Daniela Puyos 
Are you looking for the best places to stay in Turks and Caicos? Fantastic! You are going to fall in love with their unspoiled, powdery white sand beaches.
I’ve compared all the areas to present you with the ones that are tourist-friendly. I also went ahead and compared pretty much ALL the accommodation options out there and hand-picked the best rated ones for you – so you now can pick from an ideal option no matter if you are traveling on budget or splurging.
Spoiler alert: the best area for first-timers in the Turks Islands is Grace Bay. Here, you can find the best beaches, nightlife, and tourist attractions! But hey, there are more areas with top resorts for all tastes in this article!
Stay till the end to uncover the best all-inclusive resorts on the Islands!
Keep in mind accommodation in the area is limited (over 1 mln tourists arrive there per year!), and the best places get booked fast. That is why you MUST book in advance if you want to get a room and good package deals!
Understanding the area
Turks and Caicos is an archipelagic state composed of around forty islands and cays. The main islands include Providenciales, Grand Turk, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Salt Cay.
While you can move around the island (we are going to talk about this in details below), most people choose one area and stay there for the whole vacation.
Providenciales is the most popular Island, the most vibrant in terms of infrastructure and attractions, and the main hub for tourism. It also has Providenciales International Airport (PLS): which serves as the main international gateway to the Turks and Caico
That is why most areas I am recommending (Grace Bay, Leeward, and The Bight Settlement) are there. Venetian Road Settlement is not the most popular area in Provo, but still safe if you find accommodation there!
Cockburn Town in Grand Turks is another lively island since it is the capital city and home to many historical landmarks. It also has an airport – JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT). This one serves as the main gateway for cruise ship passengers and offers flights to various destinations in the Caribbean.
Some of the islands are quite desolated, and there isn’t a lot of infrastructure. For example, on the one hand, you have some islands like Ambergris Cay, North Caicos and Salt Cay Islands, that even though they are beautiful, there are no hotels, or restaurants, so it would make no sense to stay there, but these are nice for a day trip.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here are some of the best hotels in The Bight Turks and Caicos in case you need to book fast!
Contents
- Understanding the area
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Grace Bay – best area for first-timers
- 2. The Bight Settlement – top area for nightlife and beaches
- 3. Leeward Settlement – for the most luxurious accommodation
- 4. Cockburn Town (Grand Turk Island) – for a local atmosphere
- BONUS: The best all-inclusive resorts in Turks and Caicos
- Transportation between the Islands
- FAQs about where to stay in Turks And Caicos
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here is a map about where to stay in Turks and Caicos with the 4 best areas I will be talking about in this travel guide so you can easily visualize their location on the island:
- Where to stay for first-timers – Grace Bay and The Bight
- Where to stay for nightlife and beaches – The Bight, Grace Bay, Leeward Settlement
- Where to stay for luxurious accommodation – Leeward Settlement, Grace Bay
- Where to stay for a local experience – Cockburn Town and The Bight
1. Grace Bay – best area for first-timers
Grace Bay is the best area for first-timers! It is located next to The Bight and next to the North and Middle Caicos Islands, on the northeastern side, and it is home to the majority of hotels on the islands!
If you want to have a proper beach vacation, the best thing you can do is stay in Grace Bay! This neighborhood offers varied options of activities and attractions for couples, young adults, and families!
The area is super lively. During the day, you can relax on the softest white sand beach, and at night, you can enjoy the local nightlife and lovely restaurants!
One of the must-do things to do in Turks and Caicos is snorkeling in Princess Alexandra National Park, which includes the stunning Leeward Beach, Grace Bay Beach, and more!
Did you know that Turks and Caicos are actually a British overseas territory?
If you want to discover and learn the island’s history, I suggest you visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum, in the Providenciales location.
One of the best restaurants in the area is Hemingway Restaurant Providenciales, a top-notch option by the beachfront. People love their empanadas!
On top of everything, in Grace Bay, you can find deluxe beachfront hotels for a relaxing Big Turks vacation!You can also check out our comprehensive list of the best all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts in Turks and Caicos.
Club Med Turkoise
Stay in one of the most luxurious resorts in Turks and Caicos! This stunning property has it all! Enjoy the beautiful beachfront views and relax in the private beach area. If you feel like playing sports there are tennis courts available for guests, and you could even pick up aerobic lessons. They offer all inclusive packages for a breeze stay!
Other accommodations in Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
This beachfront hotel has spacious rooms with ocean views, a swimming pool, and restaurants and shops that are only a stone’s throw away
Located near Long Beach, this hotel offers a comfortable guest room, a swimming pool, on-site parking, and free wifi
This Airbnb has the best location on Grace Bay Beach and offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, free wifi, and a large terrace
Since this is the most popular place to stay in Turks and Caicos and the hotels I gave you above are the best of the best ones, they may fill up super quickly. For those who want to have more options, here are some other great hotels in Grace Bay:
- The Tuscany Grace Bay – This 5-star hotel offers luxury accommodation with Caribbean Elegance. You will love the hotel rooms with an amazing ocean view and a private balcony. There is also a fully-equipped fitness center, a large swimming pool, a spa, and free parking plus the town’s best restaurants are just a stone’s throw away.
- Seven Stars Resort & Spa – One of the top resorts on Grace Bay Beach! The beautiful Seven Stars Resort suits every travel style with its comfortable rooms, beautiful private beach, water sports activities, and an on-site bar. In the morning, you can enjoy a very good breakfast and pamper yourself at the spa with a massage by the pool.
- The Oasis at Grace Bay – This hotel has a private beach where you can have cocktails on the powdery sand, 2 swimming pools, free parking, and is just 8 miles (12 km) away from Providenciales International Airport. All the hotel rooms have a private balcony, and there are even some room options with a private pool.
- Rock House – This is one of the most stunning Grace Bay resorts I’ve seen! It has an infinity pool overlooking pristine beaches, making you feel like you’re on a private island. Select rooms have private pools. The resort is a short walk from local restaurants.
- Grace Bay Club – If you are looking for luxury hotels in Turks and Caicos, this won’t disappoint! There is a fitness center, tennis courts, an infinity pool, and a spa with a hot tub. With its spacious rooms and water sports activities, it is also a great place for a family vacation.
Things to do in Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
- Take a golf lesson at Provo Golf Club
- Test your luck at Casablanca Casino
- Take in the natural beauty of Princess Alexandra National Park
- Go diving at Coral Gardens Reef
- Enjoy the white sand and crystal clear water at Grace Bay Beach and Long Bay Beach
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
2. The Bight Settlement – top area for nightlife and beaches
The Island of Providenciales is the most popular island in Turks and Caicos. It is located only a 10-minute drive from Grace Bay, and if you want to know the best areas where to stay in Providenciales, The Bight is top on the list!
Providenciales is next to South Caicos and West Caicos, and it is the perfect mix between local nightlife and beach paradise!
You can also take advantage of the amazing restaurants and cafés it is home to, not to mention the best spots for snorkeling and scuba diving!
Did you know that Providenciales is the top stay choice for celebrities? Kim K is known as one of the celebrities who chose the island to relax in all the glamor of the Caribbean!
One of the best places to eat in the area is the Marine Room Restaurant, don’t forget to try their limoncello, next to the best views of the ocean.
The best thing to do on the island on a Thursday night is participate in the cultural event, The Bight Fish Fry, where you can experience music and art in addition to food!
For experiencing all the beauty of The Bight Settlement I recommend you head to Smith’s Reef. Here you can get the most out of your trip snorkeling amongst beautiful sea turtles and tropical fishes!
PRO TIP: If you find anything near Turtle Cove, book it without a doubt. It is a great area and near super near The Bight
Below, you can find from 5-star hotels in Turks and Caicos to affordable hotels:
One of the best places to stay in The Bight! Feel like a celebrity staying at this beautiful hotel! It is located on the beachfront, and you can practice watersports, such as snorkeling and diving, onsite. If you prefer, you can relax by the pool or use the onsite spa facilities.
Other options in The Bight Settlement
One of the nicest hotels! Centrally located in The Bight Settlement, this hotel has a private beach, a swimming pool
Sibonne Beach Hotel offers rooms with ocean views, a swimming pool, a private beach, an on-site restaurant, and private parking
Enjoy the private pool and the stunning ocean views! The design and location are ideal. It can host 4 guests
Things to do in The Bight Settlement
- Go snorkeling at Smith’s Reef and try to spot hawksbill turtles
- Spend time at the stunning Turtle Cove
- Have dinner at Marine Room; it’s got great reviews
- Visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum
- Relax under the sun at The Bight Park
3. Leeward Settlement – for the most luxurious accommodation
Leeward Settlement is located on Providenciales, only a 5-minute drive to the West away from Grace Bay. This area is filled with the most luxurious villas and hotels, surrounded by the most scenic beaches!
The area is super tranquil compared to Grace Bay, which is great for those looking for a relaxing holiday but still want to have all the action and attractions nearby!
If you want to lay on the beach and not worry about a thing, you need to head to the beautiful Leeward Beach (map). What is great about this beach is that it is way less crowded than other beaches in Grace Bay or The Bight, so you can properly relax and enjoy the sights.
By the way, if you are a golf lover, you have to check out the unique Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club. It is open to travelers and has the most iconic amenities and views!
Blue Haven Marina is the best place for an evening walk. First, enjoy a lovely dinner at Salt Bar and Grill, and later, enjoy the night sky reflecting on the ocean filled with beautiful fish and the stunning yachts and boats sailing away.
If you are staying in the area for long enough and want to explore some different parts of the islands, you could take a ferry from Leeward Settlement to Whitby in North Caicos, and wander around its neighbor Sandy Point!
WOW! Blue Heaven Resort is beyond luxurious! I cannot think of a better hotel for a deluxe relaxing stay in Turks and Caicos! The hotel is located by the beachfront and comes with a private beach area. There is a spa on-site offering from relaxing massages to body treatments. The outdoor swimming pool is located on the beach and comes with a swim up bar!
Other accommodation options in Leeward Settlement
Beautiful and homey hotel located between Leeward and Grace Bay, the views and swimming pool are stunning
Simple and cozy! This hotel offers great villas with kitchens, some of them come with balconies and sea views!
Rent a room with a private bathroom. Enjoy the shared kitchen, patio and the swimming pool!
Things to do in Leeward Settlement
- Have a lovely golf session at Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club
- Sunbathe in the calm Leeward Beach
- Enjoy scenic walks at Blue Haven Marina
4. Cockburn Town (Grand Turk Island) – for a local atmosphere
Cockburn Town is located on the Grand Turks Island, opposite North Caicos and East Caicos. It is the easternmost island and Turks and Caicos Capital. It nestles incredible history, as well as beautiful beaches, nightlife, and traditional restaurants.
This area is definitely great for everyone looking forward to having a local experience in Turks and Caicos.
For shopping you can head to Grand Turk Cruise Port, which is both a shopping center, AND a port where cruise ships arrive (and depart), usually to visit the island for the day. There is a beach surrounding the area, so expect big crowds around there!
Some of the main attractions on the island are the Grand Turk Lighthouse, which was built in 1852 to avoid more shipwrecks. The area is beautiful, and usually, you can spot cute donkeys roaming around.
Did you know that Christopher Columbus wrote about his visit to Turks and Caicos in his travel diary dating back to 1492?
Don’t forget to visit the best beach on Grand Turks, Governors Beach, during your time in paradise! Here, you can spot the most unique tropical fishes and sea turtles.
Another must is to spend time at the main location of the Turks and Caicos National Museum, which I highly recommend to understand the history of the place.
To end your day on a high note, stop by SandBar and have a great meal with unspoiled views of the ocean. PRO TIP: go before sunset time to get a nice table on their terrace to admire the view!
Although accommodation here is limited, this is the best area for cheap resorts:
Stay in a unique house right on the beach. The property has 2 bedrooms and can host up to 2 guests. It has laundry facilities and a big kitchen where you can prepare meals and enjoy the porch with the most beautiful ocean views.
Other accommodation options in Grand Turk Island
Centrally located in Cockburn Town this hotel offers a private beach, water sport activities, spacious rooms, and free wifi
Stay in a cozy hotel with beautiful ocean views. Guests can enjoy a free breakfast every morning!
This Airbnb offers a fully furnished kitchen, spacious rooms, bike rentals, a private garden, and free parking
Things to do in Grand Turk Island
- Visit the colonial prison built in 1830, Her Majesty’s Prison Museum
- Spend time at the white sand Governor’s Beach and Pillory Beach
- Go to the Historic Lighthouse Grand Turk and check out the beautiful views
- Visit the Crofton Coverley House, which survived hurricanes and now is home to the oldest citizen of the island!
- Swim in the crystal clear water at private and all-inclusive Bajari Beach Club
- Go whale watching at Salt Cay
| 👑 Luxury price: | $700 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | $500 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $200 |
| 📍Best area: | The Bight Settlement |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | West Bay Club |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Windsong on the Reef |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Sibonne Beach Hotel |
BONUS: The best all-inclusive resorts in Turks and Caicos
Who wouldn’t want to spend time under the sun sipping tropical drinks without worrying about extra fees? If you want to enjoy a flat rate stay with the best amenities, I have for you top rated resorts for an all-inclusive vacation!
You can also check our article with the best all inclusive resorts in Turks and Caicos for more options!
- Blue Haven Resort – Located in Grace Bay, this luxury resort offers a stunning private beach, a swimming pool, spacious rooms with an ocean and pool view, an upscale spa, and free wifi. You can have unlimited premium drinks by the pool bar and enjoy meals at the gourmet restaurant. Also, it comes with inclusive airport transfers.
- Alexandra Resort – This beachfront resort in Grace Bay features all-inclusive amenities. It has a white sand beach where you can practice water sports, a glamorous swimming pool, a full-service spa, and comfortable rooms with a private balcony. I personally recommend you stop by their tour desk for the best package tours and dive packages!
- The Palms Turks and Caicos – This all-inclusive hotel in Grace Bay has a private beach, a swimming pool, a luxurious spa, family rooms, and free wifi. All the hotel rooms have a private balcony and modern amenities. There are 2 on-site restaurants where you can have food from the Caribbean and international cuisines with a nice view.
- The Meridian Club – Located in Providenciales, this beautiful resort features unparalleled views of the ocean! You will have direct beach access, and you can practice water sports such as snorkeling in the private beach area. The resort comes with a spa center and an onsite restaurant.
Transportation between the Islands
- Airports – there are quite a lot of tiny local airports on the Islands, but 2 of them are the most popular: Providenciales International Airport in Providenciales and JAGS McCartney International Airport in Cockburn Town. If I were you, I would arrive at the airport near my accommodation to make things easy!
Cockburn Harbor in South Caicos is home to airports, but ferries are not that frequent, and there isn’t a lot going on there, so you’ll be kind of stranded. - Ferries – if you wish to check out other islands by ferry from Providenciales, it is possible! The round trip costs from US$65 for adults and from US$40 for kids. Some amazing companies you can try out are Caribbean Cruisin (which connects with North and South Caicos), and MV My Girl Ferry Services. This company doesn’t have a website, but you can purchase the ticket at the Walking Marina ferry port.
- Small Plane Charters – if you wish to visit and travel around the Islands on small planes, it is possible. 2 of the most popular carriers are InterCaribbean and Caicos Express. The round trip can cost something between US$120 and US$200.
- Bridge – there aren’t any ferries connecting Providenciales with Middle Caicos because there is a bridge connecting North and Middle Caicos: North and Middle Caicos Causeway.
FAQs about where to stay in Turks And Caicos
🗺️ What is the best place to stay in Turks and Caicos?
Grace Bay is the best place to stay in Turks and Caicos, thanks to the famous Grace Bay Beach and a great selection of restaurants and resorts. Some of the best hotels here are Grace Bay Club and Bianca Sands.
🦈 Are there sharks in Turks and Caicos?
Yes, but it is not common to see sharks on the beaches. Depending on the tide, they can find themselves near the shore, but only a few cases of unprovoked shark attacks have happened in the last few years.
🛎️ What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Turks and Caicos?
Blue Haven Resort and The Palms Turks and Caicos are some of the best all-inclusive hotels in Turks and Caicos that have a private beach, a swimming pool, and a great food selection.
👨👩👧👦What are the best resorts for families in Turks and Caicos?
Located in Grace Bay, Grace Bay Club and The Tuscany Grace Bay are some of the best resorts for families in Turks And Caicos that have family rooms and swimming pools.
🤔 How long can you stay in Turks and Caicos without a visa?
For most passports, you can stay 90 days in Turks and Caicos without a visa. For example, the USA and most European countries do not need a visa.
📷 What should I not miss in Turks and Caicos?
Here are some of the best tourist attractions you should not miss in Turks and Caicos: Grace Bay Beach, Turtle Cove, The Smiths Reef, Long Bay Beach, The Turks and Caicos National Museum, Princess Alexandra National Park, Coral Gardens, and The Historic Lighthouse Grand Turk.
💑 The Bight Settlement vs Grace Bay as romantic destinations for couples?
Without a doubt, Grace Bay is the most romantic destination for couples! It has the best beaches and landscapes, as well as luxurious resorts! But the Bight is equally beautiful with a more tranquil vibe!
🏖️ Which side of Turks and Caicos has the best beaches?
If you are looking for the best beaches in Turks and Caicos, look no further than Grace Bay in Providenciales!
🤔 Are Turks and Caicos safe?
If you keep to the touristy areas, Turks and Caicos are safe to visit. You just need to be cautious and aware of your surroundings like you would anywhere else!
💸 Why is Turks and Caicos so expensive?
Turk and Caicos is a paradise island in the Caribbean and home to beautiful resorts. Also, the import tariff makes everything quite expensive.
⛔ Where NOT to stay in Turks and Caicos?
Tourist areas are safe, but still, you need to be cautious. That being said, some areas are poor or desolated, and it is better to avoid them: West Harbour Bluff, Northwest Point National Park, Bonefish Point, Five Cays Settlement, and Malcome’s Road Beach.
Conclusion
That is all for today, my sweet angels! Those were the best places where to stay in Turks and Caicos Islands. Plus, a good selection of the best all-inclusive resorts surrounded by white-sand beaches!
Honestly, all the hotels mentioned in this article are dreamy, and I would love to stay in any of them. But if I had to choose my top 2, I’d go with
- Grace Bay Club – a luxury hotel with a private beach, spa, and infinity pool
- Windsong on the Reef – a lovely mid-range hotel with a private beach, swimming pool, and comfortable rooms
Keep in mind Turks and Caicos are extremely popular, and affordable resorts book up quickly. So it’s better to book in advance to secure your spot and take advantage of good package deals!
Which one of these areas was your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Until the next adventure,
Daniela
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Nice blog, thanks for sharing!
We are going soon and this saved us some time!