After all the Olympic scale planning and organisation a wedding involves, a relaxing honeymoon is often what couples choose. And who could blame them? Weddings, although incredibly fun and rewarding to orchestrate, can be absolutely exhausting.
So after the nuptials, you need to make sure you head off to a honeymoon destination that allows you to re-charge your batteries. Being newly weds, you’ll want somewhere romantic, private and relaxing to start off married life together. Somewhere away from the crowds where the weather is sunny, the water is warm, the rum punch is good and the sunsets awesome. You only get married once, so why not make the stretch and go further than the obvious predictable places? Choose somewhere a little unusual that has people Googling it to find out where it is. Somewhere like the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The words tropical paradise are over used, but I have to say that on this occasion it’s the best way of describing Grace Bay Beach on the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos. This is the perfect place for a honeymoon because it is very relaxed and the light and beauty of the place will enhance the joy you already feel after getting hitched. If this place had an official feel-good factor, it would be 10.
Where to Stay
Most visitors stay on Providenciales or Provo as it’s called by the inhabitants. This is the island with the most going on, but that doesn’t mean there’s a lot going on! International flights come into Provo and most of the hotels and resorts are spread out along the twelve miles of Grace Bay Beach.
For up-scale hospitality, comfort and flexibility, Coral Gardens Resort is a wise choice. Situated right on the beach at Grace Bay, locations don’t get much better. They have well equipped suites for rental that offer kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and balconies overlooking the ocean. Being able to please yourself in self catering accommodation will give you more flexibility and enable you to be independent. For the most up to date news on availability go to www.coralgardensdirect.com . After the wild excitement of the wedding, laying on the white sandy beach at Grace Bay is the ultimate calm after the storm. If this sounds like a temptation you just can’t resist, visit Coral Gardens Direct to discover that, yes, paradise really is possible…
Things to do
Staying at the Coral Gardens Resort is a smart move for people who enjoy snorkelling and exploring beneath the sea. Turks and Caicos offers fantastic scuba and snorkelling opportunities all over the islands, but usually it involves taking a boat trip. Coral Gardens is located very close to one of the best coral reefs in the region and you can easily swim out to it from the shoreline. Spend hours marvelling at the beauty of the natural world – see hawksbill turtles, moray eels, parrot fish, starfish, octopus, rays and a whole kaleidoscope of marine life that inhabits the sea, right outside your door.
What to Eat
The cuisine in Turks and Caicos is heavily reliant on fish as a main ingredient. You must try the local shellfish delicacy, conch, while you are visiting. It gets served up in all manner of interesting ways – including fritters, curries and soups. If you are partial to sushi, there is a restaurant serving this Japanese favourite in Grace Bay. Many restaurants offer eclectic menus, pulling influences from all over the globe. The casual and laid back bar/restaurant at the Coral Gardens Resort serves food with a Tex Mex spin and is a great place to watch the sun go down.
Natural Beauty
Turks and Caicos is perfect for those who enjoy the natural world. The careful civic planning on the islands has meant that it never feels over-developed. The natural world including the sea and reefs are the main attractions for visitors, so islanders are fiercely protective of them. The islands are a haven for migratory bird species and exotic creatures such as flamingoes, pelicans and great blue herons are often spotted. Whale watching cruises are a popular attraction during spring and autumn when the humpbacks are on the move.
Landscapes and terrain on the islands vary significantly with some being tropical and lush, others swampy, and others dry and barren. Only eight of the forty islands and cays are inhabited, which means there are a lot of exciting, undiscovered and wild places to explore. Boat charters are available to take you on day trips to empty desert islands, so if you need to channel your inner Robinson Crusoe ask for details on charters at reception at Coral Gardens Resort.
There’s no finer place to start off your married life together than in the paradise islands of Turks and Caicos. If you are still undecided on honeymoon plans, check out this secret Caribbean gem. It could end up being the best wedding gift of all….