Turks and Caicos

Passion for Providenciales

Privacy is the new luxury on a honeymoon to the gleaming Turks and Caicos.

BY DOUG WALLACE

he sky, the sand, the sea – it’s a winning trifecta, the simplest of ingredients, the cornerstone of the best, most relaxing honeymoon imaginable. And among the dozens of islands and cays of the Turks and Caicos, you’ll find these soothing elements set within myriad permutations of a thousand shades of blue. This British territory, two sets of tropical islands separated by the Turks Island Passage, sits at the south end of the Bahamas, just north of the Dominican Republic. Nine inhabited islands play host to about 1.5 million visitors each year – and you could join them. “Beautiful by nature” is more than just a clever marketing slogan here, it is a reality. The cerulean waters, soft trade winds, white sand, limestone cliffs and tropical dry forest create an idyllic environment, as if you were walking in a postcard. The sun shines an incredible 350 days of the year. While hundreds of tourist brochures make mention of their pristine beaches, Turks and Caicos can actually mean it. The marine scene is unparalleled and the beaches beyond extraordinary, particularly Grace Bay Beach on the island of Providenciales, where most of the nation’s top resorts are congregated. Little wonder: this five-kilometre stretch of sand is continually voted the best beach in the world in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards – no rocks, no seaweed, no pollution. Taken with its neighbours Leeward Beach and Bight Beach, the strip is just over 11 kilometres. A barrier reef about 1.6 kilometres offshore keeps the waters safe and calm.

Home base is heavenley.

Off to the quiet side, on what is the roomiest section of Grace Bay Beach, away from the family all-inclusives and personal watercraft sits your honeymoon home base, the new Wymara Resort and Villas. A stretch of umbrellas the colour of the sand couldn’t be more inviting and there is seemingly never a lineup for chairs – just pick your spot and the towels appear. The Canadian-owned Wymara, part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, turned the pandemic down-time into a productive $10 million renovation. A modern, beachchic feel draws a younger clientele into the 90 rooms and suites, all with large bathrooms, luxe amenities, roomy seating and stocked kitchens. Honeymooners settle into quiet, private cabanas on the beach or around the 650-square-metre infinity pool, which looks out to the sea beyond. The resort’s Caribbean-forward Indigo is the number-one restaurant in town, as is the weekly beach barbecue, which brings everyone together

on the sand for fried fish, smoked brisket, grilled lobster and live music. Those looking for more privacy, a bit more space or a few more bedrooms, opt for the Wymara Villas on the south side of the island on Turtle Tail Bay, an ever-growing string of palatial multi-bedroom, multi-level luxury apartments. Astoundingly, the water is even more aqua over here. Providenciales has a plethora of other Grace Bay luxury, with honeymoon-worthy elegance and service to be found at a number of storied resorts, including The Palms, The Shore Club and The Ritz-Carlton. Just off-island, the upscale seclusion of Parrot Cay, Pine Cay and Ambergris Cay also yields a wealth of papering and privacy for special-occasion celebrants.

Which way to the beach?

Recreation in Turks and Caicos is undoubtedly all about the water – and we don’t mean just staring out to sea, although that’s fun, too. The scuba diving is splendid beyond words, the coral reefs and marine life truly vibrant and the excellent visibility a welcome plus. The variety, too, is special, with adventurers able to choose from beach diving, cruise diving, wreck and reef diving – all available within a very short distance of each other. There are plenty of little nooks and crannies to go snorkeling in as well, with the equipment easy to procure, most often from your resort itself. Boat charters will take you out to fish the wide-open sea or wind you around the coastline with a drink in your hand. Whale-watching from December to March draws boats to the passage between the Turks and Caicos islands to see humpbacks gracefully making an annual migration to their winter breeding grounds farther south. Parasailing? For sure. Paddling of all kinds can occupy a relaxing few hours, too. Active visitors can also take lessons in kite-surfing, kite-boarding and wind-surfing, as well as waterskiing and wake-boarding. With sub-winging, a rider is pulled at slow speeds underwater by a boat, holding onto a small, winged board, surfacing for air when need be. Another new watersport quickly catching on is electric foil surfing, which combines surfing with kite-boarding. Here, an electric motor and hydrofoil wings pull your board out of the water as your speed increases. And for the truly adventurous, flyboarding may be something to add to the to-do list. This is a jetpack experience that sends you a few metres above the waves with a water propulsion system you control with your feet and legs. Who knows? This could very well be your new thing.

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When you think of the perfect honeymoon, Hawai‘i must be at the top of the list. It is has something for every couple – the adventurous, the laid-back, and, of course, the romantic. This epic prize includes round-trip airfare by Air Canada and a six-night stay at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, on the Kona Coast of Hawai‘i. You’ll experience all that Hawai‘i has to offer: the stunning sunsets, the warm ocean breeze, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Jump in the water and snorkel with manta rays, tour a coffee farm, hike a volcano or partake in a whale-watching excursion to view the beauty of the humpbacks. In your downtime, chill by the pool or get a massage (you can even get one in your own room!). Enter to win this trip of a lifetime.

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Terms and Conditions:

*No purchase necessary. The contest begins at 1:00 PM EST August 1, 2022 and ends at 11:59PM EST December 31, 2022. The decisions of the judges are final and not subject to appeal. Winner must be a legal resident and must have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. Winner must not be an employee, a representative of Hawai‘i Tourism Canada, Air Canada or Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa and their subsidiaries and affiliates, media partners, advertising and promotional agencies. Winner must not be a member of the immediate family (parents, children, siblings and spouse, regardless of where they are domiciled) of any of the aforementioned and persons with whom any of the aforementioned are domiciled. Reservations for flight must be booked, within 4 weeks of the winner accepting notification of their prize pack. Valid for travel on Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge scheduled flights only. Space is subject to availability in Q (Economy) Class at time of booking, and all travel is to be completed by 31 December 2023. Flights does not qualify for Aeroplan mileage accumulation or for mileage accumulation in another frequent flyer program. If the travellers are unable to travel in accordance with the above or unavailable date restrictions, the winner shall be deemed to have forfeited the prize and another winner will be chosen. Please see remaining rules and regulations online at todaysbride.ca/contests

FALL IN LOVE

with Hawai‘i

When you think of the perfect honeymoon destination, Hawai‘i is at the top of the list and always has been. The sweet-smelling air, the stunning environment, the adventure and the romance. There are six major islands to visit in Hawai‘i: Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Maui, and the Island of Hawai‘i! Each has its own distinct personality, adventures, activities and sights. With so many options for honeymooners to choose from, there is something for everyone.

Island of Hawai‘i

The Island of Hawai‘i is the youngest and largest island in the Hawai‘ian chain. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawai‘ian Islands combined, its sheer size is awe-inspiring. From the many geological features at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the lush valleys of the Hilo and H–am –akua Coasts to the jet-black sands of Punalu‘u Beach, the Island of Hawai‘i is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature.

Maui

Maui, known also as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawai‘ian island. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months), farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakal–a. It’s not surprising Maui has been voted “Best Island in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler readers for more than 20 years. O‘ahu Sometimes called “The Gathering Place,” O‘ahu certainly lives up to its name. The third largest Hawai‘ian island is home to the majority of Hawai‘i’s diverse population, a fusion of East and West cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the town and country. It’s this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering O‘ahu — from bustling city life to laidback surf towns — so enjoyable.

Kaua‘i

Kaua‘i is Hawai‘i’s fourth largest island and is sometimes called the “Garden Island,” which is an entirely accurate description. The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawai‘ian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements. Some parts of Kaua‘i are only accessible by sea or air, revealing views beyond your imagination. You can kayak the Wailua River, snorkel on Po‘ipu Beach, hike the trails of Koke‘e State Park, or go ziplining above Kaua‘i’s lush valleys.

Moloka‘i

Hawai‘i’s fifth largest island, Moloka‘i remains true to its island roots, with a high percentage of its population being of Native Hawai‘ian ancestry who continue to preserve their rural lifestyle thanks to their love of the land. Whether you’re led by a guide along the cliffs leading to Kalaupapa National Historical Park or discovering Papohaku Beach, one of Hawai‘i’s largest white-sand beaches, Moloka‘i is truly an island of outdoor adventure where Hawai‘i’s past comes alive!

Lana‘i

The smallest inhabited island travelers may visit in Hawai‘i, Lana‘i offers big enticements to its visitors. Only nine miles from Maui yet a world away, Lana‘i can feel like two places. The first is found in luxurious resorts where visitors can indulge in world-class amenities and championship-level golf. The other is found bouncing along the island’s rugged back roads in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to explore off-thebeaten-path treasures. Having so many options means the planning of the perfect honeymoon or destination wedding is so easy. You’re guaranteed to find something to match your personality. When visiting, consider this: Several organizations offer opportunities for visitors to pay it forward, like beach clean-ups, native tree planting, and more. That relationship between people and place grows stronger every time you m alama (give back). When you give back – to the land, the ocean, the wildlife, the forest, the fishpond, the community – you’re part of a virtuous circle that enriches everything and everyone, including your experience as a visitor.