Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Eat, Stay, Play
by Elizabeth Kurzweg
Providenciales is the liveliest of the islands in Turks and Caicos. Its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and diverse dining options are why my closest friends and I chose it as our summer destination.
EAT
Da Conch Shack was recommended to us by several locals for not only its seafood, but fun party atmosphere. Coco Bistro is a renowned upscale Caribbean food restaurant known for its charming outdoor setting and is worth all the hype it gets. Their coconut shrimp and lobster are delectable standout dishes. For more casual dining, Somewhere Café and Lounge offers a laid-back beach setting that combines maritime and Mexican cuisine. And of course, margaritas.
STAY
Providenciales is known for its luxury hotels, the best being The Ritz-Carlton, Grace Bay Club, and Seven Stars Resort and Spa where you’ll find top-notch amenities and stunning beachfront settings. More affordable, yet still exceptional, options include The Palms, Ocean Club Resort, and Club Med Turkoise where we stayed. The all-inclusive included daily activities such as snorkeling, trapeze lessons, sailing, and nightly events like extravagant trapeze shows.
PLAY
Most of us travel to Turks for its world renowned beaches. Grace Bay specifically is often ranked among the best beaches in the world. Its soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters will make you never want to leave. After a lazy day at the beach head over to Bight for the Fish Fry. Held every Thursday at Stubbs Diamond Plaza, the Fish Fry features countless vendor booths where you can sample local food, drinks, and shop hand-made souvenirs, all while listening to live music.
Many of the resorts offer their own water sports activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and more. For a wildly unique experience though, you’ll want to do the Shipwreck Adventure where you can rent jet skis and go explore La Famille Express Shipwreck, an abandoned Soviet Union ship that served oil ridges until 1992.
