What's New on the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Shore Club will bring life to the secluded Long Bay Beach, a property being developed by the popular Hartling Group of Regent Palms and the Sands Resort. With only 38 suites, it will also have three pools and a spa. Guests will have Long Bay Beach mostly to themselves, because there are no other beachfront properties there. Although much of the resort will be completed by Christmas 2015, the resort is set to open in June 2016.
The biggest changes in the near future will be in South Caicos. Vacationers hardly venture there because it has so little tourism infrastructure. Sailrock, however, is changing all that. It has completed several private rentals, to be offered as private, quiet getaways overlooking the deep blues of the Turks Island Passage. The resort has been coined as “barefoot luxury” with miles of nature trails within preserved wildlife habitats—a perfect spot for those interested in getting away from it all without scrimping on the creature comforts. It is simply stunning in an understated way, and you’ll be able to enjoy total privacy or take advantage of the resort facilities in a central location. Sailrock has also developed relationships with companies they know will honor this pristine ecosystem; Big Blue Unlimited offers dive excursions now on South Caicos, along with rental bikes to explore this small island quietly. J&V Tours covers fishing excursions and beach drop-off where you can experience virgin white-sand beaches in total seclusion. (Note that although the brand-new East Bay Resort has been completely finished for several months, no date has been confirmed for the opening of its doors.)
The government has most recently signed a development agreement with Desarrolos Hotel Group, with the groundbreaking of its newest Ritz Carlton slated for as soon as November 2015, just to the west of Seven Stars on Grace Bay.
Those looking for a quieter alternative to Grace Bay will be excited by the prospect of a second luxury hotel and spa nestled amidst the tranquillity of the south side of the island. Viceroy has been granted permission to begin development of a low-density luxury hotel in the Cooper Jack area overlooking the Caicos Banks. With three marinas in the area, the resort is anticipated to have a slightly different vibe.
Murmurings have also included the development of a 41-acre luxury resort on the much quieter Middle Caicos. Aniyana Grand Caicos will be a low-density eco-sensitive boutique hotel, including both beach and lagoon front accommodation set within its very own nature preserve.
