DISCOVER SAILROCK

Close your eyes and imagine your own beachfront villa overlooking aquamarine waters, nearby coral reefs, and powdery white sand. A whole house, with plenty of room for your family, a gaggle of friends, just the two of you, or even a solo getaway on a secluded tropical island—can you see it in your mind’s eye? Next, envision an easy nonstop flight to Providenciales (on JetBlue or United) from JFK or Newark and a quick small-plane puddle jump to this incredible place, and you’ve got the picture of escaping to Sailrock Resort, nestled on South Caicos Island in Turks and Caicos.

South Caicos, where Sailrock is located, is a world away from the typical Provo and 12-Mile Beach experience. The island’s rich history and vibrant local culture are a stark contrast to the bustling resorts of Provo. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local community, learn about the island’s traditional crafts, and even participate in cultural events. This secluded yet sophisticated place is designed to make you feel a million miles away from the real world, even when this resort that offers suite stays and villas for only 140 guests is completely full.

PLENTY TO DO
The villas have such a private feel it’s as if you’ve been transported to your island, complete with bicycles, ATVs, kayaks, SUPs, and snorkel equipment to explore both land and ocean (it’s on the Atlantic, not the Caribbean), and mangroves. There’s a plethora of activities to indulge in, from tennis, pickleball, and beach volleyball to fly fishing and bone fishing.  

You can sail away in Hobie Cats or embark on private scuba diving trips to explore the warm, pristine waters surrounding this little slice of paradise. Think black-tip sharks, stingrays, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, and beautiful corals, all just a quick boat ride away. The mangrove lagoon on the northern peninsula of South Caicos Island is another place to spot those gorgeous stingrays as you paddle via kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Just keep your eye on the water as you drift along. You might even spot a sea turtle here on the Caicos bank!  

Birds are everywhere, too, and they’ll join you on the sandbar that forms during low tide. Take a walk across and do a little shell searching here; the birds don’t mind if you meander nearby for a photo op, as they know you’re just stopping to admire their beauty. And watch for the wild donkeys all over the island, who practically grin for your camera 

SOOTHE BODY & SOUL
When all the active outdoor pursuits found across this beautiful island prepare you for some help to heal all those muscles you haven’t been using back home, the Sailrock Spa is ready. Imagine, again, making your way (via buggy) to one of the island’s high points, overlooking mangroves and the cerulean, blue water, to discover the resort’s Ridgetop Spa Cabanas. Sea breezes blow as you settle onto a massage table and experience a deep tissue, Balinese, or Thai massage treatment. If it sounds like bliss, it is. This is not just a spa, it’s a luxurious retreat for your body and soul.

Of course, you can forget all that exercising and hang out by your villa’s private swimming pool, sipping rosé all day and calling room service now and then to deliver some nibbles if that’s your idea of heavenly bliss. If cooking is your jam, ask ahead to have your full-size kitchen stocked with local seafood and other delicacies and do the work yourself. 

DINING PLEASURE
Or, as most of us on vacation prefer when it comes to food, let Sailrock’s talented chefs create culinary delights with Caribbean-influenced dishes served at The Cove and The Great House, the resort’s two casual gourmet restaurants, or in your villa, with ever-changing menus that rely heavily on local seafood (think conch salad, fish fritters, ceviche, blackened fish) and also serve up jerk chicken, big steaks, burgers, and vegetarian choices, there’s always something good to eat here.

Don’t miss the weekly beach grill night, when supper is served on the beach, pairing grilled foods, sunset, soft sand, and an after-dinner bonfire complete with all the fixings to make your s’mores. And if you want to hang out until the brilliant sky of stars comes out, home is just a short meander away, no matter when you decide to leave the beach.

If leaving this beach and returning to reality makes you feel lonely, consider this. Sailrock also offers private ownership possibilities, so the fantasy of escaping permanently to a perfect island home could become a reality here.  

For more information about Sailrock Resort in Turks and Caicos, visit sailrocksouthcaicos.com