I’m a Luxury Travel Advisor — and Here’s Where I’d Stay on a Family Trip to Turks and Caicos

I called my son, but nothing could tear him away from the window of our turboprop plane. Even though we were at 20,000 feet, the turquoise water below was so clear he could practically spot schools of fish. 

This trip to Turks and Caicos had been in the works for years, after we canceled our initial plan three years before due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, as we landed at Ambergris Cay, a gorgeous private-island resort that had only recently opened, it occurred to me that the positive test had turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Obviously, we wouldn’t have been able to come to Ambergris Cay back then and, more importantly, my son, Mikel Kai, was 9 now and old enough to appreciate going on a solo getaway with his parents.

As we stepped off the plane, we were greeted with minty mocktails and a set of keys — we would be driving our own golf cart to our three-bedroom villa, Poseidon. As my son devoured the tropical fruit plate and freshly squeezed juice, I was already scheming to bring the entire family back for a second vacation. That evening, the two of us had a five-course dinner under the stars, surrounded by the light of tiki torches and a bonfire; a guitarist provided the perfect mellow soundtrack. 

My husband, Miguel, joined us the following day, and we were off — exploring the islands by golf cart, by boat, and on foot, with long walks on white-sand beaches to collect sand dollars. 

Next, we checked into the Parrot Cay and Pine Cay, two other private-island resorts reached by boat from Providenciales — or Provo, as the locals refer to the main island. After a blissful massage at Parrot Cay, I retreated to a breezy, shaded area overlooking a lagoon to read my book. I spotted a famous musician, but I didn’t want to disturb her peace or mine. I was later informed by the sales director that this was her fifth visit in six months, and that she relishes the privacy. 

For the final stretch of our trip, we went to Provo. First stop: Amanyara, which offered the ultimate in luxury, with pavilions and villas ranging from two to six bedrooms, all serviced with private chefs and butlers. The wellness facility was expansive, with tennis, pickleball, basketball, and Pilates reformers. I was pleasantly surprised to find how much there was for kids to do at this property, including a sailing academy and scavenger hunts. At the same time, it was perfect for a romantic escape or honeymoons. 

We also stayed at The Palms, The Shore Club, and Rock House. While my husband and son were busy kiteboarding on the opposite Long Bay Beach, I also checked out other properties along Grace Bay. Each island and resort was wonderful, and had its own appeal.

That will make it difficult to decide where to stay when I return to Turks and Caicos with the entire family. 

Maria Diego is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and, as the cofounder of Diego Travel, specializes in U.S. and Caribbean trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Diego by contacting her at maria@diegotravel.com.