The Vibe
This island outpost of the New York-born Gansevoort hotels brings urban style to Turks & Caicos. With whitewashed guest room buildings and minimalist decor, the property’s elegant but beachy aesthetic takes a cue from Miami’s South Beach. The Gansevoort’s own beach makes an appearance as soon as you enter the breezy lobby, and open-air walkways running throughout the property ensure that the sands are never far from view.
The property’s modest size – there are less than 100 guest rooms – give it an intimate, almost homey vibe (if your home was a private, beachfront apartment, that is). As you might expect, the Gansevoort is most popular with couples, who lounge around the sparkling infinity pool by day; and, by night, head to the restaurant which transforms into one of the island’s only nightclubs.
The Rooms
Gansevoort Turks & Caicos offers a huge variety of different studios, suites and villas to choose from, but even the most basic categories are luxe and roomy, starting at 620 square feet. Room designs let the ocean vistas steal the spotlight, with understated décor, open floor plans and floor-to-ceiling windows all maximizing the views (fortunately, they also come with black out blinds for when you need a little privacy or want to sleep in).
Rooms all have balconies or terraces, kitchenettes, as well as bathrooms with rain showers – some of which are freestanding and encased in frosted glass. Suites take things up a notch with full kitchens equipped with Liebherr, Gaggenau and Bosch appliances that left us with permanent kitchen envy, plus separate living areas and bathrooms with spa tubs. For groups and families ready for a serious splurge, there’s also a set of four- and five- oceanfront villas located on a hillside a short drive from the main resort.
The Features
The Gansevoort’s 7,000 square-foot infinity pool is the focal point of the property and a centre for lounging and socializing. The loungers surrounding the pool are free for guests to use or four “island pods” can be reserved by the day.
The pool’s infinity edge draws the eye down to the white sands of Grace Bay Beach. Like the pool, loungers on the beach are free or guests can step up the luxury factor by renting daybeds for an extra fee. Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear and Hobie Cats are all free to use.
For dining, guests have a choice between Asian-influenced cuisine at stylish Stelle, which overlooks the pool area; or casual beachfront dining at Zest, which specialized in grilled fare and seafood, plus wood-burning-oven-cooked pizzas. Stelle takes on a more club-like ambiance on weekends, with DJs performing. A fabulous breakfast at Stelle is included in the room rate, and the resort also puts on regular themed eating nights like beach BBQs and all-you-can-eat-sushi dinners.
A beautiful spa offers treatments like Japanese mushroom enzyme mask facials and moisturizing body scrubs. There’s also a modern, 24-hour fitness centre where guests can use cardio machines and weights or take barre and yoga classes.
The Location
The Gansevoort is located on Providenciales, the most populous island in the Turks & Caicos archipelago. The resort sits on Grace Bay Beach, a striking white sand beach that regularly ranks among the world’s best.
Although it’s the most popular beach on the island, the resort’s location toward the far west end of the bay is among the lesser-trafficked stretches of sand. One of the largest barrier reefs on the planet is found just off the coast, making for excellent diving and snorkeling.
The closest concentration of shops and restaurants is around a 10-minute drive away at Salt Mills Plaza and Regent Village and it’s about a 20-minute drive to the airport. The secluded location is a perfect match for the resort’s exclusive vibe.
Room rates start from $600 per night.
TC, Lower Bight Rd, British West, Turks & Caicos Islands, gansevoortturks.com
