Only a ten-minute taxi ride from the Providenciales Airport on the Turks and Caicos Islands lies a hidden gem that also happens to be one of the top ranking resorts in the Caribbean. The Palms Turks and Caicos, formerly known as the Regent Palms, sits at the heart of world renowned Grace Bay and simply exudes peace and tranquility, while also offering a level of style and comfort that sets new standards for the Turks and Caicos.

The Palms Turks and Caicos Accommodations

It’s not surprising that this Caribbean-styled property is part of the Virtuoso network. The 72 stylishly-appointed rooms and suites, ranging from junior suites up to three-bedroom penthouse accommodations, are actually individually owned. Most suites feature full kitchens with Viking appliances and a washer/dryer; many overlook the ocean, others have a view of landscaped gardens. I stayed in a one-bedroom suite (1,400 square feet) with a kitchen, two bathrooms, living and dining areas, and a verandah. All suites have king beds with custom premium linens and luxury bathrooms that feature an array of quality bath products.

Turks and Caicos Activities

The Palms offers tennis courts, a serpentine infinity pool and access to most every watersport, along with a kids’ club, beach toys and floats – no to mention the glorious expanse of beach. The 25,000 square foot spa promises rest and relaxation. I enjoyed a treatment there and found the spa employees very accommodating and good at what they do.

I took a short taxi ride to a small town nearby, Sawmill, for shopping and lunch. While I’m not a big shopper, I did find the storekeepers to be very helpful. Since the purpose of my visit was educational, The Palms arranged a site inspection of their sister property, the Shore Club, which will open November 2016. It is all new and set on a gorgeous private beach, although because it’s so secluded, it doesn’t have the same vibe as the Grace Bay beach. Debi’s Travel tip: This resort will provide over-the-top luxuries and services, such as decorating a Christmas tree in your suite over the holidays.

I enjoyed a boat excursion straight off of Grace Bay beach, in front of The Palms. It was a fabulous day of snorkeling and beach time. Lunch included the freshest possible conch salad. A boy dove from the boat to get them and they went from ocean to awesome conch salad in 20 minutes! I took one of the conch shells back to the hotel where a one of the beach staff cleaned it for me in a bucket of bleach. I brought it home and it is beautiful. Debi’s Travel tip: You are allowed to bring one conch shell back per family.

Dining at The Palms Turks and Caicos

Breakfast is included in all rates at The Palms and it’s served from a great selection of station buffets – made to order omelets, awesome fresh fruits, breads and more. Debi’s Travel tip: Breakfast service is from 7 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and I noticed families eating later and using it as brunch.

I had fish at nearly every other meal, but they had such a good selection it was hard to resist. Parallel 23 restaurant in the hotel is a very relaxing atmosphere with good food. The resort did a beachside surf and turf dinner Sunday night. The setup was impressive, the evening bonfire delightful, and the sunset was to die for!

The island certainly has grown since my last visit 20 years ago, but The Palms Turks and Caicos is a luxuriously tranquil respite that I can unhesitatingly recommend.

Debi Franke is a Covington Vacation Planner working in Jacksonville, Florida. Debi holds multiple Destination Specialist certifications and handles vacation planning, as well as meetings and convention travel for a broad range of clients, including the Jacksonville Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl.