Ambergris Cay: Privacy in the Turks and Caicos

Sometimes, the perfect resort literally drifts your way. Like Fred and Ginger and Champagne and caviar, it’s a match made in heaven.  Ambergris Cay is a new and exclusive private island resort that hits the tropical sweet spot, balancing luxury amenities and pristine natural beauty in perfect proportion.

This tiny gem is a potent lure for those seeking a discreet hideaway. It’s part of the Turks and Caicos, a chain of islands that is a British Overseas Territory and known for the quality, color and clarity of the sea surrounding it. It’s crystal clear and aquamarine in color—a breathtaking sight and heaven for a swim.

Guests depart from the international airport in Providenciales on the resort’s small private plane. After a mere 20-minute flight, you land on the longest private runway in the Caribbean.

The resort is compromised of 10 freestanding beachfront suites, each with its own plunge pool, of course. And with the limited number of guests, expect highly personalized service.

The Accommodations

A Dutch design team furnished each suite with an eclectic mix of pieces sourced during their world travels. Clean lines and natural elements like wood and woven straw add serenity. Rope and leather furnishings add texture. And bright shots of color provide a festive flair. Sky-high domed ceilings and oversized windows enhance the indoor-outdoor flow and let’s not forget an outdoor shower with an ocean view.

While a stay here is indeed a respite from the hectic pace of life it doesn’t need to be a digital detach. There are plenty of high-tech gadgets, including a Bose sound system, satellite television and Wi-Fi that works like a charm.

And each suite comes with its own electric golf cart for impromptu explorations around the island.

Activities

 Many guests might choose to spend most of their time here swimming, relaxing poolside and luxuriating in their private suite. But for those craving adventure, the staff will whisk you away to a tiny island via motorboat and serve an al fresco lunch on a deserted beach.

If you want to get active, paddle a kayak or practice your balance on a standup paddleboard. There’s also a fitness trail that guests can attempt on their own or under the watchful eye of the resort’s onsite trainer. Two tennis courts are lit for night matches and there are cruiser bikes for a low-key way to soak in the scenery.

Nature

Ambergris Cay is a honeypot of flora and fauna with cacti, island heather and orchids a few of the endemic plant species. The healthy reef is home to conch, Caribbean lobster and turtles. The San Diego Zoo has an ongoing research project studying the island’s unique animal life. You’ll see a variety of reptiles, including countless native rock iguanas, a critically endangered species.

Dining

The chef prepares a range of light, fresh cuisine and has a knack with seafood. The menu changes daily but you can ask for any preparation and the kitchen will happily oblige. Don’t miss the Salade Niçoise, made with seared wild salmon instead of the usual mundane tinned tuna and served with a zesty lemon-infused vinaigrette.

The pastry chef indulges guests with sweet rolls at breakfast and a mouth-watering array of Caribbean-inspired cakes after dinner.

Top-shelf spirits and fine wine are included in the stay and the bartender’s Hemingway Daiquiri is a citrusy treat.

Service

If you crave pampering, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll have a round-the-clock butler, but service is unobtrusive, so if you prefer to be left alone, that’s fine.

The staff is warm and engaging. Take the time to get to know them and you will be rewarded. During casual conversations, several staff members told me that one of the things they liked best about working at the resort was that the management encourages them to be themselves with guests. There’s nothing cookie cutter about Ambergris Cay and its staff represents this.

What You Get

The resort is all-inclusive so once you arrive, you’ll never need to open your wallet. A 30-minute daily spa treatment is included in the rate. Elevate Spa’s two air-conditioned, seafront cabanas are where the magic happens. If you’ve never had a massage with a chorus of birds serenading you and the soothing sound of ocean waves in the background, you’re in for a treat.

*Note:  Nightly rates start at $2,000 for adults. Private air transfer is included as are all meals, beverages and activities. Children 12 years of age and younger are free.