Coral Gardens, Turks and Caicos Islands Visions of deserted beaches and palm trees conjure up romantic thoughts in just about anyone. Combine this with a luxurious resort, a spa, a gourmet restaurant and a world-class dive destination and you have created the perfect romantic getaway for divers. Coral Gardens, on the stunning, palm-fringed beaches of Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos Islands, fits the bill perfectly. What makes the diving here so spectacular? One of the most extensive reef systems in the world runs through these islands, and vast areas have been set aside as marine parks. Abundant marine life and incredible visibility prevail. The walls of West Caicos offer some of the finest wall diving in the Caribbean. The Columbus Passage, a 22-mile channel that runs through the Turks and Caicos, is frequented by migrating humpback whales and many other pelagic creatures, including mantas, dolphins and sea turtles. Matthew Williams of Cactus Voyager, the on-site dive guide for the Coral Gardens Resort, is also the resort's concierge and arranges all diving for his guests. The highly personalized service that he and his operation offer complements the indulgent ambience of the resort, and diving is catered to the whims of the guests. Matthew will accompany divers as their own private dive guide if they desire. The resort is built around the Serenity Spa, which is housed in an architectural award-winning oceanfront home that preceded the resort's existence. Delightfully isolated from other resorts on Grace Bay Beach, the resort exudes a quiet calm and intimacy throughout the property. Oceanfront suites are expansive and have spectacular views of Grace Bay. The gourmet Coyaba Restaurant at Coral Gardens is one of the best eateries on the island. General manager Andre Niederhauser is a member of the prestigious Chaine des Rotisseurs, and his penchant for fine wine and dining is shared by longtime friend and Coyaba chef Paul Newman. Breakfast and more casual fare are served at the Beach Café, where beach barbecues and conch cookouts are regular happenings. Steps away, the quiet solitude of Grace Bay Beach invites couples for intimate strolls at sunset or under the moon and stars. All in all, diving in the Turks and Caicos and a stay at Coral Gardens is a match made in diver heaven. For the ultimate in luxury, check into one of the penthouses. You may never want to leave.