I had plenty of points to spare and set my sights on the island of Turks and Caicos. This was during Covid when PCR tests were mandatory to travel to many destinations. The process was nerve wracking. After getting your results back, you had to upload them online. Since the results couldn’t be more than 72 hours prior to arrival and the approval process was 24-48 hours, as you can imagine I didn’t get any sleep the night before. Thankfully, the results came in around 1am the morning of my flight. Now it was time to get ready. 

I admired the cerulean waters from my window seat, already envisioning myself diving in upon landing. Once I arrived, I decided to rent a car from a local business. It was my first time driving on the left side of the road, and I was a bit nervous. I shared this with the guy at the rental counter, and his advice was simple: “Just follow the car in front of you, and when they turn, follow the next car.” It sounded a bit crazy, but it actually worked! The only hiccup I had was adjusting to the controls being on the opposite sides. Every time I tried to use the turn signal, I ended up turning on the windshield wipers instead. Despite that, navigating the island was a breeze. Its flat terrain made driving straightforward, and no destination was more than 30 minutes away.

I stepped into the Seven Stars Hotel and was immediately struck by its opulence. The immaculate grounds and top-tier service set the tone for an unforgettable stay. Being right on Grace Bay, I made sure to spend part of every day soaking in its stunning beauty. The water deepened quickly, making it perfect for snorkeling and exploring the vibrant underwater life. Other times, I simply swam and floated, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Despite the many hotels along Grace Bay, it never felt crowded, adding to the serene and luxurious experience.

Since it was pretty quiet due to the pandemic, this trip was all about leisure time at the beach and enjoying good food. I drove over to Da Conch Shack. The crowd was light, but that didn’t take away from the great food, excellent service, and beautiful views of Blue Hills Beach. However, I also ventured off to explore three other beaches: Long Bay, Sapodilla, and Leeward. Long Bay Beach was located in a high-end, secluded residential area. Its shallow waters stretched far out, making it ideal for kids but not the best for swimming. Sapodilla Beach, on the other hand, was a highlight. The water was so warm it felt like being in an outdoor bathtub, a truly relaxing experience.