Providenciales

Providenciales, commonly known as Provo, is the most developed island in the Turks and Caicos. Surrounded by pristine white sand beaches and shimmering, crystal waters, Conde Nast Traveller Magazine ranked it as the ‘Best Beach of all Tropical Islands in the World'. Though grand condominium resorts and luxurious spas seem to be growing in numbers, deserted stretches of shoreline still can be found on the southern shoreline and the western tip of the island.

Provo is the destination of choice for the affluent, well-travelled visitor. The island's romantic beaches are a big draw for destination weddings and couples on a honeymoon. Families find togetherness in natural surroundings, without the crowds and commercial theme parks. Scuba divers will enjoy exceptional reef and wall dives while snorkellers revel in the shallow undersea landscapes and marine life closer to shore.

The Turks and Caicos are a chain of 40 islands and cays nestled between the Bahamas and Cuba in the Caribbean. This self-governing, overseas British territory lies 862 km (575 mi) southeast of Miami. Providenciales covers an area of 98 sq km (38 square miles) and is the most developed island in the chain.

Provo, the westernmost island, is a tropical paradise known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and a vibrant coral reef. The crescent-shaped coral island is low lying. Grace Bay, on the protected north side is the most developed area featuring resorts, attractions and watersports facilities. Providenciales International Airport is 16km (10 miles) from Grace Bay.

Grace Bay Beach, on the north shore, is a sweeping 18km (12 mile) stretch of breathtaking, sugary white sand. Here is Princess Alexandra Marine Park, the playground for Jo Jo, the famous bottlenose dolphin. It is also home to most of Provo's beachfront resorts. Those in search of small, secluded beaches and cays can explore Sapodilla Bay in Chalk Sound or the pristine islets of Malcolm's Bay along the northwestern tip of the island.

Play golf at Provo Golf Club (Governor's Road, Grace Bay) (website: www.provogolfclub.com), an 18-hole championship course that features a challenging combination of lush greens, fairways, rugged limestone outcroppings and lakes. Sail on a day cruise along the barrier reef and visit the home of the indigenous rock iguana at Water Cay. Explore the remains of a cotton plantation owned by a British Loyalist at the archaeological site Cheshire Hall (near downtown), or venture into caves that were once hideaways for pirates at Cooper Jack Bay. For an inland adventure, visit The Hole at Long Bay and descend a large limestone chimney by rope to swim in the salt water at the bottom of this mysterious inland crevice.

Families can sightsee below the waves in a glass bottom semi-submarine. Long beaches and secluded lanes are perfect trails for horseback riding. Visit Caicos' Conch Farm (on the north tip of Provo) (website: www.caicosconchfarm.com), a unique place to see thousands of Queen Conches, a shellfish that has become a favourite meal throughout the Caribbean. When there is a full moon, watch glow worms turn a pulsating neon green during their mesmerizing mating ritual. Kayak along mangrove channels and in calm, secluded cays. Watch humpback whales on their migration past the island December through April.

Provo has three main shopping centres, Ports of Call (Grace Bay), Market Place (Leeward Highway) and Central Square (Leeward Highway). All have places to buy souvenirs as well as clothes, beach and sportswear. Most major resorts and hotels have boutiques for those in need of retail therapy. Best bets for crafts are high quality straw items including hats, bags and baskets.

There is no shortage of entertainment on Provo. Friday nights come alive with dancing to live bands playing calypso, reggae and international rhythms in outdoor bars under a canopy of stars at Calico Jacks at Ports of Call (Grace Bay). Party island-style at local bars on the strip, an area on Airport Road. BET Soundstage and Gaming Lounge (Leeward Highway) is a casino with live music and disco.

Provo offers a variety of dining options from casual island-style, barefoot restaurants on the beach to upscale places where dress codes are in effect. The best bet is to go with a great ocean view and try traditional island specialities featuring fresh fish and seafood and conch. International restaurants feature Italian, Caribbean, British, Mexican and American cuisine. Enjoy casual, barefoot dining at  Da Conch Shack (Blue Hills Road), which specialises in conch, fisherman fresh seafood and island style dishes. The Rum Bar serves a legendary rum punch and a collection of the world's finest rums. Take the Gecko Shuttle to get there.

The Gecko Shuttle drives passengers to most tourism and sightseeing destinations. Taxis are readily available and cars and motorcycles can be hired. Driving is on the left. Most large hotels offer courtesy transfers from the airport to the hotel.

Island hop for a sampling of the diversity of the Turks and Caicos. Cockburn Town, on Grand Turk has a quaint and charming cluster of historic buildings and an old lighthouse. Take a day trip to Salt Cay to see the old salt ponds, windmills and a roaming band of wild donkeys on this rustic island where salt was king.

Be seen and indulge at The Lounge, a hip and trendy martini bar at the uber Grace Bay Club (website: www.gracebayclub.com). Partake in awesome sunsets, sophisticated World music, Carib-infused tapas and a creative selection of cocktails and martinis. Elegant dining is redefined under starlit skies at Anacaona, the resort's romantic open-air restaurant overlooking the sea.

Providenciales International Airport (PLS)