The Best Hotels in Turks and Caicos
September, 2021
I recently travelled to Turks and Caicos and found it to be a stunning destination. The hotels are luxurious, and the water is clear as can be. While Turks is a beautiful destination, it is best suited for families and couples as the destination is not made for partygoers. This is due to the higher cost of hotels and services compared to other Caribbean Islands such as the Dominican Republic or Jamaica. While Turks & Caicos is not famous for its food or nightlife, there are a few places to have fun such as Wednesday nights at Da Conch Shack with awesome live music, and have a decent food at Coco Bistro.
Providenciales:
For a South Beach Feel: Wymara Resort and Villas
Rates: from $560
Description: Wymara Resort is a great hotel for adults. This isn’t to say that kids aren’t welcome on the property, but it deters small children by not having a kids’ club. The majority of luxury resorts in Turks & Caicos have a kids club. The hotel is a boutique resort, which makes it very easy to walk around the property. The pool is also outstanding as are their drinks. The food at the resort is underwhelming, however, but this is made up for by great beds and a beautiful beach on West Grace Bay. Wymara is also in a remote location, which is nice as you won’t see as many tourists walking along the beach as you would at the Grace Bay Club. However, it isn’t close to town, and transportation is required to access other parts of the island.
Note: If you decide to stay in the Wymara Villas, they are located away from the resort. The Villas are well designed with two master bedrooms with ocean views on different floors, which is great for multi-generational families. Some also include waterslides into the ocean! Finally, please note that these villas are waterfront and don’t have a beach but are amazing if you desire privacy.
For the Best Beach and Food: Grace Bay Club
Rates: from $660
Description: The Grace Bay Club is located on the original Grace Bay Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The food at the resort is great despite underwhelming drinks, and it is located close to town. If you head into town, make sure to head to Potcake Place to be able to walk dogs for free. This is great if you ever feel like you are missing your pups back home like myself. Since the Grace Bay Club is located on the best beach there are also many tourists walking along the beach. While the resort does have a kids’ club, the resort does a good job of keeping it in a hidden area. If you are travelling to the Grace Bay Club without kids, make sure to stay in the hotel tower as it is adults only. However, keep in mind that some of the rooms at the hotel tower require you to climb stars without an elevator.
Note: Select residences and Villas at Grace Bay are located offsite on various beaches such as Long Bay Beach and West Grace Bay. These villas are beachfront and have kitchens that are superior to those at Wymara. However, they don’t offer the same level of privacy as the villas are closer to one another.
For Those that Love the Spa: The Palms Turks & Caicos
Rates: from $490
Description: Consider The Palms Turks and Caicos the point where two worlds meet — one is that of colonial-era Caribbean, the other is the realm of modern-day luxury, with tropical-chic touches that tie the two together. The idea of inhabiting two worlds is evident the moment you step through the resort’s open-air lobby to its iconic courtyard. Walls and arches of limestone coupled with white-washed wooden trellises offer a glimpse of Old World Caribbean. But the well-manicured grounds, high-end boutiques that flank the courtyard and infinity pool that awaits around the corner all bring you back to the contemporary. And that’s before you’ve even stepped foot into your room — or seen the world-famous blue hues of Grace Bay Beach just steps from your picture-perfect perch. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink of mulled cucumber and mint, freshen up with a cold towel and start exploring. (from Forbes)
For Watersports and Villas: The Shore Club Turks and Caicos
Rates: from $500
Description: Away from the developed chaos of Grace Bay, the Shore Club occupies a prime stretch of Long Bay Beach—stunning but still secluded, and minutes from Provo’s town center. The design is classic without being overly cutesy-colonial, and the dominant color is turquoise, as in the ocean and sky that are visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows with views in which you can just lose yourself. Elsewhere, there are plenty of distractions. Rates include complimentary use of non-motorized water sports equipment, and the bells and whistles include the Dune Spa, a fitness center with a private tennis court and lap pool, three restaurants including the Peruvian-Japanese Sui-Ren and the family-friendly Caribbean-inspired Sea Grapes, a smart boutique, four swimming pools (adults, family, exercise, and a bonus), and a kids club. (from Conde Nast)
Note: The 6 bedroom villas at The Shore Club are located on resort property. The Master bedroom is glorious with ocean views. There is also an elevator to support multi-generational families. However, two out of six bedrooms are much smaller and are best suited for children. Four out of the six bedrooms are suited for couples.
South Caicos:
For a True Getaway: Sailrock Resort
Rates: from $530
Description: Sailrock Resort is one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed. It is one of the only places in the world where I could see the sunrise in the Atlantic and watch the sunset in Caicos Bank. The drinks are outstanding and the restaurant serves a great breakfast. The Cove restaurant on Caicos Bank has a special grill out on Saturday nights. I recommend attending this event for the marshmallows and the bonfire later at night and skipping the dinner. Instead, I recommend going to Triple J grill, which is only open on the weekends and attending the bonfire after. The resort will drive you to the restaurant for an additional fee, which is worth it as it served some the best food I had during my entire trip. Finally, either charter a boat for a half day or go on the kayaking tour as the water and marine life are downright stunning. There is just something about seeing so much marine life and so much beauty with so few people. Finally, please note that service at this resort is slow due to its remote location. If you desire the traditional service of a 5-star resort, the add-on service of a butler is a must.
Note: We stayed in a two-bedroom Beachfront Villa Suite. There is not much space between the two bedrooms, and it is better suited for families. If you are travelling as two couples book the Two Bedroom Premier Room. If you are a high-profile athlete or celebrity book a Peninsula Villa for maximum privacy.