It’s understandable why someone from New York or Minnesota might want to escape to the Caribbean during the winter months. But coaxing residents of South Florida, a state synonymous with warm weather and beautiful beaches, to head to the islands can be a tough sell. That is, unless the destination is a world-renowned beach that has repeatedly earned top honors — claiming spots on TripAdvisor’s list of the World’s Best Beaches, World Travel Awards’ “World’s Leading Beach Destination” and the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards’ “World’s Best Beach.” In that case, it’s an easy decision.
Infiniti Bar
Photos Courtesy Of Grace Bay Club
The prized destination is Grace Bay Beach on Turks and Caicos Islands. A quick flight from Miami to Providenciales (under two hours) will transport South Floridians from what they thought was a pretty great beach scene to an island paradise that sets a new standard.
Grace Bay Beach, named after Grace Jane Hutchings, the wife of Hugh Houston Hutchings, commissioner of Turks and Caicos from 1933 to 1934, is the crown jewel of Turks and Caicos Islands — an archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands southeast of the Bahamas.
The shore of Grace Bay Beach is unparalleled: turquoise waters so vibrant and sand so white they look as though they’ve been touched up with an Instagram filter. A memorable way to experience it is with a stay at Grace Bay Club, the first luxury all-suite resort in Turks and Caicos (and one of several properties in the Grace Bay Resorts collection). While the original building opened in 1993, the property has undergone extensive updates and expansions, continuing to draw repeat visitors while luring newcomers.
There’s no such thing as a bad view at Grace Bay Club. Each of the resort’s 136 suites faces the ocean and features a private veranda or patio overlooking lush gardens, several pools and the pristine waters of the Atlantic. With three options for accommodations, Grace Bay Club caters to a variety of travelers. The Estate comprises four- and five-bedroom suites with full kitchens and it has its own pool and cabanas, offered exclusively to guests at the resort. The Hotel is geared for those seeking a more intimate experience. Boasting adults-only suites ranging from one to two bedrooms, a kitchenette and a small terrace, the pool and hot tub are just steps away. The Villas, which is where I stayed, underwent a refresh in 2024 resulting in a gorgeous coastal modern design with neutral tones accented by vibrant pops of color. Accommodations range from one to three bedrooms and come with a kitchen that could easily grace the cover of Architectural Digest.
Bathrooms are generously sized and feature a shower and stand-alone tub (complete with a pillow for soaking) and the expansive living/dining room and balcony make relaxing indoors as delightful as lounging outdoors.
Infiniti Restaurant
A personal concierge is assigned to each guest to ensure every need is met. Courteous and efficient, they’re just a text away. Guests can also take advantage of included amenities such as free Wi-Fi, non-motorized water sports, the fitness center and the yoga pavilion.
Head to the family-friendly pool for some fun — it has a swim-up bar serving iconic holiday drinks like piña colada and 40 varieties of Caribbean rum.
Beer lovers will enjoy sampling local brews with colorful names like I-Ain-Ga-Lie, Down-Da-Road and I-Soon-Reach. Seeking serenity? The adults-only infinity pool overlooking the ocean is the perfect retreat. Or send your spouse off with the kids and visit Anani Spa for indulgent “me” time. With six treatment rooms and services that include facials, massages and body therapies, it’s a haven of relaxation.
When it comes to dining, head to The Grill, the breezy bistro that serves all three meals and features tea time in the afternoons. Breakfast features an assortment of buffet specialties, including fresh watermelon juice, banana bread and made-to-order omelets. For a more elevated experience, Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar offers a tapas-style menu in a romantic alfresco space. Its signature feature, the Infiniti Bar, stretches an impressive 90 feet — the longest bar in the Caribbean and the first infinity-edge bar in the world, seamlessly blending into the sea. Enjoy a cocktail and sample conch fritters, sashimi or mushroom tartare while watching the sunset. For cigar enthusiasts, the bar also offers a curated selection of favorites, including Cohiba Tubos, Cohiba Behike and Montecristo Eagle. Those craving Mexican cuisine can head to Just Tacos, a beachfront eatery serving authentic street-food-style tacos. Krave, a casual restaurant featuring comfort food, is adjacent to The Estate Pool. With tables set on the sand, it serves the ultimate vacation meal: tropical cocktails and Caribbean-infused tapas alongside glorious beachside sunsets.
Throughout my stay, I encountered several happy couples posing for pre-wedding photos in various picturesque spots on the property. With onsite professional planners to assist, Grace Bay Club is a natural choice for those dreaming of a paradisical wedding. After all, Turks and Caicos, with its year-round warm weather, gentle ocean breeze and magnificent scenery, is the ultimate setting for making unforgettable memories. And Grace Bay Club, with its outstanding service and exceptional accommodations, delivers an experience that exceeds even the highest expectations.
Grace Bay Club is located at 1 Grace Bay Circle Drive, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. For more information, visit gracebayclub.gracebayresorts.com.
