If you want silence, then head to Middle Caicos, a remote part of the Turks and Caicos Islands with prestine beaches and glorious star gazing at night. A wonderful secluded vacation rental option is the Blue Horizon Resort, where we spent some time in August. Located on Middle Caicos, on fifty acres of privately owned land with over 2,200 feet of beach front, it is on the largest but the least commercially developed of the eight inhabited islands with only 168 residents. Small and remote makes this an ideal location for a romantic getaway as well as a solo retreat if you happen to be a writer or artist looking for inspiration. In addition to Mudjin Harbor and Dragon Cay Cove at Blue Horizon Resort, Middle Caicos is home to reef protected Bambarra Beach and secluded Wild Cow Run on the far east end of the island.
It’s not just the glorious beaches and remoteness that makes this place special, but by night, there’s stunning star gazing that will blow your mind — be sure to bring a tripod. As a vacation rental, you will have access to basic dinette facilities which are more equipped in the larger cottages that can sleep around six opposed to the smaller ones which are ideal for one or two. Blue Horizon offers five Caribbean style cottages and three villas which are seamlessly set into the landscape with ocean views. You can take take it all in from one of the villa porches, cook for yourself or head to the onsite restaurant, Mudjin Bar and Grill. They have an onsite manager who knows the landscape fairly well, from nature-based activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking, caving, snorkeling and biking to more logistical things like transportation, other restaurant options in the area (there are very few btw) and history of the area, including the nearby Mudjin Harbor.
Each cottage and villa is surrounded by nature and only a short walk to the beach on paved paths. With bright Caribbean-colored decor, air conditioning, queen beds and satellite TV (cottages only), wifi and fully equipped kitchens, you have all that you need if daily “activities” are not your thing. This is a haven for those who truly want to escape the hustle and bustle and want some alone time or to connect with nature. There is wifi as noted, however I’d note that if you want reliable wifi, it’s much better in the restaurant area, which is just a short walk from any of the cottages or villas. Let’s take a look at a few of them so you can get an idea of what would best serve your needs visually and otherwise.
First up is Whale Watch, which is a two bedroom, two bath villa set high on a ridge. There is exceptional 360 degree degree views of Middle Caicos from the large open air front porch. There’s a twin guest room with two single beds and en suite bath and air conditioning in bedrooms as well as a washer and dryer.
Star Gazer is a spacious, secluded three bedroom, three bath villa at the far east end of the site. It boasts a large open living space with porches at the front and back. There’s private beach access with spectacular views and both guest rooms are equipped with queen beds and en suite bath — it’s ideal for up to six people.
The Tropico Studio cottage is perfect for couples and has full eat-in kitchen for two with serviceware, love seat, club chair and a large screened-in porch with sliding glass doors that open to the living space. I love this one as it is brightly decorated and “happy.” Nestled in lush tropical settings, the cottage offers privacy and views of the Blue Horizon Resort landscape looking toward the north shore. The Dragon View Cottage, Ridgetop Cottage and Tropico Cottages are all of similar size and layout and are approximately 650 square feet.
Seawings Villa is two bedroom, two bath villa set on a ridge offering sweeping views of Mudjin Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean with en suite baths. It has a large open living area, which is great for groups and families and the screened in porch and open air sun deck are perfect spots to relax and take in the views.
Dragon View Studio cottage is another great option for couples — there’s a love seat, club chair and large screened-in porch with sliding glass doors that open to the living space. I love the view from the front screened in porch here. Also worth noting is just how spectacular the sky is at night here; as astronomer lover’s paradise.
Birds are a special attraction on Middle Caicos and osprey pairs nest along the shore and egret flocks take to the sky at sunrise, to feed. The rare West Indian Whistling Duck raises its young here and you can often see Pelicans and Flamingos feeding in ponds, close to the resort.
Beyond the beaches, the views are spectacular in every direction. Below are additional shots of walks you can take on the property.
DETAILS:
Blue Horizon Villas and Cottages
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
