Treating Myself in Turks and Caicos – And Learning I Didn’t Need a Reason

I chose Turks and Caicos for one reason — I wanted to treat myself without apology. For years I saved, waited and postponed luxury until I “deserved it.” One day I realised no finish line was coming, so I booked the trip. The business-class flight set the tone — quiet, calm, and the first time I allowed myself to enjoy comfort without guilt.

My resort on Grace Bay was the most beautiful place I’ve ever stayed. The kind of stay where the staff somehow appear when you need them and disappear when you need space. Breakfast by the ocean, fresh seafood dinners, cocktails that tasted like the colour of sunsets — everything was unhurried and graceful.

The random moment came when I joined a cooking class on a whim. I didn’t expect to love it, but laughing with strangers while learning to prepare conch ceviche turned out to be one of the best parts of the trip. Luxury didn’t feel distant or pretentious — it felt warm and human.

The melting moment happened during a private boat charter. Floating in the middle of quiet turquoise water, I realised how long I had been shrinking so others could shine. The ocean didn’t ask me to be smaller. It asked me to be present.

Returning home, the luxury didn’t follow me — but the confidence did. Turks and Caicos didn’t spoil me. It reminded me not to live my whole life waiting.
— Charlotte Bennett