A Short Soak in the Paradise of Grace Bay beach

South Fleetwood Villas, Grace Bay TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands

Kim found us a little villa for a killer deal in the British overseas territories of Turks and Caicos. Instead of being on the beach, it was just a short walk to the public access for Grace Bay Beach and had a decent-sized pool on the property.

Grace Bay Beach is the real star of the show—breathtaking turquoise water, soft sand, and even lounge chairs waiting for you (if you can keep your umbrella from going airborne in the wind). We stayed at South Fleetwood Villas, just a short walk from the beach, with a pool and a budget-friendly price tag. While "The Efficiency" villa came with quirks like sluggish A/C and a DIY post-storm cleanup, we leaned into the adventure.

Rob took to the water for some freediving (and environmental heroics), collecting ocean garbage. The jackpot? Swim goggles, a hand towel, and...a real $100 bill. Ocean cleanup pays, folks!

Our concerns that were emailed on day one, got a reply just as we were packing to leave on day seven—an impressive feat of island time! The key system, (You had to go to a second location to pick up & drop off the keys) while slightly frustrating, was manageable. More impressive were these frogs with some junk in the trunk!

 - The Bight Settlement TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands

We trekked 45 minutes to Coral Gardens Reef, only for Rob to forget his snorkel gear. Classic. Vendors were fashionably late, but once sorted, the vibrant reef made it worth the wait.

Point Grace Road, Grace Bay TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands

We dined at Grace’s Cottage, where the food was good, but the service ran on island time. At BLT Steak, the staff asked if everything was alright before we got any food—a bold move. And let’s not forget Danny Buoy’s, home of the “Jerked Gherkin,” where the food was solid and the atmosphere relaxed.

- Grace Bay Rd, Grace Bay TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands 

 Seven Stars Resort & Spa, Grace Bay Rd, Grace Bay TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands 

- QRW9+2QP, Grace Bay Rd, Grace Bay TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands 

- Units #5, The Saltmills Plaza, 363 Grace Bay Rd, Grace Bay TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands

Rob's diving highlights included Devil's Horns and The North Wall, with crystal-clear water and curious blacktip reef sharks keeping him company. A new personal depth record (110 feet!) added a sense of accomplishment, even if he burned through his air in excitement.

Grace Bay Beach is a paradise that makes you forget about slow service, frogs with "junk in the trunk," and the occasional DIY hassle. South Fleetwood Villas offered good value if you're ready for a little hands-on hospitality. All in all, we soaked up the sun, swam with sharks, and came home $100 richer. Not bad for a quick escape!

Tiny Escape to the Turks & Caicos Islands