Why Turks and Caicos is the Ultimate Celebration Destination

For my milestone birthday this year, I wanted sun, turquoise water, a little pampering, and time to unwind. Turks and Caicos delivered all of that and more. We spent a full week in July soaking up island life at the stunning Seven Stars Resort in Grace Bay. From incredible meals to a private boat charter and beachfront spa treatments, this trip checked every box for celebration travel. In this post, I’m sharing all the highlights and tips if you're dreaming of your own unforgettable Turks and Caicos getaway.

Where We Stayed: Seven Stars Resort in Grace Bay - Luxury with a View

We chose Seven Stars Resort for its luxury reputation and ideal location on Grace Bay Beach, and it did not disappoint. We splurged on an oceanfront penthouse one-bedroom suite which gave us front-row views of those mesmerizing turquoise waters. Our suite was huge, had a full kitchen, dining table for 6 (which was nice for snacks in the room), living room, a huge oceanfront balcony with a loveseat, 2 chaise loungers, and a table for 6, our bathroom even had a bidet. They provide sustainable water bottles in the room (yours to keep) with water stations throughout the property. The service was warm and professional, and the atmosphere struck that perfect balance of upscale and classy without ever feeling stuffy. It truly felt like a home away from home.

What I especially loved about Seven Stars was the walkability. We were just steps from shops, including some cute boutiques, and so many restaurants. Whether we wanted a fine dining experience or something casual, it was all right there.

I also made time for the spa. One rainy afternoon I booked a 90-minute signature candle massage, and it was heavenly. The gentle sound of the rain paired with the massage created the perfect mood for total relaxation. I left feeling completely recharged. They have an upscale boutique attached to the spa with resort wear and swimsuits, along with skincare and accessories; so many great items to choose from!

Memorable Experiences on the Water: Private Charters and Scenic Views

Turks and Caicos is all about the water, and we took full advantage. One evening we boarded the Princess Grace catamaran for a sunset saxophone cruise. Sailing on calm waters, complete with endless champagne. live sax music playing, and views of the sun dipping onto the horizon. They served light snacks prepared by the Ritz Carlton chef, and the service was friendly and anticipatory, never an empty glass in sight. We even saw a dolphin! It was an absolutely magical evening. This excursion was mostly couples and groups of friends; no kids.

One of the most unforgettable days was when we chartered a private boat. Our first stop was to snorkel at the 3rd largest barrier reef – it did not disappoint; we saw sharks, a turtle and so many beautiful schools of fish. Afterwards, we stopped at Sand Dollar Cove, which was the main purpose of chartering the boat. Wow, beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe the soft, bright white sand in the middle of the turquoise ocean. It even had one lone tree on it. We spent some time enjoying the splendor and taking pictures, we were the only ones there, how lucky! We hopped back on the boat and explored Little Water Cay and Water Cay, even spotted dolphins, a mommy, daddy and baby dolphin. They were so cute and played alongside the boat for quite a while. The baby was just adorable, so tiny! At one of the cays (I forget which one), we saw hundreds of stacked rock formations and I got to add my own to the collection. There’s something about those that is so peaceful to me. We also visited Iguana Island (saw 4 of them, they didn’t creep me out nearly as much as I thought they would) and Half Moon Bay (another sandbar, not quite as beautiful, but I’m a sucker for sandbars, I love them all) where my husband found a couple of live conch shells and I found a jellyfish (just in time!). We followed this up with Noah's Ark, a bar in the middle of the ocean. Some say it’s frequented by Drake when he’s in town. Sunday is the big party day there (locals and tourists alike). I felt like a kid again playing on the swings and water trampoline (harder than it looks). The crew served a delicious island-style lunch and kept the rum punch flowing. The day was truly a highlight of the trip, and we got so many Instagram-worthy photos!

Additionally, we spent plenty of quiet moments walking Grace Bay, relaxing on a floatie (provided by Seven Stars) in the ocean – it’s so calm, reading on my cushy beach lounger, and just listening to the waves. There is something so healing about that rhythm of the ocean. This is my happy place.

Dining Highlights: The Best Restaurants in Turks and Caicos

Let’s talk about the food. I love trying new restaurants while traveling, and Turks and Caicos has some amazing world-class options, including many gluten-free dishes. We kicked things off with a casual bite at Big Al’s Burgers after we landed. Honestly, not the best—bad service and forgettable food. But things only went up from there.

We had lunch at The Deck, which offered breezy ocean views and fresh flavors. For dinner, we enjoyed:

Seven: My favorite meal of the trip. The shrimp curry was out of this world and the service was impeccable.
Bella Luna: Charming spot with great atmosphere and incredible pasta.
The Farm: Sustainable restaurant within Seven Stars resort. True farm-to-table experience with ingredients harvested from their on-site hydroponic garden. To add to the atmosphere, they even had a Moet & Chandon vending machine!
Le Bouchon du Village: We celebrated my birthday dinner here. They played a birthday song for me over the loudspeaker, and I ended the meal with the most heavenly chocolate mousse.
Osteria: Delicious pizza and cozy ambiance.
Infiniti at Grace Bay Club: We went here just for drinks and to watch the sunset, and it was worth it for the views alone.
Da Conch Shack: We stopped here on my actual birthday after dinner. The live junkanoo band and fire show brought the party vibes, although it was very crowded. Great for the atmosphere but expect a bit of chaos on Wednesday nights.

Nightlife in Turks and Caicos: Where to Go for Fun

Turks & Caicos isn’t known for their nightlife; however, it’s much more happening than it was last time I visited, ten years ago. Da Conch Shack is lively on Wednesday nights. The Fish Fry is the place to be on Thursday nights (5:30-9:30). The lines get long, so get there early. Fish Fry was a blast, live music, Junkanoo parade, local food, drinks in coconuts or pineapples, and local artisans providing all the souvenirs you could want. Danny Buoy’s is a mostly outside sports bar type place, great drinks, but at 9pm, we were there with just three other couples. Shisha Lounge and Blu were hotspots with the locals, so crowded we couldn’t even get in the door.

Tips for Planning Your Own Turks and Caicos Celebration Trip

If you're thinking of a birthday trip, honeymoon, anniversary, or just a "treat yourself" vacation- with kids or without, Turks and Caicos makes a stunning choice. Here are a few of my tips:

Choose a resort that’s centrally located: Seven Stars gave us the best of both worlds with its location directly on a great stretch of Grace Bay beach and a short walk to shops, restaurants and a grocery store.
Book a boat charter: Whether for a half day or full day, this was the best way to explore the cays and get off the beaten path. I believe it’s the only way to get to Sand Dollar Cove. We saw larger boat tours while we were out, however these seemed full of kids and/or booze cruise-like. Lots of people (~50), blaring music. I personally like to pick my own agenda and timeline and keep it more intimate and elevated.
Plan some downtime: Don’t over-schedule. Build in time to relax, read, and just be. A visit to the spa is always a treat.
Make restaurant reservations in advance: Especially in busy months like Dec-May, the best spots fill up quickly. In July, it was a mix of walk-in and reservations. If you know where you want to go, it doesn’t hurt to have a reservation. Especially at Da Conch Shack on Wednesday!
Shop local: I found some amazing pieces at a few great shops I couldn’t resist; like beautiful earrings at Jai’s, a sea glass necklace at Atelys, and great outfits at Mia De Mar and Seventy Two West boutiques.
Go with someone you love: I went with my husband, and sharing these moments together made it even more special. We saw lots of multi-generational families traveling together as well as couples. The kids we encountered, for the most part, were very well-behaved; you could tell they’re well-traveled.

Real-Life Celebration Travel: My Turks and Caicos Example

This trip wasn’t just a vacation. It was a celebration of life, love, and another beautiful year around the sun. A grown couple (my husband and I) taking time to slow down and share this experience made it even more meaningful. It’s nice to unplug together, have fun and create memories to last a lifetime.

It reminded me why I love travel so much—and why I’m so passionate about helping others plan celebration trips of their own. When the destination, details, and timing align just right, something magic happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Turks and Caicos?

Turks and Caicos is beautiful year-round, but the most popular months are December through April. I went in July and found it to be warm (80’s day and night), breezy (thank goodness, because it was hot sitting at the beach and pool), and mostly sunny with just a few rain showers.

What should I pack for a trip to Turks and Caicos?

Bring lightweight clothing, swimsuits, sandals, a sunhat, reef-safe sunscreen, and something a little dressy for dinner. Staying at Seven Stars, we ate at Seven for breakfast daily; people seemed to be dressed a little nicer than at some resorts I’ve been to. For dinner, some places are more upscale than others (Seven, Infinity and Bella Luna are upscale, whereas Big Al’s and Osteria are very casual). Depending on where you go, it’s either chic resort casual, or casual. Most of the men we saw wore Tommy Bahama button downs and shorts. Most of the women had on sundresses. It doesn’t get chilly in the evenings, so I didn’t need my wrap or light jacket that I usually do in the tropics. Don't forget bug spray and a waterproof phone case, even better if it has a wrist strap, for boat days. If you like to read, the Kindle Paperwhite does much better in the sun than an iPad, plus the newer versions are waterproof.

Is Turks and Caicos good for celebration travel?

Absolutely. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or family milestone, this destination offers the perfect mix of beauty, relaxation, and luxury. Bring your family, bring your friends, there are many incredible resorts and villas to accommodate.

Are private boat charters worth it in Turks and Caicos?

Yes. It’s the best way to explore the islands and hidden spots that tours can’t always reach. Our charter was a trip highlight.

Can you walk to restaurants and shops from Seven Stars Resort?

Yes, and that’s one of the reasons I recommend it. Grace Bay has a charming strip of boutiques, bars, and restaurants just steps away from the resort.

Conclusion: Why Turks and Caicos Was the Perfect Celebration Destination

My second visit to Turks and Caicos was everything I hoped for and more. The gentle beauty of Grace Bay, the elegance of Seven Stars, the laughter and connection with my husband, and the thrill of new experiences all came together to make this birthday unforgettable. If you're considering a relaxing beach vacation, this island truly delivers luxury, relaxation, and joyful moments. It’s such a beautiful place and the people are so friendly.

Thinking about planning your own Turks and Caicos getaway or another special trip? I’d love to help you make it effortless and extraordinary. Reach out to me at amy@luxurybeachtravel.com start dreaming up your next celebration escape.