Synonymous with turquoise waters, white sand beaches and an unmistakable air of luxury, the Turks and Caicos Islands are an idyllic tropical destination for honeymooners. Whether couples wish to experience the thrill of diving among beautiful coral reefs, indulge in fresh seafood and gourmet delicacies, or spend their days relaxing poolside, there are activities and amenities that cater to every whim.

While Turks and Caicos comprises 40 islands and cays, only eight are inhabited. The capital island, Grand Turk, and Salt Cay are steeped in Caribbean history, rustic charm and Bermudian architecture, as well as offer some of the archipelago’s best diving locations.

Providenciales, however, is the most visited location in Turks and Caicos, teeming with hotels, restaurants and attractions. It’s also home to Grace Bay Beach—known as the “best beach in the world”—where couples will find the most exquisite private villas for spending their honeymoon in romantic seclusion.

The Private Villa Collection by Grace Bay Club features a portfolio of gorgeous villas with private pools. As the most opulent of the collection, the La Dolce Vita villa is a nine-bedroom masterpiece spanning four acres of beachfront property. Valued at $25 million, the villa’s exclusive amenities include two onsite staff members and private chef services.

Guests of Grace Bay Club are free to spend their days relaxing at the Anani Spa, dining at Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar, or lounging poolside and ordering frozen drinks from the club’s swim-up bar. Private canopied daybeds are also provided on the beach, and the staff are readily available to fulfill any requests visitors have while basking in the sun.

Bordering the reefs of the Northwest Point Marine National Park, the Amanyara Villas allow couples to escape into their own world of peace and tranquility. The villas are located on an 18,000-acre nature preserve, and the dive center at Amanyara offers all levels of scuba instruction for guests who’d like to explore the renowned coral reefs of Turks and Caicos. After a day of diving, newlyweds can unwind at the Serenity Villa Spa, or enjoy spa treatments in the comfort of their own private villa.

Wymara Resort and Villas also boasts seven luxurious villas tucked into an elevated hillside overlooking the bay at Turtle Tail. Located 2.5 miles away from the main resort, each of these villas is outfitted with either four or five bedrooms, while floor-to-ceiling windows create an airy, modern aesthetic. Amenities include the following: two pools—one private oceanfront infinity pool and one courtyard pool with a waterfall; an over-the-water swim platform with direct ocean access; a sunken outdoor fire pit and lounge area; and housekeeping services twice daily.

When couples head to the resort for a romantic dinner for two, they can choose between two restaurants, Stelle and Zest, and savor gourmet dishes with Caribbean flavors. “Pink Hour” may also be enjoyed at Pink Bar on Grace Bay Beach, where a curated selection of blush champagnes, rosé wines and pink cocktails are served.

At Long Bay Beach, honeymooners can check in to the Villas at The Shore Club for accommodations brimming with Caribbean elegance. With up to 8,800 square feet of space, each villa has a courtyard, private pool, heated whirlpool, sauna, private housekeeper, personal concierge, private chef, butler and special entertainment options to create a fully customized honeymoon celebration.

Guests of The Shore Club receive complementary use of water sport equipment, from kayaks to stand-up paddleboards. And with its shallow, waveless waters, Long Bay Beach is the perfect place to go kite surfing. For a special night, couples may also want to charter a private yacht, complete with dinner, drinks and a full crew. Sail for a day or take an overnight excursion throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

If newlyweds are in search of the ultimate in luxury and seclusion, then a honeymoon spent at Parrot Cay is a must. This private island is home to COMO Parrot Cay, one of the most exclusive resorts in Turks and Caicos. COMO’s beachfront villas feature heated plunge pools, private sun decks, outdoor garden showers and direct access to a mile-long white sand beach.

The COMO Shambhala retreat offers holistic, Asian-inspired spa treatments, as well as a jacuzzi garden, Pilates studio and double massage rooms. Gourmet restaurants churn out fresh and inventive cuisines, and days can be spent chartering private boats, scuba diving, exploring an historic plantation trail or observing the cay’s wildlife with an eco-tour.

Locals insist that the best way to truly experience Turks and Caicos is to explore every island and cay, taking in their individual beauty and charm. No matter where you stay in the archipelago, make use of the boats and ferries sailing between the islands and fill your honeymoon with the perfect blend of outdoor adventures and restful villa life.

Photography: Turks and Caicos Tourism Board