Turks & Caicos resorts

[wanderlustfoodie]

Planning a short trip to Turks & Caicos and because we'd like a private pool we're limited to a handful of resorts.  Anyone ever stayed at Parrot Cay or Amanyara who can weigh in? Some friends are staying at Amanyara next month but I don't want to wait that long to book. 

And even if you don't have anything to share about those resorts, would appreciate any additional insight/recommendations.  

Thanks!

[mdgirl]

I would say a snorkeling trip with Caicos Dreams Tours and lunch at Da Conch Shack are musts, but if you're staying on Parrot Cay I don't know if those would be a pain logistically. Or if you'd want to leave your beautiful hotel!

[wanderlustfoodie]

Thanks. We're definitely going to want to leave the premises at least one day so I think in order to avoid the logistical issues of making our way to Grace Bay to join a snorkel trip leaving from there we will just end up chartering a boat so that they will pick us up from either resort and we can have it to ourselves to go wherever we want.

Do you remember where your snorkel trip took you to snorkel? I've read good things about West Caicos and French Cay and was wondering if you had a good or bad experience wherever you snorkeled.

[mdgirl]

I believe we went to Half Moon Cay for lunch. I'm not sure what the other stops were.

[kellsbelles]

Just got back from there a few weeks ago but we stayed at the Gansevoort.

We spent most of our time just lounging on the beach but had some amazing food:

Somewhere on the beach-fabulous Mexican food with a great view, reasonably priced

Coco Bistro-an island favorite hard to get reservations but amazing seafood

Mango Reef-pricy but right on the beach great seafood again

Hope you have fun! It's by far the most gorgeous Caribbean island I've been too.

Just be prepared for torture at the airport coming home. It's too small, cramped and crowded to accommodate all the guests and we were miserable waiting there. That's the only reason I wouldn't consider going back it's that bad. But worth it for the beach!

[aak0517]

We are going to Parrot Cay for our honeymoon in a few months and have heard nothing but incredible reviews on trip advisor.

[daringmiss]

We have stayed at both Amanyara and Parrot Cay within the past year.  We loved both of them but for different reasons.  

First thing: Turks and Caicos is gorgeous.  Best beaches I have ever seen.  The water is the most amazing set of blues...ones they don't even have Crayolas for!  You will enjoy your visit no matter which resort you pick.

We stay at Amanyara every year in August.  T&C is an easy flight from JFK, so it is a simple place to get away for us.  August is the off-season, so it is hot, but each pavilion is air conditioned.  There isn't a crowd at that time of year and that is what we like.

The rooms are free-standing pavilions so you have no neighbors.  You have a ton of privacy.  That is what we want in a vacation spot.  You can't see any other pavilions from yours.  

Each of the pavilions is identical in layout - it is just the surroundings that are different.  We chose the Ocean view pavilion and the view is breathtaking.  They also have pond pavilions, and we stayed in one for one night and we weren't impressed.  They have pool pavilions so you would have your own pool, but no ocean view.  The choice is up to your preference.

In addition to your very private room, there are gorgeous common areas.  There isn't a bar scene at Amanyara.  There is a beautiful bar area, but it is quiet and very low key.  There is a stunning infinity pool with three salas (lounging beds) off the bar area where you can hang all day if you want and they will bring you drinks and water and fresh towels.   There is also a great beach complete with chairs and equipment (snorkeling, stand up paddle boards and hobies) free for your use.  There are no other resorts on that part of the island, so the beach is all yours.  

There are two restaurants, the main restaurant and the Beach Club.  The food in both is excellent - it has actually improved since our first trip.  You can eat inside or outside on the patio.  The food is a unique combo of caribbean and asian cuisine and is well prepared.  Here is where the staff really shines.  They remember you quickly so by your second meal, they know your beverage preferences and they will ask if you want the same table you had before.  You never sign a bill - they just know what your room is.  While you are at your meals, the housekeeping staff cleans your room.  It is just seamless.

The Spa is beautifully done, set in a peaceful environment and the services are top notch.  

There are a bunch of activities that are offered free -- yoga, snorkeling, gym, tennis, nature hikes.  There are also other activities that are offered for a fee, plus they will drive you elsewhere on the island if you want.

They pick you up at the airport and takes you in a private Land Rover to the resort.  You are greeted personally by the manager and checked in calmly and quickly.  Aman resorts is known all over the world for their service and personal touch and that reputation is well-deserved.

If you are looking for a quiet, luxurious vacation, this is your spot.

[daringmiss]

Now, on to Parrot Cay.

We stayed there last March with our two kids. Amanyara didn't feel really right for kids. There are activities for kids, but the vibe is definitely more adult.

Parrot Cay also has private transportation to the resort. You are picked up from the airport and taken to a private dock to make the 30 minute boat ride to the resort. The lounge at the dock is a lovely beginning to your stay.

The island where the resort is located is stunning. We stayed in a two bedroom beach front villa, so I can't give any info on the hotel rooms. The beach front villa is gorgeous! You are a couple of hundred feet from the water and it is so amazing to just wander out of the back door and onto the beach. And the beach is INCREDIBLE. The beach at Parrot Cay is better than Amanyara -- softer sand, more wave action and a long stretch of shallow water where you can walk out. Sunsets on the beach are amazing.

The villa came with a butler. That was a great service especially with a family situation. The butler was pleasant, so helpful and took care of all of the arrangements -- awesome! Gave me a real vacation from having to deal with the details! The villa's bedrooms are wonderful. The bathrooms are huge and include a tub, inside shower and outdoor private shower. There is a screened in porch off the bedroom so you can open the doors from the bedroom and listen to the ocean or the rain. So romantic!

There are three restaurants on the resort. There was an excellent selection of food options - especially necessary with kids. There are high end food options on the menu. There are activities during the day - necessary because the resort is a 30 minute boat ride from the main island. We loved the Sand Dollar Island excursion, not just for the shells but for the staff who stopped along the way and found us a huge starfish for the kids to touch.

The spa is wonderful! Like Amanyara, the setting is beautiful and the staff is well trained.

Parrot Cay is larger than Amanyara and when were were there during Spring Break, there were a bunch of families. It made things very lively. At our villa, we could not see or hear anyone else and there was plenty of beach for everyone.

You can't go wrong with either choice. It all comes down to what you are looking for in a trip. Good luck!

[daringmiss]

Oh...wanted to mention something. If you are looking for something extra romantic at Amanyara, have a private dinner on the beach. It is so fabulous. It involves a bonfire and personal dinner service at sunset. Worth every penny!

[wanderlustfoodie]

Thanks for your detailed response! We just booked a beach villa at Parrot Cay this morning.

[daringmiss]

Glad to help! With our stupid cold weather, I have been looking at my vacation pictures from both places and yearning to be back there. I feel like I will never be warm.