The resorts in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) offer easy access to tourist services, as well as the beautiful unspoiled nature of the islands. These islands are an archipelago of 8 larger islands that are a geographical continuation of the Bahamas, but form a separate political entity that is a British Overseas Territory. There are two groups of islands separated by the Paso de Colón. The island of Grand Turk, to the east, is the political center of the territory. The larger chain of Caicos to the west features many pristine ecological reserves, as well as the focal point of the country’s tourism industry, on the island of Providenciales, better known as Provo.

These islands to the east are actually an atoll made up of the remains of ancient coral reefs situated on top of a seamount (an underwater mountain), now known as Caicos Bank. The Caicos Bank is a shallow body of water known for its coral sands and crystal clear waters. There are seven large islands in this western chain, and most are uninhabited or sparsely populated. One, Ambergris Cay, has its own private airport that stretches out into the blue Caribbean Sea.

Provo, the main urban center, is home to a small population of 22,000. Its scattered east-west communities are connected by Leeward Highway, which offers easy access to Grace Bay Beach, Turtle Tail, as well as an international airport with regular flights to Miami, New York, Toronto, and London.

There is very little development in Provo, especially in its western region. You can drive less than 20 minutes from your hotel to Silly Creek, across from Chalk Sound National Park, for an afternoon windsurfing or snorkeling in crystal clear waters filled with native snails and large Caribbean crabs. After spending the day enjoying the beautiful beach setting, a Turks and Caicos resort is just a short drive away.