The beautiful island of Turks and Caicos consists of 40 islands and cays and is located in Central America. The two groups of islands lie close to the North Atlantic southeast of the Bahamas and north of Haiti. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are not considered a part of the Caribbean, but due to their cultural, geographical and political associations with the Greater Antilles and other Caribbean Islands many label them as part of the Caribbean. http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/carib.htm
History
Prior to explorer Christopher Columbus voyage to the island of Grand Turk in 1942, the island had already been inhabited by the Taino and Lucayan Indians. These original settlers left their heritage of seafaring, salt raking and farming. The word ‘Caicos’ is derived from the Arawak language. ‘Turks’ is a reference to the indigenous Turk’s head cactus and Caicos is from the Lucayan term “caya hico” meaning string of islands.
The Island was controlled by the Spanish, French and British in 1766. Turks & Caicos became part of the Bahamas colony and was rule by the Bahamian government. After failed attempts to combine the two islands in 1874 the “Great Bahamas Hurricane” devastated many of the chain of islands, the Turks & Caicos Islands became a dependency to the British Crown Colony of Jamaica. http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/history-and-culture.html
Food
The most popular dish that Turks and Caicos is known for is its ‘Conch,’ a seafood prepared in a various ways; conch creole, curried conch, conch chowder, dried conch and the popular conch fritters! Along with your conch another dish is rice and peas which is famous among many of the islands. Rum punch is a popular beverage as well!
Culture
The language spoken is mainly English, but there are some that speak Creole. As far as religion, Christians are of several denominations such as Catholics, Baptist, Pentecostal, among others. They are quite pleased to share with you the history of the island, their art and music not to mention the people themselves.
Hospitality
The people are quite hospitable and welcome you with open arms. It is no unusual to for someone strike a conversation or even offer you a ride. They have one of the lowest crime rates among many of the islands, but quite naturally you should always have your guard up.
Hotels/Resorts
If you’re looking for 5 Star hotels in Providenciales also called ‘Provo,’ there are quite a few to choose from, but we have only provided three in this article.
Parrot Cay Resort & Spa
Located 575 miles southeast of Miami and is island is 35 minutes by boat from ‘Provo’ with a 442 rooms. http://parrotcay.com/
The Regent Palms
Is a 72 room suite resort located at Grace Bay Beach
http://www.islandinns.com/regentpalms.html
The Veranda Turks and Caicos
Features 123 Studio rooms and offers villas
http://verandatci2-px.trvlclick.com/
Now if you’re looking for a similar experience to enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches and spa’s but these resorts does not fit your budget then Beaches resort is for you.
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa
Opened in 1997, this popular spot is an all-inclusive resort and is great for family!
http://www.beaches.com/main/index.cfm?resortsType=turks
So when you are planning your next vacation to the islands pay attention to what place will fit your needs and your budget. You can still have a 5 Star experience without the hefty price tag!
The island of Provo is romantic, serene, and tranquil. It is not highly commercialized which does not make it overly populated. It is a true getaway for couples and for anyone who just want to relax!
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