Turks and Caicos has been one of the hottest destinations in the Caribbean amid the pandemic, and the buzz has only gotten stronger ahead of the holidays.
For the uninitiated, Turks and Caicos is a beach lover’s dream, anchored by the world-famous Grace Bay Beach and blessed with a surfeit of simply remarkable stretches of sand across the archipelago. But it’s also one of the region’s culinary capitals, with a remarkable array of eateries — and overall emphasis on breezy sophistication.
And that’s also true of its hotel product, which ranges from tucked-away resorts on far-off little islands to the grand luxury resorts of Providenciales.
Planning your next visit? Here are our five favorite places to stay in Turks and Caicos right now, from traditional luxury resorts to tiny hidden gems. Note: Turks and Caicos is requiring proof of vaccination for all visitors 16 and up. You can find more on the destination’s travel protocols here.
The Shore Club, Providenciales
The undisputed luxury leader in Turks and Caicos, this property manages to marry grand Caribbean luxury with a healthy dose of South Beach cool, all in a spectacular setting on the turquoise waters of Long Bay Beach. True to Turks and Caicos’ spirit, this is a residential resort, meaning when you’re here you can really live here, with the space and comfort for pure indulgence. Of course, if you really want to splurge, go for the Shore Club’s breathtaking Estate Villas.
It’s one of the most famous beaches in the whole archipelago: Mudjin Harbour on Middle Caicos, and it’s anchored by a lovely little beach resort called Dragon Cay. There are just eight units, with a mix of bungalow-style cottages and villas, and all of the amenities you want, from Wi-Fi to unlimited use of kayaks, paddle boards and bicycles. But the biggest amenity is the stretch of 2,200 of beachfront just a short stroll away that you’ll often have entirely to yourself. Dragon Cay calls itself the “untouched Caribbean,” and that’s precisely what it is.
It’s one of the ultimate private island resorts in the Caribbean, with none of the attitude. The barefoot-chic Pine Cay, a member of Relais & Chateaux, has a collection of 12 rooms and suites, a pool and a tiki beach bar — but the story here is the seclusion. In the age of social distancing, this is a Crusoe-style retreat where you really can get away from it all — without compromising on any of the luxury.
Pelican Beach Hotel, North Caicos
This lovely family-owned retreat was first founded in 1984, and is the perfect gateway to discovering the hidden treasures of North Caicos. It’s a mix of six beachfront rooms and another beachfront apartment, along with a terrific beach bar called Barracuda. Simply put, it’s a classic Caribbean beach resort — and a breath of fresh air.
Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos, Providenciales
The newest luxury resort (part of a growing luxury pipeline in Turks and Caicos) is this, the stunning new Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos. It’s the tallest property on Grace Bay, and it’s a quintessential Ritz-Carlton, from an outstanding culinary program (including a BLT Steak) to Provo’s first full-fledged casino.