Pine Cay, a hidden gem
 

If you want peace, pristine white sandy beaches that seem all yours alone, and a laid back, unintrusive style of hospitality then go to Pine Cay. Never heard of it? It's in the Turks and Caicos group, a private islands with a resort that acts as a club house for the handful of homes on the island. We had a week there in June, the best holiday ever for four stressed burnt out residents of London. What an antidote. Only twelve rooms, all on the beach which is completely unspoilt. On our first night, I lay in bed listening to the sea outside and felt I might not be wanting to leave at the end of our stay. No cars, or TV, just wonderful, truly wonderful food, a convival bar in the evenings, and the sense of an Edwardian house party transported to the Carribbean as it used to be.
It suited the old and the younger generation equally well. Just take plenty of books, and a be prepared to unwind. Of and if you're feeling romantic it's the biz.

You forgot to say it's on one of the most amazing beaches in the world, and mostly to yourself!

Sounds wonderful. I'm on my way to google it.

So were you staying at the Meridian Club or in one of the private villas? I've long thought that my husband and I would enjoy a stay there--it's lowkey and super secluded with a lovely beach, which is as close to our ideal as I can think of.

What kind of food was served? Was it a set menu each night or did you have a choice for each meal?

I can answer because there is only 1 resort on Pine Cay and it is the Meridean Club though there are about 12 private homes a few hundred yards away and some do rent out their homes. The homeowners do come over to the bar at the resort and some dine on occasion based on our 3 trips. we saw maybe 4-8 homeoners on any one visit using the expansive resort beach since they have their own but not as nice. The folks must have hit a good year for we had 2 very good dining years and one average ,at best. The menu is varied with a choice of serval appetizers and entrees at lunch and dinner. Breakfast was American-style. The food quality can be an issue because the chefs at the small resorts do change and the Meridian is no different.We had the same issue at one other high-end boutique resort.
It is a lovely way to relax but it really is laid back.There is only limited snorkeling near the resort but lovely ocean waters for a swim. It was about $900 in 2008 perday/couple+tax+service in season with 3 meals.

Looks beautiful but way above our budget. Boo hoo.

You should check rates after April 1 when weather is lovely. Also, rates may have come down because of the recession. Another option is to periodically check-out LuxuryLink.com The Meridean Club is on their Auction Board once a month or more for April-Dec. 19 or so 7 night stays and you might get it for 65-70% of the fill cost. The secret is to bid ONLY in the last 1/2 hour of the Auction.

I'll agree. Pine Cay-Meridian Club is pricey, but worth saving up for. Late Spring when prices dip slightly can be especially beautiful. You can walk the beach for miles and clear blue water truly beckons you to enter...

We were in Provo last year, and loved some of the things about it, but had a bad experience with some crime. Was wondering if maybe we should try something like Pine Cay. Also, how far would it be to go from Pine Cay to Provo?
Thanks for any information.

Short trip (under 30 minutes) by boat. It is a dream. "Alles Gut!"

palmtree2384----what kind of crime? We've been going to Grace Bay and always felt completely safe walking to dinner at night etc.

Pine Cay has zero crime based upon our 2 visits several years appart. we stopped going there because the food was not consistently very good, at the the rate/day, because they were not able to hold on to Head chef's as they lost their Managers 5-6 years ago and we saw a change in the ambience. Also, the best snorkeling is off Provo and that is a big interest of ours. The units as I said earlier are not very impressive but it is really a relaxing place if the homeowners are not all in residence (usually (Jan.-March) and the beach is awesome.

TPAYT...I wrote about our experience in my trip report on May 19,09 if you are interested in some of what we experienced. Thanks for the information.