View from Around the World: Turks and Caicos - Sun, Sand, and Shenanigans in Paradise

Let’s talk about paradise. Not the metaphorical kind where everything’s dreamy and your hair always behaves — I mean actual paradise. Turks and Caicos, my friends. Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean like a scattered handful of powdered sugar islands, this British Overseas Territory is the kind of place that makes you question why you ever bothered owning shoes.

Now, before you accuse me of exaggerating (which I occasionally do for dramatic effect), allow me to walk you through a week of sun-drenched madness, coconut cocktails, and more flamingos than I anticipated.

Day One: Grace Bay or Bust

You land. Your soul exhales. Grace Bay greets you like an overachieving hostess — soft white sands, turquoise water that looks Photoshopped, and beach loungers that practically whisper “nap here.” It’s not just beautiful — it’s obnoxiously beautiful.  “Is this a desktop screensaver?” level.

Naturally, I went for a paddleboard session. Naturally, I fell off in front of an audience of smug honeymooners. But I’d argue dignity is overrated when you’re floating in bath-warm waters under a sky that looks hand-painted.

Day Two: Conch is King

Turks and Caicos is conch country — and not just the shells you blow into after too many rum punches. We’re talking conch salad, cracked conch, conch fritters… If it can be conch-ed, it’s on the menu.

I took a tour with a local fisherman named Darren, who not only taught me how to wrangle a conch from the sea but also introduced me to the art of turning said conch into ceviche on the back of his boat. The boat was called *No Worries*, because of course it was.

Top tip: Don't look the conch in the eye before you eat it. Trust me.

Day Three: Iguanas, Kayaks, and Flamingo FOMO

Half Moon Bay is the stuff of postcards and filtered Instagram dreams. I kayaked there, convinced I was the next David Attenborough, only to be greeted by rock iguanas who were entirely unbothered by my narration.

Also spotted: wild flamingos. Actual pink flamingos, wading about as if they weren’t the most majestic, ridiculous creatures alive. They kept their distance, possibly because I was wearing a flamingo-print swimsuit, which they may have found offensive. Fair enough.

Day Four: Mudjin Harbour & Other Magical Things

Mudjin Harbour on Middle Caicos is what happens when Mother Nature wants to show off. Think dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and water so vivid you’ll want to slap on a snorkel and never leave.

I hiked a bit (okay, it was more of a sweaty stroll), discovered a secluded beach I considered claiming as my own sovereign nation, and nearly wept at the sheer loveliness of it all. If you want to feel very small and very inspired, this is the spot.

Day Five: Sunset, Sandbars, and Slight Sunburn

Chartering a boat for a sunset cruise? Highly recommend. Especially when it involves sipping rum while dancing to soca music and waving at passing dolphins like you’re in a movie montage.

The captain took us to a sandbar that only appears at low tide — a ghost island of soft sand where we toasted to life, love, and not checking work emails. (Note: I did get sunburnt in the shape of my sunglasses, so pack extra sunscreen and maybe a wide-brimmed hat that screams “mystery novelist.”)

Would I Go Back? Absolutely. Would I Stay Forever? Tempting

Turks and Caicos is where you lose track of time, find yourself again, and maybe write a haiku about the colour of the sea (guilty).

So, pack light. Bring your sense of humour. And for goodness’ sake, try the conch fritters.

Until next time, island dreamers — stay salty, stay silly, and always chase the sunset.