Traveling to The Turks and Caicos Islands, situated 925.4km southeast of Miami in the northern Caribbean, provides visitors with far more than just the pristine tropical white-sand-beaches and azure blue waters. It’s an opportunity to venture through a vibrant history book that most only get to read about on paper.
The islands’ name is derived after the indigenous Turk’s Head ‘fez’ cactus; Caicos means ‘string of islands.’ Their discovery is contested: either Columbus or Ponce de Leon arrived first, in 1592. The original indigenous people were the Taino Indians, followed by the Lucayans, who eventually became victims of Spanish enslavement. In the 17th century, settlers arrived from Bermuda, using slaves to develop cotton and sisal plantations. The land wasn’t good enough, and the industry’s death was sounded by a hurricane in 1813.
In 1766, the Turks and Caicos Islands became part of the colony of the Bahamas, later annexed to Jamaica in 1874. In the 1970s, the islands were made a British Crown Colony. In 2009, inhabited islands include Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales, Pine Cay and Parrot Cay. East Caicos and West Caicos are uninhabited. The total population sits between 30,000 and 35,000 residents.
Tourists Marvel At Mother Nature’s Magnificence
Tourism is the islands’ principal industry. However, they also function as an important offshore financial centre. Fishing still thrives. The Turks and Caicos Islands have the world’s third largest coral reef system and over 370.2km of white-sand beaches.
The Turks Bank is the name given to the two large limestone plateaus that root these islands. The deep offshore waters are important transit points for Humpback Whales (December to April), spotted Eagle rays, Manta Rays (summer) and Turtles. Tuna, Wahoo and Blue Marlin also frequent these rich waters.
Coral walls in the Turks and Caicos are considered some of the best in the Caribbean. They include Grand Turk, West Caicos and Provo’s Northwest Point. In addition, there are historic wrecks south of Salt Cay.
The salt ponds and inland marshes are favored by a rich array of birdlife, including Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, Osprey, Pelicans, Egrets, Terns, Frigates and Boobies. There are 12 cays now designated as protected breeding grounds.
Where to StayWhen Visiting Turks & Caicos: In a luxury villa
One of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ leading luxury villa ownership and rental companies, Beach Enclave, is excited to announce the launch of their second phase, Beach Enclave Long Bay, offering 3 new villa rental opportunities from November 2018. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, this pristine new beachfront development presents the latest in barefoot luxury and tranquil seclusion for those looking to escape to the tropics during the forthcoming Winter 2018/2019 season.
Beach Enclave epitomizes a new concept combining luxury home ownership and private villa rentals with a resort style experience on the stunning island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Following the successful launch of the North Shore collection, Beach Enclave is excited to announce the unveiling of the new Long Bay Villas, an intimate series of five custom-designed luxury properties. Perched on a three-mile stretch of white sand on one of the most exclusive beaches in the Turks and Caicos Islands, which ranks among the top ten beaches in the world, the Long Bay Villas are located at the protected East end of the bay.
The majority of villas will open for rentals in November 2018, offering guests unprecedented luxury ‘toes in the sand’ living, just a short flight from Miami and two hours from New York.
Recently awarded Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for 2018, Beach Enclave Villas are situated on three of the most stunning bays, beaches and shorelines on the island. Beach Enclave North Shore, which offers 9 villas, and was the first of Beach Enclave’s three developments on the coveted Providenciales Island, and officially debuted in November 2016. Its second development,Beach Enclave Long Bay, will open 3 of the property’s 5 villas for rentals in November 2018, whilst Beach Enclave’s third development, Beach Enclave Grace Bay, which offers 10 villas, broke ground in February 2018 and will open for rentals in 2019.
Beach Enclave Long Bay offers two custom contemporary villa designs, representing the ultimate in barefoot beach living, boasting over 7,500 square foot of indoor and outdoor space, with 5, 6 and 7-bedroom homes. The two larger villas come with 5 bedrooms in the main house, each with a separate Garden Cottage consisting of a one and two-bedroom suite respectively. All three villas come complete with an outdoor kitchen, Infinity pool, fire pit and beach deck with outdoor shower. The smaller villa includes a Media Room. With an organic yet refined design by local SWA Architects and New York-based Domino Creative Interior Designers, an effortless and elegant setting is present to take in the magnificent views and surroundings of the calm, turquoise waters.
Ideal for families, couples, groups of friends and corporate retreats alike, Beach Enclave Long Bay offers something for everyone. Guests can choose to be as laid back or active as they wish, especially as Long Bay is renowned for its excellent kiteboarding, with its turquoise blue seas, two-mile shallow waters and perfect wind conditions for beginners and intermediates alike. Beach Enclave Long Bay has exclusively partnered with the islands leading water sports company – Kite Provo, which now has its HQ on Long Bay. The team at Kite Provo provide state of the art helmet Bluetooth technology, so that guests can learn in the water whilst listening to the instructor speaking to them from the shoreline. In addition to kitesurfing, Kite Provo also offers those wanting a more relaxed water-based activity, the opportunity to take guided stand-up paddle boarding mangrove tours. So whether a novice, wanting to brush up on skills or a complete pro, Beach Enclave and Kite Provo can cater to all. An unprecedented concept in the industry, Beach Enclave’s homes offer the remarkable amenities and flawless services of a luxury resort, with an optional villa rental program for homeowners. A relaxing stay is supported by dedicated staff, including housekeeping, a private chef and butler, who acts as a personal on-site concierge for any requests that can be made from the touch of an iPad or arranged in advance, prior to arrival. Whether it’s a fridge full of dinner options, a personal training session at the fully equipped Fitness Center, a lesson on the Yoga Deck or paddleboards for the kids, every attention to detail is preserved in the impeccable service.
Beach Enclave villa sales have been handled by Sotheby’s, that has reported unprecedented figures and sales which have exceeded those of any other villa collection on the island. The market share for new homes under construction was 67% for Beach Enclave for the <$3million+ real estate market on the whole island during 2017/2018.
In keeping with global eco initiatives, Beach Enclave demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and green building practices and is proud to be the lowest density residential development in Providenciales. The Long Bay villas employ environmentally friendly practices and feature high efficiency appliances, water collection and recycling, optional solar technologies, and a thoughtful development plan that respects the local landscape.
Nightly rates at Beach Enclave Long Bay villas in Providenciales start from $4,400 based on 10 people sharing (minimum 3-night stay). For further information and for reservations, please visit www.beachenclave.com
