Turks & Caicos, Seven Stars Resort & Spa

Though the Seven Stars Resort & Spa’s moniker doesn’t refer to its off-the-charts luxury level, it could. The hotel is actually named after The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters constellation, hence the Seven Stars reference. Situated on beautiful Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos, this Providenciales property is the perfect Caribbean destination for getaways both short and long. It’s great for those who love an upscale feel and small island culture and good news for New Yorkers. There are direct flights there in under four hours. Yes, the Caribbean is now closer than you think.

One thing to note: there is currently construction next door on a new property that rhymes with Fitz Larlton. But the Seven Stars powers that be play strategic music throughout the day to counteract the noise and I can tell you that I didn’t hear or see any signs of the tower being built from my room in the Alhena building. The other two buildings are called Alya and Maia. Hot tip: While more signs of the new construction are evident from the building closest to it, many rooms offer a nearly unobstructed ocean view at half the regular price while the new property is being built.

Accommodations

Boasting three oceanfront buildings, the newly refurbished Seven Stars Resort and Spa offers a few suite configurations from spacious juniors to a spectacular four-bedroom. Suites have mini kitchens so you can practice your cooking skills if you like (although then you’ll miss the on-campus dining, which is spectacular). And to be more environmentally friendly, the resort eschews plastic bottles in favor of refillable glass ones which housekeeping restocks throughout the day. Guests receive a portable insulated bottle that keeps water cold, as well.

The rooms have canopy beds that will thrill your inner 11-year-old girl. The ocean views are sublime, and you can leave your screen door open and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Best of all? Baths are stocked with L’Occitane amenities, which you’ll want to use in the enormous Jacuzzi.

New Amenities and Activities

There’s a new adults-only pool on the property. In stark contrast to my flights in both directions, the resort is kid-friendly, not kid-focused. During standard holiday weeks, of course, there are more families vacationing at the resort. But when I was there, in mid-November, there were only a few children around, making it an ideal spot for honeymoons and bachelor/bachelorette bashes. The new second heated salt-water pool overlooks Grace Bay Beach, so you can enjoy the oceanfront landscape while you swim. Complimentary poolside service includes passed fruit kabobs, sorbets, and water spritzing, but you can also order wine, cocktails, or a bucket of champagne from the nearby Champagne Shack served directly to the pool as you lounge.

A Cocktail Master Class is a new favorite program with guests, offered twice a week as a pre-dinner experience on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5-6pm. Hosted by Guylnaud Gustave, Resident Mixologist, Seven Bar, the mixology classes include an interactive demonstration and tasting of a Seven signature cocktail. You’ll also enjoy chef-prepared bar snacks, and a take-home cocktail recipe card. The class offers an alternating schedule on how to prepare eight distinctive drinks and is $20 per person for guests 18 and older.

Dining

Resort food, even at properties as luxurious as this one, can be a little uninspiring after a few days. But I found the offerings at Seven Stars to be diverse and delicious. Executive Chef Edwin Gallardo serves food inspired by a variety of cuisines at both the resort’s restaurants, The Deck and Seven. A robust breakfast buffet is complimentary daily at Seven Restaurant and the property also offers room service. Seven blends international flavors, spices, and techniques, along with fresh seafood and steak. The Deck offers island-inspired light fare, cocktails, and local brews overlooking Grace Bay. Guests can also privately savor the mastery of Seven Stars’ chefs in the comfort of their room by contacting the concierge for arrangements.

Spa

While the spa lounge skews a bit no-frills, the wellness basics are in full effect. You can sip either tea or fruit-infused spa water, and there’s also a fun gift shop full of jewelry and resort wear to browse while you wait for your treatment.

The treatment rooms themselves, in addition to the services, are luxe. Each large room features its own private bath and takes the place of a communal changing room, which I liked. I opted for the Seven Stars Resort Signature Candle Massage which was fantastic and although I went in feeling the pressure of several deadlines that day, I left feeling the pressure of exactly zero deadlines. The treatment combines the soothing aroma of a spa candle with the comfort of an essential oil massage lotion for an aromatherapeutic experience. It proved to be room-enhancing and life-enhancing and the fragrant soy candles even melt into a skincare-quality body lotion.