The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos: A Luxurious Escape

Floating cabanas, sunset sails, and Ritz-Carlton flair collide on Grace Bay Beach. After a 15-minute ride from the airport, passing by scrub, indigenous Turk’s head cactus, and glimpses of white, sandy beaches along the way, I arrive at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos — a new gem on Grace Bay Beach, and the only Ritz-Carlton property in Turks and Caicos. The hotel, which opened in June of this year, wows with its desert-meets-beach design inspired by the island’s flora and fauna and Lucayan heritage. Approaching the open-air lobby, I’m handed a glass of champagne while I check in. Past the courtyard, a stone path lined with palm trees leads out to the family and adults-only pools, and the Atlantic Ocean sparkles beyond, enticing guests with its crystal-clear waters and stunning beach.

Accommodations

The property features 147 guest rooms, which include 23 suites, 69 private residences, and five three-story penthouse suites. Upon arriving at my room, I discover a sweeping ocean and resort view. Below, beachgoers frolic in the gentle waves while others lounge poolside, sipping cocktails and soaking in the sun. Parked in the sand is the Lady Grace, a custom-built luxury catamaran serving Ritz-Carlton guests. The ultimate statements of luxury are the penthouses, which I was fortunate enough to tour. Sprawling across three floors, the 6,500-square-foot pads are the largest accommodations on property, each boasting three bedrooms, extra-large kitchens, floor-to-ceiling ocean views, and private rooftop plunge pools with endless vistas. Guests can also enjoy rooms with The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge access, offering five food and beverage presentations throughout the day along with dedicated beach service for Club Lounge patrons.

Dining Experiences

Three onsite restaurants ensure that guests never go hungry, especially while dining at BLT Steak, the hotel’s modern interpretation of an American steakhouse. Delight in dishes like tuna tartare with avocado and soy-lime dressing or the crab cakes served with meyer lemon, fennel, and radish salad. The steak cuts — such as filet mignon, New York strips, and ribeyes — are prepared to perfection alongside robust sides like jalapeno mashed potatoes and truffle mac and cheese. Dessert options are equally indulgent; I recommend trying the pistachio ice cream, the peanut butter chocolate mousse, or the crepe soufflé — a soft, pillowy crepe filled with sweet soufflé and drizzled with a refreshing passionfruit sauce.

On the beach, enjoy Coralli, focused on fresh, local ingredients and dishes inspired by the Mediterranean Coast. Serving breakfast and lunch, Coralli caters to poolside guests as well. The avocado toast topped with poached eggs, heirloom tomatoes, and local Peppajoy hot sauce is an excellent start to the day (especially when paired with a ginger juice shot), while the Mediterranean fish wraps with fresh grilled fish, red cabbage, grapefruit, and avocado dressing offer a light, revitalizing lunch. For those craving sushi, the Lobby Lounge is ideal for a spicy tuna roll paired with a nightcap.

Recreational Activities

The property’s location on pristine Grace Bay Beach offers numerous activities. Whether you prefer lounging by the adults-only pool in a private cabana (which I highly recommend) or taking a sailing lesson on the Hobie catamarans, there’s something available for every activity level. Snorkeling gear is available for those who want to explore the clear waters right off the beach, or guests can venture out on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for an enjoyable workout. Floating cabanas are coming soon, along with fitness classes available in the on-site gym. For those seeking more adventure, the Lady Grace is available for relaxing sunset cruises or snorkeling excursions along barrier reefs. Land enthusiasts can try their luck at the property’s luxury casino, featuring the latest slot machines and table games. I also recommend indulging in the 5,125-square-foot spa, which includes lounges, steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, a salon, and treatment rooms. The hot-stone massage offers an ultimate escape from reality, featuring 80 minutes of soothing massage with volcanic hot stones that transport you into a zen state of mind.

Discovering Grace Bay

One of the standout perks of this property is its prime location on Grace Bay Beach, surrounded by a vibrant scene. Grace Bay is the epicenter for restaurants, bars, shopping, and island life, and The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos is conveniently within walking distance to much of it, while still offering the seclusion and privacy guests desire. “We want people to feel welcome to explore, while simultaneously providing the option for seclusion and privacy,” states John Hazard, general manager of the property. “You can enjoy all the amenities here alongside a rich hotel environment and the surrounding island life, and if you desire privacy, we can provide that too.”

Turks and Caicos reopened its borders to travelers in July 2020. Visitors to this paradise must obtain pre-travel authorization via the TCI Assured portal, which requires submitting a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days prior to departure, as well as insurance that covers COVID-19 medical costs and completing an online health screening questionnaire.