Turks and Caicos is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean. But with over 40 islands and cays and a ton of great neighbourhoods on Providenciales (the most populated island), you may be wondering where to stay in Turks and Caicos. I’m here to help. Below we’ll take a look at some of the most popular places to stay, as well as the kind of traveller each is best for.
Best Places to Stay in Turks and Caicos
Staying in Grace Bay
Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. Grace Bay is also where you’ll find most of the resorts, restaurants, bars, and nightlife in Turks and Caicos. Grace Bay villas are also often beachfront, giving you a front-row seat to one of nature’s masterpieces.
Pros of Staying in Grace Bay:
- Pristine beaches
- Beachfront villas
- Lots of watersports
- Dining and entertainment
Cons of Staying in Grace Bay:
- More crowds
- Can be more touristy
- You may encounter construction
Grace Bay Beach is Best for:
- Multigenerational groups
- Families with younger children
Grace Bay Villa Pick
9 bedrooms
9+1 bath
$12,800-$24,500/night
Beachfront on a quiet part of Grace Bay Beach, Seaclusion stands out thanks to its stunning ocean views, serene atmosphere, and intricate, modernist design – both inside and out. It’s still close to all the dining and entertainment of Grace Bay, though, so you can enjoy a perfectly balanced vacation with your loved ones in style.
Seaclusion – Grace Bay
Staying in Long Bay
Long Bay is a more residential area located on the southeastern side of Providenciales. Though it gets less attention than Grace Bay, it’s still a great place to stay, especially if you want some additional privacy and seclusion.
Long Bay vs Grace Bay
Grace Bay and Long Bay are the two most popular places to stay in Turks and Caicos. Compared to Grace Bay, Long Bay is more secluded and private. This makes it a great choice for couples looking to enjoy a romantic vacation. It’s also shallower and breezier, which makes it a great choice for watersports like kitesurfing and sailing.
Pros of Staying in Long Bay
- More secluded
- More privacy
- Great watersports
- Availability of luxury villas and condos
Cons of Staying in Long Bay
- More limited dining and entertainment
- Fewer businesses
- Rental car recommended
Long Bay is Best For:
- Families with older children
- Sporty, active guests
Long Bay Villa Pick
11 bedrooms
12+1 bath
$8,000-$29,000
One of the most visually-stunning villas anywhere, Triton is one of Turks and Caicos’ most celebrated villas. The Modernist design extends over 10,000 square feet of prime beachfront real estate. It features two pools, a tennis court, a private butler, and an outdoor movie theatre with a fire pit. The only thing it’s missing is you.
Triton Villa – Long Bay
Staying in Chalk Sound
Located on the southwestern tip of Providenciales, Chalk Sound is home to some of the most unique landscapes in Turks and Caicos. The highlight is Chalk Sound National Park, a turquoise lagoon filled with little cays. It’s a great place to kayak and take photos, and the atmosphere is almost otherworldly.
Pros of Staying in Chalk Sound
- Unmatched natural beauty
- Supreme tranquillity
- Great kayaking
- Photography opportunities
Cons of Staying in Chalk Sound
- Limited service
- Limited villa availability
- Distance to Grace Bay
- Rental car needed
Chalk Sound is Best for:
- Nature lovers of all ages
Chalk Sound Villa Pick
4 bedrooms
5 bathrooms
$3,000-$10,000/night
One of the few beachfront villas in Chalk Sound, Cielo offers an unparalleled level of service and features. This Modernist stunner is ultra-sleek inside and out, with cathedral-style ceilings that frame jaw-dropping views over Chalk Sound. The outdoor living area has been artfully curated to help you create some of life’s best memories. And it all culminates with a true stretch of private, white-sand beach.
Ciello – Chalk Sound
Staying in South Caicos
For an experience that’s truly off the beaten track, consider staying in South Caicos. This small island is located southeast of Providenciales. Life here is about as laid back as it can get. If you stay here, expect a true island lifestyle and unspoiled natural beauty.
Pros of Staying in South Caicos
- Pristine beaches and waters
- True tranquillity
- Authentic island culture
- Amazing diving and snorkelling
Cons of Staying in South Caicos
- Limited amenities
- Ferry required to reach Providenciales
- Limited nightlife and entertainment
South Caicos is Best for:
- Divers
- Adventurers
South Caicos Villa Pick
4 bedrooms
4 bath
$4,664-$6,201/night
Directly overlooking the turquoise water, this South Caicos villa is a true stunner. Just 20m above sea level, everything about this villa is designed to maximize your enjoyment of the stunning landscapes. Go for a dip in your private infinity pool, take an outdoor bath, or walk down the bluff to your private strip of beach. This is paradise.
Four Bedroom Beachfront Villa – South Caicos
Staying in Ambergris Cay
A private island offering the utmost seclusion, Ambergris Cay is where you go if you really value privacy above all. There are only a few Ambergris Cay villas available for rent, and the island’s only accessible via private plane. Once you arrive, though, expect the upmost luxury, including fully staffed villas.
Pros of Staying in Ambergris Cay:
- Super exclusive and private
- Very luxurious accommodation
- Untouched natural beauty
- Ultra romantic
- World-class bonefishing
Cons of Staying in Ambergris Cay
- Difficult to reach
- Limited nightlife and dining
- Limited culture
- Pricier
Ambergris Cay is Best for:
- Privacy lovers
- Couples on honeymoon
Ambergris Cay Villa Pick
6 bedrooms
6 bath
$12,500-$20,700/night
One of the most exclusive villas anywhere in the Caribbean, Dream Pavilion is a sophisticated private island retreat fit for the most discerning of guests. With two swimming pools, a private chef and butler, and private beach access overlooking the Atlantic, this villa has everything you need for an unforgettable private island getaway.
Dream Pavilion – Ambergris Cay
Staying in Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains is a residential area in the middle of Providenciales. It’s relatively central to the airport, Grace Bay, Chalk Sound and other attractions, making it a convenient place to stay. It also has good elevation, which Blue Mountains villas take advantage of with stunning views.
Pros of Staying in Blue Mountain
- Great views
- Tranquillity
- Safety
- Convenient location
- Authentic, local community
Cons of Staying in Blue Mountain
- Limited businesses
- Limited nightlife and dining
- Car rental recommended
Blue Mountain is Best for:
- Families with children of all ages
- Small groups
Blue Mountain Villa Pick:
6 bedrooms
5 + 1 bath
$1,750-$6,000/night
A consistent guest favourite, Casa Barana is a Tuscan-style beachfront villa that’s perfect for groups and families. Kayak to a nearby cove, relax on the beachfront patio, walk through the garden, or snorkel right outside your doorstep. This villa has something for everyone to enjoy.
Casa Barana – Blue Mountains
Staying in Turtle Tail
Nestled on the southern coast of Providenciales, Turtle Tail is a tranquil and secluded corner of Turks and Caicos that offers great views of the Caicos Banks. Turtle Tail villas take advantage of this secluded location while still being close enough to Grace Bay to enjoy its dining and nightlife.
Pros of Staying in Turtle Tail
- Highly scenic
- Great privacy
- Good selection of villas
- Convenient location
Cons of Staying in Turtle Tail
- Limited dining and nightlife
- Fewer beaches
- Car rental recommended
Turtle Tail is Best for:
- Luxury lovers
- Special events
Turtle Tail Villa Pick:
9 bedrooms
18 bath
$8,6000-$25,000
Easily one of the most stylish villas in Turks and Caicos, Paradiso del Mar is a design marvel both inside and out. It’s all laid out over 119 feet of beachfront paradise, with plenty of toys available for those who want to venture out into the crystal waters. And at 30,000 square feet total, renting this villa is like having access to your own boutique hotel. A great choice for a destination wedding or special event.
Paradiso del Mar – Turtle Tail
Staying in Taylor Bay
Lastly, Taylor Bay is located on the southwestern tip of Providenciales. It’s known for its shallow, turquoise water and powdery white sand. If you just want to relax on the beach your whole stay, then Taylor Bay villas are the perfect place to do just that.
Pros of Staying in Taylor Bay
- Shallow, calm water
- Beautiful beaches
- Peaceful vibe
- Lots of water activities
Cons of Staying in Taylor Bay
- Few businesses
- Far from Grace Bay
- Car rental recommended
Taylor Bay is Best For:
- Beach lovers
- Snorkelers
Taylor Bay Villa Pick:
5 bedrooms
4 bath
$1,500-$2,300/night
Perched high on a cliff, Moonshadow offers stunning views, especially over its large poolside deck. It also features a private dock with three kayaks, and the open concept design and location allow for cooling tradewinds to breeze through. A great place to relax and enjoy the sea.
Villa Moonshadow – Taylor Bay
Summary of Where to Stay in Turks and Caicos:
- For nightlife and dining: Grace Bay
- For watersports: Long Bay
- For nature lovers: Chalk Sound
- For divers: South Caicos
- For beach bums: Taylor Bay
- For honeymooners: Ambergris Cay
- For families: Blue Mountain
- For special events: Turtle Tail
Tips for Renting Turks and Caicos Villas
No matter where you choose to stay, there are some general tips you’ll want to keep in mind. They include:
- Rentals are usually from Saturday to Saturday. Try to arrange your airfare to coincide with that.
- Over the holidays, many villas will have 14-night minimums.
- Try to book as early as possible, especially if you have your heart set on one neighbourhood.
- Book your villa before booking airfare.
Let Us Help you Choose Where to Stay in Turks and Caicos
Still not sure where to stay in Turks and Caicos? Let our villa specialists help. Just let them know your approximate travel dates and preferences, and they’ll be happy to present you with the best available options. From there, your concierge can personalize your stay with airport transfers, car rentals, villa pre-stocking, boat charters, and any other special requests you may have. Contact us today to get a personalized recommendation!
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