04 January, 2019
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.