Here's what Agents are saying:
 

Dear Claire,

The Turks & Caicos fam trip was an outstanding experience.  Honestly, I can’t think of a thing you could do to improve it.  Parrot Cay was the best (for me) because of its distinctive character and atmosphere. 
For what it is worth, here are some thoughts I put together for our office on the trip:

Over the four days, the Island Destinations group stayed at Parrot Cay and the Regent Palms, and visited Amanyara, The Somerset, Point Grace, and the Grace Bay Club.

Parrot Cay is a special property for clients who want utter peace and quiet, in a very nice, but unimposing atmosphere.  The property is a jewel. It occupies its own island, and is accessible only by its private boat - about a 30 minute ride from the airport.  The original buildings are situated just below the main building, and look out toward the sea; the upper floors will have a sea view, the lower floors have a garden view, just because the lush landscaping hides the sea.  The walk down to the beach (and the beach restaurant) is just a couple of minutes - and the beach is pure heaven. 

The food is outstanding, and service is very good…  

New one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas are being built down the beach.  They are spacious and well-designed, but are quiet and understated, with natural wood and fabrics.  Almost all are sold to private investors, and then placed back in the rental pool. 

Having said that, Parrot Cay has soul; the spa is simply excellent, offering complimentary classes in yoga and Pilates, and with a reiki master in residence.  (Reiki is the art of healing using universal energy - we don't know much about it in the west, but I am about to begin learning about it.)

Leaving Parrot Cay and re-entering the world is wrenching; it is a private paradise.

Amanyara takes the same idea and raises it to dizzying heights.  The place is simply magnificent.  Like all Aman properties, this one is built around a large, shallow pool, which reflects the torches and candlelight and the elegant, but simple architecture.  Each very spacious unit is self-contained, with a simple Asian feel, and is again, built around its own plunge pool.  Part of the beach at Amanyara is rocky, and part is pure white sand.

The resort is isolated from everything around it, and is located at the far end of the island - about a 20-25 minute ride from the airport.  The service and the food are beyond superb, and a spa will be available in about 18 months.   In a word, serene Asian elegance.

The Palms is on Grace Bay, and was taken over by Regent - yes, that Regent - earlier this year.  The buildings are well-built, with quality materials and excellent detail.  Units have excellent balconies and bathrooms - absolutely nothing to complain about except possibly combination tub/showers and a paucity of drawer space.  The spa is exquisite, with separate treatment villas situated around a shallow pool, accented with lovely drapes and elegant lighting.   Everything works here, and works well.

Next door, however, is the real sleeper - The Somerset, which is currently in conversation with Virtuoso.  Like all the properties, individual condos have been sold to investors, and put back in the pool; the designs are lavish and unusual, with large, beautifully equipped kitchen, and fabulous views of the ocean in front.  Every detail was impeccable, and was I to stay at Grace Bay, I would choose this one. Units range from two to four bedrooms, each with its own lovely bath, and no detail of comfort is overlooked. In separate buildings behind the first, but with some views of the water, are the English Cottages, with multi-level units and private garages.  These are wonderful for families as well.  There is no spa, but with The Palms right next door - no more than a hundred yards away, there is no need for one.

Then, the Grace Bay Club. It has everything, and is in the process of adding actual four-poster beds draped with fabric for privacy and protection from the sun along the beach front. It also has an outstanding children's program, built around real learning experiences rather than just a program to keep them occupied.  Much activity takes place on the beach, with the pool and the beach-front restaurant being the center.  It's lovely at any time of day, but in the evening, lighted by torches, it is breathtaking.

Again the food and the service were outstanding, with no detail overlooked.  The management is very enthusiastic and overlooks no detail. 

Thank you for the opportunity to go, Claire – I learned a lot, and really appreciated it.

Margery Hunter
Rudi Steele Travel, Inc.

Hi Claire:

Thanks for the follow up....It was a spectacular trip...

I told Lori that the Gala at Grace Bay could have won the Academy Award for best Site Inspection ever...

I loved Parrot Cay, my favorite... loved the Spa and Yoga Pavilion, and great food!
Would book it in a minute.

Next I liked Somerset. What an elegant hotel. A real sleeper...
Beautiful rooms and furnishings. and managed very well...
I would definitely include it in your 2008 book.

Grace Bay has something for everyone, especially families...
I would book it for couples and family. Nice staff, great food.

Had a great time and thanks.

Looking forward to more bookings with you, and more trips.

Joan Werner

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