Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory of low coral islands at the south-eastern end of the Bahamian archipelago, where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean Sea. The heart of the holiday scene is Providenciales and its 19 km Grace Bay Beach, sheltered by one of the world’s largest barrier reefs: the sand is almost white and the shallows shift from aquamarine to turquoise. The island’s other resorts sit along the north shore and out towards Northwest Point, away from the main beach.

Beneath the surface there are coral reefs and drop-off walls for diving and snorkelling, while the calm lagoon and steady breeze suit kitesailing, and from January to April humpback whales pass through the channel. Quite a different world is found on the private cays such as Parrot Cay, where days pass with surf, yoga and long walks along empty shores.

It is warm almost all year, with the driest and most comfortable weather from December to April; hurricane season runs from June to November. The islands suit honeymooners, beach and wellness holidays, families and anyone who values privacy.