Alisha's Research Trip to Turks & Caicos

My stay in Turks & Caicos began at Wymara Resort + Villas, a stylish boutique property occupying a peaceful stretch at the quieter end of Grace Bay Beach. Bordered on one side by a protected nature reserve, the setting feels wonderfully secluded while still being within easy reach of Providenciales' restaurants and shops. The contemporary design runs throughout the property, from the sleek and spacious guestrooms to the beachfront suites, all of which enjoy spectacular ocean views. Accommodation is well-suited to both couples and families, with a variety of suite categories and interconnecting options available.

The food was a real highlight of my stay, with excellent dining across the resort's restaurants and consistently warm, attentive service. In addition to the two restaurants located at the resort, there is also a restaurant at the Villas, while a good selection of local restaurants can be found nearby. 

For larger families or those seeking ultimate privacy, Wymara Villas offers a completely different experience. Located on the opposite coast of the island and connected to the main resort by a complimentary seven-minute on-demand shuttle, the villas provide a more exclusive retreat. Offering villas that range from one to six bedrooms, each has an abundance of outdoor and living space, private pools and ocean views.  Guests at the villas will also find a secluded beach, restaurant, gym and tennis/padel court within the development. 

Grace Bay Club offers a slightly different experience and is ideal for those looking for a larger resort with a lively atmosphere. As one of the original hotels on Providenciales, it benefits from an expansive beachfront setting, with over 1,100 metres of prime Grace Bay frontage. Despite its size, the resort never feels crowded thanks to its generous layout, multiple pools and secluded spaces, while the beach is so extensive that every sun lounger enjoys an uninterrupted front-row position overlooking the turquoise waters.

The resort is divided into three distinct sections, each catering to a different style of traveller. There are family-friendly suites with interconnecting options in 'The Villas', spacious apartment-style accommodation for larger groups in 'The Estate', and an adults-only area for those seeking a quieter retreat in 'The Hotel'. Accommodation throughout was exceptionally spacious, but the recently refurbished rooms in the Hotel Building were my favourite. I especially like the Luxury One Bedroom Suite, which felt fresh and contemporary, with soft pastel tones, stylish printed fabrics and a more colourful design as well as an Espresso Martini and cocktail mixer waiting for my arrival!

Dining impressed me yet again, with excellent lunches and dinners and a variety of cuisines to choose from, while the evening atmosphere around the bars brought a lovely buzz without feeling overwhelming. The resort's central location is another major advantage, as it is within easy walking or cycling distance of many of Grace Bay's best restaurants, bars and shops.

For those seeking a more secluded escape, my next setting might be more your speed, as Amanyara offers a completely different side of Turks & Caicos. Located on the island's quieter north-west coast, a half-hour drive away from the activity of Grace Bay, the resort feels wonderfully private and peaceful. True to the Aman brand, the design draws heavily on Asian influences, with elegant pavilions, tranquil reflecting pools and striking architecture that blends beautifully into the surrounding landscape.

The food throughout my stay was outstanding, with the Beach Club proving our particular favourite. The Italian menu in the evenings was delicious, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails and a relaxed beachfront atmosphere. The service was equally impressive throughout our stay. It was polished and attentive, yet delivered with genuine warmth and friendliness that never felt overly formal.

The accommodation at Amanyara is clearly designed with privacy in mind. The pavilions and villas are carefully positioned amongst native vegetation and along the rocky coastline, creating the feeling of having your own private retreat. Even when the resort is busy, you rarely see or hear other guests from your room, adding to the sense of tranquillity.

Amanyara is also an excellent choice for travellers with a focus on wellness and active pursuits. Facilities include a beautiful spa, a dedicated Pilates studio, a boxing studio, a fully equipped gym, multiple tennis and padel courts, and complimentary Pilates, yoga, and boxing classes are offered throughout the week. 

Finally, another highlight was the complimentary snorkelling excursions. During my trip to the house reef, we spotted a colourful array of tropical fish as well as a small shark, while guests who visited a different snorkelling site the previous day encountered turtles and a lobster. As conditions and locations vary with the tides, I would highly recommend taking advantage of more than one excursion to experience the full diversity of the marine life surrounding the island.

My final few nights were spent at COMO Parrot Cay, which delivers a private-island experience similar to those you expect from the Maldives or the Seychelles. Reached by a 25-minute speedboat transfer from Providenciales, the resort occupies only a small portion of the island's 1,000 acres, creating an immediate sense of exclusivity and escape. From the moment you arrive, it feels a world away from everyday life, with long stretches of pristine beach, swaying palms and a serene atmosphere.

While Amanyara has a more contemporary Asian-inspired design, COMO Parrot Cay embraces a more classic Caribbean aesthetic, combining understated elegance and colonial-style architecture with a relaxed barefoot-luxury feel. The main hotel rooms are located within small, low-rise buildings close to the resort's restaurant, bar and renowned COMO Shambhala wellness centre. For those seeking more space and privacy, the beachfront suites and beach houses offer a more contemporary design and unbeatable positions directly on the sand, complete with secluded terraces, private pools and direct beach access.

The island is also home to a collection of private residences, each with its own character and layout, making them particularly well-suited to larger families and groups travelling together. Guests staying in the beach houses, COMO villas and residences benefit from dedicated butler service, one of the standout features of the resort. Each butler looks after only a single accommodation unit at a time, ensuring an exceptionally personalised experience, whether arranging spa appointments, organising activities or serving sundowner cocktails from the privacy of your terrace.

Wellness is at the heart of the COMO experience, and the COMO Shambhala retreat on Parrot Cay is no different. During my stay, I enjoyed a wonderful massage overlooking the mangroves and ocean, a setting that perfectly captures the resort's calm and restorative atmosphere. The wellness philosophy also extends to the dining, with COMO's signature healthy Shambhala menu available alongside more indulgent options at every restaurant.

Despite its peaceful setting, there is plenty to keep guests occupied, from watersports and island excursions to family-focused activities and children's programmes. This balance of relaxation, wellness and activities makes COMO Parrot Cay equally suited for couples, families and multi-generational groups.