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Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos Islands

Who knew that when we decided to go to Turks & Caicos Islands there would be so many options in terms of high end resorts! We’d been getting quite a few inquiries about the islands and none of us had ever been.

A British Territory, Turks and Caicos has a population of about 36,000 inhabitants of which the majority live on Providenciales, the capital. There are more that 20 islands of which 8 are inhabited. One of these is called Parrot Cay - this is where we stayed.

Coming from NYC in to Providenciales is a bit of a shock to the system. The inhabitants don’t seem phased by much. We deboarded the flight (one of only 3 at the entire international airport) and stood in line to go through immigration. That in itself might seem quite normal, except most of the people were outside whilst the immigration officers chatted away with the incoming passengers. When it was our turn they asked us about our flight, if we were hot, had we been here before etc…more out of curiosity and friendliness than anything else.

Once we were through and exited the airport our host from Parrot Cay welcomed us with water and lead us to the transfer. I was expecting to see a chauffer and luxury car but instead we were welcomed by a hilarious local driver wearing a bright blue suite who took us, along with other passengers who had arrived in the same flight, to our van. After a short 20 minute drive and a medley of local tunes, he dropped us off at Parrot Cay's private dock. (I later asked the general manager of Parrot Cay, Jeff, what the deal was regarding the transportation and he told me that the government had requested they use local services. What he said was that they looked at that bit as “an extension of the general travel. The fun begins when you get to the dock!”)

Boy was he right! We all hopped on the private jet boat to take you to Parrot Cay and it seemed like as soon as it took off, everyone forgot about any sort of hassle they had traveling or in general. It took about 35 minutes to get to the island and the entire way it was one gorgeous island after another. I had never seen such amazing water. When we reached Parrot Cay our captain pointed out Donna Karans’s house and the rest of the private villas which were incredible. We were meet by Jeff and his team who picked us up in the hotel carts (like golf carts) and took us to reception and a very lovely glass of champagne with fresh towel. We were then escorted to our room…a garden suite...after which we were able to wander the hotel to find the beach and bar (of course).

Jeff took us around Parrot Cay the next day. The private houses and villas are spectacular (belonging to the likes of Donna Karan, Keith Richards and Christie Brinkley) and are all hidden amongst different parts of the island. Turks and Caicos is very flat. On Parrot Cay the highest points is actually the main house of the hotel!

The next few days were spent at the beach, at the pool or hanging out at the main house / library. The food was quite varied and fresh (albeit I must admit. expensive). In the evenings, after a nap of course, we’d go to the spa and afterward dinner. The spa was amazing…with all sorts of treatments from Dr Perricone to Thai massages or special ‘baths’. It was the perfect get-away.

The last day we went back to Providenciales to visit the other high-end resorts which include the Amanyara , Gansevoort, Point Grace, Grace Bay Club and The Veranda Resort (all inclusive). They are all on Providenciales and they all have their unique and special pluses…such as:

- Amanyara: stunning and perfect for honeymoons. Farthest away from the rest of the resorts on Providenciales.

- Gansevoort: has a lot more activities and is a ‘hip’ hotel...catering both to families and those that want a cool party.

- Point Grace: a boutique and cozy hotel. Smaller and more quaint.

- Grace Bay Club: It is bigger and has more of a modern feel with large penthouses available and different types of categories..from 'adults only' to the 'Estates'. Great for kids. Very small spa.

- Veranda Resort & Residences: an all inclusive resort that feels like a village with the opportunity to actually rent a 2 story house on the beach! Perfect for large groups and kids.

It was a marvelous long weekend and the most incredible water I've ever seen in my life. If what you are looking for is to get away to your own private island with and amazing spa, service, the island feel and not an elevator or car in site, Parrot Cay is the place to go. I'd suggest getting a private transfer if possible and in your budget. I'd also suggest leaving your phone and blackberry behind as no doubt you'll lose it given all your cares just float away!