Cockburn Town and beach in Turks and Caicos
travel guide

Where to Stay in Turks and Caicos

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Faraway Worlds

Staff writers

Looking for hotel recommendations in Turks and Caicos? Here are our top picks...

Beautiful blue waters, soft white sand beaches, and bright sunny days make Turks and Caicos a perfect destination for a tropical getaway.

The string of islands is located just southeast of the Bahamas, and is renowned for its luxury resorts and villas. Turks and Caicos is visited by travellers from all over the world for its stunning natural scenery and unspoiled beaches.

The island is made up of eight main islands, and each has its own unique character. Turks and Caicos is relatively small, making it easy to explore all the different areas. Here are some of our top picks for where to stay in Turks and Caicos.

A white sandy beach on Grand Turk, with a cruise ship in the background

At a glance

Best place to stay in Turks and Caicos for luxury travellers

Grace Bay Beach

Colourful umbrellas and lounges on the white, sandy Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos

If you're looking for luxury, look no further than Grace Bay Beach. This world-famous beach is located on the island of Providenciales and is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in Turks and Caicos. The beach is home to a wide array of amenities, from world-class dining and shopping to spa services and water sports. Just about anything you could imagine, you can have at Grace Bay Beach.

If you're after a relaxing break, you can enjoy all that Grace Bay Beach has to offer without even leaving your resort. Enjoy people watching with cocktails in hand or simply relax on the picturesque white sand beaches. Start your morning with a yoga class on the beach, and follow it up with a yummy breakfast by the pool. Then, spend the day exploring all the beach has to offer. Take a swim in the sparkling turquoise waters, try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, or simply lounge on a luxury beach chair and soak up the Caribbean sun.

If you want to explore beyond the resort, there are plenty of activities and excursions nearby. Take a boat excursion to see the amazing coral reefs and marine life. There's also great scuba diving and snorkelling to be had all around the island. No matter how you choose to spend your time, Grace Bay Beach will not disappoint luxury travellers.

Stay at Grace Bay Club, a luxurious resort right on the beach.

Best place to stay in Turks and Caicos for culture

Cockburn Town

Cockburn Town and beach in Turks and Caicos

Cockburn Town is the capital of Turks and Caicos, and is located on the island of Grand Turk. This small town is full of historical charm, and is the perfect place for travelers interested in learning about the island's culture and history. Stroll down Duke Street, the main street in town, and admire the colonial-style architecture. Then, head to the Turks and Caicos National Museum to learn about the island's Arawak and Taino heritage.

Cockburn Town is also home to a number of small shops and restaurants. Be sure to try some of the local specialties like conch fritters and johnnycakes. And of course, no visit to Cockburn Town would be complete without enjoying a refreshing rum punch or two.

If you're looking for a more relaxing activity, take a stroll down Front Street to the Turks and Caicos Government House. This historic building is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, and offers stunning views of the harbour.

Stay at Turks Head Inne near the town and the beach.

Best place to stay in Turks and Caicos for nature lovers

North Caicos

Flamingo Pond in North Caicos

While most of Turks and Caicos is very chill, North Caicos takes it to a whole other level. This island is much more rural and undeveloped than the others, making it the perfect place to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. Surrounded by lush vegetation and miles of unspoiled beaches, North Caicos is a true nature lover's paradise.

There are a number of villas and cottages available for rent in North Caicos. Spend your days lounging on the beach, taking a hike through the lush vegetation, swimming in one of the many secluded beaches, or simply relax in a hammock and take in the incredible views.

There are a few small resorts on North Caicos, but for the most part, this island is still fairly untouched. This is the perfect place to go if you're looking for a truly rustic and authentic experience. You will find yourself surrounded by incredible beauty, and will quickly fall in love with the laid-back lifestyle.

Stay at Hollywood Beach Suites on a stunning beach.

Best place to stay in Turks and Caicos for island vibes

Blue Hills

Colourful beach huts in Turks and Caicos

Blue Hills is one of the most popular areas on Providenciales and is known as one of the three original settlements on the island. Follow the Blue Hills Road for one of the most epic drives throughout Turks, past incredible landscapes and down to the secluded beaches that make this area so special.

If you’re looking for an intimate beach experience, Blue Hills is definitely the place to go. The area is located on the Northwest side of the island and is known for its dramatic cliffs, small hidden coves, and tranquil turquoise waters. Turks and Caicos towns tend to look very different from other Caribbean islands, as their homes and architecture are not as bright and colourful. However in Blue Hills you will experience all the typical Caribbean vibes with colourful homes, small beach bars, and super friendly locals.

Blue Hills main beach isn't always the best for swimming as there can be quite a bit of seaweed, however if you walk around the rocks (or drive down the Blue Hills Road) you will find many small coves and beaches that offer picture-perfect swimming conditions. If you’re looking for a beach day with fewer people, head to Bight Beach or Smith’s Reef which are both located in close proximity to Blue Hills.

Stay at Island T rental in a comfortable holiday home near Blue Hills.

Best place to stay in Turks and Caicos for diving

Grand Turk

An aerial view of two boats in clear water off the coast of Grand Turk

Grand Turk is the capital island of Turks and Caicos and is home to the largest population in the Turks Islands. Cockburn Town, the capital city of Grand Turk, is where most of the action takes place. Many cruise ships dock here as well, so if you're visiting Turks and Caicos on a cruise, you'll likely spend most of your time in Grand Turk - this is nothing to complain about, this part of TC is absolutely stunning!

Grand Turk is perfect for avid divers as this small island is home to some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean, and is known for its clear turquoise waters and incredible marine life. There are a number of dive shops located on the island, and many of the resorts offer dive packages. You can also take a day trip to Gibbs Cay, a small uninhabited island located just off the coast of Grand Turk, where you can snorkel with stingrays and turtles.

In addition to diving, there are a number of other activities to enjoy on Grand Turk. Spend a day lounging on one of the many beaches, go on a sailing excursion, visit the historic lighthouse, or explore the small town of Cockburn Town.

Stay at Osprey Beach Hotel with windsurfing, diving and snorkelling available onsite.

Best place to stay in Turks and Caicos for slow travellers

Leeward

Sunset at Leeward beach in the Turks and Caicos

Leeward is located on the southeastern side of the island and is known for its calm turquoise waters and beautiful white sand beaches. This area is perfect if you're looking for a longer-term stay as there are many rental properties available, and it is a very upscale residential area making it easy to feel at home and meet others in the area.

Leeward is also home to many luxury resorts, restaurants, and shops. You'll find that most of the visitors in Leeward are either staying long term or are on their honeymoon, as it is a very romantic and secluded area.

If you're looking for a more active vacation, there are also a number of water sports available in Leeward. Stand-up paddle boarding, kite surfing, and windsurfing are all popular activities in this part of Turks and Caicos. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can also take a short boat ride to the nearby island of Little Water Cay which has some of the most beautiful water in all of the country.

Stay at the Atrium Resort for a quiet, comfortable accommodation near Sunset Beach.

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Last Updated 7 September 2023

Colourful umbrellas and lounges on the white, sandy Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos

A British territory situated in the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos is famous for its pristine beaches and clear, turquoise water.