Live the high life on your Caribbean honeymoon. We've got the scoop on where to save, where to splurge and where to get the absolute best the Caribbean has to offer — no matter your budget!
By: Abbie KozolchykTurks & Caicos
Historians may debate whether or not this was Columbus’s New World landfall, but either way, you’ll feel like full-on discoverers if you make it the first place you set foot after your wedding. In this group of 40 islands, only eight are inhabited, so you may well find miles of white, sandy beach and see-through water all to yourselves. Well, almost: Whenever you decide to go for a dip (or dive) along one of the planet’s largest barrier reefs, you’ll run into all kinds of colorful characters.
Save
The Alexandra Resort, which occupies a prime position on the islands’ most famous stretch of shoreline — 12-milelong Grace Bay Beach — believes in luxury for less, whether in the form of feathertop mattresses, DVD player-equipped flat screens, or tricked-out kitchenettes (the blender will make master tropical mixologists of you). Another local luxury is easy access to everything from snorkeling to shopping — though the lagoon pool and beach may keep you at the resort (room rates start at $236 a night, alexandraresort.com).
What to Do: Explore the underwater world — and snag your own lunch while you’re down there — on the Caicos Dream Tours four-hour Snorkel and Conch cruise. You’ll snorkel first along the barrier reef, then in Caicos Bank where you can select your own conch to be served with beer, rum punch and other island goodness back on the boat.
Where to Eat: Head to Da Conch Shack, a local institution whose namesake specialty is dived-for while you wait, then expertly prepared to delectable perfection.
Splurge
The Regent Palms, also on Grace Bay Beach, is big on indulgences — emphasis on big. Even the smallest rooms are a whopping 640 square feet with king-size four-poster beds (covered in hand-tufted bedding). Then there’s the lake-sized, serpentine infinity pool, complete with underwater banquette seating at the poolside bar. A full menu of on-site water sports beckons, as does the 25,000-foot spa (room rates start at $425 a night; regentpalmstci.com).
Photo Credit: Paradise Photography
What to Do: Go on Big Blue Unlimited’s full-day Bottle Creek Adventure and enjoy kayaking, swimming and snacking among the gorgeous, secluded — and in some cases, National Park-designated — cays and coves between North and Middle Caicos.
Where to Eat: Boasting what is possibly the world’s first infinity bar, the aptly named Infiniti at Anacaona at Grace Bay Club, is a favorite among local VIPs. Between the stunning seaside setting and the stellar international offerings, the see-and-be-seen types have stiff competition for everyone’s attention.
