Reader Success Story to Turks and Caicos

Pam

Stephanie, one of our Travel Mom Squad all-stars, sent us her reader success story to Turks and Caicos. I was really excited about this one as it is one of my favorite destinations and I am scheming about a return visit once the Andaz is completed there. Here is her story:

 

Turks and Caicos: A Dream Caribbean Getaway

Turks and Caicos is the epitome of a Caribbean dream. In July, my husband and I spent eight glorious days soaking up the sun, unwinding, and exploring two of the stunning islands that make up this paradise. Our journey began with four days on South Caicos at the exclusive SLH property Sailrock and ended with another four days on Providenciales at the luxurious Point Grace Resort and Spa—another SLH gem. Let me take you through our unforgettable experience.

 

Getting There

We flew directly from Charlotte, NC to Providenciales, a seamless three-hour journey that makes Charlotte an ideal gateway to many Caribbean islands. I used my Citi points to transfer to Qantas (a member of the oneworld Alliance) and booked a round-trip flight via American Airlines. Thanks to point.me, I scored two round-trip tickets for just 12,000 points per person, plus $253 in taxes and fees. There are three daily flights from Charlotte to Providenciales, so options are plentiful.

There was a bit of a rocky start. We opted for the 11 a.m. flight, but due to a delayed arrival in Charlotte, we were pressed for time. We had to catch a seaplane to South Caicos before 5 p.m., or we’d miss the resort transfer. Thankfully, a compassionate airline worker expedited our passage through immigration, and we made it to our seaplane just ten minutes before takeoff. If you’re heading to South Caicos, I recommend arriving early to avoid any tight schedules. Fortunately, the seaplane transfer was included in our booking, and it was a fun experience in itself.

 

Our Stay at Sailrock

I booked our stay at Sailrock using 35,000 points per night (140,000 points total) during Hyatt’s partnership with SLH, and the redemption also covered the seaplane transfer. Our accommodations were spectacular: a top-level private cottage with panoramic ocean views that made us feel as though we were on our very own island. South Caicos is home to fewer than 1,000 residents, so the resort felt incredibly exclusive—during our stay, we saw maybe 25 other guests. If you’re seeking a serene escape with total privacy, Sailrock is the ideal place.

 

Beach Resort

Sailrock, a SLH property – picture courtesy of Hilton

 

The cottage itself was spacious and modern, with every detail carefully designed to blend luxury with nature. The large windows showcased the ever-changing shades of blue in the ocean, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore was the perfect soundtrack to our days. We spent our time lounging in the sun, learning to captain a Hobie Cat, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling—all included in the resort’s activities. A highlight of our stay was a half-day snorkel tour where we got to see hundreds of vibrant starfish.  It also included a stop at Iguana Island and a delicious lunch on a secluded beach.

 

 

 

The water in Turks and Caicos is truly extraordinary—clear, turquoise, and almost surreal in its beauty. It’s hands down the clearest and most beautiful water I’ve ever seen. For an extra indulgence, we treated ourselves to a 90-minute couples massage in an open-air hut, where we could hear the ocean and smell the saltwater. It was an unforgettable experience.

The only downside was the cost of food. Breakfast was included daily, but lunch and dinner averaged about $100 and $200, respectively, meaning we spent roughly $300 per day on meals. While the food was delicious and varied (with a changing menu every night), it was by far the biggest expense of our stay. Still, the luxury of having everything else covered made it worthwhile.

 

Return to Providenciales

After four relaxing days, we took the seaplane back to Providenciales. The flight was on a small 10-seater plane with no air conditioning, but it’s a quick and scenic 20-minute flight over the crystal-clear waters. Though I was initially apprehensive, it turned out to be an enjoyable experience, with the added bonus that the transfer was included in the cost of our stay.

 

Point Grace: A Perfect Conclusion

As much as I adored Sailrock, Point Grace on Providenciales was the standout of our trip. I was nervous about switching hotels midway through our vacation—I was so smitten with Sailrock that I wasn’t sure we’d be able to top it. But Point Grace proved me wrong in every way.

Located on the iconic Grace Bay Beach, Point Grace offers a completely different vibe. While the water remains just as breathtaking, Providenciales is livelier, with more tourists and bustling activity. Yet Point Grace has carved out its own slice of tranquility with direct beach access and a serene pool area.

 

Point Grace – photo from Hilton site.

 

I booked the Pool View Garden Room for 35,000 points per night (140,000 points for our four-night stay). This spacious suite was a true haven, complete with a comfortable living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a beautifully decorated bedroom.

The room’s design blended tropical charm with modern elegance—fun pops of color paired with crisp white linens made the space feel welcoming and light. It was the kind of room where you’d want to spend the entire day just enjoying the peace and beauty around you.

Our days at Point Grace were spent strolling along Grace Bay Beach, trying different restaurants at nearby resorts, and, of course, enjoying the hotel’s beach and pool. We also embarked on a six-hour boat excursion, which included snorkeling, conch diving, a BBQ on a private beach, and making homemade conch ceviche. The day was a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, and the water was just as spectacular as it was in South Caicos.

 

Delicious AND expensive food in Turks And Caicos.

 

As with Sailrock, food expenses were the biggest part of our budget here, with a similar daily cost of around $300. But the quality of the dining, both at Point Grace and in the area, was exceptional, making every meal an experience in itself.

 

Final Thoughts

Turks and Caicos is now one of my favorite tropical destinations. The hospitality is top-notch, the scenery is beyond compare, and the accommodations are truly luxurious. From the exclusivity of Sailrock to the refined elegance of Point Grace, our stay was a dream come true.

 

 

In total, we spent about $3,000 on food and activities. Without points, the total cost for our rooms would have been $9,800, the flights would have cost $1,400, and the seaplane transfer would be $2,500. But instead of paying $13,700, I used 280,000 Chase points (transferred to Hyatt) to cover our rooms and 24,000 Citi points for flights.

 

Booking These Hotels Now

If you’re looking to book these resorts now, you will need either Hilton free-night certificates or 120,000 points per night. AmEx Membership Rewards® points transfer 1:2 to Hilton, which is also a great option.

Overall, Turks and Caicos offers unparalleled natural beauty, luxury, and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or an adventure-filled vacation, this destination delivers on all fronts.

Thanks, Stephanie for your reader success story to Turks and Caicos. I can’t wait to return to those gorgeous waters!

 

Related Posts

How to Visit Turks and Caicos on Points

Best Use of Hilton Free-Night Certificates

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. American Express is a Travel Mom Squad advertiser, but we always show the best public offer even when we don’t earn a commission. Terms Apply. 

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  1. Andrea says:

    Just to clarify…the flight was on American as the carrier, but booked through the Qantas website with Qantas points? Correct?

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