Whether you are a regular or a newbie to the turks and caicos islands, it’s well worth going out of the way to find out which beach is your favourite if you want that beautiful beach villa. Even if you aren’t in the market for a villa, and are struggling with what to do in Turks and Caicos, then you should definitely make the effort to go. Here’s our Top 5 hidden beaches for your new villa in TCI. All the beaches below will have empty lots that you can look to buy, some will be more expensive than others based on their location, condition and connections.
Hidden Bambarra Beach – Middle caicos
Where the rum gets its name, but it’s quite a lot nicer on the eyes than its liquor namesake. You’ll have to get a ferry here and rent a car from a person at the dock. From the ferry dock, it’s a beautiful beach-filled, coastal drive that’ll take you about 30 minutes. You’ll pass through Whitby and some other small hamlets, very different from the hotel-filled scenes at Grace Bay. I won’t spoil it, but watch out for the tide that goes through the shallows between the islands. It’s isolated, and as yet middle caicos is quite untouched due to the fact that you rely on a ferry service to get from Provo. Take a look for yourself: https://goo.gl/maps/h4zTRbQbYYCz2Emm9
Hidden Sapodilla Bay – Providenciales
You may have heard of this beach before, it’s popularity has grown in recent years. On the western end of Provo you’ll find this beautiful long beach. It is pretty much dead opposite Las Brisas, park in their car park for a few dollars which is worth doing as the road to park on is often full and is a fast road. Only downside to this beach is that for some reason it’s not designated as a nature reserve, so the jet ski guys will be asking for your business, and making a fair bit of disturbance with the skis whilst they wait.. It’s not so bad that it should put you off, but just be aware. When passing by grab a drink at las brisas. Their cocktails are worth a go and you get a great view of chalk sound whilst you’re there. It’s super shallow and the rental villas here do very well. Check it here on google maps. https://goo.gl/maps/NYjs2evQD3BLmDXW6
Hidden Emerald point – Providenciales
If you’ve taken a boat trip, you’ll probably have passed this choke point between Iguana island and the eastern tip of provo. This beach has the advantage of being on both the northern and southern shores. This means that whatever the wind or waves are doing, you’ll be able to find a great patch to set up camp and crack out a gin and tonic.There is an imminent development happening right on the point, which is a bit of a shame as the view across the point is quite stunning with the ocean in the background. There are lots available on both the north and south side of this man-made sand spit. It is located here if you want to look at the map. https://goo.gl/maps/joPtJ968PasN6Goz9
Hidden Malcolms beach – Providenciales
A long and bush-filled road will lead you to one of the best beaches on the island. I’d arguably say it’s the best beach in the world. It’s at least a 45 minute drive from grace bay, so stock up the car with plenty of drinks. Although you can drive down there in most cars, a 4×4 is recommended. It’s one of the emptiest beaches in TCI, so feel free to be at one with nature on your own terms! Only thing to say about this beach is that the mosquitoes come out in some force at sunset. So, top insider tip, back up all your stuff into the car before sunset, then get as close to the ocean as possible, grab a local brew and enjoy the last glimpses of sunlight before rushing back to the car and make sure your windows are closed! As far as hidden beaches for your new villa go, this is probably the most hidden. I’m unaware of anyone buying up land in this part of the island due to its remoteness, get in touch with a realtor and I’m sure they will present you with some options in the area. Alternatively browse www.tcirea.com to view land lots available. https://goo.gl/maps/DVZqzGszXX2KdGcp8
Hidden Smiths reef – Providenciales
Underestimated as an awesome snorkelling spot. You can see turtles, rays, lobsters and many more sea creatures. This is located in the middle of the island behind the yacht club. There are two car parks, if you take the one on the left you’ll be a bit closer to reef heads, but if you take the car park on the right you’ll be closer to the sea grass, which the turtles love. Either way the beach is long and has many villas fronting onto them, but don’t worry, it’s all public. The beach suffered erosion during hurricane Irma, so although the beaches have grown in size a bit, the water undercut the waterfront properties and lots. Although most lots have been taken, there are some still available. Make sure the survey is adjusted to sell you only land that hasn’t been reclaimed by the ocean! This beach is great because it’s a lot quieter than Grace Bay, but is only a 10 minute drive away from the centre. Not the most hidden beach for your new villa, but packed with convenience and beauty nonetheless. https://goo.gl/maps/ysPCBu6s5cZT52717
Hope you enjoyed this brief guide to some of the hidden beaches in Turks and Caicos. If you’re thinking about building your dream home here in Turks then we can help. Take a look at the villas on our website – www.jameshamiltonarchitects.com or email studio@jameshamiltonarchitects.com
Written by Tom Greenfield – Director, James Hamilton Architects
