I’m in a bright yellow kayak paddling across a crystal-blue lagoon. The water is so clear that I can see giant orange starfish dotting the seas below, so many that locals call this stretch “Starfish Alley”.
My husband and I are following our guide, who is leading us on a stand-up paddleboard to Jerry Camp, a secluded lagoon and sandbank. There’s not another soul in sight. All I hear is the dip of our paddles in the water.
Right now, the rest of the world seems very far away. It’s one of the many reasons we’ve come to South Caicos, a place where thoughts slow down and breathing comes easier. Sometimes the best trips aren’t about seeing everything, but about simply being.
View my IG reel of kayaking in South Caicos
Where in the World is South Caicos?
South Caicos is situated in the southeastern corner of the Turks and Caicos archipelago, approximately 22 miles from the main tourist hub of Providenciales. This 8.5-square-mile island feels like stepping back in time to a simpler Caribbean.
With a population of fewer than 1,200 people, South Caicos remains wonderfully undeveloped. The island is home to just two large resorts, and we are staying at one of them.
Most of the island consists of quiet fishing villages and pristine beaches. In the past, salt was harvested here, with donkeys helping to bear the load. But the salt industry is long gone now, and the donkeys roam freely on the island.
Getting to this slice of paradise requires a bit of adventure, which only adds to its allure. American Airlines offers direct flights from Miami to South Caicos twice a week, but we chose the scenic route: flying into Providenciales first, then catching a short 30-minute flight with InterCaribbean Airways to South Caicos.
As our small aircraft descended toward the island, we pressed our faces to the windows, marveling at the clear waters and the remote beauty spread out below.
Sailrock South Caicos, A Luxury Resort in Turks & Caicos
Of the island’s two resorts, we’ve chosen to stay at Sailrock South Caicos, an award-winning luxury villa resort and residential community that sits on a dramatic ridge overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic.
The resort has two coastlines. On one side is the ocean, but take a quick walk to the other side of the island, and you’ll find a quiet, pristine bay lined with a white sand beach, just perfect for spending the day.
Rather than traditional hotel rooms, the property features spacious villas and ridgetop suites, each designed to take full advantage of the spectacular ocean views.
While visitors like us can stay in the resort villas, others purchase their own private residence here, creating a unique blend of vacation destination and residential community.
Our Private Beachfront Villa
Our two-bedroom, two-bath villa was perched on a hill overlooking the sea, close enough that we could hear waves from our bedroom. The living areas opened completely to the outdoors, and the back patio with its spacious private pool became our favorite spot. I enjoyed my coffee there every morning.
While it was just the two of us, I could see how some of the resort’s larger villas would be perfect for a multi-generational family vacation. Sailrock South Caicos has villas suited for larger groups.
Dining at Sailrock South Caicos
We quickly learned that dining would be a highlight of our stay. Sailrock South Caicos boasts two restaurants that offer a diverse selection of delicious, expertly prepared meals.
The Great House, where we ate most of our breakfasts and several dinners, sits at the top of the ridge with commanding views of the water. The food here celebrates both international flavors and local Caribbean ingredients, creating dishes that are both sophisticated and soulful.
The Cove Restaurant & Beach Bar, located right on the beach, was perfect for leisurely meals with our toes in the sand. The menu featured fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen, and we enjoyed their delicious conch dishes and tasty tropical cocktails.
What to Do at Sailrock South Caicos
Our days at Sailrock South Caicos were filled with activities that allowed us to explore the island’s natural beauty while maintaining the sense of peaceful luxury we craved.
On our first full day, we started with a Hobie Cat lesson. The Sailrock staff instructor was patient, and my husband quickly picked up the skills needed to navigate the colorful catamaran.
The shallow, calm waters were perfect for beginners – we could focus on learning to read the wind and handle the boat without worrying about choppy seas or strong currents.
The best part came after our lesson when our instructor gave us the green light to take the Hobie Cat out on our own. We spent the rest of the morning gliding across the bay, gaining confidence with each tack and gybe.
Another highlight of our stay was the South Caicos Boating Adventure with its “Catch & Cook” experience. We spent three hours on the water, seeing and learning about the island.
When we returned to shore with our fresh catch, the resort’s chef prepared our fish for lunch – there’s nothing quite like eating something caught just hours before.
Watch my reel of Hobie Cat sailing at Sailrock South Caicos
Mixology Class
One evening, we joined Agus, the resort’s talented bartender, for a fun mixology class where he taught us to make three signature cocktails. Not only did we enjoy learning to make the drinks, but we also enjoyed our good conversation with Agus.
Spas are always a relaxing pastime during vacation. One afternoon, we unwound during a 75-minute couples massage in the Ridgetop Spa Cabana, listening to the sounds of the sea. The open-air treatment and the sound of seabirds created a natural soundtrack for complete relaxation.
An Unforgettable Evening with Chef Prasad
One of the most special moments of our trip was a private in-villa dinner prepared by Chef Prasad from Bhutan. Chef Prasad told us that he had begun cooking at the tender age of eight.
His warm personality and willingness to share stories about his culinary journey made the evening feel like dining with an old friend.
The meal began with perfectly crispy conch fritters and expertly prepared cracked conch, accompanied by a vibrant sauce that captured the essence of the Caribbean. The scallops with pico de gallo and fresh salad were a nice balance, with the sweetness of the seared scallops playing beautifully against the acidity of the pico de gallo.
The main course was pan-seared red snapper caught that very day, served with saffron-infused mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, and a garlic herb butter sauce.
A Sunset to Remember
Like all good vacations, our time at Sailrock South Caicos went all too fast. On our last evening, we lounged over a delightful meal at The Great House Restaurant.
As darkness fell, the sky transformed into a stunning array of colors, creating a breathtaking sunset. It was a fitting end to an excellent stay.
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