Real fantasy vacations in the turks and caicos islands

bybuildyournow

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6 years ago

REAL FANTASY VACATIONS IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISL

It’s hard to believe that the Turks and Caicos Islands, being possibly the newest player on the block, attract some of the most elite visitors from every corner of the world. The islands are in fact the fastest growing tourist destination in the Caribbean.

If you can recall the popular 70’s TV series, Fantasy Island, with the eloquent and enigmatic Mr. Roarke and his heavy tongue sidekick, Tattoo, who, on arrival of planes announced, “Da plane, da plane”, you can almost replicate the Turks and Caicos Islands to Fantasy Island…only there is no Mr. Roarke and Tattoo, but you can be assured there are whole host of welcome representatives to greet you on arrival when you begin your fantasy vacation.

The romantic origin of The Turks and Caicos Islands goes back to its colorful pirate history when 17th and 18th century pirates used the islands as hideouts to prey upon passing Spanish, Dutch and English ships en route to Europe. These islands passed from Spanish, to French and finally to British control, but oddly enough, neither of these powers ever established any settlements. But today they’re a British Colony…ironically using US currency as its main tender.

JUST WHERE ARE THESE ISLANDS LOCATED?

About forty islands and cays comprise the Turks and Caicos Islands which are located just five hundred and fifty miles southeast of Florida…just below the Bahamas chain. For all practical purposes, the Turks and Caicos Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean and not in the Caribbean Sea as popularly believed.

The main islands include Providenciales (popularly known as Provo), North Caicos, Middle Caicos, West Caicos, Grand Turk, the capitol, East Caicos, Salt Cay, and many small islands and cays. Providenciales, is, in fact, the main island that drives the economic machinery. It’s the more populated island, with the more modern infrastructure including hotels and resorts. Most major business and banks are in Provo.

THE MAGIC OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

There are so many features that one can enjoy as a visitor to these islands. It’s this magic that visitors fantasize about when planning their vacation here, and are pleasantly surprised when they arrive. I will, however, list some of them for your info:

5 Star Accommodations

The luxurious beach-front resorts consisting of one, two and three bedroom suites, are lovely as they come…with luxury befitting royalty, and the most modern comforts imaginable. Most of these resorts are located on the world’s number one rated Grace Bay Beach (rated by Trip Advisor and Conde Nash), which is a 12 mile stretch of beach made of fine powdery white sand that rolls of your feet like talc. You must see it to believe it!

On some of the less popular smaller islands and cays are some of the most luxurious privately owned Villas around. Cays like Ambergris Cay, Pine Cay and Parrot Cay share a lifestyle only the rich and famous can afford. You can only reach these places by boat and private planes.

All- inclusive resorts that provide all essential services are a hit for families…and even singles that matter!

If you want to enjoy more privacy, private villas are also available on the beach-front for your comfort.

Eco Tourism Features

• Fishing: No vacation is complete without at least one day on the fishing in the blue waters surrounding the entire coast of the islands. The waters are the clearest on the planet and ideal for boating and drift fishing.
  

  
  There are lots of fishing charters only waiting for your beckoning. Your catch could include wahoo, tuna, marlin, swordfish, kingfish, tarpon, mahi…not forgetting the tasty grouper and red snapper.
• Reef Fishing: The entire family can enjoy an experience of reef fishing. The ever popular bone fishing is a must, just in the shallow water off the beach. This is such an exciting fishing experience that the whole family will enjoy If you want a more challenging experience you can engage in deep sea fishing just two miles off the coast! Now you begin to feel like a pro!

• Conch: The stories of the conch are true as they’re not only a tasty morsel, such as fresh conch salad, cracked conch or island conch chowder, but the stories of it being an aphrodisiac must be true as
  

  
  every year the families return to these islands, their numbers increase. The ever popular conch salad and crack conch are as must try!

• Turtles: Turtles are an enlightening thing to see in the waters or on land! Swim up close and playfully swim with them! These make a tasty meal themselves…once you find the right cook as not everyone is capable of preparing turtle meat which is a real tasty treat!

• Lobsters: As most of the islands are surrounded with beautiful reefs, you will see an array of sea life of every species. I can’t forget the spiny lobsters that inhabit the reefs, a most tasty meat prepared in as many ways as you can imagine.

• Whale Watching: The month of March is peak season for the hump back whales migration. Watching the female humpback whale with their calves migrating north to off-shore Maine is sight to behold…of course they are followed by large males just a few miles off shore. The males must want to have a whale of a time with them!

Shopping: Shops innumerable are available for your shopping needs…top brand fragrances, top quality jewelry, chic clothing brands, imported Cuban cigars, art, island souvenirs, and liquor etc., and practically anything you need. There are a number of duty free shopping outlets in Providenciales.

Cruise Ship Port

There is a cruise ship port on the island of Grand Turk, the capitol where stop-overs are made regularly. Passengers have the opportunity to relax, shop, and sight see the island, or simply sunbathe on the beach right at the cruise ship port.

Wedding Destination

Special packages for weddings are available on request. Destination weddings are big business in the islands. I’ve witnessed some of the most beautiful, memorable and unusual weddings in these islands…on beaches, uninhabited islands and cays, in resort pool decks and in pools, on boats and in the sea. You name it’ll be done for you. There are wedding planners and coordinators on island…most employed by resorts to sit with you and plan your wedding to suit your needs and budget. You don’t need to bring anything, except your wedding attire and rings which are also very much available in the fine jewelry stores on the island.

The People: They are some of the nicest you’ll meet anywhere and are always willing to give a helping hand when needed. They are multi-cultural…the indigenous people (locals) are called Belongers, complemented with Haitians and Dominicans that engage in mostly service duties. The Belongers head the government which uses the British Parliamentary system, with a resident (British) Governor representing the Queen of England year round.

In conclusion, I state unequivocally that this blog is not meant to be a sales pitch for the Turks and Caicos Islands in the least, but its purpose is to provide info about a destination that’s quickly and very quietly becoming one of the main centers of tourism in the Caribbean. Crime in the islands is practically non-existent and the infrastructure is better than most islands anywhere. You feel a sense of ease when you’re in the Turks and Caicos Islands and you are able to live out whatever fantasy you might have. No, You will not see Mr. Roarke or Tattoo, but you will feel refreshed as whatever burden you brought with you will soon be erased. When you board the plane to return to your home, you will have left all your troubles and burdens behind. Now this is fantasy…a real one!

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