Turtles & Trade Winds

Perched right on the edge of Grace Bay Beach, this villa puts one of the world's most celebrated stretches of sand at your feet – and Smith's Reef, among the finest snorkelling in Turks and Caicos, just beyond the shore. A pool with uninterrupted sea views makes it hard to choose between a dip in the ocean or a swim in the sunshine. Head up to the rooftop crow's nest as the sun drops, or wind down on the beach-level patios, where the main bedroom's outdoor bathtub looks out toward open water. The 180-degree turquoise views from the upper floors make the choice of where to linger a pleasant problem.

Home truths:
* Reef shoes are worth packing – there's a strip of beach rock between the sand and the water at the entry point to the reef. Once you're past it, the bottom turns sandy and the snorkelling opens up beautifully.
* The pool deck gets limited direct sun, so if sunbathing is a priority, factor that in when planning your days. The pool itself is unheated, so water temperature depends on the weather.
* Both bedrooms have outdoor showers only – there are no indoor shower facilities in the bedrooms.
* Baby gear, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards aren't included with the villa, but your host can point you towards local rental options. Snorkel gear is also generally not provided, so bring your own or plan to hire it locally.
* Housekeeping services are provided once mid-week for bookings of 7 nights or more.