10 Best Turks and Caicos Resorts You’ll Never Want to Leave
Updated: Jun. 02, 2023
From sprawling all-inclusives to private island oases, these are the best Turks and Caicos resorts to book right now
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Turks and Caicos resorts for every type of traveler
If you looked up “heaven on earth” in the dictionary, there would be a picture of Turks and Caicos smack in the middle of the page (well, not really, but it definitely should be there!). U.S. travelers are wise to its allure: Tripadvisor’s 2022 Fall Travel Index listed the British Overseas Territory—which is made up of 40 different islands and cays (just eight of which are inhabited)—as the top overall trending destination for fall. The islands are renowned for their postcard-worthy unspoiled beaches, clear-blue waters and wide array of oceanfront resorts. And while the best Bahamas resorts and Caribbean resorts are sure to impress, it’s worth noting that some Turks and Caicos resorts are among the best resorts in the world.
Over the past few years, several airlines, including JetBlue, have added more flights to the country’s main airport, making the destination more accessible than ever. Additionally, what’s especially unique about Turks and Caicos is that it’s not technically in the Caribbean or the Bahamas. Instead, it occupies its own little slice of paradise in the Atlantic, about 736 miles (or a quick two-hour flight) from Miami. Less than four hours from Boston and New York City, Turks and Caicos is an excellent choice for a quick getaway from anywhere on the East Coast.
While it’s worth visiting any time of year, we recommend staying in Turks and Caicos between April and June. During this time, temperatures hover in the mid- to high-80s, and there is minimal rain (the rainy season takes place from late August to early December, while hurricane season lasts from June through November). Although Turks and Caicos is one of the more expensive warm-weather destinations to visit, you can still have an affordable family vacation here, especially if you opt to stay somewhere with free activities and amenities like access to a kids club, non-motorized water sports or fitness classes.
Now that we’ve (hopefully) convinced you to book your next vacation here, the next step is finding the perfect place to stay, depending on your preferences and budget. Lucky for you, we’ve done the hard work, narrowing down some of the best Turks and Caicos resorts for every traveler.
What are the best places to stay in Turks and Caicos?
As you scroll through our list of the best resorts in Turks and Caicos, you’ll notice that most are located on the island of Providenciales. The lively isle is known for its ample hotels, restaurants, bars and activities, making it popular among travelers. Its true claim to fame is the 12-mile-long Grace Bay Beach. This beautiful stretch of sand is lined with a slew of the destination’s top romantic resorts and best all-inclusive resorts.
How we chose the best Turks and Caicos resorts
With so many great options to choose from, selecting the best Turks and Caicos resorts was not easy. To help narrow down our picks, we combed through Tripadvisor ratings and user reviews. With this in mind, you’ll notice that most of the properties listed below have hundreds—if not thousands—of reviews. All the resorts featured have a minimum of four stars; however, most have four-and-a-half or even five-star ratings.
And given the fact that Turks and Caicos is famous for its beaches, we ensured that all our top-pick properties were just steps from the sand. But we didn’t stop there. We also looked for hotels with some sort of extra perk, be it complimentary breakfast, all-inclusive food and drink or free activities.
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Best overall
Seven Stars Resort
Spanning an expansive 22 acres, Seven Stars Resort is our pick for the top Turks and Caicos resort. It’s ideally situated along Grace Bay Beach, which is among the world’s most beautiful beaches with the clearest water. Travelers seeking a serene escape can post up poolside on a lounger or in a cabana (one of which is for adults only) or bask in the sun on the beach.
Craving more adventure? Take advantage of free water sports (Hobie Cats, kayaks and paddle boards) and land sports (tennis, basketball and pickleball). Otherwise, hit the spa for a relaxing treatment, enjoy a tropical cocktail while watching the sunset or savor gourmet eats at Seven or The Farm (the resort’s new veggie-focused restaurant). Best of all, accommodations at this all-suite property are equipped with bonus features like private terraces, kitchenettes and soaking tubs.
Pros:
- Idyllic location along Grace Bay Beach
- Complimentary water and land sports
- Bright and airy rooms and suites complete with private terraces, kitchenettes and soaking tubs
Con:
- Rates start at around $700—excluding food and drink—so it’s not the most wallet-friendly option.
Best for breathing room
The Shore Club
This resort is located on Long Bay Beach, a gorgeous stretch of sand complete with warm turquoise waters. The spacious rooms and suites, which start at 640 square feet, have private terraces, soaking tubs and sleeper sofas. Those looking for even more space can book one of the 8,800-square-foot luxury villas, which include butler service, a private pool and courtyard, an en-suite sauna and your very own beach lounge area (read: no need to worry about the hassle of finding your own chairs!).
What’s especially great about The Shore Club is that it truly offers something for every type of traveler. Children will have a blast at the kids club, while parents can relax at the spa or by the pool or beach. Sports and fitness enthusiasts can play tennis, go on a scenic bike ride or go snorkeling, kayaking or paddleboarding—all without shelling out any extra money. Other highlights include four pools and six bars and restaurants, which will appease even the pickiest of eaters.
Pros:
- Stunning and spacious rooms, suites and villas
- Complimentary breakfast included, as are non-motorized water sports and bike rentals
- Six bars and restaurants to choose from
Con:
- Chairs by the pool get snapped up quickly, especially during peak season, so you’ll need to wake up early to score ’em.
Best for couples
Ambergris Cay
This luxury all-inclusive resort is situated on its own private island, making it the ideal place for your next romantic getaway. While the food at all-inclusive resorts can (sometimes) get a bad rap, the cuisine at this romantic hotel is sure to please, as it’s made with seasonal, fresh ingredients tailored to your individual preferences. It’s also worth mentioning that the cocktails are made with premium spirits, which would cost extra at other resorts. Activities like yoga classes, guided nature walks, tennis, non-motorized water sports and fishing are also included in your stay here.
Ambergris Cay‘s central gathering place, The Club House, doubles as a tony beach club complete with a sparkling swimming pool, life-size board games along the beach and more. The accommodations are equally gorgeous: Choose from one of the Pool Suites (complete with large verandas, private plunge pools, outdoor showers, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a wet bar) or three- to six-bedroom villas with private pools and butler service. Guests can get around the island in their very own golf carts. In terms of getting here, there are two options: Fly into Providenciales International Airport and hop aboard a complimentary 20-minute flight to Ambergris Cay International Airport, or fly direct via private plane.
Pros:
- Secluded private island locale amps up the romance.
- Luxe accommodations consisting of all suites and villas
- All-inclusive of food, drinks and activities
Con:
- While there is a kids club, the property is definitely more geared toward grown-ups.
Best for wellness
COMO Parrot Cay
One of our favorite wellness-centric Turks and Caicos resorts is COMO Parrot Cay. This private island resort (about 50 minutes from the Providenciales airport via car and boat) spans four miles of white-sand beaches and unspoiled land (including coconut and banana groves), ideal for exploring via (complimentary) beach cruiser. Beyond the beach, this wellness-centric property is home to the impressive COMO Shambhala Retreat, which boasts a fantastic selection of services for the mind, body and spirit. The wellness center is known for its Asian-inspired holistic treatments and facilities such as a yoga pavilion, a Pilates studio, an outdoor Jacuzzi garden, an infinity pool and Japanese baths.
The tranquil vibe bleeds into the guest rooms, suites, beach houses and villas, which have a calming white color palette plus four-poster beds, Balinese furnishings and private balconies. Meanwhile, the on-site COMO Beach Club offers direct access to the clear-blue waters and sandy shoreline; there are also two pools (one of which is for adults only) and plenty of plush daybeds. When hunger calls, make your way to one of three bars and restaurants, each of which offers amazing ocean views.
Pros:
- State-of-the-art wellness center
- Ultra-luxe accommodations with plenty of space for lounging
Con:
- The property is not all-inclusive; food and drink cost extra.
Best for families of all ages
Grace Bay Club
Craving a warm-weather getaway for your family? Whether you’re traveling with young children or teenagers—or perhaps your children have children of their own—Grace Bay Club has something special for groups of all ages, making it one of our top picks for the best Turks and Caicos resorts. The property is set on a 1,100-foot stretch of sand, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Between leisurely sunset strolls and oceanfront dinners, guests can enjoy amenities like non-motorized water sports, daily breakfast, a personal concierge who is on hand to ensure your vacation is as perfect as possible and three swimming pools.
Adults seeking some respite can visit the spa or practice yoga. Children ages 5 through 12 can head to Kids Town for activities like crafting, snorkeling and beach bonfires. And teens and tweens ages 9 through 15 can attend events like weekly mocktail parties/sunset reggae and an on-site wakeboarding and waterskiing school. Grace Bay Club is composed of three sections: The family-friendly Villas Suites, the adults-only hotel and the exclusive estate, a resort within a resort. While your group may opt to do different things during the day, depending on their interests, you can all regroup for dinner at one of seven dining venues.
Pros:
- Special programming for kids, teens and tweens
- Breakfast included
- Exceptional service that includes a private concierge to ensure your family vacation goes off without a hitch
Con:
- Rates here start at over $800 per night and do not include drinks, lunch or snacks, so it’s definitely a splurge.
Best all-inclusive resort
Beaches Turks & Caicos
Beaches Turks & Caicos isn’t just one of the top Turks and Caicos all-inclusive resorts for families—it’s among the best all-inclusive resorts in the entire Caribbean. This sprawling property has amenities like a 45,000-square-foot water park, 21 eateries (yes, you read that correctly), an array of buzzy bars, a kids camp, a teens and tweens club and 10 pools. As such, it’s well suited for families of all ages. It also boasts an excellent beachfront location, situated along postcard-perfect Grace Bay.
Water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing are all complimentary, as are unlimited land sports such as croquet, beach volleyball, basketball and tennis. Accommodations range from multi-bedroom villas with private pools and butler service (great for larger groups) to more understated albeit spacious ground-floor rooms with walk-out patios and lush garden views (which can sleep up to four people, making it a solid pick for smaller families).
Pros:
- Food, drinks and activities are all included in the price
- 21 on-site eateries, which means there’s something to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters
- 45,000-square-foot on-site water park
Con:
- The resort is incredibly family-friendly, so it’s not the best pick for those craving a more peaceful, romantic or quiet vibe.
Best value
Villa del Mar
This condominium resort offers an upscale experience at an affordable price. At Villa del Mar, you’ll find 42 pristine suites housed across three low-rise buildings, steps from Grace Bay Beach. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast served poolside in the morning before heading off to the sand to soak up the sun from a beach lounger or frolic in the ocean. You can also take advantage of two resort pools, a hot tub and plenty of poolside sun loungers and umbrellas. There is also an on-site Tiki Bar that serves up refreshing cocktails.
In terms of accommodations, options range from 679-square-foot studio suites (which have furnished balconies, sofa beds, kitchenettes and soaking tubs) to 1,777-square-foot three-bedroom suites that can sleep up to eight people and are equipped with full kitchens and in-unit laundry facilities. Stay at this affordable beachfront hotel, and you’ll be within easy walking distance of ample shopping and dining options.
Pros:
- Upscale accommodations and amenities at an excellent value
- Complimentary daily breakfast served poolside
- Just steps from the beach
Cons:
- No on-site restaurant; however, the property is within walking distance of several drinking and dining options, and most accommodations have kitchenettes
- There is no on-site water sports or kids club, though there are beach toys for little ones.
Best for families with young kids
The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos
One of the best Caribbean resorts for families with little ones, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos is mere steps away from awe-inspiring Grace Bay. Children ages 4 through 12 will especially enjoy the Ritz Kids programming, which features a rotating schedule of activities, such as yoga, bingo, bracelet making, s’mores roasting, swimming and cupcake decorating, to name a few. While the youngsters are at play at the kids club, parents can hang by the adults-only pool, hit the seaside spa or try their luck in the 5,500-square-foot casino.
For an action-packed afternoon well spent with the entire family, consider a scenic bike ride followed by a picnic lunch, or go snorkeling, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (all of which are complimentary). Alternatively, kick back and relax by the family-friendly pool before grabbing a bite to eat at one of four restaurants. When it comes time to finally unwind, retreat to your room or suite, which is done up in contemporary decor and features luxe amenities like marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs.
Pros:
- State-of-the-art kids club offering an abundance of activities to appease every child
- Complimentary non-motorized water sports
- 5,500-square-foot casino
Cons:
- While guest rooms can sleep up to four people, they are on the smaller side (less than 450 square feet), so those craving more space may need to spring for a suite.
- Meals and drinks not included
Best for luxury
Amanyara
Aman is renowned for its collection of luxury resorts around the world, and the brand’s Turks and Caicos property, Amanyara, is no exception. The resort is located along the shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve, flanked by lush flora and white-sand beaches. Its secluded locale sets the scene for a serene escape. To enhance your experience, the resort offers a slew of wellness-centric amenities including but not limited to: a pilates studio, a fitness center, four tennis courts and a volleyball court. With this in mind, we’d be remiss not to highlight the Aman Spa, which incorporates locally sourced ingredients such as virgin coconut oil into its treatments and rituals.
The culinary offerings here include The Restaurant (open for breakfast and dinner, featuring an Asian-inspired menu), The Beach Club (a casual lunch and dinner haunt that serves Mediterranean-inspired fare) and The Bar (where you can enjoy drinks and light meals). Accommodations are broken down into two categories: There are Pavilions, which overlook tranquil ponds and are impeccably designed with plenty of natural light; some even have private pools, while others lead directly to the beach. And then there are Villas, which span two to six bedrooms and come with noteworthy features like private pools, fantastic ocean or garden views and plenty of privacy. Sure, a stay here is a splurge, but it does include daily afternoon tea, daily group wellness sessions, non-motorized water sports and access to the on-site Nature Discovery Centre.
Pros:
- Top-notch service and facilities to make every guest feel like a VIP
- One-of-a-kind accommodations featuring striking architecture and interiors
- Complimentary amenities including tennis, non-motorized water sports and afternoon tea
Con:
- Rates clock in at over $3,000, making it one of the most expensive hotels in the Caribbean, if not the world.
Best boutique resort
The Palms Turks and Caicos
Those craving a boutique hotel stay need not look further than The Palms Turks and Caicos. Spanning 12 acres along Grace Bay Beach, this resort is chock-full of amenities, like a 25,000-square-foot spa, tennis courts and complimentary non-motorized water sports such as Hobie Cats, snorkeling gear and kayaks. Plus, not only do children ages 12 and under stay here for free, but they also gain access to the Conch Kritters kids club.
Each of the 72 suites has bespoke bedding and private balconies, while a majority also offer in-suite laundry facilities along with full kitchens. Perhaps the property’s best feature—besides its beachfront locale—is the stunning infinity pool dotted with plush loungers and daybeds. Every afternoon, the staff passes around fresh fruit kabobs and chilled towels to keep you cool. The Plunge pool bar and restaurant serves up Caribbean-inspired fare and specialty cocktails. There are also several other restaurants to choose from, depending on what type of cuisine you’re craving.
Pros:
- Serene and stylish boutique hotel vibe
- Complimentary kids club and non-motorized water sports
- Sprawling 25,000-square-foot spa offering custom and island-inspired treatments
Con:
- There is only one pool, which can get crowded, especially during the high season (so visit during the shoulder season for fewer crowds).
Sources:
- Tripadvisor: “Long-haul travel surges and Mexico ranks #1 for Americans this Fall, says Tripadvisor data”
- Turks and Caicos Tourist Board: “JetBlue Is Adding More Flights to Turks and Caicos”
Originally Published: May 17, 2023
