If you have been dreaming lately of traveling to a tropical resort, than you are guaranteed to have found the paradise of your fantasies at The Somerset on Grace Bay in the British Crown Colony of the Turks and Caicos. Discerning vacationers will be pleased upon arrival to have discovered the perfect balance of a European look of refined sophistication combined with a laid-back feel of Caribbean living. This all-suite hotels motto is no request is too large, thus be prepared to never want to leave this gorgeous Eden.
The Somerset on Grace Bay is on Providenciales, which is located at the western end of the Turks and Caicos archipelago and is the most populated island in the country. Charlotte conveniently has direct flights to Providenciales daily and the property is a simple 15-minute drive away from the airport (PLS). This immaculate beachfront resort occupies 4.6 acres that lay directly on one of the best beaches in the world: Grace Bay Beach. It is an internationally acclaimed 12 mile stretch of white, powdery sand and clear, calm turquoise seas that definitely lives up to its reputation.
You will find everything that you would expect from a five-star hotel and more at the Somerset on Grace Bay. Each of the 53 one to three bedroom villas are elegantly decorated and are ideal for both couples and families alike. As if being situated on Grace Bay Beach is not enough, the details found throughout the villas take luxury to another level.
The master bedrooms feature King sized beds that sit atop imported marble tiles with ample sized sitting areas and closets, as well as flat screen TVs, iPad docking stations, and free WiFi. The opulent master bathrooms are enveloped in even more marble tiles and mahogany-carved cabinets. Guests can choose to soak in either whirlpool tubs or bask in rainforest showers. Molton Brown of London toiletries, waffle bathrobes, and second powder bathrooms are also offered. In addition, there are gourmet kitchens, washers and dryers, living rooms, and dining areas if you want to take your vacation one step further.
Apart from the villas, the resort boasts fine dining at OSoleil, along with two other casual restaurants. OSoleil is one of Providenciales best gourmet restaurants and diners can eat al fresco on the patio while being soothed by the gentle sound of sea breezes and rustling palm trees. If you want to make your stay even more special, you may book a private dinner on the beach at sunset where you will dine with your toes in the sand surrounded by the warm glow of tiki torches, as the dedicated wait staff delivers each delectable course. There are also two pools to choose from. One is a reverse-current lap pool that at 138 feet is the longest in the country and is outfitted with an underwater sound system and a shallow childrens area. The second is closer to the ocean and is a zero-edge infinity pool. A collection of comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to enjoy with glorious views. The Somersets pools are made from imported Spanish glass tiles that absorb sunlight during the day and emit a soft glow underneath the moonlight. It is the only property in the entire Caribbean with these unique tiles that are truly a sight to behold. There is a fitness center with steam room, in-suite spa services, complimentary Caicos Kids Club, activities on land and sea, and first class concierge services as well. The dedicated staff provides constant attentive, but discreet and personalized service.
While most of the time you will find yourself on the beach or in one of the pools, undoubtedly you will be drawn to experience more of what this island nation has to offer. No trip is complete without a stop for lunch at Bugaloos Conch Crawl. Built in Five Little Cays, this restaurant is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to eat due to its amazing location and delicious fresh seafood. Bugaloo Williams, the owner of the restaurant, is the originator of fresh from the sea conch salad, which then resulted in a conch frenzy. Along with being a master of conchology, Bugaloos is great at bringing people together, especially on Conch Crawl Sundays with live music.
There is no denying that the main attractions in the Turks and Caicos are the beaches that are perfect for swimming and playing in. Long Bay Beach offers both and is large stretch of coastline on the south shore that surprisingly draws few visitors since it is off the beaten path. The water is warm and the waves are calm — making it a kite surfing haven. Most of the other beaches that you might encounter will provide amenities like public restrooms and showers, but they will also be more crowded because they are saturated with hotels and restaurants.
An excellent way to see more of the Turks and Caicos is to go on a snorkeling tour, especially one that goes to Iguana Island off of Little Water Cay. This is the only place where you can see the endangered rock iguana in its natural habitat. As soon as you arrive, the colorful creatures will race over to be the first to greet you and you will be mesmerized by their docility. Most likely you will then continue on to anchor at Fort George Cay, otherwise known as the worlds most beautiful beach. There you will have the opportunity to snorkel in pristine, turquoise waters and see first-hand one of the Caribbeans most incredible assortments of tropical fish, although your real mission will be to find conch shells, which will later be used as the main ingredient in your lunch.
This winter if you are looking for convenience in flight planning, a world class hotel, divine beaches, a plethora of activities, and vibrant culture, look no further than The Somerset on Grace Bay on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos where you will rest and relax in serenity, hospitality and the beauty of your surroundings.
For more information on the Somerset visit thesomerset.com.