Snapshots of island life on Providenciales in Turks & Caicos
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos -- People come from all over the world for the Grace Bay Beach on the island called "Provo." This glorious 12-mile stretch of shoreline has made the most developed island (population roughly 30,000) in a small Caribbean chain just south of the Bahamas one hot destination.
Resorts line up like dominoes -- Club Med, Beaches, Ocean Club Resorts, Seven Stars, etc. -- along the beach, which ranked No. 1 in the world two years running by TripAdvisor users. These resorts serve as the hubs of activity on this still-sleepy, laid-back British Overseas Territory.
Guests staying in luxury suites at the original Ocean Club Resort or newer Ocean Club West -- two condominium-style resorts a mile apart -- can shuttle back and forth to enjoy three great restaurants on site or tee it up at Provo Golf Club across the street.
Lazy days can be spent riding bikes to shops or relaxing at either resort's Spa Tropique. Exploring the island leads to fun discoveries: Da Conch Shack and Rum Bar on Blue Hills Beach and the world's first conch farm. Despite its slimy appearance, conch (pronounced "conk") is quite a tasty local delicacy served in all sorts of ways.
Sailing with Sun Charters on the schooner Atabeyra delivers the best of snorkeling, pleasure cruising and stunning sunsets. Celebrities tend to flock to Turks & Caicos for its laid-back vibe. Country star Toby Keith recently played a round at Provo Golf Club.
"He liked it so much he extended his stay," says Sean Wilson, the club's associate golf professional. Keith must have been heeding the advice of a song he wrote called "Chill-axin'." That's what many folks on "Provo" are aiming to do.