This Caribbean Resort Is Setting a New Standard for Luxury in Turks and Caicos

Evolving luxury: How hospitality is developing in Turks and Caicos

During my recent visit to South Bank — part of Grace Bay Resorts, which operates a variety of properties in Turks and Caicos — I had the opportunity to connect with locals who are shaping the future of tourism in Turks and Caicos.

Sitting in on an intimate panel discussion with Grace Bay Resort’s owner, South Bank’s leading developer, and a key figure from the Turks and Caicos tourism and hospitality efforts, I gained insight into the islands beyond their powdery white-sand beaches. Turks and Caicos is evolving, and the presence of Caribbean natives — from Haitian and Jamaican entrepreneurs to Dominican artisans — is having a major impact on its luxury hospitality industry, burgeoning tourism, and economic development.

Turks and Caicos islanders — or “Belongers” — are renowned for their hospitality, creating an environment where visitors not only feel welcomed but also embraced by the entire West Indies as represented across Turks and Caicos. This melting pot of cultures is enriching the archipelago’s identity and offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience a Caribbean destination that’s both diverse and harmonious. And with that as its backdrop, South Bank isn’t just competing with the world’s top luxury resorts — it’s setting a new standard.

Effortless luxury: Arriving at South Bank

Facing Long Bay’s serene waters on Providenciales, the most populous island in Turks and Caicos, South Bank Resort spans 31 acres of prime, oceanfront real estate. South Bank is a newly opened venture with 92 waterfront accommodations designed with comfort and sophistication in mind. From contemporary villas with private docks and boathouses that seem to float above the water to an infinity lagoon that blends into the horizon, the resort caters to travelers who want to experience the finer things in life in a barefoot luxury kind of way.

After arriving at the resort, I was escorted in the island’s premium car service. The staff greeted me with a chilled welcome drink, a refreshing pina colada, setting the stage for the effortless luxury I’d experience in the days to come. This is what makes South Bank an exciting new addition to the Grace Bay Resorts collection. Setting itself apart from the bustle you might find elsewhere, this resort provides seclusion without isolation, giving guests their own private slice of paradise.

Bespoke luxury: Accommodations at South Bank

Despite opening its doors in November 2024, South Bank is rumored to have already caught the eye of celebrities like Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Its range of deluxe accommodations has no doubt contributed to its quickly growing reputation.

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up in an overwater villa without flying halfway across the world to the Maldives, South Bank makes that dream a reality. Its Ocean Estate Villas and Boathouses are a fusion of sleek modern architecture and Caribbean appeal. At either, you can step onto your deck each morning with a personal view of the sunrise over the calm waters of Caicos Banks.

If you prefer something more exclusive, the Lagoon Villas come with private docks, allowing guests to transition from their bedrooms to a morning boat ride in mere minutes. Whether you’re a yachting enthusiast or simply want the convenience of on-demand ocean access, this ranks among South Bank’s most standout amenities. Needless to say, my own yacht experience was an exciting opportunity to see the island in a new and refreshing way (more on that later).

Culinary luxury: Dining at South Bank

No luxury escape is complete without unforgettable dining, and South Bank delivers at Lua Restaurant. There, the chefs blend local flavors with international techniques to create a range of dishes that have wide appeal while celebrating the archipelago’s culinary heritage.

The Lua Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a pizza service that runs between 11 AM and 9:30 PM. Breakfast items range from free-range omelets to acai bowls. Lunch presents options like red snapper ceviche, whipped feta with Dominican honey, and Wagyu or plant-based burgers. The well-rounded dinner menu plates up everything from oysters or a crispy duck salad to start, followed by grilled meats and seafood or signature plates like lamb tagine or pan-roasted cod with octopus and beans. The Lua Bar, open evenings, also serves elevated Asian-leaning dishes (think chili tofu with crispy wontons, thai beef salad, or Korean crispy corn) in addition to handcrafted cocktails.

Every meal at South Bank feels like an experience, but the resort also stages what it calls “intimate dining experiences” that reinforce its commitment to privacy and luxury. These custom, person-chef-led meals can be held both in-room or at a special setting like the lagoon beach.

One evening, I enjoyed a private beachfront dinner featuring freshly grilled lobster, coconut-infused rice, and a rum pairing that showcased the Caribbean distilleries. It was the kind of meal that lingers in your memory long after you leave the island.

Immersive luxury: Experiences at South Bank

South Bank offers a variety immersive experiences that are accessible to every guest. One of my personal favorites was the two-hour private charter boat, which can be arranged directly through the resort’s concierge or is already included with certain guests’ accommodations.

My boat experience took me on a ride past the island’s shipwreck landmark that’s now become a tourist attraction of the Caicos Banks, with a stop at a private island. The crew shared local insights and handed out fresh mimosas right before we arrived at brunch on the beach’s shores at Grace Bay Resorts’ main property. Charters are customizable based on group size and duration, making it easy to design a trip that fits your pace.

Back on the property, South Bank’s amenities blend luxury with wellness and leisure. Guests can enjoy a spa treatment inspired by Caribbean botanicals, take part in guided Pilates classes overlooking the water, or glide through the property’s infinity lagoon on a paddleboard at sunset.

For sunrise, I hopped on one of the resort’s complimentary bikes and rode to South Bank’s private beach, taking time to reflect on what it means to be a fruit of these Caribbean islands. Later, I gave into my inner tennis aficionado and caught a ride from resort staff via golf cart to the property’s private tennis court, nestled just beside the pickleball area.

Overall, the energy at the resort is easygoing but elevated — every detail feels intentional, designed to help you slow down and savor island life in style.

Getting to South Bank

Getting to South Bank Resort is refreshingly simple for an island escape this luxurious. I flew just under four hours from New York (JFK) to Providenciales International Airport (PLS), which offers direct flights from major US cities including Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Boston, and Dallas, as well as international hubs like Toronto and London.

Once you land in Providenciales, the drive to South Bank is a 15-minute private transfer or taxi ride from the airport. The concierge can arrange airport pick-up in advance. Whether you’re flying in for a long weekend or an extended stay, the quick access from runway to resort makes South Bank a convenient luxury destination in Turks and Caicos.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with a group or planning special experiences like a private boat charter, let the concierge know ahead of time — the resort is very helpful in curating a smooth and elevated arrival from the moment you land.

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