The Caribbean’s last frontier, Turks and Caicos, remains an undiscovered gem.

Though close to “civilization,” the islands of Turks and Caicos are overlooked by vacationers heading farther into the Caribbean without ever knowing that they are a nearby paradise for skin diving and snorkeling, that there are untold miles of flawless beaches, and that some of the finest resorts have been built to take advantage of these delights. Although the islands lie at the end of the Bahamas, just 90 minutes from Miami, those oblivious tourists have no idea they are missing 200 miles of sugar-soft beaches often selected as the “world’s best,” that the nearby waters hold everything from humpback whales to fleets of colorful tropical fish, or that there are many spas with world-class reputations. 

Don’t be surprised if you bump into Hollywood celebrities as you browse the street markets: Bruce Willis and Dick Clark own homes here, and Ben Affleck was married here, as was Eva Longoria. Recording artists Lionel Ritchie, LL Cool J, and Kenny Rogers are regulars at the annual music festival.

You can tackle the challenging and beautiful Provo golf course, explore the nature preserves on rented scooters, or stalk trophy-sized gamefish offshore. Most visitors, however, are content to float in the gin-clear waters, lounge with a trashy novel in a hammock, or wiggle their toes in the sand. —Chris Caswell

The Essentials

 1 Where to Stay Amanyara is the Aman Resorts’ ode to quiet beauty with superb views, gorgeous infinity pools, and Serenity Villa, an international spa. 866-941-8133, amanresorts.com. Located on renowned Grace Bay Beach, the Regent Palms is a $95 million, 72-suite boutique resort with a 15,000-square-foot spa. 800-967-9044, regenthotels.com.

 2 Where to Eat Want local? Try Da Conch Shack for fresh conch fritters washed down with local Turks Head beer. 649-946-8877, conchshack.tc.   

 3 What To Do Visit Little Water Cay, an islet populated by iguanas, and then go snorkeling in a three-hour sailing package from Sail Provo. 649-946-4783, sailprovo.com.