Turks and Caicos: A stop in Providenciales

It’s not a long flight to get to the Caribbean and after you get to Miami it’s just a hop, skip and a jump. The British-influenced Turks and Caicos is a laid-back group of islands with lots of sun, excellent diving and a few must-sees.

I visited the island of Providenciales, which is getting built up quickly. Hope is that the locals will keep the numbers down so it doesn’t get too crowded. The Ocean Club Resorts (both Ocean Club and Ocean Club West) are nestled right on the water and a good place to take in the atmosphere that comes with the white sandy beaches and always-present sun.

The only conch farm in the world is located on this island and it’s a must see. It will only take about 30 minutes to explore, but the tour guide will explain the difference between a female and male conch and will show you the various stages of growth in these creatures. the number of conchs in different stages is mind-boggling. Good eating, but after a trip to the farm you might not want to order them from the menu again.

Another plus if you’re looking for shells is the fact that in front of the conch farm you will find many conch shells in all shapes and sizes. It beats paying for them at the gift shop airport, but don’t grab too many as you try and decide the perfect one for your new collection.

The National Environment Centre is relatively new and you can walk through the building alone and get an idea of what Turks and Caicos is about from a natural perspective. Some animals that are found on the islands are not found anywhere else so it gives you a good chance to learn about the indigenous creatures and how the island was originally inhabited.

Salt Mills Shopping will be the place to buy your souvenirs for those you left at home and you can find some real treasures there. After shopping have lunch at Provo Golf and Country Club and opt for a round of golf, it’s the only course on the island and it’s about the greenest place as well.

A half-day sail with Sail Provo will give you a chance to snorkel and visit Little Water Cay, which is home to the native rock iguana. Lunch is served on the half-day cruise and there is lots of time for lying in the sun on the boat and taking it easy.

Before you leave for the real world be sure and take some time to schedule a spa treatment (massage, facial or mani-pedi) with the local Spa Tropique. The therapist will come to your room or you can have the treatment in the room behind the main building at the Ocean Club. Either way, it’s a wonderful ending to a peaceful trip that couldn’t get any better.