Story & Photos By Kathy Borsuk

Whether you approach from the beach or via the road, the Turks & Caicos Club seems to magically appear like a beautiful mirage. Its striking combination of white-trimmed, ivory buildings and red clay-tiled roofs stands in brilliant contrast to the deep blue sky, turquoise sea and verdant landscaping surrounding it.

But don’t worry. You don’t have to be a member to enjoy the pleasures of this club. Just opened in December 2002, the 21 room luxury hotel combines the intimacy conjured by the term “club” with a comfortable, “unstuffy” atmosphere and warm hospitality that makes it an ideal place to enjoy a Caribbean holiday.

The Turks & Caicos Club occupies a peaceful, two acre site on the western end of Providenciales’ north shore, nestled in a primarily residential area, with one of the island’s best snorkeling reefs just steps away. As a result, the footprints of Club guests are usually the only ones on the wide stretch of beach lining the property and the ocean waves beckon to them alone. Security fencing around the site and imposing concrete and wrought iron gating at the property’s entrance serve as further assurance that guests won’t be disturbed.

One and two bedroom suites occupy two buildings; one fronts the beach and a smaller building offers ocean and pool/garden views. Architecture recalls a Caribbean Colonial style, with charming accents of gingerbread trim, latticework, bannistered balconies, large window shutters and wrought iron lamps. Especially prominent are the spacious private verandas and balconies adjoining each suite, the perfect place on which to relax and savor the sea breezes and marvelous ocean views. Notably, the Turks & Caicos Club was designed by Anthony Walkin, who runs Conservative Architects Ltd., and is the first Belonger-designed hotel project on Grace Bay.

When it’s time to explore, guests need only follow a boardwalk over the sand dunes and past a forest of waving sea grasses to access 12 miles of beach and the Princess Alexandra Marine Park. The hotel provides a number of complimentary watersports, including HobieCats, windsurfers, sea kayaks and snorkeling equipment for the guests’ use. When it’s time to relax, comfortable lounging chairs can be found on the beach or around the pedal-shaped freshwater pool privately located in the heart of the Club complex. The surrounding terrace includes a covered gazebo, where a stack of fluffy beach towels stand at the ready. Drinks and snacks are available throughout the day from the adjoining Simba Bar and Restaurant. (See below.)

The Club’s spotless rooms are elegantly designed in calming shades of beige and complement the Colonial architecture with extensive use of maple, rattan, bamboo and woven fabrics and accents in a safari theme. With one bedroom suites sized at 1,150 to 1,200 sq. ft. and two bedrooms at 1,377 to 1,582 sq. ft., there’s plenty of room to spread out. All are fully air conditioned with ceiling fans and include cable TV and available VCR/DVD players, writing desks and direct dial telephones with Internet access. In a romantic gesture, four-poster king beds are surrounded by wisps of mosquito netting and bedrooms are set back in a raised alcove behind the living area. Kitchens are strictly modern with deep blue tiled counters contrasting dramatically with sleek, black, state-of-the-art appliances. A separate alcove encloses a circular dining table, although many guests prefer to dine al fresco on their patio. Full sized bathrooms include shower and bath with luxurious bath amenities. Each unit includes a small washer/dryer. Maid service is provided twice daily.

In striving for a five star rating, the Turks & Caicos Club has put all the amenities in place to pamper guests in style. Besides the gourmet restaurant and bar on premises, deluxe Continental breakfast is included in the room rate and room service is available. There is a fully equipped fitness center and bicycles for guests’ use and a masseuse is on-call for in-suite spa services. From the reception building, a concierge helps arrange for scuba diving, sailing, touring and other excursions and can assist with dining reservations, car rental and even baby-sitting. The resort is especially proud of their transportation service, with airport transfers and trips around the island provided by Bradley Dean, about whom visitors say, “This is the first place where I’ve seen guests hug their taxi driver.”

Above all, the resort has put a premium on ensuring that the staff provide the best in service and hospitality. Importance is placed on finding and hiring qualified Belongers.

And so far, initial guest reaction has been positive. The resort has had a number of high-powered guests who find it extremely relaxing. Besides the obvious attractions of sun, sand and sea, the Turks & Caicos Club provides a luxurious atmosphere that’s not stuffy. It’s not the kind of place where you need to dress up to come down to the pool and no one cares what your title is. Actions speak louder than words: already a number of guests have made their reservations to return next year.

For more information or reservations, contact the Turks & Caicos Club at (649) 946-5800; fax (649) 946-5858; e-mail: info@turksandcaicosclub.com; web site: