PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos -- People come from all over the world for the Grace Bay Beach on the island called "Provo." This glorious 12-mile stretch of shoreline has made the most developed island (population roughly 30,000) in a small Caribbean chain just south of the Bahamas one hot destination.
Resorts line up like dominoes -- Club Med, Beaches, Ocean Club Resorts, Seven Stars, etc. -- along the beach, which ranked No. 1 in the world two years running by TripAdvisor users. These resorts serve as the hubs of activity on this still-sleepy, laid-back British Overseas Territory.
Guests staying in luxury suites at the original Ocean Club Resort or newer Ocean Club West -- two condominium-style resorts a mile apart -- can shuttle back and forth to enjoy three great restaurants on site or tee it up at Provo Golf Club across the street.
Lazy days can be spent riding bikes to shops or relaxing at either resort's Spa Tropique. Exploring the island leads to fun discoveries: Da Conch Shack and Rum Bar on Blue Hills Beach and the world's first conch farm. Despite its slimy appearance, conch (pronounced "conk") is quite a tasty local delicacy served in all sorts of ways.
Sailing with Sun Charters on the schooner Atabeyra delivers the best of snorkeling, pleasure cruising and stunning sunsets. Celebrities tend to flock to Turks & Caicos for its laid-back vibe. Country star Toby Keith recently played a round at Provo Golf Club.
"He liked it so much he extended his stay," says Sean Wilson, the club's associate golf professional. Keith must have been heeding the advice of a song he wrote called "Chill-axin'." That's what many folks on "Provo" are aiming to do.
Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales
Grace Bay Beach is the main attraction on Providenciales, an island in Turks & Caicos.
Courtesy of Ocean Club Resorts
Da Conch Shack and Rum Bar
Da Conch Shack and Rum Bar remains a favorite spot on Providenciales in Turks & Caicos.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Atabeyra sailboat on Providenciales
The Atabeyra rests on a remote beach, where there's a sunken ship for snorkelers to explore in Turks & Caicos.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Provo Golf Club - clubhouse
The Provo Golf Club is the only course on Providenciales, the most developed island in Turks & Caicos.
Courtesy of Provo G.C.
Providenciales - sinkhole
The "hole" is a sinkhole tourists love to explore on Providenciales in Turks & Caicos.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Conch farm on Providenciales
These pens breed conch at the world's first conch farm on Providenciales in Turks & Caicos.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Conch
Despite its ugly appearance, the conch is a tasty treat found on all menus on Providenciales in Turks & Caicos.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Da Conch Shack and Rum Bar - conch
Fried Conch at Da Conch Shack and Rum Bar is delicious.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Atabeyra sailboat - sunset
This sunset was visible aboard the Atabeyra near Providenciales in Turks & Caicos.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Fort George in Turks & Caicos
This remote beach in Turks & Caicos, called Fort George, is a great spot for searching for sand dollars and snorkeling near several sunken cannons.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Cracking open conch
Customers dining at Da Conch Shack and Rum Bar in Providenciales can learn how to crack open a conch during a demonstration on the beach.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Ocean Club Resorts - balcony
Some balconies at the Ocean Club Resorts overlook the famous Grace Bay Beach.
Courtesy of Ocean Club Resorts
