TURQUOISE PARADISE

A luxurious escape on the pristine shores in Turks & Caicos

Stepping  off  the  plane  at  Providenciales International Airport, I felt the warm Caribbean breeze instantly melt away the tension in my shoulders. After a seamless 15-minute drive from the airport, I arrived at The Somerset on Grace Bay—a boutique luxury resort that would become my sanctuary for the next blissful week.

As we pulled into the elegant entrance, I caught my first glimpse of what many travel magazines have long celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Grace Bay’s 12-mile stretch of powdery white sand and impossibly clear turquoise water seemed almost too perfect to be real. The Somerset, positioned on an idyllic section of this renowned beach, boasts just 53 luxury accommodations—creating an intimate atmosphere that larger resorts simply cannot match.

My Villa revealed itself to be the perfect vantage point to appreciate this slice of paradise. At 2,100 square feet with three private balconies overlooking both the resort’s stunning pools and the breathtaking beach beyond, I knew immediately I’d found something special. The  villa  combined traditional and modern design elements with a soothing  color  palette accented  by  pops  of sea-green that perfectly echoed  the  waters outside.

Inside,  the  two- bedroom,  two-and-a- half bath villa offered generous living space that opened to the main balcony—an extension of the indoor living area where I found myself spending most mornings with coffee in hand, mesmerized by the panoramic views. The main bedroom featured a sumptuous king-sized bed, ample sitting area, and an en-suite bathroom that rivaled luxury spas with its marble tiles, mahogany cabinets, rain shower, and deep soaking tub.

The fully equipped gourmet kitchen boasted Viking appliances, granite countertops, and every imaginable cooking tool—though I’ll admit I used it primarily for morning coffee and evening cocktails rather than extensive meal preparation. The resort offers a pre-arrival grocery stocking service, a thoughtful touch that allows your vacation to begin the moment you arrive.

My daily rhythm quickly fell into a pattern that I can only describe as blissful simplicity. Mornings began with yoga on the beach, the gentle sound of waves providing the perfect soundtrack to start the day centered and present. Afternoons alternated between lounging by the infinity pool— which features custom recycled glass tiles from Spain that absorb sunlight and glow magnificently at night—and taking refreshing dips in Grace Bay’s calm, shallow waters that stretch their blue and green patterns remarkably far from shore.

The Somerset offers complimentary water sports equipment,  and I couldn’t resist trying the clear kayaks that allowed me to peer directly into the underwater world below.  I paddled along the shoreline one afternoon, scanning  for a glimpse of Jojo, the famous local dolphin that frequents these waters. Though he remained elusive during my visit, the staff assured me he makes regular appearances for lucky guests.

For those seeking more adventurous pursuits, the resort’s concierge can arrange half-day snorkeling excursions through Caicos Island Charters. My excursion took me first to vibrant reef locations teeming with colorful fish, stingrays, and even a few barracuda. Afterward, our captain navigated to Little Water Cay, affectionately known as Iguana Island. Here, I encountered the island’s famous rock iguanas and enjoyed swimming on both the calm and wavier sides of this uninhabited paradise. The return journey, complete with rum punch and island music, deposited us directly back onto The Somerset’s beach—a seamless experience from start to finish.

One of my most indulgent experiences was booking an in-villa Thai massage through the resort’s Teona Spa. Set up on my private balcony, the 50-minute treatment rivaled any I’ve experienced in Thailand itself. The skilled technique and perfect pressure, combined with the soundtrack of crashing waves, created a state of relaxation I rarely achieve during massages. For those who prefer a more traditional setting, the spa offers two treatment rooms, though I can’t imagine forgoing the outdoor experience.

Dining at The Somerset offers several delightful options. My favorite dinner experience was at Barbetta House, which serves an exciting fusion of Southern Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors. The paella was exceptional—loaded with fresh seafood and infused with local spices. For a more casual affair, the weekly beach barbecue shouldn’t be missed. Complete with a DJ, dancing, bonfire, and rum bar, it offers a perfect taste of island life.

The most memorable meal, however, was a private dinner arranged on the beach. As the sun set in a spectacular display of orange and pink, I dined barefoot with my toes in the sand. The tender braised oxtail with island peas and rice was divine, but the grilled mahi-mahi with steamed rice and lemongrass coconut sauce was truly transcendent—the kind of dish that becomes a benchmark against which all future fish entrees will be measured.

For families, The Somerset offers the complimentary Caicos Kids Club for children ages 3-12, with two two-hour sessions Monday through Saturday. Activities include beach games, arts and crafts, shell collecting, sandcastle competitions, and treasure hunts. Evening sessions with movie nights give parents an opportunity for romantic dinners alone—a thoughtful balance that makes the resort suitable for both couples and families.

Beyond the expected amenities, The Somerset boasts the only regulation croquet lawn on Turks and Caicos, surrounded by tall coconut trees—adding a touch of refined sporting tradition to the tropical setting. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the large, well-equipped gym and steam room, while those seeking unique wellness experiences can try SUP yoga, taking their practice offshore for a challenging twist to traditional poses.

For  guests  who  wish  to  explore  beyond  the  resort, complimentary bikes provide an excellent way to venture into the surrounding area. The concierge can also arrange visits to nearby Half Moon Bay, one of the island’s most picturesque and less crowded beaches, offering views that rival even Grace Bay’s storied beauty.

On my final evening, I returned to my favorite balcony to watch one last sunset paint the sky in brilliant hues. Looking out over the infinity pool toward the endless shades of blue stretching to the horizon, I understood why The Somerset’s repeat guest rate is so high. This isn’t just accommodation; it’s a carefully crafted experience that balances luxury with authenticity, activity with relaxation.

As reluctant as I was to leave this turquoise paradise, I departed with the certainty that I would return. Some places imprint themselves on your memory not just for their beauty, but for how they make you feel—and The Somerset on Grace Bay had made me feel completely at home in paradise.

For more information, visit thesomerset.com.