In the Caribbean, the Turks and Caicos distinguish themselves as a premier luxury destination, where pristine beaches and spectacular seas are complemented by equally sublime accommodations, world-class dining venues, and exhilarating pursuits.
Planning the perfect getaway to these stunning islands might seem daunting if you’re unfamiliar with them. At The Source, we’ve welcomed hundreds of first-time guests and helped them to experience the best the islands have to offer. Here, we share our insider tips to get the most out of your stay.
Best Time to Visit?
With its tropical climate and plentiful sunshine, the Turks and Caicos is always in season. However, both weather and ambiance vary according to the time of year, so the best time depends on what you’re seeking.
Late November to April is high season, and the islands are at their busiest. The weather is warm but not too hot, humidity is low, steady breezes create ideal conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing. For whale watching, be sure to visit between January and April.
In summer (May to September) the winds drop, and the sea is warm and calm – ideal for diving and snorkeling. If you’re seeking serenity and seclusion, this is when the islands are at teir slowest – but also their hottest!
From Plane to Villa in Record Time
Your vacation should begin the moment you touch down at Providenciales International Airport (PLS), the main airport for the Turks and Caicos. Therefore, you want to get through immigration, out of the airport, and into your accommodation as smoothly and speedily as possible.
As our airport is fairly small and the line at immigration can be long, we highly recommend booking the arrival fast track pass – especially in high season – to save time and maximise your vacation time.
Once out of the airport, you’ll want to get to your accommodation as soon as possible. Even if you have chosen to rent a car – it’s the best way to get around the island –it’s actually best NOT to collect it at the airport (unless you want to spend time waiting in line). Instead, we recommend booking a taxi to take you straight from the airport to your villa, and have your rental car delivered to you there.
When getting a taxi at the airport, be sure to book a private transfer, as taxis in TCI are shared which means you may end up making multiple stops to drop other passengers off.
Your concierge can help with all these arrangements.
Some visitors choose to fly to Provo privately. If you do this, be aware that during peak season private jets may not be permitted to land or take off between 12 and 4pm at weekends. To avoid delays, have your jet company double check on any flight restrictions.
Finding Your Perfect Beach
First-time visitors often default to Grace Bay – and for good reason. The famous arc of pristine white sand is consistently named among the world’s best beaches, and its central location puts you within easy reach of myriad dining options, boutiques, and whole host of both water- and land-based activities. Even without a car, you’ll have the best of the island at your fingertips in this area.
Of course, Grace Bay is not the only beautiful beach on Providenciales, but how well other locations suit you depends very much on your interests and requirements. If privacy and seclusion are a priority, for instance, Thompson Cove is a low-key residential neighbourhood on the north shore, where you may have the beach all to yourself.
Some of the south coast beaches offer spectacularly calm, turquoise waters but it’s worth knowing that these bays tend to also be very shallow – something that may suit families with young children but may not be ideal if your priority is being able to swim and snorkel only steps from your villa. Other beaches, like Long Bay, are consistently breezy: perfect for keen kitesurfers, but maybe not so relaxing for others.
If jetski expeditions from your villa are part of the plan, please note that jetskis are not permitted in Grace Bay, as it’s a National Park. If you’re set on high-speed adventures, choose a villa in a neighbourhood where these are available.
We will be happy to match your villa location to your travel style, whether that’s social and central, or off-grid and serene.
Packing with Purpose
Swimsuits and sandals are all you’ll need at the beach or pool, but you’ll want to throw on some light resort wear to enter stores and businesses. While there is no formal dress code for restaurants, some light, smart causal-outfits for evenings are a good idea. If visiting during the winter, bring a light sweater or wrap for cooler evenings. We also encourage guests to bring reef safe sunscreen to protect our pristine marine environment.
Leave behind snorkel gear, board games, and beach games – our villas come fully equipped with all of these.
Feasting on Island Flavours
For a small island Providenciales has a surprisingly sophisticated dining scene. There are numerous five-star resorts that welcome non-guests into their restaurants, but there is also an impressive selection of chef-owned, independent dining venues, offering creative menus that will delight the most discerning foodies.
That is not to say you should not also make time to sample the island specialties – conch fritters, grilled snapper, fresh lobster – preferably in a simple, barefoot beach bar.
For an intimate and truly memorable experience, have a private chef prepare a multi-course menu for you, totally tailored to your preferences.
Planning Ahead
With so much to do, from boat charters and scuba diving to fishing, kayaking and relaxing in spas, to make the most of your time, we recommend planning well ahead. In peak season many of the top-rated tour operators, service providers and restaurants we recommend are fully booked, sometimes for weeks or months ahead.
The sooner you start planning, the sooner your concierge can make reservations. Then, when you arrive there will be no logistics to organise, only a meticulously designed itinerary to follow.
At The Source, we curate every detail so you can focus on what matters most: time well spent in paradise.
Begin planning your first Turks and Caicos escape: explore our luxury villa collection and contact our concierge team to design a stay tailored to you.
