Elite Traveler Spring 2020

elite traveler SPRING 2020 133

Clockwise from top Blue Haven Marina; Provo Golf Club’s main clubhouse; Spa at The Palms; a scuba diving excursion; and water sports

HIT THE GREENS Known as one of the best and most challenging courses in the Caribbean, Provo Golf Club’s 18 holes are also among the prettiest, with natural limestone outcrops and native flora and vegetation. Water is also a key feature throughout, including in the back nine’s five ‘lake holes,’ which are watched over by pelicans, herons and flamingos. provogolfclub.com

ISLAND PURSUITS

BEACH HOP While Grace Bay Beach frequently appears on lists touting the world’s best beaches, there’s a scenic stretch of sand here to suit every mood and type of traveler. On Providenciales alone, there’s Blue Hills Beach, which fronts calmAtlantic Ocean waters and gets a good amount of coral and shells washing ashore (so bring water shoes); serene Taylor Beach, with its very shallow, clear waters and peaceful vibe; and the southern Long Bay Beach, a favorite of kiteboarders. For a different perspective, book a beach horseback riding experience with Provo Ponies. provoponies.com SAY SPA-A-AH The islands’ inspiring natural setting and relaxing vibe have made them a hub for wellness activities, from the customized, expert-led retreats offered at several of the luxury resorts to the nourishing treatments found in the local spas. One standout is The Spa at The Palms, a luxurious, 25,000-sq-ft haven where the island-focused menu includes a mother-of-pearl body scrub done with hand- crushed local queen conch shells, and Zareeba steam treatments incorporating native herbs and plants to help alleviate a variety of symptoms. thepalmstc.com GO DEEP As home to the second-largest barrier reef in the Atlantic and waters that are particularly clear, thanks to a crushed pink-coral sea bottom found only in this part of the South Atlantic, Turks and Caicos has garnered status as a scuba diver’s dream. Highlights include exploring the 14-mile barrier reef on Provo’s north shore and the dramatic 7,000-ft underwater wall off Grand Turk Island, and swimming alongside dolphins and reef sharks (and sometimes spotting migrating whales) off Salt Cay. Companies like Silver Deep offer custom private charters. silverdeep.com ALL ABOUT THE ARCHIPELAGO With eight main islands and over 40 smaller cays, there’s a lot to explore in Turks and Caicos. Charter a boat via your resort or a company like Caicos Dream Tours, then set off on a day of snorkeling or bonefishing, get ferried to a remote beach for a castaway picnic, island hop to other hubs like South Caicos or Grand Turk, or toast to your trip on a sunset cruise. caicosdreamtours.com