Practical Guide to Turks and Caicos

There are countless travel guides to Turks and Caicos out there and this one by no means claims to be any better. It may, arguably, be worse. But it’s my $.02 and whatever that’s worth to you is fine by me.

Where to Stay

The Shore Club: The Shore Club is arguably one of the most beautiful resorts we’ve stayed at. It’s beige and pistachio green accented buildings are so elegantly tropical. The rooms themselves are luxurious and feature excellent views, even if it’s just of the pool or their gardens. It’s certainly a splurge but decidedly worth it! For those of you who also kite-surf, The Shore Club is conveniently located on Long Bay Beach, Providenciales’ best kite surfing spot.

Banyan Inn: We spend a few nights at the Banyan Inn and loved it- it’s a hidden gem! The six room boutique inn is fun and cozy; it’s certainly a breath of fresh air after being at a larger resort. The owner, Amy, is actually a “reformed Chicagoan”, who purchased the Inn a few years ago and moved to Providenciales. She’s an excellent host and will hook you up with literally anything that you need on the island.

Things to Do

Grace Bay Beach: It’s known as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and I guess I can’t argue with that. I posted up here for two days and just soaked up the sun.

Explore North and Middles Caicos: We rented an airbnb with a car on North Caicos and explored their practically empty beaches. We particularly liked Horse Stable Beach and Mudjin Harbor. Clothing optional, of course.

Kite Surf: I had a few great kiting sessions at Long Bay Beach. There are a few kite companies on the beach, all with great reviews, if you need to rent gear or want to take a lesson.

Golf: Josh golfed at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, and thought the staff was accommodating and enjoyed the course overall. He recommends taking advantage of the “twilight special.”

Horseback Riding: A classic TCI activity! Provo Ponies is the most popular company to go with; however, we went with TCI Heritage Horseback Riding & Tours because they offered a sunset ride.

Scuba Diving: Sadly, all of the dive shops were booked out when we went around Thanksgiving, so I didn’t have a chance to experience it myself- but I’ve heard great things about the diving in Turks and Caicos. If you do go- let me know how you liked it.

Where to Eat

Breakfast & Lunch Spots

El Coco TCI: Best smoothie bowls on the island. Go! (Their page says that they are a shopping mall, but I assure you they are not.)
Island Scoop: Okay, so this is an ice cream place and their ice cream is good, but they have the sneaky best egg sandwich I think I’ve ever had. Grab breakfast here.
Lemon 2 Go: We grabbed smoothies and breakfast here twice, it has Foxtrot (trendy shop/cafe chain in Chicago) vibes – a little pretentious, but convenient.
Shay Cafe: Breakfast/ lunch place with a lot of hype on the island. Warranted hype. Solid breakfast, and very friendly owner.
Turks Kebab: A local recommended this place and I wish we knew about it from the start. It’s middle-eastern fare, at a great price and filling portions.

Dinner Spots

Grace’s Cottage: Elegant, island vibes. The kind of place where middle aged bleach blonde women wear their best Lilly Pulitzer. We had a fabulous seafood dinner there.
Infiniti Restaurant and Raw Bar: Feels like Tulum, complete with straw light orbs. Makes for a sexy dinner; don’t get the buffalo grapefruit salad.
Da Conch Shack: A cult Turks classic that’s worth checking out. Go on a Wednesday at 8pm for live music.
Indigo: Elegant spot for dinner at the Wymara resort. Their bartender is excellent.