If you’re looking for sunshine, great snorkeling, white sandy beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water for your next vacation then look no further than Turks and Caicos. In this post I’m only going to discuss the main island of Provo but North and Middle Caicos can offer incredible seclusion if that’s your jam. Turks and Caicos is just off the coast of Miami so the flight is shorter than most and they rank as one of the safest options in the area with a crime rate similar to that of New York City. Not sold yet? Just keep reading and wait until you see the photos.
Travel
Before leaving for TCI you’ll want to check the updated entry requirements. When I went in August an application was required along with a few other documents so give yourself time to prepare all of these.
You’ll want to book your flight to PLS which is the airport on Provo. Once you land, you’ll be escorted into the arrivals side of the building which consists of essentially one large room. The line can be really long during the high season and on weekends but you can get a Fast Track Pass from around $60-$200 that can be purchased in advance and will allow you to skip the lines (click here to get yours). I went in August so this wasn’t an issue for me and the line only took about 30 minutes.
You’ll need a ride from airport to your accommodations and I highly recommend a rental car if you plan on exploring the island. I rented a small car from Scooter Bob’s because they have a great reputation and are a family owned business. I chose the airport pickup option so the car was waiting for me upon arrival. It was even labeled with a name: “Kale.” Overall, the car was basic but exactly what I needed since I wasn’t planning on going off-roading. Parking on the island is very easy and free.
If you’ll be staying in one area the entire time then a rental car won’t be necessary and I’d suggest booking an airport transfer service instead if your accommodation doesn’t offer their own. There are also taxis on the island but many are illegally owned and operated so if you choose to go this route, then do your research thoroughly.
The only other thing I always advise is to obtain travel insurance before your trip. It’s inexpensive and well worth it. I like to use HTH but there are lots of options out there. Just be sure your plan covers any activities you want to do (paragliding, diving, etc.)
Where to stay
On vacation, I like to book multiple accomodations for some variety so I stayed at two different resorts in TCI and loved them both. For this vacation, I chose private resorts because they have security, great beaches, some free water sports, and offer a very chilled vacation. Our first location had the “resort feel” but our second felt amazingly exclusive. I elected to avoid the all inclusive chain resorts based on reviews and price. If you want some killer deals and don’t mind doing more leg work then there are also plenty of private rental options through websites like airbnb.
Seven Stars Resort
Seven Stars Resort is the best of the best and I would recommend it to anyone. Every bit of my stay here felt luxurious from the VIP treatment upon arrival to the 5 star service at checkout. It’s located on Grace Bay Beach which is world renowned for beautiful water and white sand. There are multiple pools, two restaurants, a gym and spa, an ocean trampoline, free water sports, free yoga classes, and the best hotel breakfast buffet I’ve ever had. It’s located within walking distance to a gourmet grocery store and lots of great restaurant and shops. Need I say more?
An adult-only pool, great for relaxation 
Awesome shops and food nearby
As great as the amenities are at Seven Stars, the rooms are even better. Many of the resorts on TCI have high price tags but are outdated. Seven Stars Resort is far from that. The garden view suite felt like a luxurious apartment and was pristinely clean. They definitely didn’t skip out on the small details and the quality shows. My room had a thermostat with central heating and air, a washer/dryer, automatic blinds, a huge (and I mean huge) patio, the best garden tub I’ve ever been in, and the high tech kitchen was stocked with everything you need for cooking, cocktails, and beyond. I could sing praises all day but I’ll let the photos and reviews speak for themselves.
Nothing is perfect so it’s time to share areas of improvement for this resort. The food, aside from the breakfast, wasn’t my favorite for the price and the beach service was quite slow. The staff was super friendly which makes up for it, I just wouldn’t choose this option if you’re hangry. Those are literally my only complaints after a week stay which I think speaks volumes!
Swaying Palms Boutique Resort
Swaying Palms is the perfect option for anyone looking for lots of privacy without being too far from shops and restaurants. The resorts contains 9 bungalows that are located on a private beach and nestled amongst lush vegetation. I’d definitely recommend the rental car for this option because it’s located on the less populated south-east end. The best part of this area is the water that’s only waist deep for several miles. Yes, you heard that correctly. You can literally go for a few mile walk into the ocean. There’s also an old Russian ship a couple miles from shore that you can take a jetski to and huge conch shells wash right up onto the shore! Talk about an amazing experience.
The resort has a gym, kayaks, beach chairs, and security. There are no restaurants but there’s a large resort just a short walk down the beach called the Shore Club which we frequented for food. The kitchen is fully stocked with cookware if you prefer to eat from home. If you want to feel like you’re in your own paradise then look no further. The stars and sounds of waves at night are an added bonus. Breathtaking!
You can walk miles out into the ocean!
The bungalows are private and quiet which make it feel like your own little oasis. I heard very little noise aside from nature. The private pool and large outdoor lounge chair are to-die for. I read so many books here. Each unit has an outdoor shower which was a great experience, especially at night under the stars! The best part though is the view. I chose a bungalow slightly farther from the beach but it still had a clear, unobstructed view of the ocean and I could hear the waves.
Now for a few areas of improvement, though there aren’t many. Swaying Palms is great for those seeking a private island feel, but I don’t think I’d recommend this resort for anyone who is looking for top tier luxury and comfort.
- The AC unit is limited to nighttime use which is no problem if you stay in the water during the day and open up the huge sliding glass wall of windows (so cool!) but if you like to hang out in your room at all during the day or if you have to take a day off for any reason, you’ll need to pay extra for any AC overages.
- The only shower is outside. I loved this and it wasn’t a problem because it hardly ever rains but I know some people would consider this a con.
- The beach gets inundated with seaweed at certain times of the year but this is not unique to this resort. The staff does their best to clean it up but it’s a losing battle. We experienced a few clear days and a few not-so-clear days. If you hate seaweed then you’ll need to choose a different part of the island. Personally, I think it looks beautiful.
- There is a wind surfing place next door. This is great if you love watersports but at certain times of the day the wind surfers will take over the horizon. This can actually look pretty cool but I know some people may find it to be a nuisance.
All that being said, if you love nature and want a private oasis in paradise then this is your resort! You won’t regret it.
Activities
Activities on Provo are endless. There are beautiful parks, some of the most beautiful snorkeling I’ve ever encountered, and lots of water sports. I can’t speak to the night life because I hit the hay early during this trip but I can definitely vouch for the outdoor activities.
I plan to do an entire post on the snorkeling because that’s what we spent the most time doing but for now, I’ll just say that the best reefs will require a little work to get to. All you’ll need is snorkeling gear and a ride. You can take a tour but I definitely recommend going on your own (with a swimming partner). Just do some research on the water current and wildlife in the area so that you can be prepared and I recommend watching some basic snorkeling safety videos. I also opted for this waterproof bag and an inflatable life vest to bring and loved them both. The best reefs are a little private to protect the wildlife but you can find their locations with a quick google search!
Other options include shopping local stands, checking out the nationals parks, attending numerous conch activities, going diving or kayaking, and much more.
Food
There are tons of food options in Provo. You can find everything from amazing fine dining to affordable street food. I recommend a combination of both. My favorite more upscale restaurant is Sui-Ren at the Shore Club resort. The dishes are light but delicious and the aesthetic is amazing. The Deck at Seven Stars Resort has one of the best views as well as live music in the evenings. Beans & Leaves coffee shop is great for deli sandwiches on the go. Turks Kabab is my favorite for a local affordable choice and it’s attached to a little market that’s fun to shop. Patty Place offers smoothies and a unique stuffed pastry experience that is tasty and affordable. For yummy brunch try Island Scoop. They also have a coconut stand during the day! I do most grocery shopping at Graceway Gourmet Market. By no means is this list exhaustive but hopefully it will get you off to a great culinary start!
The Deck 
Beans & Leaves 
Bugaloo’s 
Turks Kebab 
Sui-Ren 
Pizza Pizza 
Island Scoop 
I hope this guide has been helpful in getting your trip planning started. I always recommend checking out government safety information before travelling to any country but otherwise expect lots of sunshine and great memories during your trip.
Tag me in your photos @msvictoriasmith on Instagram so that I can see your awesome adventures and feel free to share this with friends!
Happy wandering.
Victoria
