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Turks and Caicos has long been a go-to destination for Hollywood’s biggest stars. Justin and Hailey Bieber regularly escape to the island’s secluded beachfront villas to ring in the New Year. This past April, the Kardashians posted dozens of bikini-clad photos in front of a backdrop of the island’s crystal-clear turquoise waters. And on any given night, Drake is likely to be spotted at one of Provo’s many star-studded nightclubs, so enamored he is with Turks that it’s name-dropped in an entire playlist’s worth of his songs.
But what exactly is it about Turks that make it the leading destination for Hollywood’s biggest stars? Aside from the obvious answers — stunning, white-sand beaches, consistently warm climate, coral reefs teeming with marine life — its the island’s luxurious, secluded resorts that give it an edge over other tropical getaways.
There are dozens of high-end resorts sprawled across Turks’ several islands but the Grace Bay Resorts (GBR) properties on Providenciales are the unequivocal leader in offering the type of rare, high-end amenities coveted by the world’s most elite group of jet-setters.
Gary James
The world-renowned Grace Bay Club is the developer’s flagship property, featuring 136 oceanfront suites sitting along an 1,100-foot stretch of beachfront in the heart of Grace Bay. But in the past year alone, GBR has added onto their portfolio with even more luxurious resorts. Rock House, which opened in 2022, is one of their most recent developments. Tucked into the rugged, untouched limestone cliffs of Providenciales’ north shore, the luxury resort features 46 oceanfront villa-style accommodations inspired by the Amalfi Coast’s famous cliffside homes.
And come November, GBR will officially begin accepting reservations to South Bank by Windward, a first-of-its-kind oceanfront resort and marina on the Caicos Bank. It will feature Turks and Caicos’ first ocean swimming lagoon, providing guests with a protected area for swimming and playing in addition to the open ocean.
But don’t let the dizzying amount of options give you decision paralysis ahead of your next trip. Below, check out four of the best Grace Bay resorts in Turks and Caicos, one of which is sure to be your perfect fit — whether it’s a six-bedroom villa for a bender with friends, or a charming one-bedroom suite for a romantic getaway.
Grace Bay Club
Each of Grace Bay Club’s 136 suites are placed oceanfront, with options between three different accommodation styles depending on your travel style.
The largest suite, The Estate, is what they call a “resort-within-a-resort,” with each residency featuring 4-5 bedrooms, a private oceanfront terrace and patio, an extravagant chef’s kitchen and exclusive pools and cabanas. When Drake raps about “Turks villas,” this is what he’s talking about.
But if you’re having a romantic getaway like the Biebers, you’ll want to go for the charming adults-only suites of The Hotel, each featuring a kitchenette and private oceanfront terrace or patio. Adults-only amenities include a pool and hot tub located just steps away.
Traveling with family, Kardashian style? The Villas Suites offer fine resort accommodations in an elegant, family-friendly setting. All suites, ranging from one to four bedrooms, boast a private oceanfront terrace or patio, a full kitchen and family-friendly pools.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a luxury resort without dozens of fine dining options. Grace Bay’s seven dining venues offer something for every preference, dietary restriction and age group (particularly The Grill, which has a full children’s menu). Other options include sexy tapas and cocktails at Infinity Bar, beachside tacos at Just Tacos, gourmet seafood at Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar and, of course, exotic drinks at the Pool Bar (which offers 40 different Caribbean rums).
Rates begin at $700 per night.
Private Villa Collection
Gary James
Nothing offers a better glimpse into the life of the ultra-wealthy than Grace Bay’s Private Villa Collection, a compilation of some of Turks’ finest freestanding private beachfront villas. Each multi-million-dollar residence is situated directly on the beach with private pools and up to 12,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor living space. But it’s the indulgences that await for you within these palatial mansions that will leave even those with the deepest pockets utterly amazed. Amenities include a personal butler service, two complimentary private SUV transfers from the airport and daily housekeeping services.
The collection currently includes 10 distinct villas, accommodating up to 12 guests and starting at $10,000 per night: Legasea Villa, Villa Frangipani, Graceful Living, Villa Portofino, Seascape, Seaclusion, Sundog Villa, Turtle Inlet Private Villa, La Dolce Vita and Kisiwa House.
Rates begin at $10,000 per night.
Rock House
Rock House is the “Caribbean Capri,” according to GBR’s CEO and principal Mark Durliat, who envisioned the brand new luxury resort after being inspired by his travels to Italy and the South of France. The residential resort, which opened in 2022, is tucked into the rugged, untouched limestone cliffs of Providenciales’ north shore and features 46 oceanfront villa-style accommodations.
Among their many chic amenities, guests have access to the exclusive Beach Club at Rock House, which includes oceanfront dining led by executive chef Dennis Boon. In February, Bagatelle, the world famous restaurant and beach club, hosted a pop-up at the resort’s Iconic Vita Restaurant and Cliff Side Cave Bar where guests enjoyed dinner and brunch never experienced before on the island.
Finally, when guests are looking to wind down after a full day of activities, they can make their way to the resort’s 100-foot infinity pool, surrounded by day beds and parasols and overlooking the island’s famed crystal blue waters. Additional wellness amenities include in-room massage treatments, yoga classes, and walking and jogging trails.
Rates begin at $655 per night.
South Bank
South Bank represents a vision for a new kind of oceanside living, which Windward co-founder Ingo Reckhorn describes as a place where “the connection to the water is more than just a view—it’s a way of life.”
The first-of-its-kind oceanfront resort and marina runs across the picturesque Caicos Bank and features 92 Resort villas, Sky villas, and Boathouse residences that range in size from one to six-bedroom waterfront homes. Its headlining feature is an ocean swimming lagoon, the first-ever in Turks and Caicos, which allows guests swim in a protected area and the open ocean, all while looking out at the surrounding white-sand beach and the palm-fringed island.
Spanning across 31 acres and 2,200 feet of ocean frontage, South Bank is so expansive it consists of four distinct “neighborhoods” (Ocean Estate Villas, Lagoon Villas, The Boathouses, and Arc) all of which are distinct waterfront sanctuaries. But when guests are feeling social enough to emerge from their enclaves, they can enjoy the many neighborhood amenities such as two swimming pools, a beach firepit lounge, fitness center, tennis court and more.
