West Caicos Island, British West Indies
The night I camped on the quiet leeward shore of West Caicos, the island had a population of five: two writers, an architect, a construction foreman, and an “organizer of island pursuits” who kept us up late drinking rum, playing dominoes and indulging in a midnight snorkel under a velvet sky splattered with stars.
In the morning, sunbeams baked the silver thatch palms and sea oats that lined the toasted-sugar sand. We waded in motionless water the color of antifreeze, and declared ourselves willing castaways on a Caribbean isle that’s been deserted for 100 years.
But it won’t be deserted for long. Our hosts were part of a group of developers whose vision for West Caicos is a sustainable tropical paradise that represents a new, greener era of island living.
The westernmost link in the Turks and Caicos chain will soon house a new Ritz Carlton “Reserve” hotel and a smattering of private condos and villas, all developed with preservation in mind—as they see it, it’s a minor sacrifice of 296 acres that will ensure the protection of a few thousand more.
Buying into this dream is not for the weak of wallet—overnight stays will start at $695. As for the villas, well, if you have to ask …
More destinations >>> |
