I don’t recall how my 7-year-old son originally learned about Turks and Caicos, but once he’s set on an idea, he rarely relents. “Did you know that Turks and Caicos has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world,” he told me in more of a statement than question. I admitted I’d already visited Grace Bay multiple times and can assure him—and everyone else—that it more than lives up to its reputation. He was instantly jealous and a little angry I hadn’t let him tag along, so I pulled the ultimate dad move: “I’ve been trying to talk your mom into a vacation there, but she prefers the Bahamas.”

Sure, I was in trouble the moment that sentence ended, but I had been dying to get back to Providenciales, so I knew the boy would take care of the rest. In the meantime, I also knew I’d be grilled about resorts—it comes with the career, obviously—but there’s only one choice for a boy who is crazy about pools, thrilling experiences and amenities, and occasional surprise events: Beaches Turks and Caicos.

Each time I’d previously visited Provo, I asked my hosts about the various resorts, and while they certainly spread the praise equally, they all agreed that Beaches Turks and Caicos was the best choice for families. “There’s so much to do and you never have to leave,” one local told me. Another added, “They always have something going on and the beach is never crowded, so everything is right there.” Of course, they also agreed that everyone should still leave and explore, especially for my personal favorites, like a round at Royal Turks and Caicos and dinner at Le Bouchon Du Village.

But the kids are ultimately the best critics, so here are the aspects my son loved the most—all of which put the biggest smile on my face.

Wide Open Spaces

Let’s start with the most important factor: accommodations. Beaches Turks and Caicos is set up like a city, with different neighborhoods and styles to choose from, including the Key West, Caribbean and Seaside, Italian, and French Villages. It’s like a tropical Epcot you can sleep at. On one hand, I was enthralled with the various designs and concepts, but I was also a little bummed that we couldn’t stay in all of them. Still, the typical dad in me was thrilled to say things like, “Let’s hang a left at Key West and go two pools beyond France” and “If you’ve reached Italy, you’ve gone too far!”

Our Key West Three Bedroom Gardenview Butler Villa was basically a vacation apartment and more than we needed in terms of space, but that’s kind of the thing here. Everything feels like a bonus. From the living room to the patio deck and the dining options to the nightlife, it’s an all-exclusive experience on steroids.

Making Familiar Friends

When we set up a bedtime book-reading with Cookie Monster, my wife and I were a little worried our son had already outgrown his favorite Sesame Street character. (Not to mention his poor Elmo doll has collected two years of dust in the closet.) Fortunately, he’s as much a nostalgic soul as I am, and when that giant blue belly and those big eyeballs appeared at our villa door, he basically lost his mind as if he was four all over again.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Oh great, some poor guy in a costume just going through the motions.” Not the case. Cookie Monster and his handler were so incredibly kind and in-tune with my son’s reaction and even his age, so their jokes delighted him and the character’s dancing antics had him laughing so hard I thought he was going to barf up the cheese and crackers he didn’t know I saw him take from the complimentary platter.

Not that we needed extra snacks, of course…

Food, Glorious, Food!

With 20 dining options to choose from, this is a kingdom of indulgence. Just thinking about how much we ate during our four-day visit has me sweating again. My opinion matters very little, however, because every parent knows that the greatest vacation challenge is appeasing the wildly changing appetites of the world’s pickiest eaters. And I can’t even imagine what that’s like for families with two or more kids, which is why Beaches Turks and Caicos is currently my number one recommendation when friends call.

It’s not just the number of options, though, as much as the variety. Italian, Mediterranean, British, French, Caribbean, American—when your child has that mac and cheese mindset or is just a cheeseburger machine, a parent can stress over the thought of not being able to incorporate foreign cuisine into the daily grind. (Hell, my son thinks Mexican food begins and ends with a quesadilla.)

The cuisine at Café de Paris will hardly remind anyone of a bistro two blocks from the Eifel Tower, but it’s still very good and, best of all, my son thinks The Cricketers Pub was a legitimate British establishment, so he even asks for fish and chips at home now. (I draw the line at black pudding, though.)

Very Pleasant Surprises

Sandals resorts are well known for spoiling guests with a little extra fun on a moment’s notice. For example, the Blue Man Group was brought in to headline the opening party at Sandals Royal Curacao last year, but those famous silent dudes also spent time running around the property for their legendary hijinks. So, I wasn’t necessarily surprised when the Beaches Turks and Caicos staff alerted us at check-in that we’d picked a very “hot” weekend to stay.

That’s because 98 Degrees had just arrived for a one-night-only show, and you don’t have to be a fan of cheesy boy band pop to appreciate the opportunity to witness this rare reunion. Although, it was a little difficult to explain to a seven-year-old how cool these men who all look like dad’s friends used to be, but the enthusiasm of the women in the crowd helped me deliver my point. Also, he just loved being at a concert, so it was yet another win.

So Much More than the Beach

The thing about Provo is any vacation begins and ends with Grace Bay Beach. Family, romance, adventure—pick a theme and this destination does it with aplomb, because the sand makes such a phenomenal setting and backdrop. Beaches Turks and Caicos is not only a gateway to that majestic natural landmark, but it is also a theme park (the water slides are awesome), an entertainment venue, and even an educational experience (geography, anyone?).

Most of all, it’s a starting point for a lifetime of amazing memories. What does Sandals do better than any resort chain in the world? It turns guests into repeat visitors by offering them consistent, creative quality and comfort in some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful settings. Children don’t get to have that fun, but Beaches Turks and Caicos is one of the few exceptions.

And for family fun in paradise, it’s nothing short of exceptional.

The post 5 Things Every Parent Will Love about Beaches Turks and Caicos appeared first on Islands.

Forget death and taxes—if one thing is certain in this world, it’s that Caribbean resorts will never stop trying to develop the most creative, extravagant pools we’ve ever seen. This is especially true on the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, where Grace Bay Beach is so magnificent and alluring that the resorts that are blessed to have it as a backdrop must come up with concepts that will make guests want to remain on-property. In fairness, they all do it very well.

But what if the resort’s pool uses the beach to its advantage and offers guests the best of both worlds? The brilliant minds at Wymara Resort and Villas answered that question with a slam dunk and three exclamation points when the property recently unveiled its spectacular Ocean Pool, which is the first of its kind in this region.

Owner Bruce Maclaren was inspired to create this unique amenity after spending many years in Australia, where ocean pools have long been a popular attraction. The resort began construction last October by moving more than 1,500 tons of rock, and the result is a 3,900-sq. ft. pool with shallow and deep ends (the depth depends on the tides), as well as a stunning 4,880-sq. ft. timber deck complete with a bar and enough lounge chairs for an intimate, Instagrammable day.

“While ocean pools aren’t just an Aussie thing, they do inspire a kind of fervor there that borders on the fanatical,” Maclaren explained. “They’re probably more in the public eye now than ever. Maybe it’s Instagram—they’re so seductive to photograph. But having experienced the benefits of ocean pools and the communities that evolve around them, I thought, well, maybe we can do this here.”

And done this they have. Although, it’s hardly the best thing this Wymara property has to offer. In a destination known for exceptional villas, this resort raises the bar with both luxury and quality of service. Families will especially love the Amuse Villa, which boasts four bedrooms and myriad exclusive services and amenities, including a private infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. However, younger travelers will experience love at first sight when they see the phenomenal multi-story waterslide.

Wymara Resort and Villas in Turks and Caicos is currently offering guests a free fourth night when they book a three-night stay between now and October 31. However, some would argue four nights is hardly enough time to enjoy the best of this resort and Provo.

The post The Caribbean’s Coolest Pool Just Debuted at Wymara Resort and Villas in Turks and Caicos appeared first on Islands.

To say that Andaz Turks and Caicos is a highly anticipated resort is a bit of an understatement. Since I first had the opportunity to view the plans and renderings, as well as the lot where it will soon exist, it was clear that this resort concept was going to put the rest of the destination’s offerings on notice. And that’s not exactly an easy thing to do when the other hotels and resorts on Providenciales alone are collectively among the best in the Caribbean.

Set on the western end of Grace Bay Beach—one of the most beautiful stretches of sand you’ll ever see—it’s safe to say the views alone will be worth the effort to get here. But the 59-key resort, which will also boast 74 residential units, promises to be as breathtaking inside as everything is outside, and eventual guests can now mark the calendar for a late 2025 opening.

Now that this project is “shovel-ready,” this will be the first Hyatt Hotels property in the destination, and it’s safe to assume that it will instantly be one of the most popular in the entire portfolio. Judging by the success of financing and sales, travelers will be eager to spend as much time testing the resort’s four dining options and indoor fitness and wellness facility as they will swimming around the nearby Smith’s Reef.

At this stage, though, it’s all about building energy, positivity, and reasonable expectations. That shouldn’t be difficult.

“Having lived and worked on the island for 26 years, I can say this is one of the most exciting developments in decades,” said John Zammit, a real estate developer and longtime resident who serves on the property’s board of directors. “It is a complete game changer, offering a new take on contemporary luxury lifestyle accommodations and residences, while offering the upscale amenities and guest services that the Andaz brand is so well known for.”

Resorts in Turks and Caicos are notorious putting luxury above all else and redefining comfort, so the addition of the Andaz brand is about as fitting as it gets.

The post Construction Set to Begin on Andaz Turks and Caicos appeared first on Islands.

Everything about Amanyara encourages escaping. The 10-minute drive from the main road down a bumpy, unpaved path hints at its remote location on the island’s northwest coast, far from the resorts strung along Grace Bay. Freestanding villas flanked by foliage with paths leading to private beaches and jagged outcrops speak to the level of privacy; stringing a rope barrier across the path leading to your front door lets staff know you want to be left to your own devices.

Some accommodations are self-contained, with private pools, the option of a private chef and butler, and bedrooms designed for your nanny—or your bodyguard. But if I had to select the one feature that makes this upscale tropical escape a paragon of perfection, it’s not the fact that you can hole up and be left completely alone—it’s the water.

In my Instagram story, I referred to the water as looking like “Turks-quoise”, and there’s no other fitting way to describe its uniqueness. The color on this island—and on the pristine stretch of beach occupied by the Amanyara—is like none other I’ve seen, except maybe Bora Bora. It’s a hue that mesmerizingly morphs into various shades of cerulean, teal, aquamarine, and cobalt depending on the water depths, time of day, and the sun’s angle. I couldn’t get enough of it. And it’s definitely capable of stirring any guest to emerge from their cocoon of luxury.

Depending on the time of day or time of year, you might have that half-mile of white sand beach practically to yourself. (When I was there in June, there were rarely more than a few other guests strewn out on lounge chairs.)  The property is located within an 18,000-acre nature reserve, with literally nothing next door except a public beach a decent walk away that’s really only “busy” on weekends. The water is gloriously calm and unbelievably clear, and so salty that it’s literally impossible not to float. Kayaks and SUPs are at your disposal; just as fun is watching schools of fish meander by. The name Amanyara, a mash-up of Sanskrit and the language of the indigenous Arawaks, doesn’t translate to “peaceful place” for nothing.

Even more restorative than hugging the coastline on the water is getting out there on a boat. Included as an amenity are snorkeling expeditions within Northwest Point Marine National Park —just a five- or 10-minute boat ride right from the beach. The morning I went, I was the only taker, and my captain graciously offered to accompany me underwater to spot the marine life.  He dove down to coax out spiny lobsters from their hiding spots and we peered at aqua parrotfish and graceful blue and yellow queen angelfish hanging out by the coral reef, as purple lace-like sea fans lazily waved with the current. It was among the best snorkeling I’ve ever done, especially since it was so effortless: no taxi to the harbor or shuttling on and off a boat with dozens of other people.

Eventually, though, I had to retreat to my villa to escape the intense summer sun and wash off all that salt. Not that it was a hardship by any stretch. Amanyara’s pavilions, as they are called, overlook ponds or beaches. Eaves overhang on three sides to provide shade on the terrace, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors let you soak in your natural surroundings. In addition to the watersports and snorkeling, other niceties include daily wellness classes, in-room refreshments like fresh fruit, chocolate, nuts, and candy, a well-stocked coffee and tea station with a Nespresso machine and electric kettle, and a mini-fridge with non-alcoholic beverages. (There is a charge for in-room wine and liquor in the minibar.)

I was given a welcome cocktail upon arrival that I could spike at the bar, and when I checked into my room, there was a bottle of Charles Heidsieck Champagne chilling, which I immediately uncorked, taking a fluteful down my path to check out my semi-private rocky beach at dusk. (Daily insect treatments keep the mosquitos relatively at bay, but there is bug spray in the room if you need it.) A tote bag and flip flops are for your use and a sweet souvenir when you return home.

Layouts and other amenities depend on the room category. My 700-sq. ft. Ocean Pavilion was outfitted with a four-poster king-size bed with sheer curtains, a living area, and en suite bathroom with a freestanding tub, spacious rain shower, twin vanities, and a Japanese toilet with an automatic heated seat and bidet and dryer features. Thoughtful pampering-focused treats were left on my bed nightly including Aman-branded gold algae eye masks, handmade soap, and bath bombs. My wooden sun deck had two lounge chairs and an umbrella, and there were two bikes parked outside for my use. (It was a tad hot during my visit, so I opted to call the front desk to request a buggy ride to get to and from the restaurants, beach, and spa.)

Since Amanyara is so isolated, you’ll most likely enjoy all your meals on property. Most guests take advantage of the Season of Discovery package, which is all-inclusive of all meals including a two-course lunch and three-course dinner. The Restaurant, as it’s simply called, serves breakfast and dinner, with a view of either the ocean or shallow water features adjacent to the lobby and bar. The latter look especially dramatic after dark, when the lights reflect on the water, and on some evenings there’s live music.

You can start your day with a variety of pastries and egg dishes, options from the wellness menu like coconut chia pudding or an açai bowl, or savory fare like shakshuka or cheese and charcuterie. I was delighted to learn that the current dinner menu skews Asian, with curries, sushi, and noodle dishes, and throughout the course of my stay I sampled a lot of it. Memorable dishes include gyoza stuffed with pork, ginger, and cabbage, silky black cod sliders, green Thai curry with eggplant, and A4 Japanese Wagyu sirloin served with bok choy and shiitake mushrooms, which literally melted in my mouth like butter. Desserts also have an Eastern slant, like a coconut cream-topped spongy, green chiffon cake with the herbaceous, vanilla-coconut flavor of pandan leaf.

The Beach Club is Amanyara’s other dining concept, with a Mediterranean menu for lunch, snacks, and casual dinners, taken at tables on tiered decks with ocean views. I found this to be quite a delightful spot to escape the sun for lunch, but if you prefer, staff will bring food to your lounge chair or daybed at the beach or infinity pool. Start with an Aperol, Hugo, Amalfi, or Campari spritz and a trio of spreads, served with freshly baked oregano bread. Crispy fritto misto arrives with fried zucchini and lemon aioli, clams are steamed with white wine, tomatoes and garlic, and tender, fresh conch ceviche is topped with gremolata and tomato salsa.

There’s also a wood-fired oven for pizzas and freshly made pasta, and a catch of the day that can be grilled, pan-seared or fried. (A seriously overcooked piece of grouper one day was the kitchen’s only misstep, and staff immediately swooped in to rectify the situation.) If you’re feeling peckish in the afternoon, complimentary afternoon tea is served at the bar, with an iced tea infusion and savory and sweet bites like mochi and tofu.

Sundowners are a big deal here. Guests flock to a table al fresco next to the infinity pool, or one of the open-air built-in nooks with lounge pillows, to sip a craft cocktail from a menu that balances booze-forward libations with refreshing ones as the sun sets. The herbal, savory Gin Ticker combines fennel-infused gin, Chartreuse, lemon, celery bitters, and saline; and Aztec Summer shakes jalapeno Tequila and mezcal with Lillet Blanc, cucumber, lime, and agave. The resort also regularly welcomes guest bartenders; during my stay, Valentino Longo, beverage consultant and winner of the 2020 North America Most Imaginative Bartender Competition, was serving original sips including a mango and rum riff on a New York Sour.

At the spa, all-in-one freestanding treatment pavilions include a full bathroom and changing area. Treatments are inspired by the Aman brand’s three product lines—Grounding, Purifying and Nourishing—with four treatments for each formulation, Massage, Body Scrub and Wrap, Face Ritual, and the Journey. My 90-minute massage from in-house therapist Jick was exactly what my stiff neck and shoulders needed. A spa pool and relaxation area extend the bliss.

In addition to treatments, Amanyara’s wellness programming includes mindfulness and stress management, one-day wellness immersions, and longer retreats. One afternoon, I met with visiting specialist and current wellness manager Toby Maguire, who used a device on me called an AcuGraph, basically a simplified version of Chinese medicine that can chart deficiencies in various organs and systems. The results can be used to curate a customized holistic plan with nutritional and fitness guidance during and after your visit. Afterwards, he guided me on one of the mindfulness walks offered weekly, which wound through the vegetation and ended with a seated guided meditation on the sand.

Staff told me that four nights here is the sweet spot for a stay, the perfect amount of time to generate restorative vibes and take advantage of the property’s amenities without running out of things to do. As my car service turned onto that dirt road to begin the half-hour journey back to the airport in Providenciales, I thought about how even a three-night sojourn in this blue-filtered escape definitely instilled a sense of lingering peace.

The post Soak in the Turks-quoise Bliss at Amanyara appeared first on Islands.

The Caribbean’s first luxury kiteboarding resort is open on Long Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos and it has a name as unique as its niche: H20 Life. Style. Resort. We’ll call it H2O for short.

H2O is the latest venture between Canadian entrepreneurs and hoteliers, Rob Ayer and Nicolas Boucher. The two identified a gap in the market – a wellness getaway that invites guests to maintain and enjoy their active lifestyles in a consciously designed setting. The resort opened safely and quietly in early 2021 and is now in full swing for kitesurfing enthusiasts and luxury vacation goers alike.

Among the resort’s new features for 2023:

• Surf Shop, an onsite destination for everything from swimsuits to sunscreen & fashionable resort wear.
• Brand-new jet boat for private charters and jet skis added to H2O’s watercraft fleet.
• Saturday and Sundays handmade pizza prepared by renowned chef Nazzareno Galosi at the beach bar.
• Dining option- weekly/daily private chef or stocked ready-to-eat meals in-suite.

H20’s 25 ultra-modern suites are available in a range of layouts to host groups and occasions of all sizes. The resort’s expansive suites are bright with contemporary touches and furnishings by Restoration Hardware. The suites are designed so guests can enjoy daylong views of turquoise waters and walkout outdoor patios and terraces with crisp ocean breezes and views.

Away from the crowds, H2O’s Long Bay beachfront offers ideal and safe conditions for kiteboarding, windsurfing and wing foiling. Rooftop yoga, court sports and a 24-hour fitness center with private training session options are also available.

Guests can also lounge poolside at the child-friendly pool complete with a large hot tub, or relax at the oceanfront infinity pool to take in unparalleled views.

Other amenities include in-suite massages overlooking the sea and Tesla house cars.

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The post Caribbean’s First Kiteboarding Resort Takes Flight appeared first on Islands.

Flying into Ambergris Cay is easily one of the coolest moments a traveler can experience. This private island resort in Turks and Caicos can only be reached by the property’s own private airplane, and the experience of rolling right up to the entrance, where the friendliest staff on the planet awaits, will put the biggest smile on any guest’s face. That’s just the beginning of a vacation concept that is downright sensational, and I never imagined it could be any better.

And yet it can. Only three-miles long, this enchanting escape already packed a massive punch with its stunning beaches and exceptional accommodations—not to mention phenomenal food—but the latest additions will provide a far more complete vacation experience for a variety of travelers.

It begins at the all-new clubhouse, where Salt Rakers becomes the property’s second full-service restaurant, dishing out delicious pizzas from an authentic, imported oven. There are some truly exceptional pizza joints in Turks and Caicos, so this spot will have its work cut out, but if the cuisine is anything like that offered at the Calico Restaurant, no one will be disappointed.

All that amazing food means there will be extra calories to burn, and the new fitness pavilion instantly becomes one of the best wellness amenities anywhere in the Caribbean. Including Peloton and Precor equipment, this center will offer a variety of classes, including morning yoga sessions that will use the surrounding natural beauty as a supplement for better calm and relaxation.

Arguably the best addition, though, is The Hangover, a very appropriately named floating tiki bar located in Little Ambergris Cay. A 10-minute journey by speedboat will have guests sipping cocktails and mocktails in one of the most Instagrammable locations on Earth. And even if they’re not in the mood for a drink, it is still an amazing spot to drop a towel and get some sun.

The post The Coolest Private Island Experience in Turks and Caicos is Even Better appeared first on Islands.

In vacation world there are beach people and there are pool people—and if you’re in the latter camp you probably prefer a comfy chaise that’s a short stroll away from a fabulous pool. Perhaps it’s in a stunning oceanfront infinity pool where you practically feel one with the sea or maybe it’s in a lagoon-style oasis that’s perfect for family fun. Does it have a swim-up bar? We certainly hope so—or at least pool bar service! 

Read on for a round-up of 10 of the best new resort pools in the Caribbean, Riviera Maya, and Bermuda.

The Morgan Resort and Spa, St. Maarten

Is it a beach or a pool? Honestly, it’s a little of both and guests haven’t been able to stop posting pics of it ever since The Morgan Resort and Spa debuted on St. Maarten in June 2021. This pool has a waterfall, slide, grotto cave, underwater music system, and Bar M Pool Bar (a swim-up bar with a blackjack table), along with private poolside cabanas. 

The 124-room contemporary-style resort is located just minutes away from Maho Beach with its famous Sunset Beach Bar and overhead jets landing at Princess Juliana Airport, so if you’re a pool lover and an aviation geek (the resort has a rooftop Observation Deck), this might be the spot for you. 

Silversands Grenada

Silversands Grenada, a relative newcomer on this lush Southern Caribbean island known for its flavorful spices, features 43 rooms and suites designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic inspired by nature. But the true showstopper is the resort’s daybed-lined infinity pool that at 330 feet is the longest in the Caribbean and stretches from the lobby to the soft sands of Grand Anse Beach. 

The luxury property, which opened in December 2018, also offers eight three- and four-bedroom villas, each featuring their own incredible private infinity pool.

Goldwynn Resort and Residences, Nassau, Bahamas

With its debut in February 2023, Goldwynn Resort and Residences became the newest boutique resort in Nassau—and of course it has a stylish place to take a dip. The heated infinity pool, designed in a distinctive elongated eye shape, seems to spill onto the white sand of Cable Beach below and features luxury cabanas as well as the open-air Amara restaurant. 

The oceanfront property celebrates the “luxury of leisure” and its 81 studios and suites channel timeless glamour with a nod to mid-century-modern lines with a beachside aesthetic. 

Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Not one, not two, not three, but an incredible seven heated pools overlooking Caribbean—plus three man-made cenotes and a rooftop pool for Preferred Club guests—all equipped with cabanas, chic lounge chairs, and poolside service await at Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen. 

The 485-suite adults-only resort, which opened in October 2022, is set on a stunning white-sand beach just outside of lively Playa del Carmen and is ideal for couples or groups of friends who want options, including wading into a sand-bottomed pool, relaxing in an overwater hammock, and grabbing a cocktail at a thatched-roof swim-up bar.

The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos

IFor many travelers without kids, an adults-only pool is a must and The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos, which opened in June 2021 on Providenciales’ spectacular Grace Bay Beach, delivers. The luxury property features 147 rooms and suites and offers guests a choice of two adjacent oceanfront pools: a family-friendly recreation pool and an adult’s only option with chic private cabanas surrounded by water. 

Plus, The Ritz-Carlton has converted two vintage VW vans into cocktail bars that are parked steps from the pool and beach, with one serving margaritas and the other mojitos. 

Falcon’s Resort by Melia – All Suites Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Families looking to make a splash and then some can now head to Falcon’s Resort by Melia – All Suites Punta Cana, which opened in early 2023 offering a unique “resortainment” hospitality experience. The all-inclusive property’s distinctive circular design (it was formerly Paradisus Grand Cana) features a trio of expansive main pools lined with swim-up suites as well as a BLAST! Waterpark. 

Guests can also enjoy the adjacent Katmandu Park – Punta Cana, a newly opened theme park with rides, mini-golf, a ropes course, and more.

The St. Regis Bermuda Resort

Prefer an elegant escape with a modern minimalist pool designed in harmony with a tranquil crescent beach in one of the most historic parishes in Bermuda? Look no farther than The St. Regis Bermuda Resort. 

The 120-room property, which opened in May 2021, is located in the enchanting town of St. George’s and its two geometric beachfront pools, one adults-only and the other for families, mimic the gentle arc of St. Catherine’s Beach and offer views of Fort St. Catherine. 

Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

If you like your beach resorts to have a sleek, modern aesthetic, be both all-inclusive and adults-only, and feature fabulous pools, Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana offers it all. Open since June 2021, the 347-room property located on a stretch of beach in the Uvero Alto district has five strikingly long and linear day-bed-lined pools, as well as swim-up suites with private terraces and plunge pools, and the casual Mediterranean eatery Huzur (one of 12 restaurants and bars) is perched above the main pool with views of the beach and ocean.

Breathless Cancun Soul Resort and Spa, Cancun

Breathless Cancun Soul Resort and Spa, a 429-room, adults-only all-inclusive, has three pools designed to suit your mood. The beachfront Energy pool with its Abyss swim-up bar is the spot both relax or socialize, while two rooftop infinity pools offer ocean and sunset views—with totally different vibes. 

The upbeat Xcelerate infinity pool has two bars: Fizz Iced Champagne Bar, which hosts champagne pool parties, and the Deep swim-up bar, which serves cocktails along with DJ-spun hit songs. The more relaxed Xhale rooftop pool is the spot to wind down with cocktails from Purple swim-up bar overlooking the Cancun skyline.  

Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana Hammock, Dominican Republic

The meandering freeform pool, one of two at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, a 519-room all-inclusive resort by Karisma Hotels and Resorts that opened in late 2021 along the soft sands of Playa Juanillo, is a relaxing and upbeat spot to laze the day away while soaking in Jimmy Buffett-inspired island vibes. 

The property offers an adults-only section called Hammock (featuring a pool exclusively for grown-ups with a swim-up bar) and a family-friendly area called Wave. And since this is Margaritaville, there are several bars located poolside no matter which area you choose.

The post Spectacular New Resort Pools that will Inspire a Vacation Full of Lounging appeared first on Islands.

Rarely, if ever, will you be standing on the first tee box of a Caribbean golf course and enjoy the fact that you have the links to yourself. Anyone who has ever squeezed a round into a vacation itinerary knows that many pro shops will stack foursomes on top of each other like luggage in the cargo hold, and there’s always that random twosome in between that you kinda feel bad for because the group in front of them is playing at a snail’s pace.

But there I was, on the only course on one of my favorite islands in the world, smiling like a kid in a candy shop because the fairway in front of me was wide open and the only sounds behind me were those of children receiving their morning lessons. I’ve been told that Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club is as fun as it is beautiful, but not having to worry about my pace of play had me feeling like this was going to be a very special round.

Sure enough, as I eventually walked off the green of the 18^th hole, I wrote in my personal best seventh par of the day and chuckled as I did the math—an 87. A great golfer I am not, but to break 90 on my first round ever on what is widely considered to be one of the best courses in the Caribbean? That’ll make a good vacation great, and my family retreat to Beaches Turks and Caicos was already on pace to be spectacular.

With that wonderful round behind me, here’s some basic advice I have for the next group on the tees.

Enjoy the Views

Traveling solo as much as I do, I’m often paired with complete strangers when I golf in paradise. I rarely mind it because it’s a great way to meet new people from around the world and appreciate their perspective on travel and regions like the Caribbean, but serious golfers tend to be all about the game and rarely about the moment. Sometimes it’s a little awkward when I stop to get photos and videos from multiple angles and my new friend is itching to get to his second shot.

Playing a course like Royal Turks and Caicos is such a blessing that it blows my mind when other golfers don’t take a moment on every tee box to stop and marvel at the natural beauty. After all, this course was recently named the Best Caribbean Golf Course by USA Today, and it beat out perennial favorites like Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo and the magnificent Old Quarry Golf Course in Curacao. 

That recognition alone is all the excuse you need to stop, smell the roses, and take a few dozen selfies so your foursome mates back home envy more than just your short game.

Play It Safe

As a high-handicap golfer who is still overcoming years of detrimental swing tinkering from a variety of contradictory coaches, shooting an 87 on any course is a miracle for me. That’s not to say, however, that this is an easy course. If I’ve learned anything from playing courses like El Camaleon and Quivira, it’s that I treat every design the same—as if it’s the most challenging course I’ve ever played in my life.

So, my approach is always cautious. Hit it low to avoid the sea breezes, play it short until I find my comfort level, and don’t try to Bryson the ball like I do when I’m back home. There are some wide-open fairways on this course, and they’ll tempt you to bust out the boom stick, which I did a few times. Beware of the hidden curves along the way because they’ll take your ball on a journey if you’re not careful.

The Best Golf Bags for Your First Vacation

When you’re visiting a tropical destination, you simply have to play a round. But first you need to choose the right gear to bring.

I’m still thinking about the ProV1 that I lost on the left side of the fairway on Hole 11, as it felt like my best swing of the day. No one can convince me that a little critter didn’t sneak out of the bushes and steal it.

Take it from the Expert

If you want a little more than my amateur advice, let’s turn to Dave Douglas, the Director of Golf at Royal Turks and Caicos for his most important pointers. For starters, one of his biggest pieces of advice echoes my own. “For most of the year we have a 12-to-15-mile trade wind, so a lower ball flight is very valuable to keep the golf ball under the wind,” he explains. 

Aruba this is not, so at some points during my round it felt like the world around me was standing still and I didn’t adjust my swing for the wind. When the ball gets up, it becomes anyone’s guess where it might land, and, more often than not, it wasn’t where I’d aimed and hoped.

The greens at Royal Turks feature platinum paspalum turf grass, which makes sense because it does well in saltwater environments. Now, full disclosure, I didn’t know a thing about this type of grass before playing, so it took me a few holes to get used to it, but it’s great for cautious golfers like me. Especially those of us who chip from around the green because we don’t land on it as much.

“Due to how pure the Platinum Paspalum greens are, from 10 feet and closer, when putting, play less break than you read, as there is little to no grain with Platinum Paspalum grass,” Douglas offers. Once you realize how the ball rolls here, it makes anyone feel like a putting champion.

Let’s Play Two!

When you shoot a good round—which can be a number score or just that feeling you get when you didn’t spend every minute cursing—you’ll get that urge and desire to play the course again. The flow and pace at Royal Turks and Caicos are so smooth and quick that even when it’s a little busier, most golfers will have that moment where they’re like, “How the hell are we already at 17?”

I don’t typically play 36 holes anywhere, let alone on vacation, but when the incredibly friendly starter greeted me on my way back in, he asked, “Wanna play another?” Feeling the buzz of a great round, I laughed and replied, “Why the hell not?” I looked over to the first tee and realized there was still no one around, and I knew the fam would understand if I took a couple more hours to get back.

As for the score, I didn’t keep it this time. Instead, I used my notes to see if I could improve on the holes I shot bogey or worse on the first time, and it worked… a little. At least the views were just as good the second time.

Mind Your Manners

It wasn’t until I reached the tee box on Hole 16 that I spotted one of the only other golfers on the course that morning. He was walking the course with a lightweight Sunday bag and if I hadn’t been in a rush to get back to my family at the pool, I might have copied him and burned more of the calories from my all-inclusive dining.

But this is less about Royal Turks and Caicos and more a tip about Caribbean golf in general. There are a lot of people visiting these courses who have never played before or, like me, aren’t that great and/or want to enjoy the views. Let’s all leave the frantic impatience at the airport and appreciate that we’re all just trying to have a little fun out here.

The post 5 Things You Need to Know Before Teeing Off at Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club appeared first on Islands.

Travelers seeking the ultimate beach—and by that we mean miles of talcum-soft white sand washed by pale turquoise surf—will be hard-pressed to do better than the islands of Turks and Caicos. Located southeast of the Bahamas, this small island nation can sell itself to sun seekers with a single-color photo of one of its beaches, perhaps world-famous Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales or maybe undeveloped Water Cay (which is as dreamy as it sounds).

Providenciales, where the international airport is located, is the main resort destination, and Grand Turk is a popular port for cruises, while less-visited islands include North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Salt Cay. All of them have beautiful beaches, but these are our favorites.

Grace Bay Beach

Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean—and in the world—this charismatic three-mile arc of soft white sand and tranquil sea on the island of Providenciales has managed to retain its beauty despite being lined with Turks & Caicos’ most popular resorts. Perhaps that’s because it is part of Princess Alexandra National Park and that the bay is protected by a thriving reef system that prevents large swells from crashing ashore.

The result: flat, smooth sand that’s ideal for strolling and clear, calm water offering an invitation to float your cares away from sunrise to sunset. To truly appreciate Grace Bay’s beauty, book a parasail adventure and look down on it from several hundred feet in the air.

Leeward Beach

To get away from the towering resorts and gaggles of sunbathers on Grace Bay Beach, head directly east to neighboring Leeward Beach, known for the brilliant hue of its water and pure white sand that’s backed mostly by low-lying greenery, blue sky and some of Providenciales’ most architecturally distinctive luxury beach villas.

If chilling atop a blanket while enjoying a bottle of wine at sunset is your thing, Leeward Beach is a great spot to kick back and relax. And its proximity to popular resorts, including the family-favorite Beaches Turks and Caicos, means visitors won’t have to walk very far.

Long Bay Beach

Kiteboarding has long been a popular activity on this three-mile beach, located on the southeast coast of Providenciales, because the water is shallow (making it a great place to learn the sport) and it’s known for consistent winds. Long Bay Beach is also quite scenic, with water that’s deep turquoise in color and fine-grained white sand that’s easy to stroll on.

Even if you don’t kiteboard—perhaps an eFoil is your thing—a visit here is a fun way to appreciate the skill and daring this sport requires as you watch dozens of colorful kites soar against the sky.

Water Cay

Uninhabited. If that’s a top priority for you when it comes to best beaches, consider a day trip to this beauty, located between Providenciales and North Caicos. Water Cay is a narrow, two-mile-long island with a pristine white-sand beach running along its northern coast. An added bonus: photogenic limestone cliffs (some areas offer shade) that distinguish it from many other Turks and Caicos beaches. How to get here? Book a cruise tour that stops here.

Or if you’re adventurous, rent a kayak on Providenciales’ Leeward Beach and paddle to the southern side of Half Moon Bay, where you can walk to Water Cay (and Little Water Cay, home to an endangered Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana sanctuary), which are all connected by sandbars.

Half Moon Bay Beach

Part of a trio of connected uninhabited cays (along with Water Cay and Little Water Cay), this wide, three-quarter mile strand of pristine sand is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Turks and Caicos and is a popular spot for day-trip cruises and picnics. Like Water Cay, it features low-lying limestone cliffs and its proximity to Little Water Cay means you may spot some friendly and harmless rock iguanas on Half Moon Bay’s dunes.

Governor’s Beach

Cruise passengers looking for a pleasant spot on Grand Turk to soak in the Caribbean sun and enjoy a swim will find Governor’s Beach is not only convenient—it’s located a mile from the Cruise Center on the way to Cockburn Town and is an inexpensive taxi ride—but also home to soft sand and sparkling clear water. It’s a great place to learn to snorkel, although there isn’t an abundance of sea life, just some coral, sea fans and tiny reef fish. The casuarina trees that fringe the beach here do offer some shade, especially helpful at midday.

Parrot Cay Beach

Parrot Cay is private—home to upscale villas and the luxurious COMO Parrot Cay Resort—so you’ll need to book a room or rent a villa to experience the tranquility of its secluded beach. At four square miles, it’s the largest of the cays located between Providenciales and North Caicos (it’s about a 35-minute boat ride from the former) and its resort and villas have long been the escape of choice for seclusion-seeking celebrities.

Mudjin Harbour Beach

Feel like taking an adventurous day trip? Check out Turks and Caicos’s two largest yet most sparsely populated islands by hopping a ferry (30 minutes each way) from Heaving Rock Down Marina on Providenciales to Sandy Point Marina (not to be confused with the resort of the same name) on North Caicos and picking up a rental car (reserve ahead of time) to cross the causeway that connects to Middle Caicos.

Here, you’ll find the three-mile stretch of beach and coast at Mudjin Harbour, one of the island’s top attractions, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and caves. Swimming is not generally recommended, but there’s a lot to see and explore along the coast. The last ferry back to Providenciales departs just before sunset.

North Bay Beach

Located on Salt Cay, the smallest of the inhabited islands in Turks & Caicos, 1.75-mile North Bay Beach is the best strand with a sandy bottom and calm water, thanks to it sheltered location looking north to Grand Turk (both cruise ships and humpback whales can be sighted in season). There are also some excellent reefs not far from shore for experienced snorkelers to explore.

Salt Cay, at just 2.6 square miles, is a quiet spot known for the colonial architecture of Balfour Town. The only way to arrive is via a domestic flight from Providenciales and the only accommodation is rental villas.

Sapodilla Bay Beach

A top beach for families with small children, this sheltered strand on the south coast of Providenciales about 10 miles from Grace Bay is known for its clear, shallow, warm water. The area offers a range of vacation rental villas and there’s some decent snorkeling featuring colorful reef fish, sea urchins and coral at the base of the small coastal cliffs at one end. In addition, neighboring Chalk Sound National Park, a vibrant turquoise lagoon featuring hundreds of tiny limestone islands, is a star attraction.

The post The Best Beaches in Turks and Caicos for Any Vacation appeared first on Islands.

Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport offers direct access to the following destinations—just don’t forget to pack a jacket for when you return.

Cancun

Delta offers direct service from Minneapolis to Cancun International Airport, as does Sun Country Airlines, which will have travelers’ fingers and toes much warmer in just over four hours.

Cozumel

Sun Country Airlines also offers direct service to Cozumel, a much more laidback setting than Cancun. The flight to Cozumel International Airport last approximately four hours.

Puerto Rico

Old San Juan is calling and Delta and Sun Country Airlines are answering with the only direct flights out of MSP. The flight time is approximately five hours.

Cayman Islands

Sun Country Airlines undoubtedly made a lot of Minnesotans happy in 2018 when the company announced nonstop service to Grand Cayman’s GCM airport. When available, the flight is very affordable and lasts approximately four hours and 20 minutes.

Turks and Caicos

In 2018, Sun Country Airlines also announced new direct service to Turks and Caicos, which absolutely spoils Minnesotans since many flights to Providenciales from other major U.S. cities require connections through Miami, Atlanta, or Charlotte. These very affordable flights will have passengers at Providenciales International Airport in just under five hours.

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