“Bigger is better” doesn’t always apply to Caribbean resorts, and in Turks and Caicos some of the best places to vacation are relatively pint-sized.
Turks and Caicos has a rather diverse hotel product, from the “main” island of Providenciales to more remote destinations like South and Middle Caicos.
And that includes some rather lovely smaller resorts.
From private islands to Grace Bay Beach enclaves, here are our favorite “small” Turks & Caicos resorts, all of which have less than 50 rooms.
Pine Cay Unless you rent or buy your own private island, luxury stays in Turks & Caicos don’t get much more exclusive than Pine Cay. With just a dozen rooms and villas, this private island resort off the coast of Providenciales has big-hotel worthy amenities included in its “island inclusive” package, including all gourmet dining, afternoon tea, daily snorkel cruises, and a variety of water and land sports, in and out of the gym. Even better? It’s a member of Relais and Chateaux.
Point Grace On an island full of hotels with sleek modern decor, Point Grace charms with traditional West Indian architecture that includes gingerbread trim and carved furniture in a pretty village environment. Suites face the pool or ocean, and a pair of penthouses ups the luxury ante even higher. Guests can dine on French cuisine at the Cottage or the poolside Hutchings Restaurant; onsite amenities include an open-air spa and fitness center.
Dragon Cay Resort This boutique resort in Middle Caicos has a party piece: a truly spectacular 2,200-food-stretch of beach that’s among the most magnificent in the Caribbean. And it’s decidedly boutique, with just seven cottages and villas spread out across the property at the edge of Mudjin Harbour.
Pelican Beach Hotel, North Caicos This lovely family-owned and operated hotel with seven units, six right on the beach. “We don’t do luxury but sure know how to island living,” is the philosophy here, and you feel it the moment you walk in. You feel it even more sipping on a rum punch at the marvelous Barracuda Beach Bar. It’s the best place to stay on charming North Caicos.
Sailrock Another resort where you can get away from it all with a minimum of elbow-bumping is Sail Rock, an upscale resort on the quiet island of South Caicos. With round-trip flights from Providenciales including in room rates, you don’t have to worry about how to get to the resort. When you arrive, sip a free welcome cocktail before settling into one of the resort’s ridge top suites or beachfront villas.
Le Vele This modern boutique hotel on Grace Bay Beach has 22 rooms, modern luxury decor designed by Marcello Armani, and flexible options running from studio suites to three-bedroom villas. The picture-perfect pool is framed by the resort’s two four-story hotel towers, and rooms all have kitchenettes or full-sized kitchens.
Tuscany Grace Bay No need to worry about the view at this 30-unit boutique hotel, where every luxury suite faces Grace Bay Beach. Generously proportioned suites range from one to three bedrooms and all have private screened balconies; resort amenities include a courtyard pool and hot tub, fitness center, tennis courts, and bikes for exploring.
Villa Del Mar The freeform pool at the heart of this small resort is the picture of relaxation, with the sands of Grace Bay Beach just a short stroll away (no, it’s not beachfront). In addition to 42 rooms, ranging from studios to three-bedroom suites, Villa Del Mar has a lively tiki bar by the pool and, when you do hit the beach, service that includes beach chairs and loungers, fresh towels, umbrellas, and cold drinks.
Bianca Sands Four acres of prime Grace Bay beachfront are occupied by the 47-room Bianca Sands resort, a palatial property with a beautiful infinity-edge pool, a pair of hot tubs, and rows of shaded loungers on the sand. Rooms, which had pool or ocean views, all have kitchenettes (studios) or full kitchens (in the one, two, and three bedroom suites). There’s no dining on site, but resort amenities do include lighted tennis courts, a fitness center, and loaner bikes.
Rock House The newest of all Turks and Caicos resorts, Rock House on Providenciales, has but 46 accommodations ranging from poolside studios to clifftop and oceanfront homes, along with an infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean and drink and dining options that includes an intimate Cave Bar and beach club. A long, wide jetty is the preferred spot for sunbathing in peace away from the pool.