With flat scrubland stretching as far as the eye can see, Providenciales, the main island of the Turks and Caicos, is not the most scenic of Caribbean islands.
However, driving into the grounds of Sandals’ Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa was like entering another world.
Suddenly it was lush and green, with colourful tropical flowers everywhere and picturesque low-rise buildings.
My suite was hexagonal in shape with panoramic windows and balcony overlooking the most wonderful beach and clear blue sea I had ever seen.
One of its biggest selling points – apart from being an all-inclusive for families, singles and couples – is its excellent water sports centre, which is just as well as there really isn’t much else to do on the island.
I did sign up for the obligatory island tour which visited an interesting conch farm but otherwise there’s not much history or culture and few attractions away from the water, except for an 18-hole golf course.
Sunbathing, swimming and water-based activities of all kinds, in an ultra laid-back atmosphere, are what the Turks and Caicos are all about and why Beaches has become a big success, not only with romance-seeking couples, but also with families and water enthusiasts.
From the hotel’s 12-mile stretch of beach you can take a diving excursion to explore vast expanses of protected reefs. You don’t have to be a proficient diver by any means – in fact, Beaches includes diving lessons in its all-inclusive package.
The waters are renowned for both wild and tame dolphins and for hundreds of schooling nurse sharks which converge on certain areas off the coastline during part of the year.
Snorkellers can see almost as much on the teaming barrier reef just 15mins sail away from the shoreline.
All equipment is supplied by the hotel which runs the trips as half or full-day excursions using top-of-the-range dive boats and fully trained staff.
The Turks and Caicos are made up of six main islands and a large number of islets and small cays. Boat trips for swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing or exploring can be booked to a number of the cays including idyllic Pine Cay and Salt Cay. The islands may not give such a colourful insight into the Caribbean culture and lifestyle as other rival destinations, but they are worth a visit for the beauty of the beaches and underwater exploration.