The Turks and Caicos Islands near the Bahamas may have seemed to Christopher Columbus and other explorers as a pause on the way to the spice-rich East Indies. That pause turned permanent for a couple of reasons. One was that Mexico was in the way. Another was that the islands were far too beautiful to abandon.
Those in the enviable position of shopping for an island getaway investment should keep this in mind. The Turks and Caicos Islands are gorgeous, quiet and close to nature. Even today, the main island of Providenciales feels like a private island but with all the bells and whistles 21stcentury investors appreciate: no income tax, no property tax and no capital gains tax.
This sunny villa sits snugly in an enviable location. (Grace Bay Realty)
English is the language, the United States dollar is the currency (although all currencies are certainly welcome) and the waters are brilliantly turquoise and warm for scuba, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding or simply swimming. Feast on seafood just minutes from the ocean or stroll one of the best beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach. We know it’s the best because multiple travel surveys tell us so.
Providenciales is the main island for tourism in this 40-island chain, of which only eight are inhabited. As a British Overseas Territory with good airline connections to Europe and the U.S., it has built a reputation as a great place to explore, relax and invest. The area is well known for tourism, fishing and as an offshore financial center. You pick your priorities.
This gorgeous villa has top-tier island curb appeal. (Grace Bay Realty)
Real estate is blooming on this 17-mile by 1.5- to 8-mile wide isle. It’s here that we find Sunny Bay Estates overlooking the warm waters of Silly Creek. This is the quieter, less developed area of Providenciales. Currently for sale is a well-appointed four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom luxury vacation villa tucked into a small gated community.
Cool and serene, with marble floors and floor-to-ceiling windows, this two-story home is awash in natural light and waterfront views from all angles.
Entertain in this sun-drenched living room. (Grace Bay Realty)
The spacious living room combines the comforts of indoors with the beauty of island skies, which are pretty much always blue, plus a 55-inch flat-screen TV for less dramatic amusement.
An open-plan kitchen and dining area is decked out with stainless-steel appliances warmed by tasteful wood trim.
Listen to the sound of the waves as you soak in luxury. (Grace Bay Realty)
The sleek contemporary bedroom suites with en suite bathrooms have windows that let in breezes and views. A private sundeck on the second floor links bedrooms to the sea. Carefully appointed bathrooms offer the feel of a high-end commercial spa.
This is indoor/outdoor living at its finest. (Grace Bay Realty)
For entertainment, the home is designed with a game room, bar, movie viewing area and open lanai and dining area with outdoor kitchen. There is a private pool.
The waters of Silly Creek are close, but this private pool is even closer. (Grace Bay Realty)
Claudius Williams of Grace Bay Realty is the listing agent for this move-in-ready property on Chalk Sound Drive. The listing price is $2.8 million.
