For those seeking an island escape that combines sleek modern charm with pristine vistas of one of the world’s most photographed beaches, look no further than Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Wymara Resort and Villas in Turks and Caicos.
Perfectly poised on Grace Bay Beach, this stylish gem blends city style and island hospitality across 91 guest rooms in three low-slung buildings, ensuring that white sand and clear blue waters are never more than a few steps away. Plus, striking multi-bedroom villas with direct ocean access accommodate larger groups or those seeking privacy.
Before you check in, here are five things you should know when planning a trip to this beach retreat.
The Location
Grace Bay in Providenciales is by far one of the Caribbean’s best beaches. It boasts miles of soft white sand and aquamarine and generally calm waters, ideal for snorkeling, swimming and spotting the island’s friendly local dolphin, JoJo.
Guests of Wymara enjoy complimentary non-motorized watersports, like Hobie Cats, paddleboards and kayaks. If you want to get out on the water, one of our favorite charters is a day trip to Little Water Cay, where captains prepare rum punch and fresh conch (a local favorite) for a midday meal as you stroll a deserted local island inhabited only by local iguanas.
The Rooms
Rooms at Wymara have modern inspiration that lets the beauty of the outdoors in. Decorated in neutral tones, with white tile floors and soft blue and natural wood accents, these oversized rooms and suites make you feel a little bit Miami, a little bit Caribbean.
Accommodations start at entry-level oversized studio suites, starting from 550 square feet, and extend up to multi-bedroom suites with panoramic beach views and full kitchens with Gaggenau, Liebherr and Bosch appliances, along with perks like electronic blackout shades — a must for those who enjoy their beauty sleep while at the beach.
Our favorite accommodations are designed for larger parties. New villas, with up to five bedrooms, are just a 10-minute drive from the resort and are ideal for multi-generational escapes or groups of friends. They come with private pools, fire pits and overwater hammocks. One even has its own dock-to-ocean slide. Special amenities, like pickleball courts, a full-service gym and daily in-villa chef services are unique to villa guests.
Food & Drink
Wymara’s beachfront Pink Bar is a see-and-be-seen spot for rosé, live music and a DJ on Sunday afternoons. Or choose to sip cocktails from a lounge-style daybed lining the alluring pool, which sits in the center of the resort.
The Turks and Caicos hotel has two dining choices, Indigo, serving local seafood (don’t miss the mahi mahi or lobster) and the more laid-back, sand-side Zest, turning out light bites and snacks for lunch and dinner daily.
Time your visit to one of Wymara’s weekly beach barbecues. Wednesday nights host a popular fish fry with a bonfire and music. Then on Saturdays, dig into a Texas-style barbecue featuring a 24-hour smoked brisket.
Spa & Wellness
Wymara’s spa may be small, but it doesn’t skimp on services, which range from massages and facials (using organic Eminence products) to body treatments and mani-pedis. Three well-appointed treatment rooms make it easy to unwind after a long day in the sun. Indulge in one of the private garden showers to extend the relaxation.
If you prefer something more active, the 24-hour fitness center offers ample programming, including yoga and body and core conditioning classes daily. And of course, you can always swim some laps in the pool.
Getting Here
While it’s easy to get to Turks and Caicos (the island is just a three-hour flight from most East Coast cities), the logistics of doing so in a post-pandemic world are a bit more complex than some islands.
You must use the TCI Assured portal to complete an email registration. It requires an upload of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no fewer than three days prior to arrival, insurance information and proof of vaccination (the trip must be at least 14 days after you received the second dose of any World Health Organization-approved vaccine course or after a single-dose course; the booster is not yet required) for all guests over 16 years old.
The airport has also been extremely busy, so we highly suggest using a reputable service like Fast Track TCI to expedite the customs process. The good news? Once you set foot on the island, it’s just a 15-minute easy drive to Wymara, and island time can commence.
