If you're looking for a destination where emphasis is on down time at the beach, consider Turks and Caicos, known for its turquoise-colored ocean. 

Stay at the Villa Renaissance, in a 2-bedroom unit on the beach, and the floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the living room provides the most incredible view of ocean, sky, and palm trees. Just beautiful. 

The Villa Renaissance is a boutique hotel, with a friendly staff who will probably greet you by first name long before the end of your stay. 

Its sister property is the Regent Grand, and both hotels share a restaurant called The Vix. 

I was privileged to explore both properties during a recent travel agent trip there. The units are all spacious condos, with full kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms. Many have washing machines, gorgeous patio/balconies, and more. I am often asked about rooms that can accommodate large families or people, traveling together, looking to share one large accommodation. This is it. With one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, there's space for everyone. Some can accommodate up to 8 people. 

Like many of the hotels in Turks, these accommodates are actually condos. Most units have televisions in each of the bedrooms, as well as the living room, a great way to keep the family happy at night. And with a full kitchen at your disposal, stocking up on snacks is not a problem. But don't think that this is a vacation where cleaning and cooking is required. There's maid service and nightly turn-down service, complete with chocolates on the pillows. A complimentary buffet breakfast of fresh-baked croissants, fresh fruit, and cheese is served poolside. Restaurants are a short walk or taxi ride away. 

Golfers: Bring your buddies. Stay at either property, and enjoy complimentary golf at the nearby Provo golf course, during the off-season. It's 50 percent off, at other times. Dave, the golf pro, is a friendly American who will see to it that you have a great time. There's a full bar in the clubhouse, of course, and lunch is delicious. 

Don't miss lunch at Horse Eye Jack's, a beachfront restaurant with a view of the ocean that's postcard perfect. Here the conch lunch is pulled right out of the ocean, as you watch, and they'll be happy to show you the conch, pulling it from its huge pink shell, making the introductions. It doesn't get any fresher than this, and it can be prepared many different ways, including in a salad of tomatoes, onions, and peppers, calamari-style, or fried. 

Those gorgeous pink shells are for sale, and bringing one home is a wonderful keepsake of this unique experience. For those less adventurous eaters, there are many other items on the menu. For the more exotic eaters, ask about eating the conch penis, said to be an aphrodisiac. Or, try the vodka or rum, infused with conch penises. Hey, in Mexico, you drink the worm in the tequila. When in Turks, do as they do there. 

The Villa Renaissance and Regent Grand are high-end properties, for those looking to spend quality with the people they're traveling with. You won't find planned activities here, and it's NOT all-inclusive. If you're looking for that sort of experience, Beaches may be better suited for you. But if you want quiet time with family and friends, the manager, "Junior," one of the most hard-working, yet friendliest guys in the business , who really seems to enjoy what he does, promises to take good care of you. I'll let him know you're coming. He'll provide you with a warm welcome, and will no doubt see to it that you have as fabulous a time as I did. 

Ready to book your vacation here?  Contact "Commodore" Camille today. 

This article was accurate when it was written, but everything in life changes. Enjoy the journey! 

Copyright: Camille Pepe Sperrazza