the only resort on this coast, and there are a handful of rental villas where guests can stay. What makes this beach unique is that it is a great destination if you would like to recreate a Maho Beach style photo of a plane landing over the beach. That’s because the Pine Cay airstrip is located just over the dune. There won’t be any large jets landing on Pine Cay but only small planes, but it’s still a great photo op!

Top Three Villa Picks in the Bahamas

The Bahamas has 700 islands and over 2,000 rocks and cays spread over 100,000 square miles of ocean. The archipelago is an ecological oasis and has the clearest water on the planet. There is so much to do and see here and it might be an overwhelming choice to decide where to go and where to stay. As insiders who are familiar with the Bahamas well we present some of the best places to stay.

Over Yonder Cay Luxury Villas

How about your own island? Over Yonder Cay is a private island in the Exumas featuring ultimate luxury and privacy. Here you and your group of up to 30 guests can enjoy four private villas and breathtaking beaches. The focal point of the island is the Meridian House that you can already spot as you arrive by plane. Its central hilltop location is the perfect place to enjoy the dramatic panoramic views all around. The upscale and elegant interior boasts a home theater, gym, sauna and steam room. The West Sands is the second villa located just steps from Whale Bone Beach. The villa’s four luxury bedrooms can accommodate eight guests. Here you can also enjoy private alfresco dining, lounging, a fire pit and a hot tub. The third villa, East Cove, is slightly elevated and overlooks Exuma Sound. It has a master suite, guest suite and two bedrooms with Hollywood bathroom.

Farniente

This four bedroom luxury villa located on Staniel Cay’s ocean ridge is a custom-designed masterpiece encompassing 5,000 square feet of indoor space, including four spacious private suites. For your entertainment you will also enjoy a large 6,000 square foot outdoor area with a heated swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor dining area, sun lounges and private beach access to a beautiful white sand beach. The villa combines a modern combination of island living and the fine touches of European design and elegance. The villa is designed for up to eight guests, and each sleeping suite is privately separated from the others, connected by Farniente’s expansive decking. All suites have their own unique design and feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a sitting area with flat-screen TV, an Antonio Lupi bathroom with a large glass shower, luxury towels and more.

Villa Carissa

Villa Carissa is another highly recommended gorgeous villa located on Harbour Island. It has three custom-designed tropical bedrooms with own bathrooms. The private home also features an adjoining one bedroom, one bathroom guest cottage. Guests of Villa Carissa enjoy a lushly landscaped outdoor area with a large private pool. The villa is just a few minutes away from Coral Sands Resort, where you will have access to all of the resort’s amenities – a heated resort pool, beach cabanas, world-class dining and shopping and more. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, there are plenty of things to do here ranging from beach activities to land tours, hiking, biking and more.

Antigua Travel Tips

The Caribbean island of Antigua has over 360 beaches and is the perfect beach destination for anyone who is into beach activities. From swimming and walking on a white sand beach, to snorkeling, diving and exploring the coral reef, here in Antigua you will find a beach for every taste. So if you are thinking of a beach vacation in Antigua you will find some tips and information below that will help you plan your trip.

Getting to Antigua

All flights arrive and depart from the VC Bird International Airport (ANU). The airport is about five miles outside of the Antiguan capital of St. John’s. Some airlines offer connections to Antigua, for example: American Airlines from Charlotte, Delta from Atlanta, and United Airlines from Newark, so if you are planning to fly to Antigua there are some seasonal and year-round options. Alternatively another way to get to Antigua is via cruise ship. The island is a popular port for Caribbean cruise liners, and numerous cruise ships dock here. If you are coming from the United States you will get a six-month tourist stamp, so a visa to visit Antigua is not required.

Getting Around

There is an affordable island transportation service, which we don’t recommend because it is largely unreliable. Best is to rent a car because that way you will have more flexibility to explore the island’s wonders. If you decide to rent a car you will need an Antiguan driver’s license, which is easy to obtain and can be issued by most car rental agencies. It requires a valid driver’s license from home. Some of the roads are a bit bumpy and narrow, so if you don’t feel comfortable driving, you may consider getting around by taxi. Even though it could be a bit more costly, the taxi drivers are usually very friendly and can give you travel tips or additional information for your destination.

Best Time to Travel

Overall Antigua has a pleasant climate year round, but what’s considered peak season is from mid-December to early April when visitors from Europe and North America come to the island to escape the cold winter at home. From mid-April to the end of November the climate is a bit more humid and there might be more tropical storms. There is also a hurricane season that is between June and September.

Money

If you are coming from the United States, the U.S. Dollar will be accepted across the island. Many prestigious stores and restaurants also accept all standard credit cards. If you plan to use local currency you will need the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. It is best to exchange currency in banks where rates are better.

St. Lucia – the Most Romantic Honeymoon Destination

Looking for an exotic honeymoon getaway where you can enjoy five star accommodations and personal service? If so, St. Lucia is the place to go. Here you will find luxury private retreats for couples with stunning panoramic ocean and sunset views.  Since the atmosphere on the island is very intimate you will not find mega resorts here. Instead, all accommodation options are unique and personal focusing on adult only services. Because of its honeymoon nature you will find many island providers that will entice you with their custom all inclusive honeymoon packages. Typically such a package includes:

Warm welcome – guests will get picked up and dropped off at departure. Upon arrival to their romantic home, honeymooners will be greeted with a welcome gift that includes a bottle of champagne.

Luxury accommodations – it can come in the form of a special villa, intimate waterfront cottage or a private junior suite in a beachfront resort. What honeymoon packages have in common is they usually feature an open-floor living space with private outdoor pool revealing unobstructed Piton and sea views, which acts as an extra mood enhancer for the couple. Couples will also have access to very discrete butler service.

All inclusive meals and drinks – when a couple plans a honeymoon of such a fine magnitude they usually enjoy all inclusive meal and drink services, including unlimited reservation-free gourmet dining, unlimited wine and premium spirits, gourmet in-suite dining, treats served along the pool and more.

Water and land activities – Honeymooners are welcome to explore the island’s wonders and underwater world. Honeymoon packages include access to private outdoor activities, such as snorkeling for two, sailing on a private catamaran, kayaking, as well nature hiking, biking and island sightseeing.

Honeymoon bonus items – some resorts include special bonus items you can bring home or enjoy while on the island. For example, some packages include a box of chocolate, photo frame, fruit basket, turndown service with rose petals on the first night, or breakfast in bed with fresh flowers. Other resorts offer additional discounts or a resort credit for the couple.

Things to Know Before Visiting the Bahamas

What makes the Bahamas an attractive travel destination to Americans and visitors from around the world is the combination of good weather year round, picture-perfect beaches and the large selection of land and water activities. Getting to the Bahamas is easy and you can either fly here or come on a cruise ship. Here is what you need to know before you come.

Passport requirement

You will need your passport to visit the Bahamas, and it needs to be valid for at least six months after your trip. So if you still need to do some passport arrangements, make sure you give yourself enough time to obtain a passport before your departure date.

Currency

Even though the Bahamas have their own currency (Bahamian dollar), it is of equal value to the American dollar. So changing currency is not necessary. The American dollar is accepted everywhere and you can also use most debit cards and the standard credit cards – Visa, Mastercard and American Express. When you use your card there might be small international transaction fees.

Accommodations

Just like most of the Caribbean islands, the Bahamas are pricey. But you will get what you pay for. There are a few good resorts here, but most visitors prefer the seclusion and privacy of a vacation home. If you plan to stay at a vacation home you will most likely have access to additional services, such as a cook, butler, concierge, etc, so you will not be missing out on what resorts offer.

Activities

The Bahamas is an activity paradise and there is so much to do and see here. Ocean activities range from swimming with sharks and dolphins, snorkeling with colorful fish in the shallow waters of Nassau’s famous reefs, diving and exploring deep walls, fascinating wrecks, blue holes, tunnels and more. If you don’t want to get wet you can still explore the amazing underwater world of the Bahamas by taking an underwater cruise in your own submarine. Another must-do is a sunset dinner cruise where you can enjoy a casual atmosphere on a sailing catamaran, watch the sunset and enjoy a buffet dinner.  For the most adventurous of you, come and parasail over the clear blue crystal waters of Cabbage Beach. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will take your breath away. If you are into land adventures, you will love venturing out on an ATV. This is a unique way to drive through and explore the lush jungle and enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise sea and beautiful shoreline.

Dining

Discovering the Bahamian cuisine is a must-do for everyone who comes here. The Bahamas offers a large selection of dining options, from casual beachfront cafés and award-winning fine dining restaurants to Mom & Pop eateries featuring traditional Bahamian favorites in a laid-back atmosphere. There are even tours that will take you off the beaten tourist path on a delicious culinary adventure through Nassau’s vibrant downtown neighborhood where you will visit and sample local delicacies, including classic conch fritters, baked macaroni and cheese, rum cake and more.

Turks and Caicos Travel Tips

Tired of the hustle and bustle of busy life and crowded tourist destinations? If so, Turks and Caicos is your ultimate getaway. Escape to this secluded paradise and discover the island’s treasures – shimmering azure water, colorful coral reefs, long and soft-sanded beaches, a careless lifestyle and much more. The islands are well for offering seclusion, and even though in recent years popular chain restaurants and services have opened their doors to visitors, Turks and Caicos remains a secluded travel destination. Here are ten travel tips you need to know before you come.

Choose your departure airport wisely

Check the flights at your local airport, as well as other nearby airports. Based on the flight connection the closest airport is not always the best and fastest way to get to the islands. If there is a better connection from another airport consider departing from there.

Plan your budget

Visiting paradise comes at its price. The overall price of food and services is twice as high compared to the continental United States. So keep this in mind and if you need to, bring an extra credit card. In addition to the cost of paradise, everything needs to be imported here, so this adds an additional cost.

Tipping

Just like in the United States standard tipping is considered 15-20%. If you stay at an all-including hotel, the tip amount will most likely be added to your stay. In case of doubt ask your concierge.

Weather

Generally speaking, Turks and Caicos has pleasant and consistent weather throughout the year. The average temperature from June to October is 85-90°F (29°-32°C) and this is when the weather is considered hot. The cooler temperatures of 80-84°F (27°-29°C) are from November to May. Just like for other Caribbean islands there is a hurricane season, and it officially starts on June 1st and ends on November 30th.

Ride the cab

One thing to know and keep in mind, taxi rides are per person instead of per ride. So if you travel in a larger group, expect a bigger bill disregarding the distance you travel.

Renting a car

If paying cab rides per person is not your thing, consider renting a car. That way you will have more flexibility and affordability. Keep in mind that the minimum car rental age in Turks and Caicos is 25 years in most cases due to insurance policies. There are a few businesses that have a minimum rental age of 21.

Traffic

Most of the traffic is on Providenciales where most of tourists go. The other islands see less traffic and are more stress-free when it comes to driving. One thing to know is that some of the roads are “island-style” quality, so drive with great caution.

Scuba anyone?

Did you know that Turks and Caicos has the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world? Therefore, the snorkeling and scuba diving here is simply amazing. If you plan to scuba dive you need to get a scuba certificate. Best to do that before you come so you don’t lose any time and can enjoy the serenity of the underwater world here right away.

Lobster season

If you love lobster there is just one thing to know, there is a lobster seasons that starts from August 15th and ends on April 1st. During that time you will find delicious lobster dining options across the islands. During the rest of the year it is illegal to catch lobsters, so if you are set on lobster dining plan to visit during lobster season.

Our Top Three Villa Picks on St. Lucia

Come to this fine island in the Caribbean to experience your ultimate romantic getaway. With its natural splendor, azure blue beaches and luxury accommodations the island of St. Lucia is the best choice for your romantic occasion. The island has two airports offering services for international flights from the U.S. and Europe and services for private jets as well. The island of St. Lucia offers a great selection of romantic and luxurious accommodations. Here are our top picks of the best what the island of Lucia has to offer.

The Suites at Paradise Ridge

Once a part of one of the largest and most famous Soufrière’s cocoa plantations, today The Suites at Paradise Ridge is part of the Ladera Resort set on 1,100 feet above sea level featuring spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and the famous landmark of the Pitons. Most of the guests at The Suites at Paradise Ridge come here on their honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary or renewing their wedding vows. All villas are spacious with open-air design and unique Caribbean decor. Each villa is skillfully crafted in Ladera’s signature rainforest style featuring terracotta flooring, Soufrière stone and tile work crafted by St. Lucian masons and columns milled and polished from tropical greenheart wood. All suits also have private pools with custom features such as porch swings for two over the pools.

Beachfront Collection

This one-of-a-kind home situated on the white sands of Sugar Beach is designed by the world-famous British architecture firm Michaelis Boyd Associates and it is one of the most sophisticated beachfront homes in the world. The slick and modern design features floor-to-ceiling windows that open to stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The property boasts a custom Italian kitchen with Gaggenau & Miele professional appliances, an outdoor dining area and tons of other amenities that will spoil you and your loved one.

You will also have full access to five star services and amenities. Enjoy a huge infinity edge pool, a rainforest spa, three gourmet restaurants, four bars, a night club and more. There is also a beach club & lounge, and if you come with your little ones they will have access to an amazing kids club. You will have 24 hour access to butlers providing discreet service. To make your experience even better you can also take advantage of the massage therapists and concierge service specialists.

Jade Mountain Resort

Rising majestically above the 600 acre beachfront resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain Resort on St. Lucia features an unsurpassed location with lush tropical acres adjoining sandy Caribbean beaches with pristine coral reefs just offshore. This unspoiled serenity is home to five luxurious villas boasting spectacular views of the Piton and sea views from its open floor living area. Jade Mountain Resort provides ultimate privacy, world-class service and access to Anse Chastanet’s restaurants, bars, art galleries, spas, boutiques, and bike and watersport facilities. So if you are looking for the ultimate getaway, look no more.

Top Bahamas Attractions

Located southeast of Florida, the Bahamas is an archipelago of 700-plus islands. Grand Bahama and Paradise Island are among the best known and are home to many large resorts. The Bahamas are the quintessential Caribbean vacation destination where you will find many gorgeous white sand beaches, historical sites, museums, water parks, nature parks and so much more. Here are some of the most popular Bahamas attractions.

Atlantis Bahamas, Paradise Island

Located on Paradise Island, the Atlantis Resort is one of the Bahamas’ most popular tourist attractions, home to a casino, six lagoons, and a huge 141-acre water park, called Aquaventure. It is the perfect playground for the entire family. The resort also features top-notch accommodations, a golf course and several restaurants. Atlantis Bahamas also boasts the world’s largest open-air marine habitat. The aquariums are home to over 50,000 marine animals from over 200 species, including sharks, eels, piranha, rays and many more.

Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama Island

Located on Grand Bahama Island, Lucayan National Park features 40 acres of palm, pine and mangrove trees, as well as beautiful Gold Rock Beach, the Burial Mound Cave and Ben’s Cave, both of which are part of one of the world’s longest underwater limestone cave systems. Located less then 20 miles from downtown Freeport, the national park is within easy reach.

Queen’s Staircase, New Providence Island

Queen’s Staircase in downtown Nassau on New Providence Island is a historic staircase that was carved out of limestone by slaves in the late 1700s. It took more than 16 years to complete and was named after Queen Victoria, who ruled over this region for 64 years. She abolished slavery in the country. Spanning 102 feet, Queen’s Staircase is also sometimes referred to as 66 steps, though only 65 are visible.

The Glass Window Bridge, Eleuthera

To enjoy one of the most unique views in the Bahamas, visit the Glass Window Bridge on Eleuthera. Measuring just 30 feet in width at its narrowest point, this strip of land connects Eleuthera’s Gregory Town and Lower Bogue. On the northern side, you’ll see the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and on the southern side the turquoise waters of the Exuma Sound in the Caribbean Sea. It is this stark contrast between the Glass Window Bridge’s two sides that is so fascinating for many visitors. You can see both sides without leaving your car, but to truly enjoy the view, you can hike around the area. There is also a public beach on the Caribbean side.

Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, Eleuthera

Located on Eleuthera, the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is a 25-acre national park, a lush oasis featuring beautiful native flora, from orchids and ferns to mangroves and cacti. There are miles of trails within this nature preserve, so it is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll with plenty of great photo opportunities.

Our Top Three Villa Picks on Turks & Caicos

Turks and Caicos is a beautiful group of 40 low-lying islands in the Caribbean, located southeast of the Bahamas. The gateway island of Providenciales, known as Provo, is home to expansive Grace Bay Beach, as well as numerous luxury resorts, shops and restaurants. There is also no shortage of private luxury villas for travelers seeking ultimate comfort and privacy. Here is our top three villa picks on Turks and Caicos.

Hawksbill Villa

Hawksbill is an eight bedroom beachfront villa on Grace Bay, accommodating up to sixteen guests. The bedrooms are spread across different buildings, which makes it the perfect retreat for a large family, corporate gathering or other special event. Hawksbill can be rented as either a 5, 6, 8, or a 10 bedroom villa if combined with the adjacent beach house. The villas feature contemporary Caribbean design and natural materials, including stones and different types of wood that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Located on the property is a long swimming pool perfect for laps, a Jacuzzi, a gym, a tennis and a basketball court.

Hawksbill boasts a high vaulted ceiling and an open floor plan in its living and dining area with plenty of windows that create a bright and airy ambience. The kitchen and screened terrace open to the outside. The stand-along master suite is situated on the opposite side of the pool from the main house. Located behind the main house is a two bedroom guest house with its own kitchen and living space. With its beautiful open spaces, Hawksbill is the ideal luxury villa venue in Turks and Caicos.

Triton Villa

Triton is a seven bedroom beachfront villa, situated on over two beautiful acres right behind the pristine sand dunes of Long Bay Beach. The property features two pools, a hot tub, bocce ball and tennis courts, an outdoor movie theater with fire pit and panoramic ocean views. Triton has king beds, en-suite bathrooms and ocean views from six of the seven bedrooms. Three of the suites have private balconies, and the remaining four open to the terrace.

Triton’s neutral tones and clean-lined furnishings create an atmosphere of ultimate luxury. Guests enjoy an airy atmosphere that is enhanced by the sliding glass doors that allow the ocean breeze to drift into the home. Since there are no hotels or other developments within two miles of the villa, Triton is the perfect vacation rental for those seeking privacy and ultimate seclusion – it is the ideal luxury accommodation for wedding receptions, corporate events or other special occasions.

Coral Pavilion

Coral Pavilion is a five bedroom beachfront villa located on the best stretch of Grace Bay, accommodating parties of up to ten guests. The villa’s unique Bajan architecture is what makes it stand out. Encompassing 8,000 square feet of indoor area and 120 feet of beach frontage, the villa offers plenty of space for its guests. Four of the five bedrooms have king size beds and the remaining one has two twin beds. Each bedroom also has an en-suite bathroom. The upstairs Master bedroom also features an en-suite office and a terrace overlooking the turquoise waters of Grace Bay. All bedrooms have air-conditioning, ceiling fans, a TV and Sonos sound system.

Coral Pavilion also features extra perks, including complimentary airport transfer, welcome beverages, cold towels and daily breakfast. Ready to serve all guests is a private chef, butler and housekeeper. Guests also enjoy complimentary access to the gym and resort facilities at nearby Seven Stars. A personal concierge can assist guests with bookings or tours and activities.

 
 

5 Things to See and Do on Antigua

Situated in the eastern Caribbean, the island of Antigua is a popular year-round travel destination. Many visitors arrive at the cruise ship port in the picturesque capital of St. John’s, where shops, restaurants, museums and historic buildings are the prime draws. Popular activities include a variety of water sports, such as swimming, surfing, diving, sunbathing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing. Below are five popular things to see and do on Antigua.

Stingray City

Looking for a fun and unique adventure? Located just a five-minute speedboat ride off Antigua’s eastern shore is Stingray City, a shallow pool with a sandy ocean bottom amid a tropical coral reef that’s home to hundreds of friendly stingrays. Watch these magnificent creatures glide through the crystal clear waters. If you want, you can stand, swim or snorkel with them. Feeling the stingrays’ smooth bodies brush against your skin is a highlight of this adventure.

Nelson’s Dockyard National Park

Located in English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard National Park is one of Antigua’s most popular tourist attractions. It is home to the island’s 18th century British Naval Dockyard, as well as restored historic buildings and scenic nature trails. The restored marina features beautiful old stone warehouses, and visitors also find shops, restaurants, galleries and museums to explore. After a tour of the dockyard, you can enjoy the panoramic views from the ruins of Fort Shirley, located on the hilltop at Shirley Heights.

St. John’s

St. John’s is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. The city features an array of colonial cottages and market stalls to explore. One of the city’s most distinctive buildinds is St. John’s Cathedral, known for its beautiful white neo-Baroque towers. St. John’s also offers visitors plenty of great shopping opportunities. There are many duty free shops at Heritage Quay, or head to Redcliffe Quay to browse a variety of souvenir stalls.

Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
To learn about the island’s history, visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda located in the former 18th century courthouse in St. John’s. The museum traces the history of these islands from their geological origins all the way to their political independence in 1981. You’ll find many interesting exhibits, including a full-scale replica of an Arawak dwelling, exhibits of the islands’ different ecosystems, as well as pottery and weaving tools.

Fig Tree Drive

This scenic drive along Antigua’s south shore offers visitors a glimpse of local island life. Fig Tree Drive winds through a beautiful rainforest, farmlands and small fishing villages. Banana trees (called “figs” by local residents), coconut palms and mango trees dot the landscape. You’ll also get to see the ruins of sugar mills. Keep an eye out for roadside stands selling fresh fruit.

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