kas238

Hi everyone,

I've been researching Provo resorts and hotels extensively, and now they're all blending together. We haven't been to Turks & Caicos before, so no experience to go on here. I'm hoping to get suggestions for a place to stay from someone who's spent time on the ground and seen properties first-hand.

We're a young couple without kids and we're stressed out from work and looking for a maximum relax and unwind trip to spend time together. We just want to plunk down by the beach or pool and chill out, maybe do some snorkeling and paddle boarding. We don't need much in the way of activity.

What we're looking for:
1) Peace and quiet
2) Privacy
3) A place that has beach and pool chairs and umbrellas (we are very fair skinned, so having plentiful umbrellas/chairs always available that we don't have to pay extra for is key)
4) Easy/close access to beach and pool
5) Great service, but unpretentious

Bonus items:
6) Beach sport rentals included (e.g., paddle boards)
7) Close walking distance to restaurants
8) Ideally costs less than $500/night in November (I know, I know, it's Provo...gonna be tough...)

Seven Stars and Grace Bay Club caught my eye, but these might be out of our price range in November. However, I'd love suggestions that fit our criteria, EVEN if they exceed our budget.

Many, many thanks for any suggestions!

mamamo

The above places are great. Check out Regent Palms too. AMAZING spa. I think it's #1.
Bay Bistro and Mango Reef you can walk to. We took a taxi to Coco Bistro.
It was super relaxing and we chilled!!!! Most beautiful water ever and very nice resort all around. The staff was always moving my umbrella around for me bc I'm like you fair skinned.
Rest up then take a tour on Caicos Dream Tours. That was a highlight!
We went in May so it was not crowded.

blamona

2 of my best suggestions would be great except you need a car to get to the best restaurants:

West Bay Club

Beach House

As for Seven Stars, call Yngrit there directly. Ask if anything is on sale (seen on Facebook, directly on site, etc) amazing what she can do with the price! This one is central located, but you will need a car for snorkeling.

I was going to suggest Point Grace, but it may be over the budget.

If Somerset has a 2 story English Cottage, that would a good one too. Don't go for a "lockout" unit though, these are quite noisy and not worth the money.

No paddle boats on the island. The above mentioned do have Hobie Cats, kayaks, stand up paddles, etc.

You're having a hard time because there's not a bad place to stay! All are lovely!

November should be fairly quiet anyway.

WWK

We've stayed at West Bay Club four times, and absolutely love it. The one bed luxury units are beyond gorgeous, and the beachfront is one of the widest and quietest on Grace Bay. It is also within walking distance of two snorkeling spots, plus our fave, Mexican restaurant, SOMEWHERE CAFE.

But.. West Bay was recently bought by The Grace Bay Club, and prices have risen dramatically. I am afraid that the only unit within your stated budget would be a studio, and some of those are on the ground floor, facing the pool. Not ideal, but with that fabulous beach only steps from the hotel, maybe it doesn't matter?

Anyway, check out their website. They are offering third night free, but even so, their prices may be too high in November.

Good luck!

Caribzack

I 2nd the Regent Palms ( spent our honeymoon there and love it) BUT visited The Somerset next door & fell really in love. Have gone back many times and stayed at Somerset , great service, excellent beach with plenty of umbrellas, really nice pool , wonderful staff & beautiful suites!

kas238

Wow, thanks everyone! Really appreciate all the suggestions.

Had not looked at the West Bay Club at all, but looks like it might really fit the bill! I love that it is on a quieter, wide stretch of Grace Bay, within walking distance of good snorkeling. (I had looked at the Gansevoort for that reason, but that's more than we want to spend, so happy to have another good option at the west end)

Blamona and WWK--for West Bay Club, any thoughts on whether it's worth it to spring for the 1BR suite vs. the studio? The price is almost double for the suite, and a bit higher than we wanted to pay ($610/night vs $320/night). I'd be curious to know the differences.

Also really looking at Seven Stars and Somerset now. For those who have been, what's the difference between 7 Stars or Somerset vs West Bay Club other than location? Is the beach significantly better and quieter at West Bay Club? Or will it likely not matter since we're going in November?

Thanks all!

WWK

Yes, it's worth it to spring for the 1 BR suite at West Bay. The 1 BR suites are much larger than the studios, and have straight on ocean views. Some of the studios have little privacy because they are on the ground floor, facing the pool.

I haven't stayed at Seven Stars, but have seen several rooms. I don't think they are as nice or large as the 1 BRs at West Bay Club.

Also the beach at Seven Stars is much more narrow and crowded than the beach at West Bay.

However, Seven Stars is much closer to many of the island's' restaurants. And it's a "real" resort in that it has a large gym on site, tennis, and a big pool.

WWK

I wanted to add that November isn't necessarily quiet in Turks. Especially the closer you travel to the Thanksgiving holiday week.

Caribzack

The Somerset is the nicest of the 3 resorts, nice wide beach, 2 great pools & excellent staff. The rooms are beautiful & the suites are outfitted with everything you could need. (Viking kitchens etc) From Somerset you can walk west to snorkel ( about 30 minutes at most) Also, you are next door to Bay Bistro ( great restaurant) on one side and on the other Regent Palms with 2 restaurants, Mango Reef 2 resorts west PLUS close to Hemingways at The Sands & Graces Cottage at Point Grace. You can't beat The Somerset's casual restaurant for poolside lunch ( Or brought to your beach chair) We love it!
I agree Seven Stars beach is narrow and the 7 story buildings are not my taste--they do not fit Grace Bay.
West Bay is nice but there is really not great dining down that way other than Beach House ( High end restaurant)

WWK

It's true that there's not much - if any - fine dining near West Bay. We love SOMEWHERE cafe, but that's more for casual Mexican.

You can take a taxi round trip to dinner, and sometimes work out slightly discounted rates if you like the driver and are going out most nights. That's what we did.

Anyway, you have to weigh the pros and cons to each place. We like West Bay because it's a small property with beautiful units and an amazing beachfront, but no doubt it's a hike from most restaurants.