Beautiful by Nature

January 2024

Another year, another island. Providenciales, Turks & Caicos did not disappoint. Perfect weather, excellent food, good shopping, and endless white sand and turquoise water beaches. 

Travel:

Embarking on your Providenciales adventure offers flexibility in travel options. While direct flights from MSP can be costly, American Airlines provides reasonably priced flights to the island, and Delta offers a convenient Saturday direct flight back to MSP. Anticipate a potential wait of about an hour in customs upon arrival, unless opting for a fast pass. Plan for a total of two full days dedicated to travel, suggesting an optimal stay of 6-8 days depending on your preferred activities and budget. If you’re staying outside of the Grace Bay area, it would be good to rent a car. Note, driving is on the opposite side of the road. 

Accommodations:

We opted for an AirBNB at Northwest Point Resort, with a stunning beach view. However, it came with a slight trade-off- approximately a 30-minute drive from the bustling Grace Bay Area, our primary hub for most of the trip. Notably, there were no restaurants within a convenient 20-minute drive, making it essential to plan ahead for meals and activities. If tranquility and seclusion are your preferences, this location is perfect. Just be prepared to exercise patience and careful planning if you intend to explore restaurants and other beaches. An added perk was the entertaining spectacle of numerous windsurfers gracefully navigating the waters, providing a delightful scene to enjoy during our stay!

Beaches:

Providenciales unveils some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve visited. The crystalline turquoise waters and velvety white sands redefine the coastal experience to a whole new level. Each beach carries its unique charm:

• Northwestern Point: Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of our Airbnb, this beach exuded a serene ambiance. While perfect for a leisurely stroll and known for its tranquility, it’s not the ideal spot for swimming due to the winds. We enjoyed long quiet walks to the national park and pulling conch shells out of the sand. 
• Grace Bay Beach: A personal favorite (obviously), Grace Bay Beach stole my heart with its pristine white sand and inviting turquoise waters. Ideal for swimming and buzzing with activity, we found ourselves returning to this spot multiple times.
• Bight Beach: Offering a different yet equally enchanting vibe, Bight Beach boasts picturesque beauty with slightly more waves than Grace Bay. Rumors of excellent snorkeling opportunities right off the beach added to its allure.
• Sapodilla Bay Beach: Nestled near Chalk Sound, Sapodilla Bay Beach lured us with its breathtaking scenery and inviting waters. While we didn’t stay long, it appeared perfect for a refreshing swim, bustling with activity, and offering a rent-a-chair style experience. However, note that amenities like public restrooms were scarce, replaced by numerous tent vendors contributing to the atmosphere.

Eats:

This may be a first, but I had no complaints about any of the food we had in Providenciales. 

• Lemon 2 Go: A cherished haven with the friendliest baristas, Lemon 2 Go became our go-to coffee spot. Beyond exceptional coffee, their green smoothies, protein bites, and breakfast offerings were delightful. The staff’s kindness is reason enough to visit – don’t forget to grab a t-shirt! Ask for a drink punch card on your first visit; trust me, you’ll fill it by week’s end. We spent hours on their front patio. 
• Beans & Leaves: Another popular coffee shop. While enjoyable we found ourselves visiting Lemon 2 Go more frequently. 
• Da Conch Shack: Situated right on the beach, Da Conch Shack promises good vibes, delectable food, and impeccable service. Look at their website to find out which night they have live music. The rice and peas were a hit. 
• Cocovan: A unique lunch spot housed in an old airstream van, Cocovan impressed us with their fresh carrot juice and grilled mahi mahi tacos on a lettuce wraps. Conveniently located near Grace Bay Beach public access.
• Bugaloo’s: Off the beaten path, but near Chalk Sound and Sapodilla Bay, Bugaloo’s emerged as a favorite. The avocado shrimp salad was a culinary masterpiece – a delightful 10/10 presentation and easily one of the top five meals of my life.
• Pelican Bay: Adjacent to Grace Bay Beach public access, Pelican Bay not only offers a great lunch but also provides restroom access. As per our friends, it boasts the best daily happy hour deals starting at 5.
• Giggles: Satisfy your sweet cravings with Giggles’ ice cream and gelato, though a bit pricey at $27 for two single dishes, the taste makes it worthwhile.
• Island Scoop: Another ice cream spot, Island Scoop, offered tasty treats.
• Thursday Night Fish Fry: Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Thursday Night Fish Fry – a must-attend event featuring vendors, food stands, drinks, and music. Indulge in delectable lobster and a refreshing mojito; the festivities kick off at 5:30, and arriving a bit earlier is recommended, especially if you’re driving.
• Castaways: Located on Grace Bay Road, Castaways invites you to unwind during their happy hour from 3-6, with a tempting 30% off on drinks.

Stores: 

Providenciales offers many shops from boutiques, to surf shops, to local art shops. The main shopping was in Grace Bay area. 

• Island Organics: A haven for enthusiasts of natural products, Island Organics beckons with a tempting array of all-natural skincare, essential oils, locally crafted goods, and more. A visit to this store feels like an exploration of pure indulgence, and you might find yourself wanting one of everything. I wanted to take the entire store home. 
• Beach Monkey: Dive into the world of stylish beach attire at Beach Monkey, your go-to spot for trendy swimsuits and chic cover-ups. Elevate your beach wardrobe with their curated selection.
• More: The shopping adventure doesn’t end here. There’s a plethora of additional stores awaiting your exploration in Grace Bay, promising an array of unique finds and local treasures. 

What to pack: 

Effortless packing is the key to a seamless beach vacation, and having navigated through numerous moves in my twenties, I’ve mastered the art of traveling light. With a consistent weather of around 80 degrees throughout the week, here’s a curated list of essentials:

• Footwear: Say goodbye to tennis shoes for the entire week – a first for me! Opt for beach walks and sandals. I recommend the comfort and versatility of plastic Birkenstocks.
• Swimsuits: Pack a collection of swimwear, most of my days were spent in a swimsuit and coverup if going into town or out to eat. 
• Exercise Clothes: If you’re inclined towards fitness, pack 2-3 sets of exercise clothes to ensure you don’t miss out on any wellness routines.
• Casual Wear: Include 1-2 sets of jean shorts and tanks for leisurely strolls around town, an alternative to wear over your swimsuit.
• Dinner Attire: Bring 1 nice outfit for those evenings when you plan to dine at a more formal setting.
• Pajamas: Ensure a good night’s sleep with 1-2 sets of comfortable pajamas.
• Skincare Essentials: Prioritize skincare with a comprehensive selection including sunscreen, aloe for post-sun care, hydrating lotions, and indulgent sugar scrub. Embrace the radiant glow even under the Caribbean sun!

Other Notes:

• Weather: Consistent 80-degree sunshine, although occasional winds.
• Driving: Drive on the left with a right-side steering wheel, encountering numerous roundabouts but no streetlights or stoplights.
• Language: English serves as the primary language, ensuring smooth communication.
• Outlets: Power up effortlessly with American-style outlets.
• Recommendation: Opt for accommodations along Grace Bay Beach, eliminating the need for a rental car and enhancing the beachside stay.
• Currency: American currency, acknowledging the expected expense associated with island living, albeit slightly pricier than other Caribbean destinations.
• Snorkeling: Don’t forget your snorkel gear! Explore the underwater wonders off various beaches, a missed opportunity I regretted.
• Driving Distance: The island spans a 30-minute drive from end to end, with a rush hour around 4-6 or 7 p.m.
• Safety: The island is very safe, but exercising common sense.
• Location: Part of the British West Indies (BWI). Many visitors from Europe, Canada, and the U.S.
• Cleanliness: Very clean island with the occasional dog or goat sighting. 
• Airport: Brace for a bustling airport experience, as flights seem to converge simultaneously. Patience is key.
• Groceries: Multiple grocery stores on the island. We frequented the Graceway IGA which offered most essentials.
• Water: Our Airbnb host said the tap water is fine for her as a local but recommended bottle water for drinking.

Things we didn’t get to:

• Boat tour of other islands in TCI
• Kayak in the mangroves 
• Snorkeling off the beach or by boat
• Visit beaches in bay areas near Chalk Souns
• Walk rescue dogs at Potcakes Place K-9 Rescue

The big question:“would you go back?” 

1,000 times yes. Easy travel destination. Great weather, good food, excellent swimming. To be specific, I would go every three years and explore new islands in between.

For more pictures, check out the “TCI” highlighted on @gifted_with_grace.