Hey there, fellow wanderlusters!

You know how sometimes a place just feels magical from the moment you arrive? That's exactly what happened when my family and I stepped into Haven House in Turks & Caicos. Before I dive into this slice of paradise, I have to give a massive shoutout to Sarah and the incredible team at AwayBNB they've done it again! After years of helping us discover hidden gems around the world, they've outdone themselves with this find. Their expertise in matching us with the perfect properties never ceases to amaze me.

You're standing on a pristine stretch of Long Bay Beach, the kind of white sand that feels like powder between your toes, with turquoise waters stretching as far as the eye can see. That's what greets you at Haven House, and believe me, the photos don't do justice.

My teenage daughter Emma immediately claimed one of the ocean-view bedrooms in the main villa (smart girl!), while my sister's family took over the guest house which, by the way, is practically a luxury home in itself. You know how I always say that the mark of a truly great vacation property is when it can host a big family gathering without anyone feeling cramped? With seven bedrooms spread across the property, Haven House passed this test.

Let me tell you about our daily routine, because it's what vacation dreams are made of. Mornings started with coffee on the terrace (my husband Tom's new favorite spot), watching the sunrise paint the sky in shades of pink and orange. The kids would already be in the heated infinity pool or challenging each other on the tennis court. Yes, there's a full-size tennis court! Little Max, my nephew, became obsessed with the giant chessboard, declaring himself the "King of Haven House" by day two.

Remember how I always say that a great beach house needs to nail the indoor-outdoor living concept? Well, the designers of Haven House must have been reading my blog because they absolutely nailed it. The main living area opens completely to the terrace, letting those warm Caribbean breezes flow through. And that fire pit area? That's where we spent every evening, sharing stories and making memories under the stars.

For those of you who've been following my remote work posts, you'll appreciate this: there's a proper office setup upstairs. I actually managed to post a few quick updates from there, with a view that made my Zoom colleagues very jealous!

Now, let's talk about location because it's perfect. We were just a 10-minute drive from Grace Bay Beach (though honestly, with our private beach access, we hardly felt the need to leave). For those active days, we tried kiteboarding nearby a first for most of us! Even went horseback riding along Long Bay Beach. The kids still talk about that experience.

The cinema room became our refuge during one afternoon of tropical rain, complete with its own bar for the adults (hello, piña coladas!). And can we discuss the master suite for a moment? The Jacuzzi tub with ocean views is something I'm still dreaming about.

Quick practical notes (because I know you'll ask!):

• The airport is just 20 minutes away
• Grace Bay's restaurants are a 10-minute drive
• Yes, they allow pets (though we didn't bring our furry friend this time)
• The minimum stay is 3 nights, but trust me, you'll want to stay longer

A massive thank you again to AwayBNB for arranging everything seamlessly from our airport transfer to having the kitchen pre-stocked with our favorite snacks. They even arranged a surprise birthday cake for Emma! This is why I've trusted them with our family vacations for the past decade.

For those wondering about the investment (because I believe in transparency with my community), rates start at $2800 per night. Is it worth it? For a group of up to 14 people, sharing this level of luxury and these unforgettable experiences? Absolutely. Split between families, it's comparable to high hotel rooms, but with infinitely more space and privacy.

Have any of you stayed in Turks & Caicos before? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! And if you're planning a trip, don't forget to reach out to AwayBNB tell them I sent you, and they'll know exactly how to help you plan your perfect Caribbean getaway.