fp Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos has come first in the Condé Nast survey of the most popular Caribbean destinations making a giant leap from its previous position of 10th in 2007. This remarkable shift has seen the islands retain their appeal despite the recent brush with Hurricane Ike earlier this year which caused no significant damage according to  officials.

Comprising over 50 islands covering an expanse of 193 square miles, the British overseas territory, Turks and Caicos, is found 575 miles off the coast of Miami. 2009 is set to see the island host some exciting events including the Indy Turks and Caicos Grand Prix in February and the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship which they previously hosted in 1999.

The President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Enrique De Marchena Kaluche, comments that: While recognizing tha each Caribbean nation is confronted with challenges that are as unique as its cultures and have distinctive appeal to tourists, there are certain shared goals on which the industry must come together to attract not only higher numbers of visitor arrivals, but also a higher calibre of vacationer. Condé Nast's poll sees The Bahamas and Jamaica take 2nd and 3rd position respectively and the CHTA's continued efforts are set to enforce measures for sustained growth over the next few years.

North Caicos is known as the "Garden island" of Turks and Caicos and is the 3rd largest island in the archipelago. With a population of less than 2000 people North Caicos is an exclusive location for those wanting to get away from it all and The Royal Reef Resort situated at Sandy Point is a development that offers just that; an area renowned for its natural, unspoiled beauty.

A truly calm tropical paradise, with pure blue waters, white sanded beaches and a barrier reef, the area is said to be the Caribbean's best kept secret. The five star Royal Reef Resort provides unsurpassable facilities, including three restaurants, stunning gardens, four swimming pools, whirlpools, spa, fitness centre, a variety of shops, two tennis courts, and a stretch of white sand beach. Prices start from £215,000/ 5,000 for a completed studio apartment and the resort also gives you the opportunity to purchase completed hotel suites from £56,000 / 0,000. John Prior the principle of Undiscovered Properties highlights even more incentive as to why Turks and Caicos is increasing in popularity saying: There is no annual property tax, income tax, corporate tax, inheritance tax or capital gains tax in Turks and Caicos so in the current financial 
climate North Caicos is an attractive and exotic prospect for the savvy investor.