Hi there, as most of you know we recently had the great fortune to visit Turks and Caicos. I had never been but it was definitely on my list of “places to visit”. Thanks to my favorite travel agent of all, Sandy of You May Be Wandering, she arranged for everything and it was seamless. I have been to many Caribbean islands but this one has officially shot up to my absolute favorite!
We chose The Grace Bay Clubfor its excellent reputation and plum location right on the world-famous beach of Grace Bay. There are no words to properly describe the unbelievably clear water and talcum powder like sand….seriously amazing!!
I thought I had seen the best beaches in Hawaii and Bermuda but this beach takes top prize. The hotel was equally wonderful, we had a 1 bedroom suite facing the ocean, it was extremely spacious, comfortable and luxurious with the friendliest staff you could ask for, always with a smile. The hotel is quiet understated elegance at it’s best and most definitely validated their sterling reputation as numero uno.
We loved having every meal almost at the ocean’s edge. Every night surrounded by tiki torches, Caribbean music, we wined and dined to our hearts content. I think I had my yearly quota of Pina Coladas in that week alone:) And the best fish tacos, which we ate EVERY single day for lunch. Just writing this post puts a smile on my face….cannot wait to go back!
It was a great time to go, well ahead of the super busy holiday season, it was so relaxing…..I took a lot of my pictures early morning as you know I am a very early riser so it looks like we had it all to ourselves:)
You will not be surprised to learn that I took a lot of pictures…..A LOT ! I had to edit otherwise this would be my longest post ever. Oh and did I mention I happened to find my ultimate beach dream house? Yes, seeing is believing and your socks are going to get knocked off when you see it. So ready to join me on my little Turks and Caicos recap? Here we go…..
Grab a second cup of coffee or wine depending on what time you are reading this….there is a lot to see!
Yes this is what we woke up to every morning:)
The lobby of Grace Bay Club
And got to do a whole lot of this
Some of the many beautiful outdoor spaces right smack at the ocean’s edge
Part of the adults only pool
Which was always quiet and sooo relaxing, never a fight for floats!
Walked into town one day and the streets were literally lined with flowers like this, bougainvillea?
A few pics from our beautiful suite, entire hotel decorated by Thomas Pheasant
Didn’t think I was a fan of rum….but surprise surprise I kind of am:)
This cool table is right off a main bar area, this was taken early morning but they serve lunch and drinks here throughout the day/evening
Plenty of these little dudes scurrying about, but they are totally harmless
Dinner on the beach? Yes!
Drink of choice
Loved the charming Rum Shop/swim up bar
The scene from our favorite lunch table
Waking up early to another beautiful morning (this is the other pool)
This picture above instantly relaxes me….
This is where we had breakfast every morning
This was a neat and very popular restaurant, Coco Bistro, felt like we were eating inside a rain forest
Drinks waterside
On one of our many beach walks
Sunsets were out of a movie
The gorgeous view from our balcony…loved waking up to this!
When you wanted lunch right on the beach….there it was!
The sand like talcum powder and the water so clear it was transparent
________
“THE HOUSE”
And then we met someone who showed us a house, not just any house but my ultimate beach dream house. All you hear is the lull of the ocean and the rustling of the palm trees…works for me! Step inside-
The interior details called my name, the amazing coral stone and pale blue transom
Looking for a new job? This is the caretakers cottage…..amazing!
This is the open living room with french doors looking out to the sea, completely done in coral stone. How about those shell relief frieze’s over the door!
Walking from the pool into the house
Love all the painted doors and took note of those fabulous transoms
Everything is one level except there is a stair rotunda leading to the upstairs which is all master suite
With a million dollar view!
The pool looking out to the ocean…….I need to live here!
And how about the fretwork on these beautiful little pool cabanas!
Painted one of my favorite colors, pale blue
The deck off master bedroom
I had immediate visions of hosting my oldest sons engagement party or small destination wedding in all white, cocktails around the pool then we would move to the sand where a beautiful beachside dinner would happen:)
Complete with our very own private beach, do you like how I am now referring to it as “ours” )
Ahhhhh….did you enjoy your little virtual vacation to the Turks and Caicos? Putting this together was such fun for me, as I got to relive this wonderful trip all over again. I know one thing, I will be planning and plodding to go back sooner than later, it was just perfect. A few thanks-
Turks and Caicos, thanks for popping out of the ocean from a volcano and creating a beautiful,dreamy, palm tree laden paradise for so many to enjoy, it was so lovely to meet you.
If you have a vacation in your future, I cannot recommend Sandy of You May Be Wandering (click here to contact her) highly enough. She took care of every detail and because she is part of Virtuoso there are a number of perks that make it so worth going through her. She is a travel gem and I can always count on her to ensure we have a fabulous trip.
Grace Bay Club, you are awesome in every way. From your smiling staff, so eager to please to your beautiful, pristine seaside property…..it was a true pleasure to be there.
Thanks friends for stopping in, now it’s back to reality:) Wishing you a great day, I am so loving these cooler temps, fall is in the air and I am loving every minute! Until next time……
I’ve been to the Turks & Caicos but you make me want to return! You have shared another beautiful post. Love the beach house and especially the louvered doors with the transom. By the way, I made your Tex-Mex salad and you’re right–it’s delicious. Thanks for sharing all things good!
Now that’s my kind of vacation, except, I never take that kind of vacation. RELAXING in paradise, what a wonderful concept. My vacations are always rushing here and there to see as much as I can see. Then I return home feeling like I need a vacation. You’ve got me reconsidering where to go next!
What a TREAT!! Beautiful location. My daughter and I cruised to Turks and Caicos two years ago and it was stunningly beautiful. And that beach house. Wow!!! Imagine waking up to that view every day of your life. Thanks for taking us along with you!
We’ve been and yes you described it perfectly. We actually spent New Years Eve at Grace Bay. Since we didn’t have reservations we were not going to get in … Until, they saw all of our daughters !! We also took the ferry over to Pine Cay which was lovely . A private island with about 30 homes. Enjoyed my morning coffee revisiting Turks!
Hi Tina, what a beautiful post. We have stayed at GBC and you described it so well. We have been twice and it’s our favorite island too with St. Barths being a close second though the beach at Grace Bay is like no other.
I am in love with your dream beach house, what an incredible home. It has your name all over it and it would be a beautiful spot for a wedding or big party of some sort. Always enjoy your posts, this one was the getaway and relaxation I needed before I start a very hectic day that will not end until well into this evening, so thank you.
Tina, I have no doubt you have single handedly increased Turks and Caicos’ tourism! Just got added to my bucket list.
Thanks for sharing the gorgeous pics.
I have been fortunate to have traveled all over the world. When people ask me my favorite destination, I always say Turks and Caicos. It is more beautiful than can be believed. The sand is truly like talcum powder and is absolutely dazzling! The water is the most clear, perfect shade of turquoise.
That beach house is stunning! I can just imagine it with your incredible touches.
I just sent your link to the Mister with a note: Call Sandy! This is #1 on my bucket list. And if we win the lottery… buy the house!!! Have a great week, dear Tina and enjoy this gorgeous weather!
You absolutely have to buy the beach house — would love to see how you would furnish and decorate it! You need to tell your husband you could always rent it out when you aren’t there, so it wouldn’t be a big hit to the budget!
We have talked many times about going to Turks and Caicos mainly because of the ease in getting there from NC. Now I want to go for the beauty. It looks amazing and if you will buy the house we’ll buy the caretakers cottage…love it all!!
Hi Tina! I am SO thrilled you had a wonderful trip to Turks and Caicos and that I was able to help you turn your travel dreams into a reality!!! Thank you SO much for mentioning me in your post too! Big hugs!!!!
Like you I loved Turks and Caicos… But no one mentioned the dolphin that would come into the bay to visit… I’ve forgotten her name… Does anybody remember? And the local artist there that was known for his primitive work?
Tina- what a fantastic trip. We were there for a destination wedding last year at the Amanyara which is also beautiful but more remote (on opposite side of island). It was amazing as you said. We stayed 4 extra days and it was bliss. When our flight was canceled going back to Chicago for bad weather, we didn’t mind one bit having an extra night!
That house is to die for. Yes, I can see your touches throughout and imagine big ginger jars inside and out, it would be so beautiful. And yes to that wedding, sounds like a dream. Thank you for sharing your beautiful trip with us.
These photos are incredible. I have been to Turks and Caicos three times because of those amazing beaches – but now I want to go back even more. We never stayed at Grace Bay Club but we had dinner there one night. Wow, what an amazing resort. Thanks for giving us a tour of the beautiful property along with the house you toured. What fun!
Shelley
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Hi there, as most of you know we recently had the great fortune to visit Turks and Caicos. I had never been but it was definitely on my list of “places to visit”. Thanks to my favorite travel agent of all, Sandy of You May Be Wandering, she arranged for everything and it was seamless. I have been to many Caribbean islands but this one has officially shot up to my absolute favorite!
We chose The Grace Bay Club for its excellent reputation and plum location right on the world-famous beach of Grace Bay. There are no words to properly describe the unbelievably clear water and talcum powder like sand….seriously amazing!!
I thought I had seen the best beaches in Hawaii and Bermuda but this beach takes top prize. The hotel was equally wonderful, we had a 1 bedroom suite facing the ocean, it was extremely spacious, comfortable and luxurious with the friendliest staff you could ask for, always with a smile. The hotel is quiet understated elegance at it’s best and most definitely validated their sterling reputation as numero uno.
We loved having every meal almost at the ocean’s edge. Every night surrounded by tiki torches, Caribbean music, we wined and dined to our hearts content. I think I had my yearly quota of Pina Coladas in that week alone:) And the best fish tacos, which we ate EVERY single day for lunch. Just writing this post puts a smile on my face….cannot wait to go back!
It was a great time to go, well ahead of the super busy holiday season, it was so relaxing…..I took a lot of my pictures early morning as you know I am a very early riser so it looks like we had it all to ourselves:)
You will not be surprised to learn that I took a lot of pictures…..A LOT ! I had to edit otherwise this would be my longest post ever. Oh and did I mention I happened to find my ultimate beach dream house? Yes, seeing is believing and your socks are going to get knocked off when you see it. So ready to join me on my little Turks and Caicos recap? Here we go…..
Grab a second cup of coffee or wine depending on what time you are reading this….there is a lot to see!
Yes this is what we woke up to every morning:)
The lobby of Grace Bay Club
And got to do a whole lot of this
Some of the many beautiful outdoor spaces right smack at the ocean’s edge
Part of the adults only pool
Which was always quiet and sooo relaxing, never a fight for floats!
Walked into town one day and the streets were literally lined with flowers like this, bougainvillea?
A few pics from our beautiful suite, entire hotel decorated by Thomas Pheasant
Didn’t think I was a fan of rum….but surprise surprise I kind of am:)
This cool table is right off a main bar area, this was taken early morning but they serve lunch and drinks here throughout the day/evening
Plenty of these little dudes scurrying about, but they are totally harmless
Dinner on the beach? Yes!
Drink of choice
Loved the charming Rum Shop/swim up bar
The scene from our favorite lunch table
Waking up early to another beautiful morning (this is the other pool)
This picture above instantly relaxes me….
This is where we had breakfast every morning
This was a neat and very popular restaurant, Coco Bistro, felt like we were eating inside a rain forest
Drinks waterside
On one of our many beach walks
Sunsets were out of a movie
The gorgeous view from our balcony…loved waking up to this!
When you wanted lunch right on the beach….there it was!
The sand like talcum powder and the water so clear it was transparent
________
“THE HOUSE”
And then we met someone who showed us a house, not just any house but my ultimate beach dream house. All you hear is the lull of the ocean and the rustling of the palm trees…works for me! Step inside-
The interior details called my name, the amazing coral stone and pale blue transom
Looking for a new job? This is the caretakers cottage…..amazing!
This is the open living room with french doors looking out to the sea, completely done in coral stone. How about those shell relief frieze’s over the door!
Walking from the pool into the house
Love all the painted doors and took note of those fabulous transoms
Everything is one level except there is a stair rotunda leading to the upstairs which is all master suite
With a million dollar view!
The pool looking out to the ocean…….I need to live here!
And how about the fretwork on these beautiful little pool cabanas!
Painted one of my favorite colors, pale blue
The deck off master bedroom
I had immediate visions of hosting my oldest sons engagement party or small destination wedding in all white, cocktails around the pool then we would move to the sand where a beautiful beachside dinner would happen:)
Complete with our very own private beach, do you like how I am now referring to it as “ours” )
Ahhhhh….did you enjoy your little virtual vacation to the Turks and Caicos? Putting this together was such fun for me, as I got to relive this wonderful trip all over again. I know one thing, I will be planning and plodding to go back sooner than later, it was just perfect. A few thanks-
Turks and Caicos, thanks for popping out of the ocean from a volcano and creating a beautiful,dreamy, palm tree laden paradise for so many to enjoy, it was so lovely to meet you.
If you have a vacation in your future, I cannot recommend Sandy of You May Be Wandering (click here to contact her) highly enough. She took care of every detail and because she is part of Virtuoso there are a number of perks that make it so worth going through her. She is a travel gem and I can always count on her to ensure we have a fabulous trip.
Grace Bay Club, you are awesome in every way. From your smiling staff, so eager to please to your beautiful, pristine seaside property…..it was a true pleasure to be there.
Thanks friends for stopping in, now it’s back to reality:) Wishing you a great day, I am so loving these cooler temps, fall is in the air and I am loving every minute! Until next time……
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Oh my lord! Fantastic! Made my coffee seem extra special this morning!!!
I’ve been to the Turks & Caicos but you make me want to return! You have shared another beautiful post. Love the beach house and especially the louvered doors with the transom. By the way, I made your Tex-Mex salad and you’re right–it’s delicious. Thanks for sharing all things good!
Now that’s my kind of vacation, except, I never take that kind of vacation. RELAXING in paradise, what a wonderful concept. My vacations are always rushing here and there to see as much as I can see. Then I return home feeling like I need a vacation. You’ve got me reconsidering where to go next!
Beautiful post. Loved it.
What a TREAT!! Beautiful location. My daughter and I cruised to Turks and Caicos two years ago and it was stunningly beautiful. And that beach house. Wow!!! Imagine waking up to that view every day of your life. Thanks for taking us along with you!
Beautiful!
We’ve been and yes you described it perfectly. We actually spent New Years Eve at Grace Bay. Since we didn’t have reservations we were not going to get in … Until, they saw all of our daughters !! We also took the ferry over to Pine Cay which was lovely . A private island with about 30 homes. Enjoyed my morning coffee revisiting Turks!
Hi Tina, what a beautiful post. We have stayed at GBC and you described it so well. We have been twice and it’s our favorite island too with St. Barths being a close second though the beach at Grace Bay is like no other.
I am in love with your dream beach house, what an incredible home. It has your name all over it and it would be a beautiful spot for a wedding or big party of some sort. Always enjoy your posts, this one was the getaway and relaxation I needed before I start a very hectic day that will not end until well into this evening, so thank you.
Tina, I have no doubt you have single handedly increased Turks and Caicos’ tourism! Just got added to my bucket list.
Thanks for sharing the gorgeous pics.
im more than just a little green with envy. lucky you!!!
Never been…. And now I want to go!
Lovely photos! ?
I have been fortunate to have traveled all over the world. When people ask me my favorite destination, I always say Turks and Caicos. It is more beautiful than can be believed. The sand is truly like talcum powder and is absolutely dazzling! The water is the most clear, perfect shade of turquoise.
That beach house is stunning! I can just imagine it with your incredible touches.
I just sent your link to the Mister with a note: Call Sandy! This is #1 on my bucket list. And if we win the lottery… buy the house!!! Have a great week, dear Tina and enjoy this gorgeous weather!
You absolutely have to buy the beach house — would love to see how you would furnish and decorate it! You need to tell your husband you could always rent it out when you aren’t there, so it wouldn’t be a big hit to the budget!
We have talked many times about going to Turks and Caicos mainly because of the ease in getting there from NC. Now I want to go for the beauty. It looks amazing and if you will buy the house we’ll buy the caretakers cottage…love it all!!
Hi Tina! I am SO thrilled you had a wonderful trip to Turks and Caicos and that I was able to help you turn your travel dreams into a reality!!! Thank you SO much for mentioning me in your post too! Big hugs!!!!
I’ve visited several Caribbean islands but not Turks and Caicos. I’ll have to add it to my list. Thanks for sharing your lovely vacation!
Like you I loved Turks and Caicos… But no one mentioned the dolphin that would come into the bay to visit… I’ve forgotten her name… Does anybody remember? And the local artist there that was known for his primitive work?
Tina,
I need to remind you that your role as a mother in law
is wearing beige, then sit down, and shut up.
This is an old southern saying.
Tina- what a fantastic trip. We were there for a destination wedding last year at the Amanyara which is also beautiful but more remote (on opposite side of island). It was amazing as you said. We stayed 4 extra days and it was bliss. When our flight was canceled going back to Chicago for bad weather, we didn’t mind one bit having an extra night!
That house is to die for. Yes, I can see your touches throughout and imagine big ginger jars inside and out, it would be so beautiful. And yes to that wedding, sounds like a dream. Thank you for sharing your beautiful trip with us.
These photos are incredible. I have been to Turks and Caicos three times because of those amazing beaches – but now I want to go back even more. We never stayed at Grace Bay Club but we had dinner there one night. Wow, what an amazing resort. Thanks for giving us a tour of the beautiful property along with the house you toured. What fun!
Shelley