6 Amazing Resorts in Turks and Caicos
Tourism in Turks and Caicos has come a long way since its very first resort, Club Med Turkoise, which opened on Providenciales back in 1984. In 2020, visitor spending accounted for more than 85% of the islands' GDP, with more direct flights arriving from across the U.S. than ever before. The array of places to stay here can feel nothing short of overwhelming — consider this the ultimate guide to finding the right spot on your next trip to the islands, whatever your vacation style may be.
Courtesy of Wymara Resort and Villas
Grace Bay Club
Courtesy of Grace Bay Resorts
Best for multi-gen groups, the scale of the classic Provo resort Grace Bay Club makes it a smart move when traveling with the whole family. Grandparents can indulge in some relaxation in the suave adults-only wing, while kids can stay with mom and dad in the villas suites or a private residence. My children still get misty-eyed about the first-rate kids' club; there are also pools for both families and adults and plenty of food options ranging from a fine-dining restaurant to a taco stand.
Point Grace
Courtesy of Grace Bay Resorts
Regional history can feel a little thin on the ground in Turks and Caicos, which is what makes Point Grace — part of the Grace Bay Club portfolio — so appealing. The property consists of 28 charming old-world suites arranged around an adorably retro mosaic-lined pool, and is home to what is, to my mind, Provo's most romantic dinner spot: Grace's Cottage, set in a pink "gingerbread" house surrounded by a garden of hibiscus and palm trees.
The Shore Club
Courtesy of The Shore Club
Few resorts make better selfie backdrops than The Shore Club, a sprawling property on Provo's southeastern shore where every corner looks like a perfectly styled spread from an interior design magazine. Guest rooms and a villa collection channel a chic, updated take on classic Caribbean design, featuring pitched white ceilings and balconies with wooden balustrades. Ideal for Instagrammers and TikTok enthusiasts, the atmosphere is suitably see and be seen — this is not a place for rocking up to dinner in sand-encrusted denim cutoffs. Note: This side of the island is often exposed to strong winds, making the beach a better choice for surf-loving teens than very young children.
Ambergris Cay
Courtesy of Turks & Caicos Collection
A quick Cessna hop delivers you to Ambergris Cay, a luxurious private-island resort 50 miles southeast of Providenciales, where 20 dreamy villas are accented with colorful tiles and ikat throw pillows, and arranged along a sublime three-mile stretch of shell-flecked sand. The Robinson Crusoe vibes are further enhanced by the island's robust population of rock iguanas, which feed on the distinctive fruit of the native Turk's head cacti. Things get even wilder when you venture, by bike or golf cart, to the eastern coast, where guests can try sea-wall diving and spot whales as they migrate along the Turks Island Passage.
Seven Stars Resort & Spa
Courtesy of Seven Stars Resort & Spa, Grace Bay Beach
Two things about the Seven Stars Resort & Spa — which overlooks Grace Bay — make it ideal for people traveling with small children. First, the all-suite accommodations, refurbished in 2019, feel wonderfully fresh, spacious, and well-appointed, with four-poster beds, Nespresso machines, and L'Occitane bath products. Second, the atmosphere in the public spaces is super relaxed. It's the kind of place where no one bats an eye if your toddler has a meltdown on the lobby floor, or if you need to eat dinner at 5 p.m.
Wymara Resort and Villas
Courtesy of Wymara Resort and Villas
Formerly the Gansevoort Turks + Caicos, Wymara Resort and Villas has perhaps the best-looking pool I encountered on the islands. Fringed by flowing white curtains and hot-pink bougainvillea, it forms the centerpiece of the 91-room resort and provides a sense of grown-up sophistication. It's the perfect spot for lounging and enjoying a margarita with friends, though not so great for raucous families. There are DJ sets every Sunday afternoon at the Pink Bar, and open-plan, contemporary guest rooms that lend themselves best to couples or groups of adults.