HONEYMOON Island Life 8552 views

Going Places
The Turks and Caicos Islands in the British West Indies is a honeymoon haven of undeveloped islands boasting miles of white powdery beaches, superb diving, luxury hotels, and first-class restaurants.

Grand Turk Island stretches just six miles long and a mile wide and is the capital of the Turks and Caicos. Like the other islands, Grand Turk is blessed with miles of secluded sugary beaches and is surrounded by several uninhabited cays just waiting to be explored.

Providenciales Island (nicknamed ‘Provo’) is the most popular destination for honeymooners and is home to Grace Bay, a 12-mile stretch of velvety white sand, which is surrounded by a barrier reef and offers fabulous diving opportunities.

What to do
Relaxation is the order of the day but couples can choose to do as much or as little as they like on these breathtaking islands.
On Grand Turk, tourists can visit the historic Governor’s Beach, the Victoria Public Library and the famous lighthouse. While whale watching is a popular past time for holiday-makers visiting between January and April. The Turks and Caicos National Museum on Front Street, which explains the cultural history of the islands, is also not to be missed.

Travel in Style
For a truly A-list style honeymoon, check in to the luxury island resort of Parrot Cay, located in a tiny corner of its own uninhabited island with three miles of secluded beaches, an endless horizon of turquoise water and teeming coral reefs.

Couples can unwind and recharge their batteries in a blissfully peaceful environment and enjoy the mind and body treatments of the exclusive hilltop spa, or spend lazy hours lounging around the magnificent infinity pool.
Parrot Cay is the ultimate in chic simplicity with a touch of modern colonial style. Garden and Ocean Rooms are located in white terraces within the gardens, while set back from the beach are the spacious Beach Houses and Villas. The villas, with their terracotta tiles, teak wood furniture, white fabrics and elegant four-poster beds, all offer comfortable terraces, which are the ideal spot for star gazing.

And if you want to take part in a different kind of star-spotting, Parrot Cay is well-known for its celebrity clientele. Desperate Housewives’ super-glam leading lady Eva Longoria and her basketball hubby Tony Parker spent their honeymoon on this idyllic island.

The resort’s restaurants are also a great place for rubbing shoulders with the A-listers. By day, dine al fresco on the beach or at the pool side Lotus Restaurant; in the evening guests can enjoy a drink at the beach bar or poolside restaurant, or head up the hill to sample the delicacies of the gourmet Terrace Restaurant.

Know Before You Go
Honeymooners can now fly direct to Providenciales with British Airways from around £545 return from London Heathrow.

The Parrot Cay resort is about 35 minutes by power boat from Providenciales. A Garden Room Villa is around £223 per night, while a three-bed Beach Villa costs from £1600 per night depending on the season.

Even in winter, the islands are a comfortable 27-29°C, however, June to October is hurricane season, which can get quite severe, so travellers are recommended to visit between November and May.

The Turks and Caicos use the US Dollar. ATMs dispense dollars, and can be found in banks, supermarkets and most shopping centres. Credits cards are accepted almost everywhere, but some shops add a $25 minimum charge.

For more information on accommodation and excursions, visit Turks & Caicos Tourist Office.

© Turks & Caicos Tourist Office

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