Black Book Luxe Travels: Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Nov 26, 2020

On the island where holiday is a mindset, happiness is a place and paradise is right on your doorstep, an unspoiled 230 miles of dreamy coastline await you. Providenciales, or Provo as the locals like to call it, is one of the 40 coral islands that make up the Turks & Caicos archipelago. Its beaches typify exactly what comes to mind when you think of a tropical haven; one that’s bare of alteration and left just how Mother Nature intended. So it’s no wonder that it’s the proud home of the recipient of the World’s Best Beach Award in several travel publications, Grace Bay Beach. Aside from the powder-like sands and the impossibly-azure waters, the island guarantees exclusive opulence, tropical savanna-like temperatures and breathtaking backdrops.

Where to stay?
Escape to a luxury Caribbean hideaway at Amanyara. Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “peace” and the Arawak word meaning “place”, Amanyara is quite literally a peace-inducing haven located in the north west corner of the island, far from the development of Grace Bay. Atop a dramatic headland, at the edge of a national marine park, and looking out onto 1km of pristine private white beach, the 38 pavilions occupy a coveted, secluded spot among mother nature. Its elegant, modern design blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, with villa bedrooms encased by glass walls that open out onto reflecting ponds and tropical gardens so you can fall asleep to the sound of nature.

Meanwhile, its symmetrical architecture which focuses attention on the silvery-topped poolside bar at the heart of the resort is attractive and eye-catching. It’s the embodiment of intimacy and adventure, since Amanyara also offers a multiplicity of additional services including scuba-diving, horse-back beach trails, eco-hikes, and its very own Nature Discovery Centre, which gives families the opportunity to adopt a turtle, go kayaking and learn about reef restoration for local experts! And that’s not to mention the superior level of personal service, from your own chef to a masseuse! At Amanyara, nothing seems beyond the realms of possibility.

Where to eat?
If you’re on Providenciales, you can’t miss the 12 miles of sweeping Grace Bay Beach, the most famous of the island’s beaches. The area is densely populated with grand luxury resorts, and hence, a wide variety of cuisines and exquisite restaurants to try. For the finest of dining experiences, Seven at Seven Stars Resort, is modern island cuisine with an Italian influence. And if you’re a bit of a wine connoisseur, their Tasting Room is a must-do. Tuck into beautiful and surprising dishes surrounded by walls lined with premium wines. Or for a truly unique take on traditional French cuisine, fusing a wide range of world cuisines, head to Provence by Eric. Perhaps one of the most sophisticated of the island’s restaurants, it features an open kitchen and bar area and elegant, modern design accents. Finally, for the ultimate, romantic, candle-lit dinner, (and even the dream location for “popping the question”), Grace’s Cottage is a charming, redesigned cottage located among beautiful landscapes.