When you think of the Turks and Caicos, what comes to mind? No doubt, you’re imagining unspoiled beaches with soft white sands and clear, brilliantly blue waters. Warm, sunny days accompanied by a cool breeze. Cruising on a boat, stopping to snorkel the barrier reef and spotting a pod of wild dolphins along the way. These are just a few reasons we chose the Turks and Caicos as home for The Strand.
But to speak of the beaches, the ocean, the marine wildlife, is to only graze the surface of what our islands have to offer. While the relaxed outdoor lifestyle is what draws so many to our shores, what about those who crave something more? What if you still want a taste of city life, to visit small boutiques where you can find high-quality, locally made goods?
While it may seem like the only retail therapy on offer is that of mandatory souvenirs, beach cover-ups and flip-flops, the islands have fostered some unique, bespoke and trendy designers in recent years. So whether you encounter an unseasonably rainy afternoon, find yourself looking for the perfect keepsake, or you simply consider shopping as one of the golden rules of self care—we’re here to guide you to some of the best local offerings in the Turks and Caicos.
Willique
With a penchant for sustainable design, Anya Willique Pratt’s handbag designs were first featured on the catwalk of London Fashion Week before they were available on shelves in Turks and Caicos.
Using pineapple fibers and recycled materials, Willique purses, clutches and handbags are not only chic and practical, but each one is a one-of-a-kind investment piece you won’t regret toting home.
The brand has also recently branched out into sustainable apparel inspired by the sunsets of the islands. Willique currently has two collections. Her first collection ‘Wanderlust’ was inspired by the designer’s strong desire to travel. Her second collection, ‘The Conscious Collection,’ embodies Anya’s commitment to a reduced carbon footprint and cruelty-free design.
Bēchë
This locally designed luxury swimwear brand, featured in the pages of Vogue, takes inspiration from cultural and natural symbols unique to the Turks and Caicos, while providing flattering styles for all shapes and sizes.
Select collections are manufactured from recycled fabrics developed from ocean waste and include prints made using eco-ink. Designer Cyprianna Green’s love of the ocean and her islands culminates in thoughtful, functional and sophisticated design that is visible in every sustainable detail.
Wildflower Skincare Lab
Newly opened in 2022, Wildflower Skincare Lab is a uniquely inspired range of delectably scented, high-quality curated natural (and organic) skin and body products manufactured locally at their lab in Grace Bay.
Infused with local flora grown in their personal garden, Wildflower’s ingredients are harvested locally and sustainably, and the result is a delicately scented product that smells like a stroll through the islands’ native bush.
Their range includes anti-aging products, baby skincare, and the ever-popular reef-safe sunscreen—one of the few mineral sunscreens that won’t leave an unpleasant residue.
If you’re looking for a personalized gift for a friend (or yourself for that matter), arrange to meet with their commercially trained and certified organic skincare formulator to produce a product specific to your request.
Sea Sage
Resort wear can often leave one wanting more, with its generic prints of coral or neutral tones.
Not so with Sea Sage, a whimsical, deluxe brand that embraces its motto, ‘live like a mermaid.’ High-quality fabrics with striking aesthetics are conjured into uniquely flattering silhouettes that invoke warm summer evenings, sunset sips and sandy toes. Each print pays homage to the designer’s home of Turks and Caicos, creating the perfect way to wear a piece of paradise.
Hibiscus
Handmade in small batches on Providenciales, Hibiscus polymer earrings are the perfect accessory to a cheeky cocktail dress.
Available at Island Vibes retail store in Grace Bay, the fun, colorful, nature-inspired range will satisfy even the most eclectic of tastes and make the perfect memento to add a little bit of island flair to any outfit.
Atelys
If you’re after something shiny, then popping into Atelys jewelry studio in Grace Bay is a must. Owner Atelys Adrian’s silver jewelry—embellished with pearls, larimar and sea glass—epitomizes sophistication and understated glamor.
Atelys designs and creates all her pieces in the Turks and Caicos and is more than willing to design a tailor-made piece that will remain unique to you. If, however, you don’t have the time, the studio is also adorned with eye-catching one-of-a-kind pieces that are sure to become a favorite staple to your jewelry collection.
Learn more about Turks and Caicos
Want to learn more about all Turks and Caicos has to offer? Beyond nature’s exquisite offerings, these islands remain special to us for a number of reasons—and we’d love to share them with you. Get in touch with us at The Strand to learn more about the Turks and Caicos and find the perfect home away from home for you.