The Loren at Turtle Cove reflects its deep roots.

By Kathy Borsuk ~ Renderings Courtesy The Loren at Turtle Cove

I don’t think there’s anyone more suited than Robert Greenwood to introduce potential investors to The Loren at Turtle Cove. As he talks about this most-anticipated addition to the luxury resort scene, his face lights up with memories of his early days on Providenciales when life was simple, sun-kissed, and carefree. As you drive north on iconic Suzie Turn Road towards Turtle Cove, The Loren is tucked away in a private “elbow” of land, encircled with lush hillsides of native greenery, a long span of pristine beach, and an endless view of turquoise sea. In this protected cove is an intimate collection of 6 beachfront villas, 25 condominium units (including 2 spectacular penthouses), and a 33-room resort hotel, along with an exclusive marina, restaurant, and beach club. 

The Loren occupies a prime location on the beach. Shown here is the hotel/condominium building, fronted by the private Beach Club.

Robert Greenwood, partner/broker at Christie’s International Real Estate Turks & Caicos, has come a long way from the late 1970s when he moved to Providenciales with his parents as a teenager. He recalls that Turtle Cove was the “original heart of Provo,” and it holds a special place in his heart as well.

Many know the story of the legendary Seven Dwarfs, a group of wealthy investors led by Fritz Ludington who “discovered” Providenciales in the 1960s on flights in their small planes around the Caribbean. They made a development agreement with government to excavate Sellar’s Pond and create Turtle Cove Marina, lay an airstrip, scrape roads to the small settlements, and build the Third Turtle Inn as an island getaway. Robert fondly remembers the inn as THE hub where expatriates and natives gathered to party and socialize. Its location at the marina made it privy to the arrival of newcomers, news, and all the latest gossip. There were no telephones at the time and information was communicated via coconut telegraph (mouth-to-mouth} and VHS radio.

Robert is gratified to know that the developers of The Loren at Turtle Cove are striving to retain the authentic spirit of the area, reflecting the joyful energy of its roots. This requires a depth of thought, a care and attention that is well matched to the ethos of The Loren Group and its sister properties, The Loren at Pink Beach in Bermuda and The Loren at Lady Bird Lake in Austin. Robert Greenwood has spent time with its leader Stephen King, so he knows The Loren is in good hands. “I appreciate his authenticity and detail in design and execution, and I expect nothing short of exceptional.”

This rendering of a condominium at The Loren displays both the magnificent view and its simple and soothing interior decor.

The Loren’s design—inside and out—reflects the use of natural wood, native stonework, and light-filled space, inspired by the chic (for its time) flair of the Third Turtle Inn and taking it to a new level. This is only possible because The Loren is a low-density project, allowing plenty of room to blend sea, sand, sky, and greenery for an uncomplicated atmosphere much like the days when Provo was young.

While Providenciales’ original adventurers were content—if not eager—to “make do” with a bare-bones hotel, modern owners will enjoy understated opulence. Because “privacy is the new luxury,” the six beachfront villas are accessed through gates off The Loren’s private road. Ranging in size from five to seven bedrooms, each invites the seascape indoors with stunning views of tranquil waters through floor to ceiling windows. Oceanfront are private pool decks, terraces, and balconies surrounded by secluded garden acreage. Robert notes that the two-story layouts not only maximize views, but are very operational for the clientele. “Each bedroom has its own bathroom, there is a dedicated office space, private garage, and a second kitchen and laundry area for staff.”

The Loren’s six luxury villas are surrounded by secluded gardens, front the beautiful beach, and include private pools and beachfront terraces.

The 25 luxury condominiums offer a variety of layouts with dramatic views from every direction from private balconies. They rise above the hotel, restaurant, and lobby on four levels, ranging in size from one to five bedrooms. At the top are two magnificent penthouses.

Interiors of all the residences feature rich textures and calming colors, accented with limited edition artwork. Gourmet kitchens feature energy-conscious designer appliances, while elegant bathrooms and in-unit laundries include environmentally responsible fittings. Generous closet and storage space, including an owner’s lock-out, make it easy for owners to store their belongings should they choose to rent out their units.

The Loren blurs the line between “boutique” property and franchise with an array of amenities available to owners and guests. All have access to hotel facilities such as the pool, fitness center, spa, meeting space, bar, wine room, and restaurant. Upon arrival they can partake in valet parking and airport transfers, 24-hour concierge, and on-site security. Owners enjoy access to a temperature-controlled wine storage unit and off-site covered parking when off the island. Property management by The Loren Hotel Group ensures that life at The Loren at Turtle Cove remains turn-key and hassle-free.

The gorgeous, white sand beach fronting The Loren is known as Babalua Beach. Robert (and I) agree that it was one of the best places to gather “back in the days.” The waters are calm, sunsets spectacular, and the reef colorful and rich in marine life. Its location allows for limited foot traffic. These days, socializing will likely take place at the private Beach Club. Its two infinity pools seem to melt into the sea, there are luxury cabanas with private bar service, a pool bar and grill, and fire pits to add flair.

Residents and guests will also enjoy access to water activities such snorkeling and paddleboarding. Pickleball and tennis facilities are on-site, along e-bikes to easily explore and move from place to place. The onsite concierge can plan hiking and nature walks and tours to discover local culture.

The original Third Turtle Inn was the hub of Providenciales social life “back in the days.”

Turtle Cove Marina was a Providenciales original, always bustling with scuba diving and fishing boats, attracting international yachts for the annual Billfish Tournament. In the same spirit, The Loren at Turtle Cove’s Marina offers 32 fully serviced slips ranging from 30 to 60 feet. Villa and condo owners will be offered the first opportunity to secure long-term leases. Robert explains, “This gives owners and visitors the ability to travel beyond Grace Bay Beach and explore the many remote and pristine beaches on our out islands and cays. This was one of my favorite pastimes growing up.” Local charter boats and tour operators can also use the marina to pick up passengers for excursions and watersports. 

The signature Third Turtle waterfront restaurant stays true to its legacy with an open-air, inviting atmosphere and prime ocean and sunset views. It serves local seafood in the spirit of the ancestors but steps it up with a world-class menu displaying culinary expertise. There is an expansive bar and lounge and glassed-in wine room with choices from the curated selection in its cellar. Guests can savor special occasions in a private dining area or plan a celebration at one of two event spaces. 

Culinary expertise will be on display at the signature restaurant.

Of special significance is The Loren Group’s 2% < 2º Initiative, where luxury meets sustainability. The Loren asks guests to contribute 2% of amounts billed towards acquiring and regenerating over 50,000 biodiverse acres of land and planting 10 million hardwood trees to offset the company’s carbon footprint. They agree with Roots Imperative experts that preventing a 2ºC increase in global temperature can preserve much of the character of the world as we know it. At The Loren at Turtle Cove, care is taken with the use of recycled and responsibly sourced construction materials, water-conscious appliances, and energy-efficient systems. 

Robert Greenwood is clearly a perfectionist when it comes to his trade and member of the Christie’s Master’s Circle. Every year, he travels around the Caribbean to get a sense of the real estate market in similar upscale markets. He says, “We’ve got it good here in the Turks & Caicos. Not only are prices more reasonable than elsewhere, but the overall environment is less crowded and more relaxing.” He has visited the other Loren properties and raves about their understated luxury, attention to detail, and authenticity as to place.

The seasoned broker notes that TCI is in a phase of new development that has investors paying close attention. “Post COVID-19, Turks & Caicos was ‘rediscovered’ as an oasis of privacy and security for the wealthy, but we had very limited inventory to offer. Now you can see construction spiking on resorts, rental villas, and luxury properties. Having this new development in Turtle Cove will finally allow this special area to come into its own.”

One of The Loren’s signature villas is currently under construction and can be seen listed for nearly $10 million in Christies’ current magazine. The Loren at Turtle Cove’s combination of privacy, location, and luxury suggests that few offerings will be left on the market after the traditionally busy winter season. 

The Loren’s grand opening is scheduled for January 2026. Robert says the plan is to invite many of the island folk who were there when Turtle Cove was just an outrageous idea, likely conceived after one too many rum punches. He calls out bartender Watson Jolly, chef “Fast Eddie” LaPorte, builder David Ward, and surveyor (now realtor) Bengt Soderqvist.

He adds “Every character who has passed through the Third Turtle has left a bit of their energy behind—an eclectic, eccentric “Caribbean cool” unmatched elsewhere. I feel that The Loren has captured this energy and expanded on it to make this a very special place, creating an authenticity all its own.”

For more information, email sales@thelorentci.com