This Caribbean Resort Is Setting a New Standard for Luxury in Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos Islands Epic Stays

by Ariel Laura Metayer

Familiarity. That’s what it felt like when I reached Turks and Caicos, a British Overseas Territory located a little under 600 miles southeast of Miami. As a Caribbean native, I felt a sense of home wash over me in the rhythm of the archipelago’s waves and the warmth of its people.

Turks and Caicos — which is made up of about 40 islands and cays, mostly uninhabited, between its two eponymous island groups — is no stranger to luxury. Parts of the islands have long been playgrounds for travelers who crave exclusivity and indulgence. But there’s a new resort on the scene that’s redefining what high-end Caribbean travel looks like: the South Bank resort.

Evolving luxury: How hospitality is developing in Turks and Caicos

Photos: South Bank

During my recent visit to South Bank — part of Grace Bay Resorts, which operates a variety of properties in Turks and Caicos — I had the opportunity to connect with locals who are shaping the future of tourism in Turks and Caicos.

Sitting in on an intimate panel discussion with Grace Bay Resort’s owner, South Bank’s leading developer, and a key figure from the Turks and Caicos tourism and hospitality efforts, I gained insight into the islands beyond their powdery white-sand beaches. Turks and Caicos is evolving, and the presence of Caribbean natives — from Haitian and Jamaican entrepreneurs to Dominican artisans — is having a major impact on its luxury hospitality industry, burgeoning tourism, and economic development.

Turks and Caicos islanders — or “Belongers” — are renowned for their hospitality, creating an environment where visitors not only feel welcomed but also embraced by the entire West Indies as represented across Turks and Caicos. This melting pot of cultures is enriching the archipelago’s identity and offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience a Caribbean destination that’s both diverse and harmonious. And with that as its backdrop, South Bank isn’t just competing with the world’s top luxury resorts — it’s setting a new standard.

Read More