Paradise Found

Set on Grace Bay, named the world’s best beach in 2022 by Tripadvisor, Wymara Resort and Villas Turks and Caicos is the tropical escape you’ve been searching for. —Noa Nichol

Stay

Wymara owner Bruce Maclaren is not your run-of-the-mill hotelier. An Ottawa native who developed his construction chops Down Under, Maclaren’s attention to detail when it comes to his Turks and Caicos luxury hotel and villas—not to mention, willingness to do what it takes to achieve perfection, even if it means getting his hands dirty—is admirable and, frankly, unique.

“Everything about the Wymara design is about creating perfection and comfort for our guests,” he explains. “After living in the resort myself for eight years, and now five years in one of our villas, I’m constantly wanting to improve the experience in line with what I learn about the properties. So, when you come stay with us you are benefiting from so many aspects of the design.”

From the gorgeously appointed (and newly renovated) hotel to, a short drive away, a collection of private and secluded luxury villas, Maclaren has taken his personal experiences after 30 years of combined island living in Australia and Turks to consider sun, shade and breeze into his designs, so that there are always multiple areas to enjoy the outdoors on property—plus, multiple amenity areas to keep everyone in the group engaged and content.

“We strive to have our guests keep coming back for more, while constantly improving each experience,” he says, adding that there are several top-secret upgrades to the villas property, in particular, in the works, that will soon be revealed. “We want to wow our guests from the moment they arrive until they depart.”

Maclaren’s vision is to create the perfect home away from home. A place where owners and guests can get an emotional high from the beautiful turquoise waters and perfect weather Turks and Caicos is renowned for. A place to recharge their batteries and enjoy quality time with their loved ones. “We want everyone who visits to feel part of our Wymara family with our wonderful staff and caring and attentive personalized service,” he says.

Truly, Wymara Resort and Villas is an unequivocal oasis for all—and countless details make it so. Among our favourite below-the-radar features: fresh-baked slices of banana bread at breakfast, Dyson hairdryers in each room and, at two of the seven multi-bedroom, multimillion-dollar villas, a salt-water slide that shoots you directly into a must-be-seen-to-be-believed crystal-clear Caribbean Sea.

Savour

No need to leave resort grounds to get good grub. Wymara’s on-site Indigo restaurant and (newly expanded) Zest beach bar let you indulge in local and delicious Caribbean treats with a modern twist. Executive chef Andrew Mirosch is, essentially, a magician in the kitchen (how else do you explain the World’s Best Ice Cream, which does not “melt” like the normal stuff?!), sharing recipes inspired by his Australian roots and the tropical flavours of Turks and Caicos. Top tries include the crispy pork belly tacos, fried plantain tostones and a delightful curried roasted pumpkin and coconut soup. Insider tip: check the hotel schedule to join in on a lively, weekly, al fresco beach barbecue, featuring live music and a bountiful buffet served up under the night sky, on the white sands of Grace Bay.

Spa

There’s only one organic-certified spa in Turks and Caicos, and it’s at Wymara. Signature treatments utilize luxe, biodynamic products by beauty brand Eminence; try the After Sun facial to calm and repair skin after a day at the beach, or the Caicos Coco Calmer head-to-toe massage with a soothing, smoothing coconut body polish. Then, take time to meditate in the relaxation garden, or join a Pilates, yoga or HIIT class at the fitness centre to round out your journey to wellness.

Snap

Ever wonder how travellers obtain those perfect shots of themselves floating, seemingly isolated, in a bluer-than-blue ocean? The Looking Glass Watersports & Adventures offers clear-bottomed “crystal” kayak rentals, plus aerial drone photography services to boot, to produce the most Instagrammable shots. Your social media feed will look like a stock photo gallery, in the best possible way.

Shop

There’s definitely a paradise vibe to be found on Turks and Caicos—an energy that one fashion label, Okaicos, describes as Feelin’ #Okaicos. Wymara’s on-site boutique carries, among a range of luxe beachwear and gifts, a curated collection of this feel-good brand’s fun, positive and stylish wares. Our top picks include a classic white embroidered crewneck and, for him, Mojito Mint Aztec swim shorts. Turks and Caicos may have inspired this brand but, thanks to its designs, you can take the feeling of the island back home with you.

wymararesortandvillas.com