Hotels, Resorts & Villas Where to Stay in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Where When How Turks & Caicos Islands Summer 2011
WHERE TO STAY
So Many ChoicesOn the travel planning social media website, TripAdvisor, the Turks & Caicos forum regulars have coined the term “Provoitis”, which is defined as a debilitating condition suffered by those unfortunate souls who caught the bug and then had to return to what we island residents call, “The Real World.” There is some special thing about our islands... some indefinable quality that causes visitors to fall in love, and never want to go home. There’s a t–shirt that could have been made for this place, it says: “Quit your job. Buy a ticket. Get a tan. Fall in love. Never return.” Maybe that set of instructions could apply to other destinations, but I’ve lived on a couple of islands now, and it’s Providenciales people just can’t seem to get enough of!
Gansevoort Turks + Caicos a Wymara Resort
What is it that makes Providenciales so special? Part of the charm is that we’re still a small–town, so it’s easy to get to know the people who work and live here. You’ll bump into the same folks over and over, so within a few days you’ll start to feel as though you’re part of a regular community... but with much better weather, and far more rum punch than your usual neighbourhood.
Island vibe aside, there exist some very tangible factors that make the Turks & Caicos Islands a desirable vacation destination. The US dollar, English–speaking population, lovely trade–winds (which breeze in to cool us on even the hottest of days), and a unique geographical location that keeps us safe from most extreme weather systems in the region. Our most developed island is Providenciales and though just 38 sq miles, it boasts two unique coasts which experience different sea conditions. This means virtually every day our excursion operators can get you out on the water, in the water, or under the water. The Turks and Caicos Islands enjoy about 320 sunny days per year, the few rainy days we have are actually celebrated as a change from the same old sunny grind we have to deal with day in, and day out. (“Yawn. Pass the sunscreen?”) For the practical minded, we have modern health–care facilities and our little slice of paradise has attracted many skilled and knowledgeable medical professionals. Aside from the plethora of talented Turks & Caicos Islanders who apply their considerable talents to make this country what it is, we are fortunate to have attracted some welcomed additions: chefs, artists, and business–people clever enough to administer self–imposed exiles in order to ply their trades here. The same attributes that make this a vacation destination have provided employers with recruitment incentives far beyond the traditional salary and perks.
The Regent Grand on Grace Bay
A holiday hot spot for less than thirty years, we maintain an unspoiled beauty. Because we can see into the future through a lens trained on our island neighbours, we have an opportunity to see the best practices of others and adapt them to our needs. This is most easily noted within our islands’ resorts, hotels and villas.
The trickiest part of planning a holiday, no matter whether you’re going to Manhattan or Vanuatu, is choosing your accommodations. If you are booking on behalf of an entire family or large group of friends, this critical detail can make or break the entire trip. Choose well and you’ll be a hero, choose poorly and you’ll never live it down. Twenty years from now people will still be telling the story of when Uncle Terry booked everyone into that hotel next door to the 24–hour–bowling–alley/thrash–metal–mosh–club. Fortunately, the pressure is off – you’re planning a holiday to Providenciales, my friend! We don’t even have a bowling alley and, quite honestly, no matter what resort or villa you choose to book for you and your companions, you will be a hero.
La Vista Azul overlooks Turtle Cove
Here in the Turks & Caicos we are fortunate that our resorts have avoided a cookie–cutter approach; each is unique and beautiful in its own way. The vast majority of the properties do have something in common, they are almost all fully out–fitted luxury condominiums rather than traditional hotels. With a wide range of truly gorgeous accommodations, you will have no trouble finding a property that will fit neatly within your price–range whether you are struggling newlyweds or trust fund socialites. With furnishings, fixtures and appliances chosen to complement jaw–dropping views, plenty of amenities are provided in an effort to up the already substantial wow factor proffered by our naturally stunning Grace Bay Beach.
Because the resort condos are fully equipped, you’ll likely spend some time at a nearby grocery store gathering everything needed to take advantage of the gourmet kitchen and accoutrements provided to create your own spectacular Caribbean dining experience. If cooking isn’t your idea of a dream holiday, never fear, you are, in nearly every case, mere steps from one of several world–class restaurants. A spa is practically a given at each resort, and at virtually all properties you will find a state of the art fitness centre. Resorts make living easy while still giving you a chance to travel within the local economy.
Windsong Resort, Reef Residences and Coral Gardens
In addition to looking after all your physical needs, one of the ways the brilliant and creative minds that designed properties here have taken advantage of the Turks & Caicos’ unique attributes, is by creating beautiful outdoor spaces, then complementing those, with interiors meant to draw in the natural beauty found here. Of course, our fabulous weather means you are likely to spend much of your holiday time outside, enjoying our naturally beautiful beaches, taking part in some of the world’s most exciting water sports, playing a round on our award winning golf course, or maybe simply lounging by a spectacularly designed swimming pool.
The focal point of social life for many homes and resorts, the pool areas are as unique as the property to which they belong. Infinity edge pools are a feat of engineering, geometry and art, as the pool area is made to look as though it drifts off into the unmistakable turquoise of the water of the Caicos shelf. Mosaic tiles are sometimes used to match the colour of sky or sea. At hotels and resorts a bar or poolside café make the pool area a comfortable place to spend the day.
Guests often enjoy taking advantage of outdoor kitchens, which are a popular feature of many villas, and some resorts. You can prepare an entire meal in these well–equipped spaces, and enjoy dining al fresco with the entire family.
The Alexandra Resort and Mango Reef Restaurant
If you plan to spend every waking moment taking advantage of the beach, the diving, the restaurants and the nightlife available all over the island, you may be content with a more reasonably priced hotel. These can be found on the beach and a few steps off the beach, and in close proximity to dining and shopping, and provide for all their guests’ needs, while maintaining a price–point that can be very attractive.
While we have fantastic choices for the budget–minded traveller, many of our resorts and villas have been created for those guests who find themselves more concerned with value than with the overall cost. Should you wish to experience the height of luxury and decadence, you will find a place to meet, and perhaps exceed, your expectations. Everything from state of the art electronics, gourmet kitchens complete with chefs and butlers, to exotic textiles, one of a kind art pieces and custom linens can be found.
We have several boutique hotels and the great thing about a small and intimate hotel is you’re very likely dealing with a small and friendly staff whose goal it is to make sure your stay as stress free and enjoyable as possible. A happy guest, after all, is a much easier guest to attend to.
The Gansevoort Turks + Caicos and the West Bay Club
Although a boutique may not greatly differ from a mainstream hotel or resort in terms of service or amenities, it is a good idea to check with the property to find out exactly what is offered before booking. Don’t assume there will be Wi–Fi or turn down service, but also don’t be unduly shocked if the level of service and attention afforded guests is equal to that of a more typical hotel or resort. The only definitive difference between a conventional hotel and a true boutique hotel will be a smaller property with a unique look and feel. Another plus for many travellers: restaurants or bars associated with boutique hotels will often be styled to attract residents of the area as well the hotel’s guests, consequently you’re likely to be afforded many opportunities to mix with non–tourists.
A Villa Holiday may sound extravagant, especially when combined with the sought after Caribbean Vacation. The word Villa itself is a trifle intimidating, I’ll admit. It tends to cause dollar signs to swirl in one’s head and calls up images of celebrities lounging poolside while being catered to by a staff of dozens. What many people don’t realize, is that Villa Vacations can be economical. If you’re planning a holiday for your family or for a group of friends, it’s possible to find a Villa Vacation that will work out to be far more reasonable per person than a hotel room. With the added benefit of being able to cook and eat at home, those savings can mean a moderately priced traditional hotel suddenly out paces a Villa in terms of cost. Of course, if you want to, you can easily find a luxurious villa to suit a Hollywood star, some of the biggest are regulars here, after all.
Seven Stars Resort
Villa rentals vary widely in terms of services provided, and the level of service is usually offered on an a la carte basis. You can request daily maid service, for example, if that’s something you’re interested in. You can have a private chef to cook your meals or a butler and personal concierge to cater to your every need. You can book an on site masseuse, a tennis pro or a make–up artist and hairdresser. You could no doubt hire someone to brush the sand off your feet if you truly wanted to! On the flipside, if you’re a low maintenance holidaymaker or are especially concerned with personal privacy, you can request minimal or no service until after your departure; this will allow you to simply live in your villa as you would at home.
Purpose–built vacation villas offer rooms with en suites so each couple in a party can feel at home. Some properties have several detached homes in the same area, to facilitate planning large gatherings while maintaining personal space for those attending. A property management company will be able to direct you to a villa or property that will meet your needs whether you intend to travel with one, or 100, of your closest friends.
Grace Bay Club Resort
Turks & Caicos Islands’ All–Inclusive Resorts
The island has two luxury all–inclusive properties. The very well known BEACHES RESORT (On Beach), part of a larger organization extremely popular with those who vacation with young children. We also now have THE VERANDA (On Beach), one of the newest resorts on Grace Bay Beach, which is managed by the same group who manages the exclusive Grace Bay Club. Veranda is a high–end property with all–inclusive options to suit the needs of a variety of travellers.
Beaches Resort Italian Village on Grace Bay
With all–inclusive properties, there’s no need to carry cash, just dine and drink til your heart’s content at one of (usually) multiple restaurants and bars located within the resort’s grounds. Often there will be opportunities to take part in water sports and various other activities offered as part of the experience. Family oriented resorts encourage group activities and offer private time for parents by organizing activities and providing entertainment and distractions for the kids.
You’re not necessarily trapped on the resort’s grounds, you’ll be free to explore the island as much, or as little, as you like. Because all your needs will be met at the resort you may find an afternoon of exploring is enough to give you a sense of the place, and feel that retreating to your resort is a welcome way to check your cares at the front gate to just chill out, while someone looks after you and your family.
All of the resorts, villas, and hotels in the Turks and Caicos Islands share some common traits, yet each property has something unique and wonderful to share. Take some time to check out each of our amazing accommodation options. Don’t worry though, no matter where you stay, you’ll still be in paradise.
Some Of Turks & Caicos Islands’ Fabulous Boutique Hotels
Reminiscent of Colonial opulence, POINT GRACE (On Beach) has a way of making you feel as though you are a character in a turn of the century novel. The resort is situated on the point where our bay’s namesake, Grace Hutchings, had her honeymoon in the 1800s. So even when people were still being tied into their dresses, this was a pretty romantic place!
Royal West Indies, affordable luxury
CORAL GARDENS (On Beach), REEF RESIDENCES (Off Beach) and WINDSONG (On Beach) are three properties located closely together along Grace Bay. Each property features easy access to Somewhere Cafe & Lounge and Caicos Adventures (located at Coral Gardens) SNUBA, JoJo’s Cafe and The Havana Club, where you can find live comedy and music several nights a week (located at The Windsong) and The Bight Reef, home to the best snorkelling Providenciales has to offer, and just steps from the beach. CORAL GARDENS has great beachfront service so you can relax and enjoy a cool cocktail on your lounge chair. WINDSONG has an amazing waterfall bridge across the oceanfront pool to the beach beyond. REEF RESIDENCES is an intimate property with many of the amenities you would expect of a larger resort.
COMFORT SUITES (Off Beach) is a 98 room budget–minded hotel located in Grace Bay. The property features a friendly bar by the pool, dive packages, and easy access to dining, bars and shopping at Ports of Call and across the street for groceries.
SIBONNE BEACH HOTEL (On Beach) is one of the longest running properties on Grace Bay Beach. Because it was built before much of the major development on the island, the hotel and restaurant are actually situated closer to the water than any other property. With reasonable rates and serviced by a terrific restaurant, Bay Bistro and Kissing Fish catering, the property is very popular for destination weddings.
THE MERIDIAN CLUB ON PINE CAY (On Beach) is an exclusive retreat style private island resort; it’s tranquil and pristine. My favourite thing about this resort is that there are purposely, no telephones, cars or televisions. This is a real getaway for those travellers who want to truly connect with the environment and one another.
THE BLUE HORIZON RESORT ON MIDDLE CAICOS (On Beach) may have the best views in all of The Turks and Caicos Islands. The pretty cottages built overlooking Mudjin Harbour and Dragon Cay give you a real ‘beachy’ feeling. Aside from the comfy over–stuffed chairs where enjoying the view and reading a good book are a must... my favourite thing about Blue Horizon is the feeling that once you’ve stayed there you are part of the family.
TRADE WINDS CONDOTEL (Off Beach) is a reasonably priced small resort in Grace Bay. You’ve got an easy walk to anything you need from this resort, and you’re just a five minute stroll to the most popular section of Grace Bay Beach.
Some Of The Most Popular Resorts In The Turks & Caicos Islands
THE ALEXANDRA RESORT (On Beach) does its best to provide everything you would find at any resort, while maintaining the personality and charm that can normally only be found at a small, intimate property. One of the best things about Alexandra is they are home to Mango Reef, a restaurant that is beloved by residents and regular visitors to Providenciales.
GRACE BAY CLUB (On Beach) covers 11 acres of beachfront on the gorgeous Grace Bay, luxury is the name of the game at Grace Bay Club. There are a variety of different accommodation styles available to suit everyone, and restaurants and bars to service guests. The one of a kind infinity bar is cool, but I prefer to take my drinks at sunset overlooking the water from one of the many secluded areas created near the bar. You can cozy up on a couch or sun bed, or near a fire–pit if there’s any chill in the air, and enjoy the ambiance and a tasty cocktail.
Famous in New York, THE GANSEVOORT (On Beach) name is synonymous with urban, chic sophistication. Their Turks + Caicos resort is high–end, the service is above par and the Friday night dance parties are legendary. Not your typical Provo holiday, a stay at The Gansevoort gives you the best of everything a big city resort could offer you, while taking advantage of the best the Caribbean has to give.
THE TUSCANY (On Beach), has nice wide stretches of undisturbed beach. The property is designed with a Mediterranean feel and features a gorgeous pool area that opens up to the beach beyond.
WEST BAY CLUB (On Beach) The pool area is fantastic with a cool waterfall feature and a direct sightline that allows you to look straight out the boardwalk to the beach beyond. One of my favourite things about this resort is the friendly little bar by the pool where you’ll be welcomed as a neighbour by the staff and residents who live at West Bay Club year round.
LA VISTA AZUL (Off Beach) has some of the best views on Providenciales. Stepped up the side of the bluffs overlooking The Bight, you have a clear view of Grace Bay Beach and Turtle Cove Marina. A great place to watch the sunset and, though not on the beach, just a short walk from beautiful undisturbed sections of beach and close to snorkelling at Smith’s Reef.
LE VELE (On Beach) Easy to pick out from the beach for its architecture, Le Vele is really our only resort that features truly modern architecture and design. The units in the resort are personal favourites on the island. Most are individually decorated with elegant simplicity to fit the cool compemporary feel.
OCEAN CLUB and OCEAN CLUB WEST (On Beach) are two great resorts in two excellent locations on Grace Bay Beach. They have everything you’d expect from a resort in the Caribbean and the added benefit of being able to use both resorts, no matter which one you’re staying at. A shuttle will take you back and forth or you can take a nice beach stroll from one to the other.
THE REGENT GRAND (On Beach) is located smack dab in the centre of all the development on Grace Bay. Directly behind The Regent Village, the resort is close to restaurants and shopping and has a fantastic location on the beach. The Regent Grand is one of a few resorts in this area, and my favourite thing about the place is that you wouldn’t need to rent a car if you didn’t want to, everything you need is within easy walking distance.
My favourite thing about THE REGENT PALMS (On Beach) is the Regent Spa. It continues to gain recognition, the most recent from Conde Nast, throughout the region. But if you’re not a spa person, the whole resort is gorgeous and sitting by The Plunge bar watching the sunset with a cocktail is always a great way to end a day and start an evening.
ROYAL WEST INDIES (On Beach) is the kind of resort that keeps people coming back year after year. Located on a popular beach access the resort is also popular with residents, so you can expect to see a few locals and ex–pats at the restaurant enjoying the atmosphere and the food.
SEVEN STARS (On beach) is located at the heart of Grace Bay, and like other properties in this area, you are within easy walking distance of everything the area has to offer. This luxury resort has a large heated salt–water pool, great restaurants, fitness and spa.
Some Of The Turks & Caicos Islands’ Vacation Villas And Villa Rental Companies
Each of the Villas available for short–term rental on Providenciales feature unique details that set them apart. Whatever your needs, you will be able to find a Turks & Caicos Villa rental that meets them.
ACACIA VILLA Located in the residential Leeward community, just one mile to the beach. Built for vacationers, the villa features two bedrooms ensuite.
AQUAMARINE BEACH HOUSES is an enclave of four houses on Grace Bay Beach that enjoy a shared common area around the pool. Book one, or book out the entire property for a multiple family gathering.
BEST VIEW VILLA is set high atop a bluff with unobstructed views in all directions and a large pool, this villa really does have a lot going for it. Sunsets and sunrises, for starters.
CRYSTAL SANDS VILLA, located on the amazing Sapodilla Beach and with a large fresh–water pool, is a huge villa with ample room and privacy for up to four couples.
HARBOUR CLUB VILLAS are six red–roofed cottages on the island’s south side. With Flamingo Lake on one side and the private Harbour Club Marina on the other there are plenty of swimming options, including a large swimming pool.
ISLAND CLUB is located a short walk from the beach and in the heart of Grace Bay proper. Walking distance to everything you need, these two bedroom townhouses share a pool area and are a great choice for families or friends travelling together.
PELICAN NEST VILLAS are two separate multi–bedroom villas in Leeward Community on the dune with unobstructed views of the beach. Each villa has its own swimming pool. Rent one or both. The property also has two luxury townhouses.
VILLA OASIS on Grace Bay Beach offers two rental spaces and can sleep up to 14 people. The infinity edge pool offers a great vantage point to view the beach from, and you’re just steps from the island’s best snorkelling.
VILLA OCEANA is a three to four bedroom villa on Sapodilla Beach. You can take advantage of the 48 foot swimming pool or the calm shallow waters of Sapodilla Bay. Perfect for a family vacation, or a romantic retreat.
For information on more amazing Villa vacation opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands please look for ads for the following management companies, in these pages: ALLIED MANAGEMENT COMPANY, PROVO BIZ, TC SAFARI, TRANQUILITY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
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. © Summer 2011 Where When How - Turks & Caicos Islands.
Related Topics
- Turks & Caicos Where To Stay: Listings of all Hotels & Resorts
- Turks & Caicos Where To Stay: Listings of all Vacation Villa Rentals
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- Things To Do in the Turks and Caicos Islands: Helicopter Tours, Boat Excursions, Parasail, SCUBA Diving and much, much more!
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