Why This Quiet Retreat on South Caicos is Worth The Splurge

Location

Too many visitors spend an entire week in Providenciales (Provo) without venturing to other islands. They are missing out. Billed as the old Caribbean, South Caicos slumbers in happy seclusion. Nearly at its northernmost tip, Sailrock Resort South Caicos straddles the shallow, tranquil Caicos Banks to the west and the navy, moody Atlantic Ocean to the east. Cradled by water, sunshine and breeze, if you’re looking for peace, it is easy to find.

Vibe

The island hopper flight from Provo, included if you spend three or more nights, is a photographic dream. By the time you arrive at the Great House, 20 eventful minutes from the airport in a Jeep, you’ll be greeted by an electric blue welcome drink served beside a stunning bespoke art piece made of Queen conch shells cut vertically and jigsawed. Use buggies (or bicycles) to access the beach, spa (where I have a lovely massage overlooking the flora) or villas. Staff who hail from all corners of the world are uniformly friendly and warm (Chef Prasad Grimya from Bhutan, kindly whips up a special meal for me).

Dining

Down at the beachfront Cove, gleaming white sand is the backdrop to casual meals like fish tacos, burgers and drinks served from the bar. Up at the Great House, morning meals overlook vistas as far as the sea and evening dining meets the setting sun. Say yes to turn down service if only for the frangipane tarts, squares or cookies.

Backstory

While Chicago developers took an interest in South Caicos in the mid-aughties, it was not until 2017 that the resort opened. With the developers owning many, many more acres, there’s room and plans to grow.

Room

Offerings vary from beachfront villas, to ridgetop suites and private peninsula villas at the SLH member hotel. Though with only 35 units, it never feels crowded. My 3-bedroom beachfront villa is a complete hideaway not least because it features the privacy of a white picket fence entryway. Ample floor-to-ceiling windows, a medley of earth tones, and the sun rising just past the private pool set to a playlist of Jamaican reggae practically spell beach getaway. The living here is easy marrying outdoor and indoor spaces. The full kitchen and living room act as a portal between front patio and back verandah where lounging chairs, hammock, dining table and outdoor shower invite relaxation. The laundry room is handy even for shorter stays.

Standouts

While tranquility is the ultimate draw, a slew of activities from complimentary Hobie Cat sailing, to kayaks and pickle ball make this a well-rounded resort. What you’ll remember though are the excursions. The enormous privilege of the boat tour is having the entire banks to yourself. Eagle rays, lemon sharks, and turtles swim alongside at various times. The first stop is a sandbar with gorgeous orange sea stars, then it’s off snorkeling. For an interactive take on dining there’s a mixology lesson with original takes or straight up classics. If you rather get your adrenaline pumping, an ATV tour takes you up to the North Peninsula, past the villas and Jerry Camp where kayaks take off in the gently sloping rocks. There, at the craggy ridge, the Atlantic roars or whispers depending on the day.

Guests

With only a handful of couples from the U.S., you’ll feel like you are at a private resort.

Lowdown

Memorable getaway that will remind you of what utter relaxation and comforting silence are like.

This original article first appeared in the SPRING 2025 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.

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