It might just be a dream. I have one foot out of the diaphanous mosquito netting that wraps my Balinese-style bed before I recognize the moment as blissful reality. I’m sleeping in a private, three-bedroom villa (said to be owned by a celebrity — perhaps Keith Richards?) on a private island in Turks and Caicos. An archipelago of more than 40 small islands just south of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos is known for its enchanting turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Here, our must-book places to fully indulge in the art of relaxation on vacation.
COMO Parrot Cay
At storied COMO Parrot Cay, this villa lies about a mile down the beach from the heart of the resort, so I feel sequestered. Just what I need to force myself to finish the novel I’ve been writing. I stride out to the villa’s pool and gaze hopelessly besotted at the azure water. This villa, like all of swish COMO Parrot Cay, has Asian elegance. Its spare chic decor and graceful ambiance instantly erase the clutter and stresses I brought with me, and lets the sea breeze carry them away. Deliciously free, now more interested in exploring the resort than making progress on my novel, I leap into the pool for some laps. While I swim, my butler — yeah, my butler — brings breakfast, deftly arranging an overflowing bowl homemade granola, apples, nuts and yogurt for me on an outside table. One of Turks and Caicos’ most storied resorts, Parrot Cay is touted for its exclusive location and its quixotic COMO Shambhala spa. Accessible by boat, it occupies one of 40 variously-sized, low-lying coral islands that make up this British Overseas Protectorate, a two two hour flight from Miami.
In recent years, Turks and Caicos has added a slew of other swanky retreats. Most of them straddle beaches on Providenciales, the tropical destination’s main hub and third largest island. Actually situated in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea, the hotspot — as good for families as couples — nevertheless exudes vibrant Caribbean culture. It boasts exquisite beaches, and remains the late winter home of Humpback whales who migrate thousands of miles to mate, give birth and enjoy the same warm waters that tourists adore. Read on to discover a few more of our favorite resort havens in the luxurious Turks and Caicos.
Ocean Club Resorts
Not that anyone could get bored at the world famous Grace Bay Beach on Provo, but just in case Ocean Club Resorts presents their “Stay at one. Play at both” option, which offers a bountiful feast of recreational options, including 3 pools, 3 tennis courts, water sports galore and 3 restaurants — with transportation between the two. Like a dancing duet of fun, Ocean Club Resorts comprises two glamorous all-suite properties, kitted out with family-friendly spaciousness, kitchens, complimentary bikes, and loads of fun.
Grace Bay Club
Grace Bay Club has long been a place to celebrate life’s momentous events. Now, the resort invites you to return to join them in honor of their 30th “Diamond” anniversary. The $130,000 Diamond Anniversary Experience tempts guest to indulge in an inimitable journey, including a private jet transfer from US direct flight destinations, four nights accommodations in a Private Villa Collection home on Grace Bay Beach with butler service, a half day private yacht trip with culinary flourishes, and a collection of curated experiences, such as mixology classes. Stay anytime at Grace Bay Club. As the first only luxury all-suite resort on Grace Bay Beach, Grace Bay Club offers 82 ocean view suites, laid out in three sections, including an adults-only enclave.
Amanyara
As its hallmark, in any location, Aman promises to provide a temple-like place of quietude and solace, a hotel meticulously imagined to allow for transformation and the triggering of awe. Located in the Turks & Caicos, Amanyara keeps that spirit alive. On the less traveled northwest coast of Provo, it encompasses an 18,000 acre nature preserve and borders Northwest Point Marine National Park, renowned for its wall and reef diving. Tranquil, farther flung, less classic Caribbean in mood than soulful and otherworldly, this Asian-styled resort lives up to its name, which translates from Sanskrit and Arawak to mean Place of Peace. Its suites: shingled, stand-alone pavilions summon a hypnotic ambiance. Enjoy snippets of local culture throughout the resort whether at the restaurant or Nature Discovery Center. Treat yourself to the Aman Spa’s multi-day wellness immersion programs, or just pop in for an afternoon reset.
Beaches Turks and Caicos
Lapped by stunning Grace Bay Beach, all-inclusive Beaches Turks and Caicos delivers the buzzy luxury and plethora of options families seek when booking a beach vacation. A mind boggling cornucopia of possibilities, this high octane playground of pampering and fun has 21 restaurants, 10 sparkling pools, and the peerless 45,000 square-foot Pirates Island waterpark. Unlimited land and water sports from scuba to basketball comprise the all inclusive package as does the free Beaches’ Kids Camp with certified nannies for ages 0-17. (Note: this innovative retreat leads the way with the Caribbean’s first autism-friendly kids camps.) Opt for the butler-service room categories to enhance your ultimate, mollycoddling luxury family getaway.
The Palms
On 12 acres of beachfront The Palms gets kudos for its atmospheric, village-like vibe, beloved by families. But the resort also reigns as a magnet for wellness aficionados. Nobody can resist restorative time in its 25,000 square-foot world class spa, complete with one of a kind treatments. (Don’t miss the Mother of Pearl Scrub.) With its en plein air design, countless water activities, and complimentary lessons (including Hobie Cat sailing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and windsurfing), The Palms keeps active types on the move, while the infinity pool with a beach view makes Instagram followers green with envy. Cocktails to put on your list? The Spiced Rum Negroni at L’Attitude rates number one.
The Shore Club
Kite boarders: Get thee to windy Long Bay Beach, one of the best locations in the world for the sport. Just as riveting to lazier pursuits, the beautiful beach’s only development The Shore Club brings loads of barefoot chic with its elegant decor, commodious suites, and uninterrupted ocean vistas. In the bygone Caribbean holiday tradition, The Shore Club serves complimentary breakfast (an irresistible “bargain” for parents of teenagers). For the rest of the day, sate appetites at four distinctive restaurants and five thirst-quenching bars. For larger groups, the resort’s six-bedroom luxury The Estate Villas ensures enough space for your favorite traveling clan. Stretching 8,800 square feet, they allow for private connection with terraces, a heated pool, and en suite guest rooms.
The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos
They say the best way to know an island is looking back at it from the water. That happens at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos when you take advantage of the new-ish resort’s top amenity: The Lady Grace Catamaran. Whether on a sunset sail or half day snorkel guests will connect with the locale as they cruise around the coast. Enmeshed with design that draws from island culture, whether sisals from sponges or rich woods, the hotel embraces Turk’s natural beauty and gravitas. Enjoy novelties such as teal blue VW buses repurposed as beachside — prime for Instagram. Splurge on the Penthouse Suite, a three level residence on the resort’s top floor.
Wymara Resort & Villas, A Member of Leading Hotels of the World
Touted for its sustainable culinary prowess, Wymara Resort & Villas appeals to travelers with an appetite for gastronomic largesse and a penchant for elevated, yet simple luxury. Taste Caribbean flavors by award winning Australian Chef Andrew Mirosh, who brings international tweaks to local specialities. Basking on the western end of alluring Grace Bay Beach, this fully renovated tropical oasis dovetails into four-acres of postcard perfect nature. With 91 redone rooms and suites, the resort accommodates families and groups of friends traveling together to its seven new four-and five-bedroom villas with exclusive access to a state-of-the-art Sports Center. For couples looking for privacy, the newly built one-bedroom villas seal the deal.
Featured Image Credit: Grace Bay Club
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