Since sun worshippers discovered the islands, especially Providenciales - nicked "Provo" in the early '90s - more and more vacationers are flocking to the islands. A "second Bahamas" in the making is clearly becoming a reality. Provo since 2000 has become the fastest growing destination in the Caribbean. The islands are part of the Bahamian archipelago, and once in their history, they were governed by The Bahamas. Lying to the east of the southernmost islands of The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos are self-governing today, although under the protection of Great Britain.

Directly north of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the islands lie at the crossroads of the Caribbean and the Americas. Technically, this obscure outpost is not in Caribbean waters, but on the fringe of the Atlantic.

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are a coral-reef paradise, largely shut off from the world, free of pollution and crowds. Even with the advent of real tourist development and the bustle of construction, particularly in Provo, the beauty and tranquility of this little island chain remain intact. They're still off the beaten track, and they're not right for travelers who want lots of glitzy facilities or nightlife. You won't find the highly refined tourist infrastructure that exists in the Bahamas, but that's the appeal for some travelers.

What's beginning to put Turks and Caicos on the map is an incredible array of beaches -- 362km (224 miles) worth, to be precise. Some stretches of soft white sand run for miles; others are small, hidden in secluded coves. The islands are also home to some of the world's most magnificent underwater life. For years, divers and snorkelers have enjoyed the countless varieties of brilliant coral and colorful fish that thrive within TCI's nearly 805km (499-mile) pristine reef system.