Resorts and Hotels - July/August 2007

“Beautiful by Nature” - a perfect tag line for a grouping of Islands that are consistently voted among the most stunning beaches in the world. A fairly new destination, Turks and Caicos is becoming the “place to be”. As recently as five years ago someone would say, “I’m going to Turks and Caicos, ” and the reaction they would get was, “Where?” In the seventies, Turks and Caicos had a population of 1500 and only two accommodations. The Turks and Caicos were mostly known by divers drawn to the pristine reefs, but word spread about miles of soft sand beaches and multiple hues of blue waters. The secret is out and with it gorgeous resorts have been developed.

Turks and Caicos Islands have had the privilege of seeing what the rest of the Caribbean has done, and has been able to do it better. TCI aimed for quality, not quantity; aimed for upscale visitors and long term investors.

Providenciales, (sometimes referred to as Provo), the most populated island in Turks and Caicos, has strategically been developed with luxurious condominium style properties, attracting high end investors and vacationers. No modern conveniences have been excluded, with Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, granite counter tops and marble tiles. Condominiums are a great investment and a fabulous vacation. Most have resort amenities including restaurants and excursion desks. Some have world class spas, rated best in the world, others include great kids clubs as well. Some have kayaks and Hobie Cats and snorkel gear for use, and are located in front of the best off-the-beach snorkelling in the Caribbean. All have great sunsets.

The waters of Grace Bay, where the majority of the resorts are located, are the most electric blues in the world. The sea “glows” neon turquoise, even on a cloudy day. The sand is blinding white, the beaches are so spectacular, you are hypnotized as soon as you lay your eyes on them. Grace Bay is fantastic for relaxing, walking, sailing, boating, diving, exploring and for watching gorgeous sunsets.

Turks and Caicos Islands have so many excellent resorts, the difficult part is choosing where to stay.

For the type of vacation where you don’t have to worry about anything, Provo has BEACHES RESORT & SPA, voted Best Family All-Inclusive Resort nine years in a row. You pay for your entire vacation up-front, with no worries of carrying cash, figuring tips or paying for drinks. Beaches Resort has 453 rooms and suites surrounded by bougainvilleas and palms. The Presidential Suites offer private butlers. The resort boasts ten specialty restaurants, providing an international array of foods - from French cuisine to American, Japanese to Italian and even a 50s diner - to please every palate. And you don’t have to go far to quench your thirst at one of the many swim-up bars. There are activities to keep you busy, including water aerobics, lawn chess, beach volleyball and scuba diving, or lounge chairs and umbrellas to relax all day. Children get their own action packed water park, with a pirate’s ship restaurant that boast their favourite foods, water slides, ping pong, pool tables, and a huge SEGA centre with XBOX games. There are nightly talent shows and discos for teens, and US certified nannies to watch children, so adults may enjoy the adult restaurant and world class spa. There are beach toys - everything from kayaks and Hobie Cats, to water tricycles and floats. An excursion desk will set up every type of adventure, from snorkel trips and scuba, to banana boats and parasailing. With so much to do, you may need a second vacation! www.beaches.com

The pioneer of luxury on Providenciales, GRACE BAY CLUB still sets the standards for future resorts. The exceptional service starts with thoughtful touches, such as rum punch and chilled towels on arrival, with sorbet and fruits served poolside and beachside throughout the day. The original Spanish-Mediterranean boutique resort with 21 luxury suites that include full size kitchens, private balconies and recently refurbished rooms, is exclusively for adults. Award winning Grace Bay Club includes breakfast at Anacaona, which boasts one of the most beautiful restaurant settings in the Caribbean. Adjacent to Anacaona, sip cocktails at The Lounge on comfortable couches and daybeds under canopies - what better way to relax under the stars listening to waves lapping on shore. The addition of the new Grace Bay Club Villas bring a family-friendly ambiance with 38 all oceanfront rooms, appointed with plasma TVs, soaking tubs with shutters that open to the room, and a separate family-friendly pool, with the same exceptional service. A new children’s eco-activity program at Kid’s Town is filled with active and educational activities on flexible schedules, ensuring young guests have a memorable vacation. www.gracebayclub.com

Behind limestone walls, THE REGENT PALMS welcomes you with a two-story open-air reception, elegant furniture and chic curtains wafting in the breeze. Its old-world Caribbean charm, unique buildings made of coral stone and landscaped with palm trees, hibiscus and bougainvillea, offer up to date modern comfort. There are 72 residences, including 8 exclusive penthouse suites with private elevators. The well-appointed suites feature flat screen TVs with surround sound, and professional grade stainless steel Viking appliances. The bathrooms have to be seen to be believed, featuring hand laid tile showers that take up the entire room. The Regent Palms offers the best for families, with an excellent kid’s club and world class babysitting service, yet also includes adult only sections for lounging and swimming. The infinity pool is one of the most gorgeous in Provo, winding thru the property leading to the beach, with pool “pods” - circular beds made for lounging. Huge colourful vases and swim-up bars surround the pool. The restaurant, Parallel23, has a second floor ballroom, perfect for hosting the wedding reception of your dreams. The most incredible feature of Regent Palms is a stunning spa, considered one of the best in the world. It is so beautiful, majestic palms line the reflecting pool, it has made countless covers of top travel magazines. No doubt the best way to be pampered - the spa is not to be missed! www.regenthotels.com

Located on a point in the middle of Grace Bay Beach, POINT GRACE has the most unobstructed views of our shimmering seas. The beautiful British Colonial architecture, Asian influenced roof top domes and Roman style pillars all blend to give a Zen peaceful atmosphere. This exceptional property is uniquely decorated with 4 poster beds and Indonesian teak furnishings in stylish fabrics and colours. The grounds are incredible, with unique landscapes and outdoor beds which add to a feeling of peace. The restaurant, Grace’s Cottage, in a Caribbean gingerbread house with tables scattered around a lush garden, is one of the best on Providenciales. The resort has a full service spa with massage rooms that are hidden in lush landscaping yet open to provide stunning views of the ocean. As one of the premier resorts in the Caribbean, this exclusive hideaway has appeared numerous times on the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List and has received several awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards and a Blue Ribbon in Caribbean Travel & Life. www.pointgrace.com

From the moment you pull up to the gorgeous reception area, you know THE SOMERSET will be an exceptional vacation experience. The stunning Mediterranean architecture, gazebos, trellis and croquet lawn all lead to an infinity pool, the beautiful beach and beyond. The exclusive Estate Suites are each located on a private floor with panoramic ocean views, have private outdoor Jacuzzis and state of the art gourmet kitchens. The exceptional Stirling House Suites feature ocean views with oversized balconies and full appointed kitchens. The charming English Cottages have views of a perfectly manicured croquet lawn. The long infinity pool has underwater surround sound speakers and lap resistance, so you can work off the fine dining of O’Soleil, the on-site restaurant. The elegant interiors are individually decorated and well appointed with numerous plasma TVs, XBOX, wine chillers and professional Viking appliances. Beautiful stone tiled tables on the oversized balconies are perfect for sipping Mangotinis - all while admiring the sparkling blue waters of Grace Bay. www.thesomerset.com

If you appreciate the peace and quiet that comes with a private villa, but want amenities of a resort, look no further than Le Vele, Villa Renaissance, and The Tuscany. Self-catering has never been more luxurious.

LE VELE is modern, yet quiet, small, yet includes all the comforts. Designed with sleek interiors fused with natural fibers and contemporary furniture, all with South Beach Miami flair. All 22 beachfront spacious suites have sleek kitchens, granite counter tops, flat screen TVs. Le Vele has a fitness center and the only pool with a vanishing edge on all four sides. This is upscale self-catering at its best. The staff will even take you to the restaurant of your choice. www.levele.com

A feeling of a Tuscan courtyard, and one of the prettiest buildings on Provo, VILLA RENAISSANCE has a most scenic pool. The location, right in the middle of Grace Bay, is within walking distance to various restaurants, shops and spas. With elegant furnishings of tropical seagrass chairs and oversized couches, it is like being home only better. The 28 beachfront villas and 6 cottages have one of the best locations on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Villa Renaissance has an illuminated tennis court, fitness centre, and includes afternoon tea. It shares even more amenities with a new sister property The Regent Grand, next door. www.villarenaissance.com

Self-catering has never been so upscale, so luxurious, as THE TUSCANY. All oceanfront, these 3 bedroom residences are decorated individually, each with unique colours and artwork. A landscaped courtyard frames the pool with majestic palms, at night the illuminated palms create a peaceful oasis. The 33 residences include all the upgrades that come with luxury: stainless steel appliances, granite and marble, oversized Jacuzzi tubs and huge oceanfront balconies. Viewsto the sea from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom and living areas will take your breath away. www.thetuscany.com

One of the most unique features of CORAL GARDENS is the open living concept of the residences. Floor to ceiling windows that “disappear” into the walls give you the feeling you are outside and what an incredible outside it has - Provo’s best off-the-beach snorkelling is steps away from your suite. During the day, frolic with turtles, at night, listen to the waves lap the shore just below your open air living room. Set in three story beachfront buildings, the suites are fully equipped 1 or 2 bedrooms decorated with Italian tiled floors and muted tropical furnishings. No need for excursions here, the best snorkelling is your front yard. www.coralgardensongracebay.com

TURKS AND CAICOS CLUB is so stunningly beautiful, it has been used as the backdrop for countless magazines and model shoots. Located on a quiet, intimate section of Grace Bay Beach, the all-suite boutique hotel was built as a Colonial/Mediterranean style mansion with gingerbread trim, just steps away from the island’s best snorkelling reef. The understated elegance, with custom rattan furnishings, safari themed rooms with 4 poster beds, and gourmet kitchen, includes all the comforts of home, but with stunning ocean views. Spacious balconies provide an intimate setting for a massage overlooking the ocean. Turks and Caicos Club welcomes you like family and offers unique and innovative packages not found anywhere else. A favourite is having Tropical Imaging take photos of your vacation so your memories are professional postcards. www.turksandcaicosclub.com

The unique family resorts offer all the comforts of home, along with stunning settings and unparalleled amenities.

Fronting the powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters of Grace Bay Beach THE SANDS RESORT has a family-friendly atmosphere. The beautiful winding pools with bridges and hidden hot tubs lead to the ocean. There are 116 suites offering all sizes of accommodation, from studio, to 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms, making it ideal for families or groups of friends. The light and airy suites have all the comforts of home, including full kitchens and seating areas for cold drinks and late night snacks. Entertainment is easy with complimentary water sports equipment, mountain bikes, lit tennis courts and a fitness centre. Hemingways, the very popular on-site restaurant, has one of the best children’s menus, along with a great oceanfront setting for adults. www.thesandsresort.com

OCEAN CLUB RESORTS, Provo’s most established condominium resort is like having two resorts in one. The original OCEAN CLUB is set at the far eastern end of the bay, comprised of nine buildings with a total of 86 suites, all tastefully decorated in a contemporary Caribbean style creating an exotic feel. The studio, one, two and three bedroom units all have full kitchens and laundry facilities. A lushly landscaped central area with a winding pool and pathways leads to a second pool and the Cabana Bar & Grill, a great seaside spot for sunset happy hour. Next to the on site Gecko Grille Restaurant, is the Kid’s Club, with dinner and movie nights - fun for children and a break for adults. For the golf enthusiast the world class Provo Golf & Country Club is located directly across Grace Bay Road. One mile to the west, OCEAN CLUB WEST is within walking distance to excellent restaurants and shops with just over 100 suites range in size from studio to three bedroom - and even a fourth bedroom for larger families. A long, winding pool with picturesque bridges leads to the beachfront Seaside Café, offering terrific views of the turquoise sea beyond. At Ocean Club Resorts you get the best of two worlds with a free shuttle between the two resorts. www.oceanclubresorts.com

The suites at THE ALEXANDRA offer stunning views of all the turquoise and aquamarine hues of Grace Bay. The well-appointed interiors feature spectacular designer furnishings, fully equipped kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, relaxing feather-top beds and huge private balconies. The long free form pool leads to a swim-up bar. The Alexandra includes the island’s only RCI affiliated timeshare property in addition to other residences. To stay in shape, there is a beachfront fitness centre and lit tennis courts, especially after eating at Orchid Bar & Grill, the on-site restaurant with poolside or deck seating by the beach, an excellent sunset vantage point. www.thealexandra.com

British Colonial architecture and furnishings blend with lush landscaping at ROYAL WEST INDIES. It is comprised of studio, one bedroom and two bedroom suites with spectacular ocean views and gorgeous tropical foliage. There are two pools on the property, one more active by the restaurant, the other more secluded and romantic. An activities desk will book your excursions. The popular on-site Mango Reef Restaurant & Bar offers icey drinks and nightly specials. As the most affordable luxury in Provo, Hobie Cats and kayaks are included for your use on one of the widest stretches of Grace Bay Beach. www.royalwestindies.com

Staying at one of the smaller properties in Providenciales does not mean you have to sacrifice to enjoy your own piece of paradise.

Located at the water’s edge of Grace Bay Beach, SIBONNE may be the best bargain on Provo. This was one of the first properties developed on Providenciales before resorts had to move back and build behind the dunes. The 30 rooms give you the feeling you are already on the beach. Bermudan styled roofs, vaulted ceilings, and a gorgeous tropical courtyard with hammocks to relax in, insure a great vacation. Not only is it affordable but breakfast is included at the fabulous on-site, oceanfront Bay Bistro restaurant which offers the perfect setting for island dining as you are hypnotized by the brilliant blues of the sea or the red-orange glow at sunset. Enjoy one of Junior’s creative cocktails at the popular bar. www.sibonne.com

The delightful and colourful CARIBBEAN PARADISE INN, while not on Grace Bay Beach but just a one block walk, is an excellent value for your money - breakfast included. Terra-cotta walls with cobalt blue gingerbread trim create a colourful setting, the 16 room inn has always been a favourite with divers. All the rooms offer private balconies or patios and are air conditioned. The money you save staying here you may want to spend dining at Coyaba, one of the Caribbean’s best gourmet restaurants located just in front of the inn. www.paradise.tc

Walking distance to everything you could need, restaurants, sailing, dive shops and car rentals, TURTLE COVE INN is in the heart of Turtle Cove Marina. During the day it is an easy walk to the beach and great snorkelling at Smith’s Reef. Walk along the marina dock to view the mega-yachts moored there and on to your choice of seven restaurants including Aqua Bar & Terrace Restaurant right on-site. All the rooms have air conditioning and cable TV. If you arrive by boat, a great place to stretch your legs. For night-time entertainment The Players Club casino has opened directly across the street. www.turtlecoveinn.com

Providenciales is not the only island in the Turks and Caicos that offers great escapes and incredible views.

Exclusive and secluded MERIDIAN CLUB on Pine Cay is an environmentally sensitive resort, ideal for those seeking an unspoiled retreat. Well known for its excellent cuisine, attentive staff and “barefoot elegance”. The 12 spacious beachfront guest rooms and the secluded Sand Dollar cottage are terrific for a get-away-from-it-all hideaway; this means no autos, no ringing phones, no TVs or radios in the rooms to distract you. You also have the option of an intimate collection of private cottages in which to stay. Truly “THE” place to go to lower your blood pressure. For a group of islands that already have the most beautiful beaches in the world, Pine Cay has one of the best. www.meridianclub.com

ST. CHARLES is located on the tranquil island of North Caicos, known as the “Garden Island” of Turks and Caicos. You can get away from it all, without compromising comfort; this is the premier resort for total relaxation. Studio and up to 3 bedroom residences are all oceanfront, with stunning views of the turquoise hues. St. Charles offers all the activities expected at an upscale resort: snorkel, scuba, fishing, and horseback riding - and one unique feature found only on North - flamingo watching. www.stcharlestci.com

For serious divers SOUTH CAICOS OCEAN & BEACH RESORT is the place to go in all of Turks and Caicos Islands. Brand new, the resort offers 24 rooms with all the comforts you’ve grown to expect. The rooms have satellite TV, coffee makers and fridges. South Caicos is reputed to have the best diving in TCI, with a dive operation on site, three dives a day are only 5 minutes away. www.southcaicosoceanbeachresort.com

More beautiful up and coming resorts are scheduled to open in the near future. THE REGENT GRAND will offer 44 upscale residences overlooking an edgeless pool and miles of Grace Bay. The property features a block of exclusive shops under trellis and columns, The Regent Village, Provo’s answer to Rodeo Drive and Worth Avenue. www.theregentgrand.com  With the island’s best off-the-beach snorkelling just in front, THE WINDSONG will have 40 condominiums at the edge of a protected nature preserve. Refresh yourself at the cafe with underwater views of a saltwater aquarium and enjoy a uniquely designed pool with a gazebo covered swim-up bar. www.windsongresort.com  LEEWARD RESORT & MARINA will be an exclusive gated property, with sandy beach, waterfront restaurants, outdoor cafes, boutiques, fitness centre, watersports marina and private yacht club. www.leeward.com  Reach for the stars at SEVEN STARS RESORT overlooking Grace Bay from seven stories high this luxury residence resort will offer luxury amenities including adult and childrens pools, a spa and fitness center, tennis and a Bice Ristorante. www.sevenstarsresort.com

TCI has quickly become “the place to be”. There are new upscale resorts being built on all the Islands of the Turks and Caicos, island hopping will be so luxurious. Once you lay eyes on beautiful Grace Bay, there is no doubt you will want to purchase your own piece of paradise. You’ll be in luck with most resorts offering residences for sale, so you can be a long term investor, have a great vacation or have a gorgeous retirement residence. Warning: You will fall in love!

Story by Ramona Settle

Note: The resorts mentioned within this article are advertisers within “Where When How - Turks & Caicos Islands”.
Care was taken to ensure correctness of information at press time. Information is subject to change without notice. Ad Vantage Ltd. accepts no responsibility for such alterations or for typographical errors or omissions. Entire contents of this page may not be reproduced in any manner without written permission of Ad Vantage Ltd. © July/August 2007

Our 2006 Cover story can be found in our archives here.