Posted 1.17.2026
In the thick of New England’s deep freeze, nothing sounds dreamier than turquoise water and sun-drenched afternoons. That’s exactly what we got in Turks and Caicos in the winter of 2025.
There’s nothing like coming down for a landing and looking out at crystal clear ocean water when you come from a region of muddy, dark ocean (the northern Atlantic). From the moment we landed we enjoyed our trip. Lines in customs and immigration were long because several planes landed around the same time, but the team was efficient, and we made it through the queues in short order. The Blue Haven Resort is less than 20 kilometers away from the airport, ensuring we got to the hotel and had time to unwind, shower, and prep for dinner at our usual time.
The Blue Haven Resort: Serene Luxury by the Sea
The Blue Haven Resort is a 5-star all-inclusive resort, and although it is not adults-only, we didn’t see too many children during our stay even though kids stay free. You’ll find the Blue Haven Resort in the Leeward Community at the northwest end of Providenciales Island, directly across from Mangrove Cay, making the water at the hotel beach almost lake-like in its calmness <sigh of content>.
Aside from the lovely beach and pool, mermaids and mermen might enjoy:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Kayaks (some clear, some not)
- Water trampoline
- Stand-up paddleboards
Whereas land lubbers might prefer:
- Games scattered throughout the property– chess, checkers, bean bag toss, ring toss, and so on.
- A well-maintained pickleball court where we played using equipment provided by the resort.
- An air-conditioned gym with a spectacular view of an inlet
- Bicycles to tool into town
- A café with for purchase items
- A gift store
- Snack bars and restaurants onsite
Like some of the Sandals, we’ve visited before, guests at Blue Haven Resort can also take advantage of their sister resort, Alexandra, which you’ll find in the Bight Settlement of the island. Once we settled in, it was time to explore the island’s magic beyond the two resorts’ gates.
Excursions & Encounters: Iguanas, Clear Kayaks, and Coral
While on Turks and Caicos we visited the Little Water Cay (Iguana Island) and Mangrove Cay on a clear kayaking tour. The tour guide gave us waterproof bags for our belongings and strung several kayaks together to take us across the bay to the mangroves and out to Iguana Island first. There we learned about the history of the island and saw multiple large iguanas. We crossed the bay again back to the mangroves and spent a fair amount of time tooling around in our kayaks where we saw sea turtles in turtle alley, a baby sand shark, jellyfish, and conch snails. Our guide was very informative and personable.
We took a half-day snorkeling trip to with Big Blue Collective, which focuses on ecologically sound trips. The locations of the trip vary based on the tides, strength of the waves, and the guest’s comfort level. The day we went out the swells were quite large near Half Moon Bay, so instead we went to Smiths Reef where we saw fish, sea turtles, other sea animals, and various types of coral. Our guide was very informative and let us take our time exploring the reef before moving to the next destination. Because the water was choppy that day, instead of hitting a second snorkel spot, we went to see La Famille Express, a ship stuck in the shallows off Long Bay Beach, dragged out there by Hurricane Frances in 2004. After our days of relaxing and exploring, it was time to enjoy the night life.
Dining Highlights: Volcanic Rock Feasts and Steel Drum Beats
One evening, we headed to The Rock, a beachside steakhouse at the Alexandra Resort, drawn by my husband’s curiosity about the cuisine and the promise of a live steel drum performance at the resort. The mains were served sizzling on volcanic stones, adding a dramatic flair to an already unforgettable meal. The band—clearly award-winning—played with infectious energy. Women at the front danced while drumming, and the whole group beamed as they watched guests soak up the rhythm and atmosphere. It was one of those joyful moments where music and setting come together just right.
Trip Summary
We arrived sun-seeking and left with new favorite memories—from quiet bays and gentle breezes to kayaking over sea turtles. Turks and Caicos is more than just a winter escape; it’s a soulful recharge.