Life's a Beach in the Turks & Caicos

With ivory sand as soft as baby powder, Grace Bay Beach in the Turks & Caicos Islands is consistently rated by travel experts and visitors as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Only a 90-minute flight from Miami, this award-winning beach is still one of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets.

Located on the northern shore of Providenciales (Provo), the country's most popular and populated island, Grace Bay Beach is 12 miles long, so it never feels crowded. The turquoise water is phenomenal, so have your camera ready.

Where to Stay

Grace Bay Beach is a relative newcomer to the tourism scene. The Island Princess and Club Med, the first large resorts on the beach, weren't built until the 1980s. But since the 1990s, you have several dozen top-rated properties to choose from. Where you stay depends on the vibe you're looking for.

• One of the original luxury all-suite hotels, Grace Bay Club, now includes an adult-only hotel along with family-friendly villas. At another resort that's popular with families, Beaches Turks & Caicos, you'll find six swimming pools and Pirates Island, a fun water park for the kids.

• If you're looking for a more intimate escape, head over to the Regent Palms, where you'll find 72 suites, a great swim-up bar and a spectacular spa. The water sports at this resort are included in the price. You have your pick of Hobie Cats kayaks, windsurfers and snorkeling gear.

• You can relax in an oceanfront suite or opt for a poolside cottage at Point Grace, an award-winning boutique hotel. If you need some extra space, try the Somerset, where you'll find one-to five-bedroom suites; the largest is 5,000 square feet.