There

There
aren’t many hotels that can lay claim to fronting one of
the best beaches in the world, but for Grace Bay Club being steps from
the crystalline white sands and blue seas of Grace Bay Beach is
just one of many draws. Positioned on the northeast end of
Providenciales, the most inhabited of Turks and Caicos’s 40 islands
(and by most inhabited, we mean a population of a mere 25,000), the
hotel’s sole focus is to ensure you want for nothing except perhaps
a more even tan during your stay. Guests are even assigned a
personal concierge (slash confidante) to cater to their every whim
– and they get upset if you don’t call them at least once a
day.

The hotel was one of the first to arrive on the paradisiacal
island archipelago 25 years ago, but you’d never guess it from the
beautiful suites and surrounds. A recent makeover by designer Thom
Filicia means the resort is awash in modern Caribbean charm, from
the soft shades of turquoise and coral throughout the interiors to
the boho-chic styling at the beachfront bar. So pack your favourite
bathing suit and prepare for a holiday where your most pressing
concern will be whether or not it’s acceptable to order a rum punch
before noon (it most definitely is).

Rooms

You’re not going to lack for space or amenities in any of Grace
Bay Club’s accommodations, but with three separate areas to choose
from, your options range from the luxurious to the palatial. In the
hotel building, one or two bedroom suites feature private terraces
with ocean views and a kitchenette in case you tire of dining out,
while you’ll find the villa suites and larger and better equipped
than most London
flats. Still not satisfied? Opt for a spacious residence at The
Estate, with everything you need to make it your home away from
home.

What’s for breakfast?

Head down to The Grill for a leisurely buffet breakfast or
simple plates such as eggs benedict or buttermilk pancakes with a
side of Insta-worthy ocean views. Just be sure not to over-indulge
– you won’t want to have to wait too long before jumping into the
beckoning infinity
pool just next door.

How about lunch and dinner?

There’s a restaurant for every mood and craving at Grace Bay
Club. Take a break from sunbathing with a barefoot visit to the
pop-up taco bar right on the sand for lunch, with plenty of
cocktails on the menu to keep things cool. For dinner, slurp
curried crab soup and roast lobster at Infiniti Restaurant &
Raw Bar, or seek out casual Caribbean flavours like conch salad and
jerk chicken at Krave.

Is there a bar?

Several, but you’ll want to spend most of your time at The
Lounge, a beachside bar adorned in hanging wicker lanterns and a
fire pit for the cooler nights. Sip on rum punch as you take in the
sunset over the shore, or sample a very generous pour of local
craft rum while you nibble bites from the tapas menu.

Amenities

The hotel features a world-class spa (so you can take a respite
from all that relaxing with a massage), gym, business centre and
even morning yoga sessions by the infinity pool. If you somehow
manage to get bored, you’ll also find a range of watersports
equipment available for use, with complimentary daily lessons in
various activities down on the beach.

Things you should know

Not that you’ll want to leave the hotel, but as public transport
is non-existent and taxis are pricey on the island of
Providenciales, you might find it a good idea to hire a car for the
duration of your trip, or at least for a day of beach hopping.

Within a short walk you can find…

The tiny community of Grace Bay is about a 15-minute walk away
from the hotel, where you’ll find several restaurants, cafés,
boutiques and diving shops. For an adventurous day trip, head to
the tip of the island (about five minutes away by taxi) and you can
jump on a ferry for North Caicos – ask your concierge to arrange to
have a car waiting for you on the other side and you can spend the
day exploring the barely inhabited island and its sister, Middle
Caicos, with endless empty beaches to discover.