For a small island Turks and Caicos has an abundance of luxury hotels…but where to stay? I just got back from a week there and although I had heard that each of the properties was unique and there was a perfect place for each client — I didn’t really believe it. I thought one hotel would be the obvious favorite and the others would be acceptable substitutes when the best was unavailable. But it is actually true! I visited all 5 Virtuoso hotels and I would be confident sending clients to any of them (and wouldn’t mind spending a week at each myself!).

The first stop was Gansevoort. We all know the NYC locations – known for modern design and nightlife. So I figured this would be a party hotel. But it is SO much more! The rooms are spacious, sleek and bright, and like most of the hotels in Turks – all rooms are actually condos that are owned and rented out. So each room category comes with a kitchen or kitchenette – making the layout really great for families. The island itself is pretty quiet, and while Gansevoort is known for its Friday night parties, it is definitely not too loud for people with kids – and for young, single travelers, this is the place to be.

Best room: There is an incredible 3 bedroom penthouse that can be closed off to be 2 bedrooms, with amazing views, TONS of space, private jacuzzi and enormous terrace.

Next visit was to Parrot Cay. This is remote – on a private island which is a 30 minute boat ride from Provo. It is the epitome of barefoot luxury…think of Robinson Caruso…but with butlers 🙂 This hotel is all about the beach. If you want to wake up and be steps from the sand and never leave the resort, this is the place for you. The hotel is part of the COMO group – so there is a huge emphasis on health and wellness…they offer daily yoga and mediation classes and the 2 restaurants serve delicious food that is healthy and light – you can even have your green juice freshly squeezed at breakfast. This property is a mix of private residences, villas, beach houses and rooms. It’s perfect for both romantic getaways or honeymoons, where you don’t want to see anyone but each other…but the larger accommodations are ideal for families or groups of friends who just want to veg.

Best room: Any villa or beach house!

Off to Amanyara…this hotel is also more remote – a 25 minute drive from town and again, it is for people who don’t want to leave the hotel (not that you would need to!). Turks and Caicos has the third largest coral reef in the world and you can reach it in just minutes from the hotel’s shore. This is basically as far as you ever need to venture from the property. The setting is spectacular – along a rugged coastline with the turquoise water always visible in the background. And each villa is spacious and perfectly appointed in the classic Asian style that is the signature of Aman.

Best room: Anything except the lagoon pavilion – it’s the only category without a private pool and if you are spending this much, you NEED your own pool!

Back to Provo and into Regent Palms. This property is known for its spa and now I know why. It is mostly outdoors with a huge reflecting pool. Each treatment room is a separate pavilion surrounding the pool, relaxation area and yoga room and there is a private dining spot perfect for a girls lunch. You could easily lose an entire day here! The rooms have a more traditional decor making this the ideal place for families or older guests.

Best room: The junior suites are the only category that aren’t ocean facing – being this close to the incredible water and not being able to see it would make me crazy…go for the suite!

Finally we make it to Grace Bay Club. This hotel has the largest stretch of beach so you will never be looking for a chair – a big plus! There is something for everyone – the Estates are gorgeous contemporary apartment type accommodation, the Hotel is adults only and the Villas are best for kids. Grace Bay has really embraced the destination – they have the only outdoor fine dining restaurant right in the sand and the food in all the restaurants is based in Caribbean flavors. They also have live music 4 nights a week and the largest bar on the island.

Best room: All rooms are ocean facing so you can’t go wrong, but the Estates are the nicest!