For the first time in 100 years, the island of West Caicos Reserve, The Protected Island will become an official destination in the Caribbean.

The island was previously uninhabited, and is home to a 500 acre wildlife preserve, untouched white sand beaches, and brilliant azure waters. Pink Flamingos have used this pristine island as a breeding ground, and the island is rumored to be the final resting place of Christopher Columbus' ship the Pinta.

You can only reach the island by boat, helicopter or small plane. To keep the project environmental friendly, the transportation on the island will be electric vehicles or bicycles.

Experienced divers who frequent Turks & Caicos have been transported to the West Caicos Reserve for years, and have made the ranking of the island among the world's best diving sites.

Ritz Carlton Boutique Resort is the first planned lodging for West Caicos Reserve, and is part of an environmental stewardship program. Molasses Reef will be the centerpiece of the project with 125 oceanview suites, two restaurants and a premier spa. Private plunge pools are also on the drawing board for this upscale boutique resort. Ritz Carlton is also planning branded villas, secluded single family homes, custom homes, cottages and marina townhomes. This new project is expected to be completed sometime in 2007.

New West Caicos Reserve residents will be involved in efforts to preserve the natural habitat since 90% of the islands habitat will remain undisturbed. Over the last decade, the current residents of Turks & Caicos have given their suggestions as to how the island, which is right off their coastline, will be utilized and preserved.

So, you might want to put West Caicos Reserve on your travel calendar for 2007. Ritz Carlton is planning an elaborate marketing plan starting in mid 2006.

Linda Thompkins is a Caribbean Travel Consultant, and owner of Travel 2 the Caribbean Online Agency. Travel 2 the Caribbean provides online booking services, and travel agent services to clients and website visitors.

Linda lives in the Midwest USA, and has traveled the islands of the Caribbean extensively.

Visit Travel 2 the Caribbean http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com