Perhaps no other tropical destination is as convenient to the United States as spectacular Turks and Caicos, renowned for its glimmering turquoise water and powdered sugar-like sand. Called simply “Turks” by those in the know, the 40-island archipelago, part of the Atlantic and not the Caribbean, welcomes direct flights from eight U.S. cities including New York, Dallas, and Miami. Rich with posh resorts, many of which occupy private islands, the British Overseas Territory’s buzziest hotspot is Providenciales (aka Provo), the third largest island. There, scores of top-notch retreats beckon, many of them planted on Grace Bay Beach, one of the world’s most lauded crescents of sand. Other upscale hotels, accessible by boat, spread out across tinier islands to provide that Robinson Crusoe castaway effect — albeit in swish digs with a bikini and a glass of Champagne at the ready.
Though diving and snorkeling rule in the Turks, fishing (conch, spiny lobster, and Nassau grouper in season), wind and water sports, Humpback whale watching, and trips to Little Water Cay (Iguana Island) where legions of lizards lounge comprise alternatives to swimming pools and spa days. Don’t miss an opportunity to hear the island’s own ripsaw music, melodies made from the carpenter saw’s screechy sound, mixed with the accordion and other instruments. For a memorable day trip, cross the causeway to reach North Caicos and Middle Caicos, deserted beaches and wild-garden terrain, where spelunkers can find the Conch Bar Caves, one of the region’s largest dry-cave systems. Our favorite places to stay:
COMO Parrot Cay
You’ll gaze hopelessly besotted at the azure water that surrounds this private island paradise. With an Asian elegance, the resort features villas and houses, many owned by celebrities, as well as grand hotel rooms. With a four-mile-long beach, the haven incorporates some 1,000 acres, much of it undeveloped. Mangrove kayaking, sailing, biking, farm visits, and water play delight guests of all ages. Memorable gastronomy makes a lasting impression. But, possibly the resort’s crowning glory is its COMO Shambhala Retreat, a tranquil enclave along the North Caicos Channel, where guests can partake of yoga, holistic therapies, Pilates, and more.
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 three pools, three tennis courts, water sports galore, and three 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, which celebrated its 30th anniversary a few years ago, was the first all-suite luxury resort on Grace Bay Beach. The hotel offers 82 ocean-view suites, laid out in three sections, including an adults-only enclave. Highlights include: a new beach club concept Off Shore, a completely redesigned Infiniti Bar – the longest bar in the Caribbean – and South Bank, Grace Bay Club’s newest luxury residential resort and marina.
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. For groups, villas offer the same haven of tranquility and privacy. 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 complimentary 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 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, paddleboarding, 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, the villas 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 cocktails— 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 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 courtesy of AMAN. Travel Curator may earn a commission from booking links on this page.
