‘I found the world’s best beach on a tiny island – you won’t believe what the sea is like’

EXCLUSIVE: We discovered what has been voted the world’s best beach on a tranquil getaway to this small Caribbean island where Drake has been known to visit

The Turks and Caicos Islands are becoming increasingly popular with travellers looking for a lesser-known Caribbean destination, and when you see the glorious stretch of sand in front of Wymara Resort + Villas, you’ll be in no doubt that you’ve found a real gem. Grace Bay Beach, which has unbelievably clear blue sea, was rated by TripAdvisor as the best beach in the world in 2022.

Wymara is a luxurious sanctuary where you can leave all your worries behind you from the moment you walk into the lobby, are handed one of the resort’s signature blue cocktails and catch a glimpse of the breathtaking infinity pool.

At the resort

I stayed in one of Wymara’s One Bedroom Oceanfront Suites, which had an open-plan living room and kitchen, a luxurious bedroom with a stylish en-suite bathroom – and was bigger than my entire Manchester flat.

I’m normally one to live out of my suitcase when on holiday, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to make use of the walk-in wardrobe. Another of my favourite features was the huge bathtub in the bedroom, and the outdoor seating area overlooking the beach was the perfect place to watch the sunrise.

A short drive away were the luxurious Wymara Villas. With one, four, five and six-bedroom residences available, they’re perfect for couples, bigger groups and families. Each has its own private swimming pool, while the Amuse villas have a curved waterslide that delivers you straight into the sea.

I usually avoid going in the sea but the water here is shallow enough to stand up in, so it’s great for kids and less confident swimmers.

The Sunset Cove Beach Club has a gym, tennis and pickleball courts, and an open-air games room. My favourite activity was the ‘pool-lates’ class – which was pilates on a floating board. My instructor, Arenthia, made me feel at ease, and I left with a fully stretched- out body and a sense of accomplishment.

The food at Wymara Resort

Wymara Resort has two restaurants, Indigo and Blue Water Bistro. Indigo is one of the top-rated restaurants in Turks and Caicos and it’s easy to see why. I ordered the grilled chicken flavoured with coconut, lemongrass, chilli and coriander, which came with jerk spiced coconut rice. It was my favourite meal of the week – the flavours complemented each other perfectly. And for those with a sweet tooth, I highly recommend Chef Andrew’s homemade ice cream.

After dinner I headed to the Pink Bar for a nightcap. Sitting around a firepit on the beach made me feel like I was on Love Island. The bar offers casual bites, as well as lunch during the day. The conch fritters are a must try.

The spa at Wymara Resort

Wellness plays a big part at Wymara and its spa treatments are second to none. The resort recently launched a collaboration with luxury beauty brand 111Skin, which leaves your skin feeling as soft as a baby’s. Even with my dry complexion, my face felt perfectly hydrated after my incredible facial and the glow lasted for days. My massage was also one of the best I’ve ever had.

Wymara offers private and group sunshine and sunrise yoga sessions, and our morning practice set a tranquil tone for our whole trip. We also enjoyed a healing sound bath at sunset, which was just dreamy.

What do to around the resort

There are lots of beautiful beaches to explore on the islands, where you can snorkel in the clear waters. Mudjin Harbour on the north side of Middle Caicos is also worth a visit. It’s lined with caves and is so tranquil you’ll feel like you’re the only person on the island.

For something a little livelier, we took a boat to floating bar Noah’s Ark, a favourite among celebrities, including Drake. With a fun atmosphere and inflatables, trampolines and swings in the surrounding waters, it was an unforgettable experience.

How much does it cost to stay at Wymara Resort?

Rooms at Wymara Resort + Villas start from £631 per night in low season (April to November). British Airways flies from London to Providenciales via Nassau every Thursday and Sunday during low season, from £590 per person.

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