The moment we landed in Turks & Caicos, I knew this trip was going to be special. The turquoise waters, the warm island breeze, and the promise of an incredible stay at The Ritz-Carlton Turks & Caicos made for an exciting arrival. We had an easy time getting through the airport thanks to Skypass (skypasscaribbean.com). The VIP arrival service allowed us to skip the long lines, making the entire process smooth and seamless—definitely worth it! We did not use Skypass on our way back and we wish we did!
The resort is about 15 minutes from the airport, and we opted to rent a Jeep—which I highly recommend. Having a vehicle gives you the freedom to explore the island, making stops at hidden beaches and local restaurants along the way.
First Impressions Matter
The Ritz-Carlton Turks & Caicos sits in the heart of Grace Bay, one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world. I loved that the resort was within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and even a casino. As we pulled up to the grand entrance, a team of friendly staff greeted us with warm smiles and a signature rum cocktail. It was an inviting and memorable welcome, setting the tone for what we hoped would be a fantastic stay.
A View Worth the Wait
For me, the view from the room is one of the most important aspects of any hotel stay. After emailing the hotel for months emphasizing how much the view meant to me, I was disappointed to find out that we were initially placed on the third floor. However, after a brief conversation with the front desk, they worked their magic and upgraded us to the Club Level Floor—an unexpected and much-appreciated surprise, especially since we booked using Marriott points. Had we paid outright for a Club Level room, it would have cost $3,200 per night. We requested before we came to have access to the club lounge which is $500 a day. Plus, with Marriott’s points system, the fifth night was free, which made the stay even sweeter.
The Room & Atmosphere
The hotel itself exudes an effortless elegance. The open-air entrance welcomes you with a breathtaking view of the ocean, instantly making you feel like you’re on vacation. Once we checked in, we stopped by the Club Lounge for drinks before heading to our room.
As we walked in, the first thing we saw was the stunning blue-green ocean stretching out before us. The room’s design is thoughtful—floor-to-ceiling glass doors lead to a balcony with a glass barrier, ensuring unobstructed views from every angle. Even from bed, the ocean is the first thing you see when you wake up. While the room itself was lovely, it wasn’t over-the-top luxury—just clean, modern, and comfortable, which suited the setting perfectly.
Club Level: A Must for Food & Drinks
One of the biggest perks of being on the Club Level was the exclusive lounge. It offered breakfast, lunch, afternoon hors d’oeuvres, snacks, and drinks throughout the day. With such a great selection, we never felt the need to dine at the hotel’s restaurants.
That said, I found it odd that drinks couldn’t be taken outside of the Club Lounge. This was a first for me at a Ritz-Carlton property, and I wasn’t a fan of that particular rule. Still, the atmosphere was intimate, and the staff was attentive, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.
Poolside & Nightlife
The resort features two pools—one designated for adults and another for families, which I appreciated. It allowed for a peaceful, more relaxing experience while still catering to guests traveling with children.
At night, the hotel came alive with entertainment. The downstairs bar was always packed, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere. A DJ played great music, and karaoke nights added a lively touch. If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of nightlife on vacation, The Ritz-Carlton delivers a good mix of relaxation and social fun.
During the day, a chic champagne bar by the pool offered an elegant way to enjoy a glass of bubbly under the sun, perfect for a mid-day indulgence. And for an extra fun experience, the Beach Buggy Bar, serving refreshing cocktails at the resort—so you could sip your favorite drink while soaking in the ocean views without ever leaving your lounge chair. They also have services for drinks on the beach.
Exploring Grace Bay
One of my favorite things about this hotel is its location. Grace Bay is one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean, and having direct access to it made the trip even more special. The resort maintains an intimate feel, with beautifully designed pathways that make exploring a joy.
A Boat Day to Remember
No trip to Turks & Caicos is complete without a boat ride, and ours was absolutely incredible. The clear waters, the fresh ocean breeze, and the stunning scenery made it a highlight of our stay. While I won’t promote the company we booked with due to a lack of exceptional service, I will say that the experience itself is a must-do. Another boat nearby noticed I wanted a conch, dove down to retrieve one for me, and even made a fresh conch salad for their guests on board. That’s the kind of service and personal touch that I appreciate and would rather promote.
Luxury & Leisure at The Ritz-Carlton Turks & Caicos
The Ritz-Carlton Turks & Caicos offers a solid lineup of amenities, including Ritz Kids (for families traveling with children), a spa, and a gym. However, I was underwhelmed by the hotel’s gift shop. I always like to pick up an ornament from my travels, but unfortunately, they didn’t have any. The shop itself felt basic and could definitely use an upgrade in selection.
For a more exciting shopping experience, we stopped by Jewels in Paradise, an upscale jewelry store on the property. The team there was incredibly friendly, focusing on building long-term relationships rather than just making a sale. If you visit, I highly recommend checking them out—especially their new store at the soon-to-open St. Regis Turks & Caicos.
Another standout feature was The Ritz-Carlton Casino, one of the only casinos on the island. Whether you’re looking to try your luck at the tables or just soak in the vibrant atmosphere, it adds a fun and lively element to the resort’s offerings.
Final Thoughts: Luxury, Service & Passion Ratings
As always, I like to rate hotels based on three key factors: luxury, service, and passion.
- Luxury: 8/10 – The hotel offers the standard Ritz-Carlton experience, but it doesn’t quite push the boundaries of luxury. The rooms are beautiful but not overly extravagant.
- Service: 8/10 – The staff was friendly and accommodating overall, though there were a few minor mishaps. Johnson was amazing, he was so friendly and helpful!
- Passion: 7/10 – The property is undeniably stunning, but it didn’t evoke the same sense of passion and uniqueness that I’ve felt at other luxury resorts.
Would I Return?
Absolutely. The Ritz-Carlton Turks & Caicos is a fantastic resort in one of the most breathtaking locations in the world. While there were a few small drawbacks, the overall experience was wonderful. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, this hotel offers a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and world-class scenery.
If you’re heading to Turks & Caicos, make sure to rent a Jeep, book a boat day, and soak in every bit of that incredible blue water. Until next time, paradise!
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