Caribbean Getaway: Luxurious New Reasons To Visit Turks And Caicos

Sitting at the Cave Bar at Rock House, on the Turks & Caicos Islands’ main island Providenciales, it’s easy to think that you’re on an island in the Cyclades: The resort is hilltop; built into a 75 foot limestone cliff; overlooking turquoise water and surrounded by walls composed of chiseled white stones. Mark Durliat, CEO of Grace Bay Resorts, of which this resort is a part, and his wife honeymooned in Greece, apparently, and transferred the romantic ambience (and Mediterranean cuisine) they encountered there to this nearly two year old resort. And it’s working: I checked in at the same time as a newlywed couple from New York and every day other couples were lined up by the pool, in the hideaway hillside terraces and on the 130 foot jetty decked out with loungers.

The view over the Caicos Banks from an Ocean Estate at South Bank, opening in May. SOUTH BANK

Mostly, though, they were in the water. This British Overseas Territory composed of two island groups 575 miles southeast of Miami is known for its beaches, perfectly clear turquoise water and teeming underwater life courtesy of a wrap around coral reef. The marquee beach is three mile long, powdery white sand Grace Bay Beach on the island’s north coast, regularly named as one of the best in the world. Rock House’s beach is to the west of that, smaller but very private in keeping with the overall secluded tone and intimate scale of the resort—46 rooms in individual cottages with several new one-five bedroom Reserve Villas opening March 1st.

The villas at Rock House.GRACE BAY RESORTS

On the other side of the island, the more residential south coast, Grace Bay Resorts has a management project on a much larger scale set to open in May. South Bank, situated on 31 acres near Long Bay, is a combination residential ownership community/resort split into different neighborhoods with varying amenities; all, however, are populated with striking contemporary architecture containing sleek interior design, top of the line appliances and uninterrupted water views over the vivid blues of the Caicos Banks.

A Lagoon Villa at South Bank

Boat owners will likely be drawn to the section The Launch featuring 2,077 square foot two bedroom and 2,839 square foot three bedroom Boathouses along the marina waterfront, each with its own private dock that can accommodate up to a 26 foot boat. Lagoon Villas are 3,982 square foot three bedroom and 4,295 square foot four bedroom residences situated along the beach of a manmade lagoon. Ocean Estates oceanfront houses range from 3,150 square foot, three bedroom Reef Villas to 7,683 square foot, six bedroom Dune Villa beach houses. All will be privately owned with many placed in the guest rental pool. A forthcoming building ARC will debut in 2026 with 17 Sky Villas designed by famed Italian architect Piero Lissoni; these units will feature lockout bedrooms so they can either be rented as an entire unit or split into individual bedrooms. Other facilities open to both property owners and guests: a lagoon front spa and fitness center; a Clubhouse with a bar and restaurant; a fully equipped marina and hard courts for racquet sports.

Also on the south coast, overlooking Cooper Jack Bay 10 miles away, The Strand is another luxe community development set to combine villa ownership with guest rentals; the two and three bedroom Villas can also be rented either as an entire unit or as individual bedrooms. The design overall is contemporary but with natural elements providing a warm counterpoint to the modern lines: etched limestone from the Dominican Republic, European oak cabinets and millwork. There’s also a strong sustainability element: owners can opt for solar energy and there are chargers for electric cars in the house’s garage.

Houses range from two bedroom, 2,740 square foot Villas to six bedroom Estate Residences with 7,312 square feet of interior space and nearly 7,000 additional in exterior space with beach frontage on one side and canal frontage in the back for a private boat slip. Facilities and services include a spa and fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, excursions for bone fishing and snorkeling among other water sports and a Mediterranean/Mexican restaurant. The property opens in November.

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