Awe-inspiring Archipelago

Dotting the ocean atop plateaus rising 10,000 feet from the sea floor is a series of spectacular islands known around the world for their stunning scuba diving. Just a few hundred miles off the south-eastern coast of Florida and a short crawl from Cuba, the Turks and Caicos Islands are the refuge of choice for Hollywood’s most recognisable, and home to the third largest coral reef system in the world.

Sporting a history rich with legend and lore – from pirates’ booty to the mysterious igloo that once appeared on the national flag – Turks and Caicos is experiencing a tourism boom. Real-estate development abounds, and while this means that the islands are dense with construction, it also signifies a rich supply of accommodations, sporting outfits and fantastic eateries. Armed with little more than a snorkel and a swimsuit, I set out for some serious island hopping, resort jumping and scuba cruising, and quickly discovered that paradise exists above the water as well as below it.

The Escapist To kick-start my mental decompression, I began my voyage at the crown jewel of the Caribbean. The private island resort on Parrot Cay (www.parrotcay.como.bz) lies nestled within the Turks and Caicos archipelago, just 30 minutes by speedboat from the island capital of Providenciales (known locally as Provo). Boasting 3.2 miles of pristine white beach and the eastern-inspired elegance of Christina Ong, Parrot Cay is simple yet absolutely extraordinary. Stark white walls trimmed with dark teakwood, terracotta tiling housing four-poster beds, private verandas overlooking a constantly tranquil sea – this is paradise understated.

From ocean-view suites perched beside floodlit tennis courts to three-bedroom beach villas equipped with private pools and pandering butlers, Parrot Cay exudes exclusivity. Renowned for playing host to the likes of Bruce Willis and Paul McCartney, Parrot Cay has convinced a number of stars to invest in their own private accommodations on the island, which can also be rented by guests.

Set over 1,000 acres of thick cacti and sprawling mangroves, the resort houses one of the four world-renowned Como Shambhala spas. Distinguished instructors come to host week-long yoga retreats and internationally-trained therapists offer a catalogue of signature spa treatments. The amenities are endless. All that relaxation makes one hungry. The Lotus Restaurant here features an array of delicious Pan-Asian delicacies with a focus on local and organic ingredients. The service is extraordinary, and the menu changes with a new gourmet chef every year. Dining is complemented by the nearby infinityedge pool bordering the beach.

Almost every facet of resort-living in the Turks and Caicos offers some degree of lavish indulgence. The Palms (www. thepalmstc.com) recently unveiled its luxury quarters and deluxe spa along the splendid yet fast-developing Grace Bay Beach on Provo. The facility sits atop reflecting pools within a Grecian oasis, and is surrounded by Japanese gardens and individual treatment cottages. Signature treatments worth trying are Zareeba Steam and Massage Therapy and Mother of Pearl Body Scrub. The Palms also plays host to opulent wedding parties. Having seen the Spa converted to a discothèque, I can say it makes for an extraordinary venue.

The lovely, laid-back Coral Gardens (www.coralgardens.com) has unveiled a more modest spa offering Ayurvedic therapies and one complimentary 30-minute massage per guest. In addition to individually-owned condominium units, the resort offers a range of luxury guestrooms just steps away from Grace Bay’s best snorkelling.

Another noteworthy luxury newcomer, the exclusive Amanyara (www.amanresorts.com) has just opened on a nationally protected section of land in Provo. It will certainly rival Parrot Cay with its 40 Pavilions interspersed throughout a secluded nature preserve skirted by white sandy beaches.

By Denielle Sachs

For full article please click here

Courtesy of  lifestyleandtravel.com