Turks + Caicos 2011

Heath and I made our annual trip to Turks + Caicos last week and as always had the most amazing time.  We were married there three years ago and go back every year to celebrate.  It was also our first vacation together two years before we were married.  This year we were also celebrating my 30th birthday so it was extra special :)

We stay at The Regent Palms, my very favorite hotel.  Since this was our 5th time there, we've gotten quite close to the staff there.  I'm known there as Miss Hilary Duff...for some reason I get this comparison quite often.

Here are some pictures from around the hotel...

They've changed their menus since last year and now they have lots of vegetarian options that can easily be made vegan...a really great surprise this trip! 

On our first night, they were having their weekly BBQ where they play movies on a huge screen outside.  Heath and I had a great view from the hot tub :)

It storms in Provo daily, but it quickly passes by.  The colors are so beautiful when the clouds roll in.

I have actual proof that Heath does relax.

The spa has its own building with separate cabanas and the loveliest of waiting areas.

They have outdoor showers, saunas and steam rooms at the spa...so nice.

They also have lots of DVDs you can borrow.  We watched What Dreams May Come on our laptop outside on our patio after dinner one night.  It's truly a place to relax and enjoy il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing).

Last year we visited Amanyara, a crazy beautiful hotel on the island, and went back again this year.  I was first drawn to them because they have a half omnivore/half vegetarian menu, and when I saw the pictures I knew we had to visit.

It is by far one of the most beautiful places I could ever imagine.  It's a very secluded resort, completely off the beaten path.

We also ventured to another part of the island called Chalk Sound or Sopadilla Bay.  The water is such a unique color, much lighter than Grace Bay.  The pictures just don't capture how vibrant the color really is.

One hotel offers these adorable pods.

We took a boat over to another island called Parrot Cay one morning.  It takes about 30 minutes to get there from Provo.

This beautiful building is at the dock on Provo where guests can wait to board the boat to Parrot Cay.  The interior is the perfect example of beach chic.  We're dreaming of our future beach house.

Can you see the rainbow?

I loved seeing these orchids growing all along the sides of the trees.

The beach there has a very Hamptons feel to it, aside from the water color :)

And I was thrilled to see they offer a complete raw food spa menu!  
I'll feature all of my foodie pics on Eat Pure soon.

Turks + Caicos is my very favorite place on Earth.  I am so grateful that it's the one place we go back to every year.  You can see pics from our other trips here, here and here.