Click on any image to enlarge. The large yard is enclosed by a stone wall to keep out curious cows and donkeys who enjoy dining on the periwinkles and other plants. The large mural on the end of the house was painted by a former owner, an artist, who also created the splashback in the kitchen. The queen-sized bed in the master bedroom has a comfortable, pillowtop mattress, cross ventilation, and ceiling fan. The second bedroom has two twin beds. The bathroom is uniquely island, with a coral bench in the shower and colorful sea motif tiles. The couch converts to a queen size sofa bed and the dining table has leaves on either end to seat 6 comfortably. The fans and windows, along with the 3-foot thick walls, usually keep this room cool year round. The tiny kitchen is a marvel of compact, modern convenience. You can stand in one place and move the laundry from washer to dryer, get a glass of ice from the refrigerator, rinse out your glass in the sink, and turn on the coffeemaker or microwave. There are dishes, glasses, silverware, pots, pans and utensils enough to entertain a crowd if you want, and the gas grill on the patio keeps the heat out of the kitchen. The unique splashback behind the sink is created from fragments of antique pottery and beachcombing finds. The deck has chaises, chairs and a table so you can eat up here and enjoy the view. Since it is the highest point in the island, you can truly be on top on the world! Open on four sides, the deck offers views of the sunset (watch for the fabled green flash just as the sun slides into the ocean) and sunrise. The western view is of the placid sea, while the eastern one a more rugged coast and rougher waters. The bird sanctuary and tidal flats are great for beachcombing. The deck is also fine for whale watching. Bring binoculars!

Imagine a place where the six seater Cessna drops you off right at the airport porch, where heavy traffic is two bicyclers, a golf cart, and three cows, where noise pollution is the occasional braying of a donkey, or the crowing of a time-impaired rooster, and where air pollution is the ocean breeze. Salt Cay, the island that time forgot, offers a true respite from the stresses of mainland life and from the commercialized tourism of other Caribbean islands. Hyacinth Cottage, an 80-year old salt-raker house, is a delightful combination of modern amenities and rustic charm for those wanting something more than the standard accommodations. The two-bedroom house, which sleeps six comfortably, also has a spacious yard and a two story deck, the highest point on the island. From it you can see the ocean, watch the sun rise and set, and, during the migrating season, trace the journey of the whales as they pass around Salt Cay. Snorkeling and swimming on beautiful North Beach is only a 5 minute golf cart ride away, and Salt Cay Divers awaits those who come to explore the pristine reefs. The Island Of Salt Cay. Hyacinth Cottage Rental Inquiries: phone: 649 946 6906 fax: 649 946 6940. Thursday, June 26, 2008

Traveling to Salt Cay. Rich in history, Salt Cay was a major producer of salt from the 18th century through the mid-20th century and vestiges of that industry dot the landscape--windmills, salinas, and the seaside houses of the salt barons. The White House, home to the Herriot family for generations, remains a classic example of the Bermudian architecture common on the island. A tour of the house is an unforgettable visit to the past since it looks much the same today as it did 100 years ago. Other historic buildings include the Government House, and the beautiful Episcopal church. It is the waters around Salt Cay that attract most visitors. Salt Cay Divers takes you to explore some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world, abundant with marine life. Squid, lobsters, hawksbill turtles, dolphins, and manta rays are often your underwater companions. When the weather is calm, the divemaster can take you to the Endymion, an unsalvaged 17th century British warship, lying in clear, shallow waters. From January to March, Salt Cay is on the migratory path of the humpback whale. Divers can share the waters with these giants, while the less adventurous can observe them from the deck of Hyacinth Cottage, or on a boat operated by one of the islanders. Some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean is available on the unspoiled North Beach, where sometimes the only footprints are yours. Coral heads lie close to the surface, creating canyons to navigate and occasionally a super male parrot fish silently accompanies the lucky snorkeler. Visit www.saltcaydivers.tc for more information on diving on Salt Cay. For those more comfortable on dry land, the ocean is a soothing backdrop to the respectable sport of lounging. Hyacinth Cottage's deck is the perfect place to pass the time with a good book, or with a good friend or two, playing cards or just talking. While Salt Cay has no malls or grocery stores, it has a variety of dining opportunities, from the friendly ambiance of restaurants to the pleasure of eating on a resident's porch. You can have someone cook conch dinners and deliver them, or just order flan or bread pudding to finish off a meal you've cooked yourselves. Many visitors bring well-stocked coolers and take advantage of the cottage's cooking facilities, including a gas grill. Food can also be ordered from Grand Turk in advance of your stay. You can find more information about Salt Cay at. Most visitors come through Providenciales. Transportation can be arranged from Grand Turk. For information and reservations, contact Salt Cay Divers at or the Turks Caicos tourist board at. TCI.tourism@tciway.tc

High Season (December 15-April 15). $1,200.00 weekly for 2 persons $1,400.00 weekly for 4 persons. Off Season (April 16-December 14). Hyacinth Cottage is available for weekly rent throughout the year. To inquire about renting the house or for general information, contact Debbie: Salt Cay's Island Thyme Restaurant. Turks Caicos Islands Information. Salt Cay Information www.tcisearch.com/airlineguide/tandcairways.htm www.turksandcaicostourism.com/tctb/islands/saltcay www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/caribbean/turks_and_caicos/activities.htm

 Luggage storage
 Credit cards accepted
 Garage places
 Kitchen
 Mixed dorms
 Smoke-free guest rooms
 Parking lot
 Private park, garden, courtyard
 Quiet surroundings
 Clock/radio
 Fridge
 Private/Ensuite bathroom
 Tea and coffee making facilities
 TV sets in rooms
 Patio, summer terrace
 Common room with a TV set