Turks and Caicos Islands

The inspiration for this blog post came from a friend of United Military Travel named Clint who said that Grand Turk and the Caicos Islands are the most beautiful places he has ever seen.  

And for good reason, these islands offer 230 miles of white powdery beaches, world class diving, top-drawer accommodations, gourmet to dive restaurants and protected and unspoiled marine life!

The Turks and Caicos

First off, do you know how easily accessible the islands are from the mainland of the United States?  Flying out of Miami you can be in the islands in 90 minutes making this destination quick and painless and a good weekend jaunt in if you live in the Miami area.  Also, there are direct flights from New York, Philly, Toronto, Charlotte, Atlanta, Montreal, Boston and London.  Then in the high winter season add  Washington DC and Chicago to that list!

Second, what draws the thousands of visitors to these islands each year?  

* Would it be the pristine, white powdery beaches?
* The fact it is surrounded by the world's third largest coral reef?
* How about the uninhabited cays you can explore all by yourself?
* Or the crystal-clear turquoise sea where the waves are the size of a ripple?

All Caribbean islands have their own flavor and the flavor here is luxury.  Whether it be the cruise ships that dock there, the restaurants, shopping or accommodations - you are not going to skrimp anywhere.  

Do you like to travel in packs, with family, just you and your partner or are you a lone wolf?

If you like to travel in packs check out renting a villa.
Check out this extravagant villa called the Mandalay going for 60,000/week in the high season.

Too much?

Ok here is Footprints On The Beach in Grace Bay at $25,000/week in the high season.

With five bedrooms so pick 5 couples or individuals and go the end of August when the weekly rate is just 16,000 it is just $3,200/per room.  

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If you choose to stay in a resort you have 7 luxurious ones to choose from: 

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa (all-inclusive)
Seven Stars Resort
Stelle
Amanyara
Parrot Cay by COMO
Alexandra Resort
Windsong Resort 

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Why choose Turks and Caicos over the other Caribbean islands?

Grace Bay Beach is hands down one of the most exquiste beaches ever.  It runs for 12 straight miles and offers perfect fine white sand to dig your toes into before you go for swim, snorkel or dive.  It is also a part of Princess Alexandra National Park.  Meaning that the waters are protected so you are not going to have water skis and jet skis zooming around you while swimming; sailing, catamarans and paddle boarding are encouraged.  Grace Bay is children friendly too, the slope of the beach is so gentle and hardly ever has any strong current or waves it makes for a perfect stress free day at the beach.

Foodie's galore! Aside from the white sand beaches and luxe accommodations the Turks and Caicos are known to have the best Caribbean food around.  I know that one of my favorite things when traveling is eating :) From jerk chicken dives, fine dining, Conch shacks and beach barbecues you will find something for everyone.  
For a pre dinner drink the locals recommend O'Soleil, a very sexy beach bar but go early to enjoy before the dinner rush.  They also say that Da Conch Shack is a must try!  It is an open air casual restaurant right on the beach that serves up delicious, inexpensive food, famous rum punch and it is on the list of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.  So of course you have to go now :) 

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United Military Travel will get you there in a jiffy too - so if you are craving warm salt water and cold rum drinks call them today for your pre-approval!
866-582-9579