A scattering of 40 islands some 600 miles southeast of Miami, the once-sleepy UK territory known as the Turks and Caicos Islands has arrived as a Caribbean destination. And that's due in no small part to the fine white sands and crystalline waters of Grace Bay Beach, not to mention the world-class coral reefs just offshore (or the islands' gracious tax climate and straightforward real estate investment policies).

Grace Bay Beach

A mainstay on virtually everyone's "Best Beaches of the World" lists, Grace Bay Beach is a slender curve of sand on the north shore of Providenciales, the islands' tourist center. Strung along the 12-mile beach is a collection of five-star boutique resorts that have made the Turks an increasingly luxurious escape. Here's a brief description of each; click on the resort's name for more details, including photo tours and special offers.

The Tuscany Resort
An intimate and refreshing experience awaits you at The Tuscany Resort on beautiful Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos Islands. Discover the utmost in luxury resort accommodations with our well-appointed villas, each distinctly different in ambiance and décor.

Home to the pristine 12-mile beach of Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Island and surrounded by gorgeous coral reef and tropical turquoise waters. Enjoy golfing, diving. Snorkeling, fishing, tennis and horseback riding, or relax and unwind as you savor an afternoon of perfectly peaceful sunbathing on the beach or by our European-style pool.

Grace Bay Club
Perched on 11 beachfront acres, the Grace Bay Club was the first luxury, all-suite hotel in Turks & Caicos. Recently expanded, it's now a 59-suite resort offering an adult-only hotel and family-friendly villas. Grown-ups can indulge at the new Infiniti Bar, at 90 feet the Caribbean's longest, hovering over the sand all the way to the shore of Gracy Bay. The Villas at Grace Bay Club feature the Kids Town Program, with a variety of half- and full-day excursions and a range of activities, from flamingo watching to an elaborate kids treehouse perched about the tennis courts.

Point Grace
Winner of the coveted World Travel Awards "Caribbean's Leading Boutique Hotel" award for three years running, Point Grace offers a selection of beachfront one, two, three and four bedroom suites and penthouses, plus one bedroom pool-front/ocean view cottage suites, the romantic Cottage Suites feature a living room and terrace, and offer pool and garden views; the Big Cameron Cay Suite features two oceanfront master suites and two atrium/pool view suites, and is ideal for family vacations of up to eight guests.

The Regent Palms
A $95 million, 72-suite resort with one, two and three-bedroom suites, including eight to-die-for Penthouse suites. All rooms overlook Grace Bay and feature a private balcony and elegant Caribbean furniture. The social hub of the resort, the Mansion, is home to the elegant Parallel23 restaurant and Plunge, a poolside eatery and bar. An esplanade of island-chic boutiques overlooks the formal gardens; the 25,000-square-foot Regent Spa is a destination unto itself.

The Somerset
A 54-suite boutique resort on 4 ½ lushly landscaped oceanfront acres, with an array of accommodations ranging from 2,200 square foot English Cottages, to Estate Villas, to the 24-suite Stirling House. All the suites have living areas with 42-inch plasma TVs, surround sound and wireless, but you may find yourself spending most of your time by the pool, with its lap currents, state-of-the-art underwater sound system and LunAsea poolside bar.

Turks and Caicos Club
A mansion with just 21 one- and two-bedroom suites, makes it easy to find that state of grace that is Grace Bay Beach. The suites have fully equipped gourmet kitchens and private balconies. Guests can also enjoy the use of the club's HobieCat, windsurfers and sea kayaks, as well as snorkeling equipment to explore the reef just offshore.

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5/19/08