Made up of more than 40 islands and cays, the Turks
and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean are renowned for their crystal-clear
tourmaline waters and postcard perfect beaches – a place where extraordinary
natural beauty meets understated luxury.
Though visitors have many choices of accommodations
throughout the region, a visit to Ambergris Cay Private Island Resort is a top-of-the-line
must-do experience.
The Club House beach, Ambergris Cay (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Getting to Ambergris Cay
My entire Ambergris Cay adventure has no rivals in my past
travel experiences. The all-inclusive private island retreat, located 66 miles
from Providenciales, can only be accessed via a 3-plus hour ferry ride or a 20–30-minute
small plane trip. And that’s all part of the magic.
After arriving in Providenciales from the U.S. and clearing
customs, I was met outside the airport by a private driver for my short run to
Atlantic Aviation, a private facility. The real fun began when I boarded a
small 4-seater plane with my pilot to Ambergris Cay. Flying over clear, sparkling
waters, picturesque reefs, banking closer to view nurse sharks swimming below,
and an undeveloped coastline was utterly stunning as we arrived on Ambergris
Cay’s private airstrip. Depending on the number of guests arriving to the
resort, other small commuter aircraft offer more seating options, but I happened
to love my ‘co-pilot’ seat right up front with my aerial chauffer. I termed the
experience “puddle jumping to paradise.”
Villas of Ambergris Cay (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Ambergris Cay Accommodations
Flight transportation to the all-inclusive luxury resort
from Providenciales is all part of the package, along with a choice of
accommodations ranging from three-to-six-bedroom villas to one-and-two-bedroom beachfront
and 12 newly added waterside
bungalows. An exclusive 11-bedroom Dream Estate is ideal for a large family
or group of friends. All accommodations come with a golf cart for exploring the
island and having access to dining and other Ambergris Cay amenities. Each villa
or bungalow also includes an assigned island host.
I stayed in a spacious four-bedroom, 4.5 bath oceanfront king
villa with three other female friends, offering stunning water views, a private
pool, ample outdoor seating, a full kitchen, living and dining room and plenty of
space to relax, recharge, and drink in the peace and serenity and barefoot
elegance of the destination.
Ambergris Cay two-bedroom waterside bungalow (Photo Credit: Ambergris Cay)
Uniqueness of the Island
So, other than the luxury accommodations, what makes this
island destination so unique?
The private island paradise combines true Caribbean
remoteness with unpretentious high-end luxury. The island covers roughly 1,100 winding
dirt road acres, covered with different types of cacti and dry scrub, contrasting
with lush swaying palms. Development is deliberately low-density, sporting significant
wildlife and as such, the island is an important habitat for the Turks and
Caicos rock iguana, an endangered species.
The waters are spectacularly varied with two very different
sides. To the west are the shallow, brilliant turquoise waters of the Caicos
Banks, and to the east, the coastline faces the deeper, darker-blue waters of
the Turks Island Passage.
Nearby, Little Ambergris Cay is an uninhabited nature reserve
with mangroves, sandbars, shallow waters and is an important bird and marine
habitat. During the winter migration, humpback whales can be seen in the deeper
waters east of the island.
Dining Options on the Cay
Dining on Ambergris Cay is intentionally small-scale and
resort-centered, though dining venues are part of Ambergris Cay’s all-inclusive
plan. Calico is the island’s main restaurant and primary dinner destination
with à la carte food. Menus change frequently according to seasonal ingredients
and incorporate Caribbean flavors alongside international dishes. Lucky for me,
lobster was in season, so, I certainly had my share along with other freshly-caught
seafood options. Chefs also welcome the opportunity to prepare off-menu
requests.
The Club House is the more casual, beachfront experience
that includes a weekly Caribbean-themed dinner and beach bonfires. Meanwhile, a
short boat ride takes guests to the floating Hangover Tiki Bar specializing in
cocktails, premium spirits and small bites.
Dining however, isn’t confined to the restaurants as the
resort can also arrange beach picnics, private dinners and private chef meals
at your villa or bungalow.
Waterfront Villas with Kayaks (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Amenities and Activities
Part of the joy of an island vacation is being in and on the
water. The resort offers onshore fishing, Hobie cats, kayaks, stand-up
paddleboards, private boat tours to Ambergris Cay, sunset sails, deep sea
fishing, and a snorkeling and conch diving excursion.
Though I’ve enjoyed many snorkeling experiences before, one
that involves diving for conch shells was unforgettable. Our small group of
cruisers managed to find almost 30 conchs on our adventure. Crowning the
adventure, our Calico chef created a conch ceviche for us at dinner that
evening.
Onshore island activities include hiking, bicycling, tennis
and pickleball. A 24-hour fitness center overlooks a pristine setting, and the
high-end spa sanctuary offers a range of indulgent services. Imagine a soothing
massage or wellness ritual in a bungalow setting reaching out over crystal-clear
waters.
Snorkeling and Diving for Conch (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Thoughts on the Ambergris Cay Experience
For travelers longing to truly get away from it all,
Ambergris Cay offers something increasingly rare: the chance to experience a
Caribbean island that feels both wonderfully wild and exceptionally refined – a
special place that’s hard to forget.
Days here slow down, unfolding at a leisurely pace,
surrounded by brilliant turquoise waters, pristine beaches and abundant nature,
while thoughtful service, elegant accommodations and memorable dining provide
all the comforts of a luxury escape.
Getting there may require a little extra effort—but that
sense of remoteness is precisely the point. At Ambergris Cay, the journey leads
not simply to a beautiful resort, but to the feeling of having discovered your
own private corner of paradise, and having nowhere else to be.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
