This Panoramic Beach With Gorgeous Views Is Arguably One Of The Best In Turks And Caicos

The beaches are the reason that you should choose the Turks and Caicos for your next vacation. They are constantly rated at the top of lists of the best beaches in the world. Particularly, Grace Bay Beach. This stunning swath of sand, with its endless beautiful water views, might be the best spot on all of the islands.

Grace Bay Beach, a beautiful Caribbean beach for a picture-perfect vacation, is on the north coast of Providenciales. Provo, as everyone calls it, is the main island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, which is a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. The public beach — all of the beaches on the Turks and Caicos are freely accessible — extends for more than three miles in Princess Alexandra National Park. The coastal and marine national park protects the seemingly endless white-sand beach, the clear turquoise water that laps against it, and the barrier reef that lies just offshore. Plus, on the other side, it is lined with some of the most luxurious resorts on the islands. With amazing views like this, it's no wonder Grace Bay Beach is famous around the world.

From the East Coast, it is surprisingly easy to travel to the Turks and Caicos. Providenciales International Airport (PLS), the islands' main airport, receives nonstop flights from the Bahamas, Canada, numerous Caribbean islands, and many cities in the United States. The flight from the New York City area (either JFK or EWR) is just over three hours. Charlotte's travel time is a little more than two and a half hours. While Miami is only one hour and 40 minutes away.

Due to the airport's small size, you should expect long lines, particularly during the high season (late-December through April), when you in land on Providenciales. You can expedite the arrival process by booking a Fast Track service (from $75 per person). These VIP concierges will quickly move you through the immigration and customs lines, as well as help with your luggage. A similar service, to help navigate check-in and security, is offered upon departure. Though expensive, Fast Track can significantly increase your beach time.

Once you make your way through the airport, you just have to find your ground transportation. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation on Providenciales. But taxis, luxury SUVs, and shared shuttles are waiting outside. You can also rent a car, if you want to explore more of the island. Just remember, since you are on a British Overseas Territory, to drive on the left side of the road. Grace Bay Beach is now only 20 minutes away.

The last piece of your Turks and Caicos puzzle is your accommodations. Grace Bay Beach is lined with many hotels, resorts, and villas. Secluded Point Grace (from $520 per night), the recently renovated Palms Turks and Caicos (from $648 per night), and the grande dame Grace Bay Club (from $975 per night) are splurge-worthy choices just steps from the soft sand. Alexandra Resort (from $679 per night) and Club Med Turkoise (from $2,666 for seven nights) are all-inclusive options. While Sibonné Beach Hotel, one of the beach's original hotels, offers more affordable rooms, even if they are a bit dated (from $217 per night).

Surprisingly, Providenciales is also considered one of the fun, family-friendly vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Many activities on the beach, including horseback riding and a semi-submarine tour, are geared toward kids. Beaches Turks & Caicos, a huge property with a prime location, is, too. The all-inclusive resort has the only water park in the country. It also has eight pools, each with a different vibe or, if you prefer, day of the week.

On second thought, you might not want to plan too many poolside activities. No matter where you stay, you will forget all about them as soon as you drop off your bags and get your first panoramic glimpse of Grace Bay Beach. It was this gorgeous stretch of sand and sparkling turquoise water that coaxed you to the Turks and Caicos in the first place.