Leeward
Providenciales
The Leeward residential region is found on the northeast point of Providenciales. Along with private homes, luxury rental villas, an elementary school, and several businesses, the Blue Haven Marina complex can also be found here.
The interior Leeward area is one of few developments in the country to be subject to a homeowners association. As such, it is generally more orderly and consistent than the random and haphazard development found in many other parts of Providenciales.
Along with oceanfront and inland parcels, an interior canal system adds to the number of waterfront lots.
Leeward does usually have manned guard booths at both the west and east entrance, but the free flow of traffic and access to the beaches and businesses is allowed to the public.
Leeward Beach
The spectacular Leeward Beach lines the coast in this area. Low limestone cliffs, a few rock jetties, and large sandbags break up the white sand in a few places, but this beach is generally excellent.
Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve
The small and uninhabited cays of the nearby Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve make the Leeward Going Through Point (also known as Emerald Point) area a very popular eco kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding site.
Mangrove Cay, Donna Cay, Little Water Cay (Iguana Island) and Half Moon Bay are all within paddling distance, and offer abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Sheltered wetland channels, birdlife, juvenile marine animals, and the Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana await to be discovered in this interesting environment.
Environmental Concerns
Begun in 2007, an unfinished artificial island development (similar to projects completed in Dubai) inside the Princess Alexandra National Park raised concerns about environmental damage. Due to local and international protest, the project was put on hold and now appears to have been canceled.
Another ongoing dispute is the dredging of Leeward Going Through Channel. Due to natural backfill and sand movement, access for large vessels to marinas in the Leeward area has become restricted. Approval has been applied for to re-dredge the channel, but as this would likely result in damage to nearby wetlands and the Providenciales barrier reef due to displaced sediment, there has been quite a bit of local apprehension. It is unknown what the future of these works may be.
Hotels and Villas
