Whatever type of ‘his and hers’ holiday you are looking at, whether it’s the honeymoon after a wedding, a romantic anniversary or simply a trip to spend some special down-time together, put Turks & Caicos top of the list.
You will find Turks & Caicos south east of the Bahamas, a stunning island chain that sits on the border between the shallow waters of the Caribbean and the deep, open waters of the great Atlantic. Protected by a long barrier reef, this unique place offers wonderful conditions for those interested in marine focused activities.
Beneath the waves
The waves aren’t really up to much on Turks & Caicos, so if you are a surf dude and dudette, you might want to head somewhere else. The glittering blue waters are crystal clear and shallow and offer the perfect setting for the island’s biggest underwater extravaganza. One of the biggest draws of this place is the ocean which is packed with sea life. Scuba nuts and snorkelling fans return again and again to TCI because of its amazing underwater sights. Here you will see reef sharks, turtles, lobsters, Congo eels, rays and a rainbow range of fishes – you’ll think you’ve been dropped into an aquarium. Marvel also at the forests of black coral, sea sponges, urchins and other exotic underwater plants that sway in the warm currents.
On the waves
Those couples who visit Turks & Caicos for a deep sea fishing vacation are never disappointed. For serious a-fish-ionados, these are rich hunting grounds. Keen sport anglers should pack their rod and reel in preparation for sparring with a variety of fish including tuna, mahimahi, blue and white marlin and wahoo. Sea fishing is hugely popular in the area and for a deep sea fishing vacation you will find excellent boat charter companies on the island with experienced crew and the latest gear on board.
Switching off
After a day in the fighting chair meeting the challenge of the local game fish, you have earned some serenity. Taking to the shade under a cabana with a chilled rum and a good novel is all the activity you need. Unplugging from the stresses of modern life is easy in Turks & Caicos where a relaxed pace, empty beaches and quiet roads banish the tension of city stress.
To enhance feelings of relaxation that inevitably overcome visitors, there are several spas where indulgent therapies can be enjoyed. Whether it’s a massage, a soothing facial or other feel good treatment, you can be sure to find it here. Most spas take bookings for couples so you are able to relax together – many spa establishments have open air therapy rooms where the pleasure is enhanced by the sound of waves and the gentle trade winds.
Explore together
With forty islands in the chain, but only eight inhabited, there’s plenty of scope for exploring if you charter a boat. As a convenient migratory stopping off point for birds, you’ll see flamingoes, yellow crest herons, egrets and more. Iguanas are also numerous here, head for Little Water cay to get up close and personal with thousands of these lizardy locals. Alternatively, if whales are your weakness, witness their migration in the early part of the year. Humpbacks and pilot whales both regularly swim these waters and when seen, make a magnificent holiday memory.
Getting ideas
Romance seems to come naturally on Turks & Caicos, but if you are looking for extra ideas to ramp up the love-levels you could consider taking a moonlit stroll along legendary Grace Bay Beach with its award winning twelve mile stretch of pristine sands. Or how about a moonlit horse ride? You’ll find several stables on Provo (the main island) where saddling up and trekking over the sands and even in the waters is a great way to unwind.
Watching the sunset on the horizon is a bit of a Caribbean obsession and finding a good vantage point at a bar with great views and a chilled bottle of Turk’s Head beer is the ideal way to celebrate the end of yet another lazy, sun-drenched day in paradise.
So, there you have the run-down of the best bits for couples on the Caribbean’s best kept secret. For the perfect ‘his and hers’ getaway, Turks & Caicos offer just the right blend of action and relaxation. Can you honestly resist the temptation?
