Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board Announces New Hotel, Residential and Cruise Port Developments
Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, the exclusive tourism authority for the Turks and Caicos Islands, has announced significant developments to the islands including newly opened and forthcoming luxury properties debuting in 2021 through 2023 and a $25 million investment in the Grand Turk Cruise Center and the return of cruise ships.
“The Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board is thrilled to prepare for the upcoming return of cruise ships and to welcome several new travel-worthy hotel partners to our portfolio, further strengthening our position as a world-class destination, while remaining true to our barefoot luxury roots,” said Pamela Ewing, Director of Tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands. “These highly-anticipated openings appeal to a wide variety of guests, offering not only exceptional accommodations, but innovative culinary venues, spas, activities, and new advancements in ecotourism. We are confident that the opening of these properties, along with a new and improved cruise port experience and infrastructure on Grand Turk, will allow us to continue providing an unmatched vacation experience for new and returning visitors seeking authentic, extraordinary vacation experiences while supporting our local communities.” 
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is heavily investing in the improvement of the Cruise Port and infrastructure in Grand Turk through a development agreement with Carnival Corporation representing $25 million. Funds will be used for the acquisition of property to be converted into a vendor’s market; the acquisition and development of additional properties to accommodate vendors who depend on the cruise industry for their livelihood; the construction of a floating dock for the water sports operators; and up to $1 million in grants to eligible operators – from water sports and golf card operators to beach vendors and wedding planners -to help them prepare for the reopening of the cruise industry, among other initiatives.
Turks and Caicos Islands’ new and upcoming resorts offer a variety of accommodations ranging from residential homes of one to six-bedrooms, to resorts with spacious two- three- and four- bedroom suites, to multi-level penthouses ideal for milestone get-togethers or multigenerational families.
The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos
Recently opened in June 2021 on famed Grace Bay Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos features 147 refined ocean view guest rooms, including 23 suites which showcase the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The property also offers five three-story penthouse suites, multiple culinary venues, a dedicated Club Concierge and beach service, a private catamaran for guest use, a signature Ritz-Carlton spa, as well as an on-site casino that offers traditional table games for late night entertainment.
Rock House
Nestled into the limestone cliffs of Providenciales’ secluded north shore, Rock House is opening in spring 2022 with 46 private cottages equipped with elevated, modern finishes and panoramic views of the property’s unique natural setting. Rock House is Grace Bay Resorts’ latest resort and residential vision and will offer amenities including a dramatic 100-foot infinity pool, a European-style Beach Club, handmade jogging trails, a signature restaurant, sunset bar, cave lounge and fitness center.
The Bight Hotel
With elevated boutique-style suites offering cinematic views from the sands to the horizon, The Bight Hotel rises 45 feet high, affording guests unparalleled views of Grace Bay Beach and beyond. Anchored in design and culture and set amidst acres of lush tropical vegetation, the unique property is beginning construction in June 2022 and will feature an expansive infinity pool, spa, yoga studio and training center, distillery and rum bar, 140-seat barn venue, and a garden-to-table restaurant, featuring fresh food from the property’s own vegetable garden and eco farm.
South Bank Turks & Caicos
Anticipated to open in December 2022, South Bank is a managed residential resort and marina destination located along the dunes of Long Bay Beach inspired by a unique relationship with water. The collection of contemporary residences, ranging from 1-6-bedroom homes, will feature distinct design guided by a strong sense of livability and an affinity for waterfront living – with exclusive ocean access and the option to own a private boat dock on the full-service South Bank Marina. Residents will also have access to a plethora of dedicated amenities and services. South Bank will be expertly managed by Grace Bay Resorts.
Andaz Turks & Caicos Residences at Grace Bay
Inclusive of nearly 60 exclusive hotel rooms and suites, as well as 74 residences, the property represents the first Andaz branded resort and residential property in the Caribbean. Boasting 5.5 acres of oceanfront luxury along Grace Bay Beach, the dynamic property will offer hotel guests and residents full-service amenities including a spa, exceptional dining options, state-of-the-art wellbeing facility and more. Andaz Turks & Caicos Residences at Grace Bay is starting construction later this year and is targeting an early 2023 opening.
The Strand Turks & Caicos
Opening in 2023, The Strand is a private residential resort community located along the southern shoreline of Providenciales. The exclusive, architecturally distinct private community features a diverse array of custom oceanfront residences. Guests and residents will be offered access to a collection of shared community amenities and unique programming including a Beach Club, marina access, a waterfront restaurant and bar, resort pool, and expansive beach for a variety of activities.
The destination is excited to announce these new developments following the release of preliminary visitor statistics showing that 2021 was one of the business summers on record. Compared to pre-pandemic statistics in 2019, the destination saw an increase of over 18% in June with 54,188 visitors, an increase of 19% in July increase with 56,022 visitors, and an increase of 15% in August with 41,734 visitors. As tourism is expected to continue growing, these new and upcoming openings present a variety of noteworthy hotels, restaurants, and experiences for both visitors and locals to relax, explore, and enjoy.
For more information on the Turks and Caicos Islands, call 1 (800) 241-0824 or visit turksandcaicostourism.com.
