Why You Need to Plan a Trip to These Tropical Islands Now

Pack your flip flops and sunscreen for a trip to paradise

By Martha Li

Posted: February 21, 2019 02:32 PM ET

Three boats anchored along a pier that stretches over the Caribbean ocean and white sand

With pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters and sun-kissed skies, Turks and Caicos Islands is the perfect winter escape. Here are four great reasons to hop on a plane and arrive refreshed and ready for paradise.

World’s best beach

Calm Caribbean waves reach for soft sand from the ocean

Dip your toes in the soft sand, relax with a good book and take a swim in the crystal-clear water at Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, ranked by TripAdvisor as the World’s Best Beach in its 2018 Traveler's Choice Awards. It’s okay to feel a little smug here—when it comes to a beach vacation, it truly doesn’t get any better than this.

Up close and personal with ocean life

Underwater shot of sea turtle swimming towards the surface as he passes by beautiful coral

Go to Smith’s Reef for incredible snorkeling right along the shore. Coral and an array of colourful fish are in prime view even in shallow waters. You’ll see angelfish, yellowtail snappers, parrotfish, lionfish and surgeonfish (Finding Nemo’s beloved Dory), to name a few. Seeing larger sea animals—green turtles, stingrays and eagle rays—up close amplifies the wow factor.

For the family

Four kids lying on their bellies on surfboards in the Caribbean water

For nine consecutive years, Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort has been named the Caribbean’s top all-inclusive Family Resort in the World Travel Awards—and it’s little wonder why. An enviable location on breathtaking Grace Bay, beautifully designed swimming pools, 21 restaurants, a 45,000-square-foot waterpark and a full-service spa are the hallmarks of this luxe property that caters to guests of every age. If you’re going with a crowd, the Italian Oceanview Concierge Family Suite with Kids Room is spacious enough for up to six guests.

Looking for something other than all-inclusive? Ask a CAA Travel Consultant about different options, or visit the official site for Turks and Caicos Tourism for information about hotels, villas, condos and apartments throughout the islands.

Local eats

Close up shot of lobster tail with a lime cut into a flower

If authentic island fare is what you’re after, make your way to Mr. Grouper’s, a beloved eatery frequented by tourists and locals alike. Try the jerk shrimp kebabs, conch chowder and, of course, the restaurant’s namesake, grouper. Grilled, blackened or coconut-crusted, take your pick for how you’d like to enjoy the signature dish.

If your getaway is a romantic one, plan a dinner date at Coco Bistro. An elegant open air restaurant set among palm trees, the venue offers such standouts such as lobster and avocado spring rolls, salmon tartare, pepper crusted tuna, duck confit ravioli and coconut sorbet.

Staying closer to home this season?

Check out these fun winter festivals across the country.

Image credit: Turks and Caicos Tourism and Courtesy of Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa