What's your definition of 'getting away from it all'? The Turks and Caicos islands of course. Covering an area of 193 square miles, Turks and Caicos is made up of 40 island and cays, but only eight of them are inhabited. That's a lot of space for exploring, on land and in the ocean.
Turks and Caicos is home to the world's third largest barrier reef system, with 37 species of coral. World-class diving is a big draw, offering everything from snorkelling to beginners to serious challenges for the experienced diver. If you prefer to look or just dip your toes rather than immerse yourself in the clear blue waters, there's paddleboarding and sailing. There's also whale watching (in season), as well as quayside shopping and dining at Margaritaville to distract you.
Many of the islands are linked by regular ferry services or a short flight, and it's well worth getting out and about. Discover the lush forest and caves of Middle Caicos and the pools and wildlife or North Caicos, increasingly popular with visitors looking for remote charm. For fishing, secluded beaches and the laid-back town life of historic Cockburn Harbour, head to South Caicos.
To explore the eighteenth and nineteenth century Bermuda buildings from the 'salt raking' era, there's Cockburn Town on the capital island, Grand Turk. Christopher Columbus landed here in 1492 and traces of the island's heritage in the centuries since can still be seen, alongside all its modern pleasures.
The starting point for holidaymakers is the vibrant island of Providencials (Provo for short), with hotels, casinos, shops and dining. The most developed of the islands, you can get in a few rounds of golf, treat body and soul at a botanical spa and take a romantic stroll along 12-mile Grace Bay Beach, recently ranked the World's Best Beach. To the south, Chalk Sound is a stunning setting for lakeside relaxation, and at nearby Marina Inn you can see stones engraved by ship wreckers hundreds of years ago, or head to Caicos Conch Farm (the only such farm in the world) for wildlife watching.
Most of the other islands are ten-minute flight away from Providenciales. Throughout the Turks and Caicos, the coast has many pleasures beyond diving, deep-sea, reef or bone fishing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, water-skiing, parasailing and Kayaking. And a holiday on any of the islands allows you to wind down in your own way. Play tennis, go horseback riding or cycling, or set off on a hike and take in some bird watching. In short, the Turks and Caicos Island offer relaxation however you want it.