The Caribbean islands of Turks & Caicos are a hot attraction for the rich and famous. With arguably some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world and stunning coral reefs surrounding the islands in the turquoise waters, it’s not hard to see why Turks & Caicos is becoming the chicest spot in the Caribbean.
The island’s laid-back vibe makes it ideal for a beach vacay with a good book and a chilled margarita under an umbrella. Lucky for us, we’ve had the pleasure to visit some amazing hotels in Providenciales on the main island. And we can’t wait to go back. But in the meantime, here are our top three picks for ultra-luxe hotels to visit while in Turks & Caicos.
Gansevoort Turks + Caicos
If you’ve been reading our previous posts, you’ll know that we have major love for the Gansevoort hotels (check out our stay at the Gansevoort in the Meatpacking District of NYC). Like their sister hotel in NYC, the Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is all about urban luxury. Instead of the traditional Caribbean décor of heavy, dark woods accented with reds and oranges, the Gansevoort opted for cream shades for walls and bedding with dark wood accents and hints of turquoise. It’s luxe, modern and minimalist all in one — something you might not expect to find in the Caribbean.
But in all honesty, you’ll likely not want to spend much time in your room when you see the beach outside your window. Chill beach-side on a comfy bed, or relax at the pool and snack on frozen grapes just like the hotel’s A-list clientele. Molly Sims, Ellen Pompeo, Canadian cutie Elisha Cuthbert and Twilight star Ashley Green are among the celebrity guests who have made the Gansevoort their home away from home in Turks & Caicos. Celebs choose the Gansevoort because it’s ultra-private, quiet, and the impeccable service can’t be matched. Along with an Exhale spa (with yoga, ab and toning classes to keep your bikini bod in check) and the NYC-inspired Bagatelle restaurant, Gansevoort provides all the luxuries of NYC, minus the hectic pace.
Point Grace Resort
We really do love finding amazing boutique hotels, and this Turks & Caicos gem definitely fits the bill. Located on the 12-mile point of the white sand Grace Bay beach, Point Grace has been voted the Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Hotel by the World Travel Awards for the last five years. The property has 28 suites, with one to four bedrooms, as well as penthouses. We highly recommend the oceanfront suite with great views of the beach and turquoise waters. We can’t think of too many things better than waking up to the ocean at your front door.
What made our experience so special was the outstanding service and attention to detail. On the second morning, the waiter remembered exactly how I took my coffee and what toast I preferred. The onsite restaurant, Grace’s Cottage (which we’ll talk about in the next post), was also fantastic. While it’s not ocean-side, it’s an intimate outdoor setting featuring a Caribbean-inspired gourmet menu.
If some spa-time is on your agenda (which it always is for us), then you’ll need to book yourself some time at their on-site spa Thalasso. Set apart from the property, three white-thatched buildings hold the treatment areas. Each room contains a massage table, marble sinks and open-roofed shower. The highlight of having a treatment here is that you’ll experience the calming sounds of ocean waves and fresh breezes blowing in.
Point Grace is an intimate resort, perfect for those looking to avoid the party scene with pure relaxation or for a couple hoping for a romantic getaway pour deux.
The Somerset
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Somerset is a grand and luxurious resort set on Grace Bay Beach. With 53 suites on the property, the rooms offer amenities like Etro bath products, complimentary WiFi, iPod docking stations, and a full kitchen including a dishwasher, ice maker and wine cooler. Some of our favourite on-site features are the two fresh water pools — especially the infinity-edge pool, perfect for lounging beside — in-suite spa services and the O’Soleil fine dining restaurant.
The best room to book yourself into is the Estate Villa, which offers wrap-around terraces and ocean views. Other features we love? The private outdoor jacuzzi, huge closets and full marble baths. You’ll be ready to move in after a week (and actually could since it’s also a condo hotel).
Aside from the fine dining you’ll find at O’Soleil, you’ll also be able to get a meal at the LunaSea Pool Bar or right in the convenience of your own room. We suggest having a pre-dinner drink in the laid-back Pearl Bar and Tapas lounge, where live Caribbean-style music can be found, to set the tone of your stay.
WHERE TO FIND:
Gansevoort Turks + Caicos
Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI.; (649) 941-7555
gansevoortturksandcaicos.com
Point Grace
P.O. Box 700, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI; (866) 924-7223
pointgrace.com
The Somerset
Princess Drive, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI; (649) 946-5900; (877) 887-5722
thesomerset.com