Turks and Caicos Islands is the fastest-growing destination in the Caribbean. Numbers cited in the CTO’s Caribbean State of the Industry Report 2016 show an impressive fifth consecutive year of growth in stopover arrivals — more than 450,000 — with another nearly 850,000 visiting via cruise. Americans are overwhelmingly the most prominent of overnight visitors. Stopovers from the U.S. rose 16 percent in 2016 vs. 2015 for a total of just under 366,000.
The report also indicates that “the outlook for the destination remains strong,” citing new hotels such as The Shore Club as cause for optimism. Following is a look at the island group’s newest resort as well as a sampling of significant new developments at other hotels there.
The Shore Club Debuts On Providenciales
Turks and Caicos’ newest luxury resort, The Shore Club, is a $100 million property with 106 ocean-view suites and six luxury villas spanning along 820 feet of beachfront on the island of Providenciales’ Long Bay. Opened less than five months ago, The Shore Club comprises two luxury low-rise buildings with junior suites, one-, two- and three-bedroom furnished suites and two penthouses spread over nine beachfront acres.
Geared to an active and wellness-inspired client, the resort also has the Dunes Spa, three pools, three dining venues (including a Peruvian-Japanese fine dining restaurant) and banquet space for groups and events.
Just a 15-minute drive from Providenciales International Airport, The Shore Club is currently the first and only development on Long Bay Beach. It is spearheaded by The Hartling Group, which also developed The Sands and The Palms, both on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales. Travel agents should reach out to Natasha Prosper (natacha.prosper@theshoreclubtc.com), front office manager, with any queries.
Beaches Adding ‘Sesame Street’ Character With Autism
On the heels of the landmark TV debut of four-year-old Julia, a new “Sesame Street” character with autism, Beaches Resorts recently announced that the character will arrive at its resorts in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos this fall. Julia’s debut also continues Beaches Resorts’ partnership with Sesame Workshop, and expands the resort company’s exclusive Beaches Resorts Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street program, now in its 13th year.
The Palms Turks and Caicos consists of 72 oceanfront suites on Grace Bay Beach. The hotel has recently unveiled some additions to its spa menu.
Julia will bring forth a new activity, Amazing Art with Julia. The character, who loves to paint, will highlight how people can express themselves through art. Using a range of materials, children will have the opportunity to explore, experiment and create. Afterward, children can talk about how they created their piece (colors, lines, shapes, etc.) and how their artwork is a celebration of who they are and their unique self.
Julia joins several other come-to-life Sesame Street characters that host interactive, educational activities, lead a weekly street parade and perform stage shows at Beaches. As part of Beaches Resorts’ brand-wide efforts to increase awareness of autism, staff underwent initial training with resources from Sesame Workshop’s “Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children.”
The Spa at The Palms Offers New Treatments
The Palms Turks and Caicos, a longtime Turks and Caicos luxury hotel, recently unveiled some additions to its wellness menu. Among the newest treatments now available at the 25,000-square-foot Spa at the Palms is the “Moonlight Serenade,” which takes place during sunset and involves deep meditation. Also new is the “Beyond Beauty” treatment, which was exclusively created by Natura Bisse and HydraFacial for The Spa at The Palms. This facial includes an advanced resurfacing treatment designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as plump and firm the skin.
The new “Marine Anti-aging Facial” uses organic ingredients combined with antioxidant algae complexes and a restorative blend of aromatherapy oils. It’s this mix of seaweed and botanical ingredients that promises to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. To book spa treatments, travel agents should get in touch with Jenny Capili (info@thepalmstc.com), special projects assistant.
The Palms consists of 72 oceanfront suites on Grace Bay Beach, as well as high-end retail shops, an infinity pool and swim-up bar, the spa and Parallel 23 restaurant (one of Travel Agent’s favorite Caribbean eateries).
Seven Stars Targets Multigenerational Clients
Surrounded by Grace Bay Beach, Seven Stars Resort & Spa is well suited for multigenerational families with adventurous children. This all-suite resort has an array of suites for families of all sizes and numerous activities for everyone.
The resort provides kid-friendly services such as the complimentary Shooting Stars Kids Camp and private babysitting services, as well as a variety of full- and half-day excursions.
The Seven Stars Resort & Spa has an array of amenities for the multigenerational family.
Offering customized programs for infants to pre-teens, Shooting Stars includes supervision by trained caretakers, sailing lessons, scavenger hunts, kayaking, snorkeling, marine life walks, sandcastle building, volleyball and soccer.
While the kids are away, the parents can visit the Seven Stars Resort & Spa, get an in-suite or beachside couple’s massage, partake of poolside amenities and adult refreshments, or have a private “Toes in the Sand” dinner for two on Grace Bay Beach.
More to Come
Looking ahead, the Beach Enclave North Shore, which began offering short-term rentals in November, is expected to be joined by Beach Enclave Long Bay in late 2017. Blue Cay Estate, a new luxury waterfront villa collection to be operated by Grace Bay Resorts is scheduled to complete its first phase by end of summer. The new Sail Rock Resort on South Caicos plans to open the Na Spa and a new bar and grill in 2018. The property currently has the Great Restaurant and Bar and some spa treatment rooms.