Follow tropical Fish…
Turks & Caicos, British West Indies

Even in your most ardent I’m-running-away-to-live-on-the-beach daydreams, it would be tough to conjure up a finer stretch of white-sand perfection than Grace Bay Beach, located on the Island of Providenciales. Ocean Club West, a laid-back family-friendly resort right on Grace Bay, makes the most of its stellar location by offering a wide array of outdoor activities catering to all levels of experience. Water babies can frolic in their winding freeform freshwater pool, surrounded by lush gardens. A short beach walk brings you to tropical Adventure Water Sports, providing rental equipment for windsurfing, kayaking and snorkeling. Take a family paddleboarding lesson—in no time you’ll all be gliding on top of the shallow, luminescent turquoise water. Want to go deeper? The on-site Provo Turtle Divers can schedule a scuba excursion and will teach beginners. And the Provo Golf Club is adjacent to the resort if you fancy a day on the links. Or simply borrow one of the free resort bikes to tool around the Grace Bay area. For a splurge with splash, Sun Charters offers private sailing excursions on the 77-foot Atabeyra, a one-time trading schooner that tours around the Caicos Cays with stops for snorkeling and exploring uninhabited islands. Ask the skipper to take you to the historic wreck. Now home to thousands of tropical fish, it will still spur the imagination of any pirate-obsessed little ones. All that fun in the sun is likely to spark an appetite. Fortunately, all accommodations (studio suites to three-bedroom condos) have kitchens and shared BBQs. Or try the conch fritters (a ubiquitous local treat) and a rum punch at Ocean Club West’s casual Seaside Cafe. A brief complimentary shuttle ride away is sister property Ocean Club, where you can dine elegantly at Opus Wine-Bar-Grill, specializing in fresh-caught fish and meat dishes. There is no better place to reflect on your day’s adventures.

Essentials At check-in, kids are given the Seafari game kit, an interactive environmental scavenger hunt, with prizes awarded for completed searches. Get chIll Kick back with a pedicure or hot stone massage at Spa Tropique. Info Studio suites from $219 per night; 649-946-5880, oceanclubresorts.com