Turks and Caicos holidays: Grace Bay, private islands and hotels
Shallow turquoise water as far as you can see, one of the world's most celebrated beaches and private islands where the hotel is the only building. Turks and Caicos is the Caribbean's luxury escape.
Providenciales
Photo: Nicole Keller / Unsplash
Turks and Caicos at a glance
The water at Grace Bay is so shallow and clear that you can see your shadow on the sandy bottom. Behind you the hotels are low and spread out, and it rarely feels crowded. Turks and Caicos is an archipelago south-east of the Bahamas with around 40 islands and cays, only a handful of them inhabited.
The islands are a British Overseas Territory, but the currency is the US dollar. Prices are high, even by Caribbean standards. For more islands, see our Caribbean guide.
Which island suits you?
Providenciales, for Grace Bay
The main tourist island, known as Provo, has the airport, Grace Bay and most hotels and restaurants. Chalk Sound in the south-west is a lagoon of almost luminous turquoise.
Parrot Cay and the private islands, for total calm
Some islands have a single resort. Parrot Cay is the best known, and you arrive only by boat.
Middle and North Caicos, for nature
Limestone caves, flamingos and empty beaches. The ferry from Provo takes under an hour.
Grand Turk, for history
The capital, Cockburn Town, has colonial buildings and old salt pans. Cruise ships call here.
Turks and Caicos
Photo: Marc Snailum / Unsplash
When to go
December to April: dry, sunny and around 27 degrees. Peak season with peak prices.
May to July: warmer, quieter and cheaper.
August to October: the height of hurricane season. Some hotels close in September.
Good to know
British Airways flies from London, and there are many connections via the US.
Diving and snorkelling are among the Caribbean's best, around one of the world's largest coral reef systems.
Food and drink are expensive. Many guests choose a hotel with half board.
Check US transit rules before you book if you connect there.
Where to stay
Some of the Caribbean's best hotels are here: COMO Parrot Cay on its own island, Rock House on the cliffs, and Grace Bay Club and Wymara on Grace Bay. Ten of them are in our Turks and Caicos hotel guide. For comparison, see our all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas.
Frequently asked questions about Turks and Caicos
When is the best time to visit Turks and Caicos?
December to April is the driest and most settled. May to July is a good balance of weather and price.
Which island should I stay on?
Providenciales for Grace Bay and the most restaurants, or a private island like Parrot Cay for total calm.
Is Turks and Caicos expensive?
Yes. Hotels, food and activities are pricey even compared with the rest of the Caribbean.
What currency is used?
The US dollar.