Villa Highlight

Travel and villas by Sheldon James

Turks & Caicos, Done Right: A Luxe Island Immersion

by Angela | Feb 3, 2026

The Turks and Caicos has long been synonymous with powder-soft beaches and translucent seas—but this December our team’s escape proved the main island (Providenciales, or Provo to those in the know) is equally defined by its world-class villas, deeply personalized service, and a rhythm that balances indulgence with ease. 

From touchdown, the trip leaned into seamless luxury. VIP fast-track arrival smoothed the airport experience, while private transfers delivered guests straight into villa life—where chilled welcomes, attentive butlers, and chef-prepared dinners immediately set the tone.

If this journey proved one thing, it’s that Turks and Caicos is a villa destination first. Having each visited the island a number of times, the Sheldon James team knew how perfect this destination was as a backdrop for luxury villas, but it still somehow managed to top our expectations and then blew them completely out of the (turquoise) water. 

Each property we visited delivered a distinct personality, but a few rose unmistakably to the top:

1 - Solara, Turks and Caicos
14 Guests 7 Bedrooms 8 Bathrooms
Solara (Turtle Tail) was the ultimate introduction: grand, architectural, and serene. With a calm, shallow beach, expansive pool and rooftop terrace, luxe bedrooms, and exceptional staff, it felt like a private resort hidden from the world. We loved the thoughtful touches like evening essential oils and freshly pressed morning juices.
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Sea Breeze (Grace Bay)

Sea Breeze is a stunning, high-end villa that feels like a private mini resort – you never need to leave. It’s just been beautifully renovated and expanded and now features even more bells and whistles. This is a true heaven for kids and large groups (think: multigenerational), offering playgrounds, a kids’ club (coming soon), gym, tennis and volleyball courts. This is easily one of the best homes on the island.

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Dune House (Long Bay)

Dune House was a unanimous favorite. It is chic yet relaxed, with huge, equal bedrooms, multiple pools (including a sheltered plunge pool for windy days), and has a vast sandy beach perfect for families or groups. Exceptional value for its scale.

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Footprints (Grace Bay)

Footprints is the perfect balance of design, vibe, and livability. A flowing pool, oceanside dining, and a man-made sandy beach area make it one of the most complete villas. 

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Tranquility (Grace Bay)

Tranquility is pure opulence. Vast, private, and impeccably serviced, with one of the best beach accesses in Turks and Caicos. Every detail felt elevated.

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South Bank Resort (South Bank)

South Bank Resort was something a little different for us, offering a hybrid resort-villa experience with privacy always maintained. We loved the breakfast delivered daily and the lagoon villas that offer warm, calm water – perfect for families with little kids.

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On the Water and Beyond

No Turks trip is complete without time at sea. A half-day private yacht charter delivered snorkeling, Iguana Island, champagne, sunset views, and a surprisingly excellent onboard lunch—proof that luxury here doesn’t need to be flashy to impress. For adrenaline lovers, jet skiing from the villa was a standout, racing across turquoise flats to hidden sandbars, shipwrecks, and turtles. 

"Even after all the beautiful villas we have seen around the world, Turks and Caicos continues to impress us for the quality of the service, staff, homes and overall island-living experience"
Dining: Island Evenings, Done Beautifully

Evenings alternated between private chef dinners and some of the island’s most beloved restaurants. Marine Room was the standout for the Sheldon James team. With a gorgeous ambiance both inside and out, the experience wasn’t weather-dependent (which is nice in the rainy times of year). We were impressed with the elegant Italian cuisine, as well as the cocktail menu and the homemade limoncello, served at the end.

Still, the most memorable meals often happened at home: themed chef dinners, leisurely breakfasts, and beautifully styled villa lunches that reminded everyone why private villas reign supreme here. 

The Takeaway

This Turks and Caicos escape wasn’t about ticking boxes for us—it was about examining how time is spent here. Long mornings by the pool, seamless service, extraordinary villas, and just enough adventure to keep things exciting is the name of the game we (re)discovered.

For travelers seeking privacy, design, and barefoot luxury, Turks and Caicos continues to deliver—especially when experienced through the lens of its exceptional villas. Choose the right home, add the sea, and everything else falls effortlessly into place.