Austria, Canada, New York, Providenciales. On a map, a neat itinerary. In practice, a lengthy negotiation with airports.
Then Grace Bay appeared. White sand, extraordinary water and the sudden suspicion that reality had been overenthusiastic with the colour slider.
The sea makes its case
Snorkelling brought parrotfish, turtles and nurse sharks into the memory bank. I did not dive on this trip. That remains a very respectable excuse for another one.
Away from the water, the experience was more mixed. Much felt polished and resort-led, with a strong American influence. People were friendly and service attentive, but I sometimes missed a more distinctive sense of place.
A small matter of coffee
Meals and cocktails required a certain generosity of spirit towards the bill. Coffee required more generosity than I consistently possessed.
Perhaps demanding good espresso beside such a beach is ungrateful. I prefer to think of it as maintaining standards under difficult conditions.
I would like to explore quieter North and Middle Caicos next time. For now, that is a plan, not a claim to have been everywhere.
Turks & Caicos remains expensive, distant and occasionally a little too smooth around the edges. Then you look at the water again.
Negotiations reopen.
Edited and shortened from Batty’s original. Personal impressions reflect the visit described; details may change.