Salt Cay – Salt Cay got its name from the salt mining activity here that goes back to the late 1600s. From the proud olden wind mills that guard the mournful Salinas, to the stately White House which is still owned and preserved by descendants of the original Salt Rakers, Salt Cay has an interesting […]
Grand Turk — Grand Turk is the capital island of the Turks and Caicos, its historical heartbeat, and home to a state of the art luxury cruise ship harbor. Christopher Columbus first made landfall here on his initial voyage to the Americas in 1492. Cockburn Town is the center piece of the island with a […]
Providenciales – this island, known by many as “Provo”, has an area of just 38 miles, and happens to be the most developed island in Turks & Caicos. Most international flights arrive at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS). Its beautiful white sand beaches have received accolades from Conde’ Nast magazine and by the World Travel […]
The Turks and Caicos islands, which were said to have been discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, were claimed by several European powers before the British secured control of them. The islands were never actually settled until the late 1600s, when a group of Bermudian salt collectors established a foothold there. Loyalists leaving the newly-born […]
In Old San Juan, Calle Fortaleza and Calle San Francisco have everything from T-shirt emporiums to jewelry stores to shops that specialize in made-to-order Panama hats. Running perpendicular to those streets is Calle Cristo, lined with factory-outlet stores, including Coach, Gant, Guess, and Ralph Lauren. On weekends, artisans sell their wares at stalls around Paseo […]
Atlantic Beach Bar (Atlantic Beach Hotel, 1 Calle Vendig, Condado) — The oceanfront-deck bar of this hotel is famed in the gay community for its early-evening happy hours. But the pulsating tropical music, exotic drinks, and ever-pleasant ocean breeze would make it a hit in any case. Good food is also served on deck.
Ali Baba (1214 Avenida Ashford, Condado) — Tucked discreetly off Ashford Avenue, this newcomer turns out delicious, meticulously prepared Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food, thanks to its Turkish chef-owner. Given how unpretentious this small place is, the presentation is surprisingly elegant. Start with the hummus, served with steaming homemade lavash, or the grilled cheese with […]
Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino (999 Avenida Ashford, Condado) — Popular with locals, the casino at the Condado Plaza is probably worth a visit only if you’re staying in the hotel or if you’re looking for one open 24 hours a day. It’s just not as interesting as other options in the […]
The Casino at The Ritz-Carlton (6991 Avenida de los Gobernadores, Isla Verde) — With its golden columns, turquoise and bronze walls, and muted lighting, the Ritz casino, the largest in San Juan, stays refined by day or night. There’s lots of activity, yet everything is hushed.
Plaza Las Américas (525 Avenida Frankling Delano Roosevelt, Hato Rey) –– The island’s first big mall and still the largest in the Caribbean, Plaza, as it is known by locals, is a world unto itself. Even by U.S. standards, it’s a remarkable place with top-name retailers, full-service restaurants, a Cineplex, two food courts, a spa, […]