Dream big with these splurge-worthy stays in Turks and Caicos
May 17, 2019
Photo: COMO Parrot Cay is a private island resort frequented by A-listers — Photo courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts
By: Melanie Reffes
Source: USA Today
A vacation in the Turks & Caicos Islands is the stuff of caviar dreams and champagne wishes. With beaches that are prettier than postcards and easy flights from the U.S., the islands are the gold standard for luxe villas and spectacular suites. Here are the best luxury stays which set the bar high.
The Shore Club
Photo: Yoga poolside at The Shore Club — Photo courtesy of The Shore Club
Offering views that salute Long Bay Beach, it”s where jet-setters shell out big bucks to lie low in the lap of luxury. The property boasts four pools, on-site Dune Spa, three bars and a trio of restaurants, with stand-out stays in the swanky penthouses. Amenities here also impress, like soaker tubs, wraparound balconies and elegant dining rooms.
So, it probably won”t surprise you that The Shore Club was voted Best Caribbean Resort in the 2019 USA TODAY 10Best Readers” Choice Awards.
Nightly rates for a 1-bedroom penthouse start at $1,950, 2-bedroom penthouses go for $2,575 and 3-bedroom penthouse stays start at $3,200.
Amanyara
Photo: At Amanyara, the pool at Villa 15 is for sublime relaxation — Photo courtesy of Aman Resorts
From the Sanskrit word for “peace” and the Arawak Amerindian word for “place,” Amanyara is, indeed, peaceful on the less-traveled west coast of Providenciales. Bordering the Northwest Point National Park where the coral reef walls are catnip for snorkelers, the resort raises the bar with a spa, four tennis courts and Nature Discovery Center where you can track and tag sea turtles.
On 18,000 acres, timber-shingled pavilions invite with shady eaves, villas are set around an infinity pool and guests zip around in solar-powered buggies. For foodies, seafood is de rigeur at The Restaurant, Basil Dazzle cocktails delight at the bar, and dinner is cooked in a stone hearth oven at The Beach Club. Ask for a stargazing kit at sunset and you’ll remember why you booked a vacation in the first place.
Nightly rates range from $1,800 to $8,800 with less expensive stays during the summer.
Coral Pavilion
Photo: Coral Pavilion is a sleek and stylish Villa — Photo courtesy of Provo Pictures
A seaside stunner on Grace Bay Beach, Coral Pavilion is a stand-alone with five bedrooms and a dining room big enough for a party of 12. On a sandy stretch of prime real estate in Providenciales, the villa is a seashell”s throw away from the town center.
Villa guests have access to the gym, spa and restaurants at the swanky Seven Stars Resort, Wi-Fi works on the beach and the pool is perfection for those who don’t fancy sand between the toes. Chef and butler are on-site and for the outdoorsy set, bicycles and water sports are gratis. For privacy seekers, the master suite is accessed by a secluded staircase.
Nightly rates start at $5,750 from April 28 to August 31, and for those who plan ahead, holiday rates from December 19 to December 26 start at $10,000.
Villa Skyline
Photo: Villa Skyline is a chic 3-bedroom villa on Grace Bay — Photo courtesy of Villa Skyline
Sitting pretty on the north coast, Villa Skyline is a sleek haven for rejuvenation in a quiet community called Blue Mountain. Away from the touristy scene at Grace Bay Beach, commanding views of the western edge of the Bay complement the gentle breezes.
With three bedrooms, the modern multi-level villa comes with posh extras like an SUV for exploring the island, chef, butler and a massive pool with sun beds. Easy like Sunday morning, the interior is airy with all-white walls and warm woods. The dining room and kitchen are rolled into one large space and an ocean-view living room has plenty of comfy sofas.
Nightly rates from April 16 to December 19 start at $2,500.
COMO Parrot Cay
Photo: COMO Parrot Cay is a private island resort frequented by A-listers — Photo courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts
Once known as Pirate Cay, courtesy of the swashbucklers that patrolled the cays between Providenciales and North Caicos, Parrot Cay, as it’s called today, is a tiny atoll home to the private COMO Parrot Cay. On 1,000 unspoiled acres, the exclusive resort is where the moneyed hang their hats in swanky digs, like the Island Villa on the sunset-facing shoreline.
Tony in teak with a flood of natural light, the 3-bedroom villa with a spectacular pool is top-notch luxe. The butler is the go-to for arranging kayaking, picnics and just about everything else on the vacation to-do list. And the Shambhala spa and yoga retreat is a chill-out utopia with a holistic menu of wellness options.
To keep hunger at bay, Terrace fuses Mediterranean and European flavors, Lotus is poolside for haute and spicy Caribbean and Asian fare, and COMO Beach Club is the spot for sips and snacks. For the ultimate splurge, Tiki Hut dinners are divine.
Nightly rates from May to July start at $6,500.
Sailrock Resort
Photo: Sailrock Resort in South Caicos is beachfront luxury in swanky villas — Photo courtesy of Sailrock Resort
On the road less traveled, Sailrock in South Caicos is a newer resort complemented by the amazing Na Spa. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Ridgetop Suites and Beachfront Villas are steps from the ocean.
Vacation accessories include pools, garden showers and breakfast in the Great House Restaurant. The only five-star on the petite island, you’ll live the high life in the 3-bedroom ocean view villas with palatial poolside terraces and chefs working their magic in big kitchens.
Courtesy of a recent partnership with the Hyatt Hotels loyalty program, members can book stays and earn points. Nightly villa rates start at $2,522 in May and June.
