In This Issue:
Warm and Wonderful

The Turks & Caicos Islands

By Kathy Borsuk

As the cheerful colours of autumn leaves give way to barren branches and flakes of snow descend from sullen gray skies, the allure of a Caribbean holiday grows irresistible. The Turks & Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory southeast of the Bahamas, is gaining in popularity as a safe, convenient way for Canadians to satisfy an urge for the warm and wonderful.

Of Turks & Caicos Island's ten inhabited islands and over forty cays, Providenciales is the tourism hub. Air Canada and WestJet Airlines offer direct flights to the island's international airport from Canada, with connecting flights available from major US carriers. You'll notice the balmy tradewinds and sultry smell of salt air as soon as you exit the plane; it will take about 15 minutes by taxi van before you can step onto the sugar-white, powder-soft sand of Grace Bay Beach, world-renowned for its beauty. Most of the resorts line this exquisite, 12 mile curve, embraced by seas in shades of blue that induce ecstasy.

Because major tourism development is only a dozen or so years old, Accommodations are generally new and upscale, with plenty of luxurious amenities including panoramic views from oceanfront terraces, infinityedge pools, world-class spas and the latest in digital technology. Resorts are typically less than 100 rooms and well-spaced along the beach. While there are several allinclusive properties, many visitors choose a condominium suite or family-friendly rental villa. Whether taxi driver, concierge or waitstaff, Turks & Caicos Islanders (affectionately known as Belongers) exude a refreshing down-home friendliness.

With sunny skies a given and the ocean at your doorstep, watersports (and beach lounging!) are the logical ways to spend your time. Snorkelling and scuba diving on protected, pristine reefs and stunning walls were one of the Turks & Caicos Island's original draws and continue to be awe-inspiring. Fishing here is fun, too, with plenty of leaps and bounds whether reef, deep-sea or bonefishing. Sailing or motorboating to spend the day on a deserted cay is a fantasy come true.

Every year it seems there is a new way to enjoy the water, whether looking down from a parasail, skimming over the waves on a jet ski, or peering into the deep from the windows of a semi-submarine. Landlubbers love a challenging round at the championship golf course, tennis, or cycling. Rental cars give you the freedom to explore the untamed beaches of North West Point and Long Bay, the eerie beauty of Chalk Sound, the picturesque native settlements of Blue Hills, Five Cays and the Bight and the world's only conch farm at Leeward-Going-Through.

In spite of most every ingredient being imported, many resorts offer exquisite fine dining, with talented chefs offering creative renditions of Caribbean fare. International and regional eateries also abound; be sure not to leave without trying a conch specialty, fresh lobster in season or the locally caught grouper or snapper.

While Turks & Caicos Island shopping or nightlife does not compare with larger, more populated destinations, there is more than enough to satisfy. Shoppers will find an eclectic mixture of souvenirs, artwork and beach wear. Many resorts feature entertainment by local artists and there is a small casino, several nightclubs, small pubs and bars and a cinema.

A day trip to one of the Turks & Caicos Island's other islands can enrich your experience. A short plane ride from Provo over the 7,000 ft. deep Turks Island Passage brings you to the Nation's capital of Grand Turk. Its small scale and slow pace reflect the Bermudan salt-raking heritage still alive in the architecture, salt pans and 1852 lighthouse. Grand Turk is also home to the Turks & Caicos Island's only cruise ship port, where thousands of visitors weekly disembark for duty free shopping and the water park, entertainment and beach area.

East of Providenciales is the popular 'Iguana Island' of Little Water Cay, celebrity outpost Parrot Cay and North and Middle Caicos. Access to the islands is via the regular ferry leaving from Leeward's Heaving Down Rock; you can rent a car or hook-up with a taxi driver at the dock in Sandy Point, North Caicos. Driving on the paved roads to tour this lush, sleepy 'Garden Island' is simple; don't miss the flamingo pond or historic Wade's Green Plantation. A causeway connects you to Middle Caicos, home of the spectacular cliffs and cove of Mudjin Harbour, fascinating Conch Bar caves and the birthplace of native crafts.

With English its native language, travelling in the Turks & Caicos Island is safe, easy and increasingly economical, with many properties offering special rates or packages.

To take advantage of these special rates and packages, please call 1-866-317-4794 to speak with a Flight Centre travel consultant.

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