Turks and Caicos
Enquire about this destination...
With over two hundred miles of white, powdery beaches surrounding by crystal clear waters, makes Turks and Caicos a beach lovers haven. The islands are a playground for dolphins and superstars and the perfect backdrop for the very latest in luxury hotels.
The Cays are an eco-tourist's dream, attracting rare birds and shoals of exotic fish. On the main island of Providencials explore the world's only conch farm, or take to the turquoise waters for a spot of snorkelling. Deep sea fishing is also a popular pastime in the Turks and Caicos.
There are a number of first class resorts and a selection of cafes, shops and restaurants which gives the Island a cosmopolitan feel. Forty minutes by boat, and there is an alternative experience to be had - with it's one thousand unspoilt acres, beautiful beach, world-class spa and extremely private villas, chic Parrot Cay is a magnet for Hollywood stars and for those seeking complete seclusion. A weekly direct flight from London touches down in Nassau, making a two-centre combination with the Bahamas a possibility. Alternatively, head to the Turks and Caicos to unwind and relax after a few days shopping and sightseeing in Florida.
Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos - situated on a private island, Parrot Cay is an escapist's dream with an emphasis on rejuvenation. Garden and ocean view rooms are light and spacious while the one bedroom Beach Houses and one to three bedroom villas feature contemporary teakwood furnishings, four-poster beds and white muslin fabrics. Private pools in the larger villas and plunge pools in the beach houses provide additional luxuries. Air-condition, flat screen TVs, minibars, and tea/coffee making facilities are standard, whilst DVD/CD players, beach bags and sandals are unexpected, yet welcome extras. A short ride away, the private villas at Rocky Point and The Residence take villas living to another level. Dining is an exceptional experience too, Mediterranean and Pacific Rim cuisine is served to great acclaim in the Terrace, with light meals and Asian dishes available poolside.
The COMO Shambhala Retreat has become the byword for holistic well-being. Yoga, meditation, diet and ancient oriental therapies are all available. The resort offers water sports, tennis and gym workouts whilst an infinity-edge pool and miles of talcum powder sands encourage leisurely swims and sunset strolls.
Grace Bay Club, Turks & Caicos - an intimate and elegant retreat for the discerning traveller, Grace Bay Club is set above the dunes of Providenciales. It is a deserving member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Built in the style of a Spanish villa, the Grace Bay club is an all-suite hotel, which feels more like your own private Caribbean villa. The dining opportunities with a blend of Mediterranean and Caribbean influences include the lounge, just steps off the beach is the venue for light tapas menu, creative cocktails and music. There is also a poolside grill at the Villas.
There is an array of activities which include complimentary non-motorised water sports such as Hobie cat sails, windsurfing, snorkelling, and kayaks whilst fishing, catamaran cruises and diving can be booked at an extra cost.
Each of the 21 suites, in the attractive Mediterranean style adults only hotel and the 38 new family friendly suites at the Villas, overlooks the clear turquoise sea and has ceiling fans, air conditioning, cable television, DVD/CD player, telephone, kitchenette with fridge and ice maker, washer and dryer, bathroom with hairdryer and one or more private terrace or balcony with views. One bedroom suite has 2 bathrooms. Other room categories including two-bedroom suites are also available.
The Palms, Turks & Caicos - inspired by classic Oliver Messel designs, mirrors the beauty and serenity of twelve mile Grace Bay beach which sits alongside... Paradise really doesn't get any better than this...
The resort sits in a twelve-acre estate surrounded by lush palm trees and landscaped gardens. The estate is split into five buildings accommodating 72 suites whilst The Mansion built in the style of a Great House. Houses the dining room (Parallel23), ballroom, concierge centre and a selection of boutiques. Parellel23 with its wood-burning oven, wok station and Tandoori oven uses organic and local ingredients for its 'pan-topical' cuisine meals can be enjoyed on a spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens. Plunge is the poll bar and restaurant and offers the option of al fresco dining.
There are 72 two and three bedroom suites that can be subdivided into individual guestrooms and one-bedroom suites. Each is incredibly spacious with marble floors, has custom made mahogany furniture, air conditioning, telephone, flat screens TV, DVD/CD players with a selection of films and CD's, bath and shower and balcony or terrace.
Luxury rooms have a garden view whilst luxury ocean view rooms overlook the sea. One bedroom ocean view suites have a living room with sofa bed and separate bedroom whilst one bedroom oceanfront suites are nearer the sea with fabulous beach and sea views.
Amanyara, Turks & Caicos - this is the first Aman Resort in the Caribbean. Tucked away on a secluded point, well removed from the hotel hub of Grace Bay. The timber-shingled air-conditioned Pavilions have large sliding glass doors that open onto three terraces, filling the pavilions with cooling sea breezes. Each Pavilion features a king size bed, DVD player and separate bathroom area with a freestanding bathtub.
Dining opportunities include Asian and Mediterranean specialities and can be enjoyed in the dining room, light lunches can be taken on the terrace and casual fare at the Beach Club.
Leisure amenities include in-room spa treatments, a fifty-metre pool with lounge pavilions, snorkelling and scuba diving. The Amanyara is a true haven for anyone looking for a secluded, peaceful and relaxing retreat.
Point Grace, Turks & Caicos - set on a stunning twelve-mile beach sits this luxurious colonial-style resort. All of the accommodations, with the exception of ten poolside suites feature uninterrupted views of the turquoise ocean from expansive private terraces. Indonesian furnishings and batik fabrics complement the spacious rooms, whilst facilities include air-condition, cable-TVs with DVDs and CD players.
The Thalasso Spa offers health and beauty treatments in the surroundings of whitewashed cottages. Complimentary early evening canapés are served before you experience the spectacular gourmet Caribbean fare on offer at Grace's cottage.
Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – DUE TO OPEN WINTER 2008
This environmentally-responsible resort has 125 rooms, three restaurants, a spa and marina. The 11-mile long West Caicos Island, previously uninhabited. It is six miles southwest of Providenciales.
Even with the hotel and 75 villas, this will still be a low-lying development with a feeling of seclusion. As the first property in Ritz-Carlton’s new ‘Reserve’ brand, there will be a real kudos in trying it out. Excellent diving, Catherine Lake and two national parks means Molasses Reef will please outdoorsy clients.
Menus will be created by award-winning Gray Kunz of New York’s Lespinasse and Café Gray. Scott Lee of respected SB Architects is the designer.
Fact file
Flying time: 12 hours 30 minutes including a 1 hour stopover in Nassau
Time difference: 5 hours behind GMT in the winter, 4 hours behind GMT in the summer
Currency: US Dollar
Recommended for:
- Fabulous white powder beaches
- World-class diving
- Whale-watching (December to April)
- Horse riding
- Combining with Miami, Florida or Nassau in the Bahamas
Weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 29 | 28 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
