COMO Parrot Cay is the northern Caribbean’s preeminent private island, wrapped in sweeps of sand and peaceful seas in the Turks and Caicos. It combines 1,000 unspoiled acres and a mile-long, powder-sand beach with relaxed luxury. The region’s best spa, the award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat, provides holistic, Asian-inspired therapies. Choose from 72 unique guest rooms, suites, villas, and beachside houses, all decorated with understated elegance. For absolute privacy, reserve a residence tucked away from the main resort. The island's two restaurants serve gourmet dishes, including organic, healthful COMO Shambhala cuisine.

Essential Info:

Property Size: 72 rooms (including 7 private villas)

Room Style: Caribbean Zen

Vibe: Sophisticated Chic

Dress Code: Barefoot Luxury

Key Features: Romantic beaches, Seclusion

Key Amenities: Beaches, Pool, Spa

Restaurant Style: Asian fusion

Best time to Go: Nov to Mar

Location: Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

Price point: Stratospheric ($$$$$$)

Perfect For: Honeymooners, Hollywooders, and scuba divers

HV Verdict: Worth the splurge (at least once)!

What Works:

The perfect expression of chilled-out luxury, with a sleek whitewashed aesthetic and a low key beach vibe, where you can get away from it all without sacrificing service or food. For an exclusive resort on its own private island, its surprisingly easy to get to, with direct flights from New York and Miami, and an effortless transfer from the airport

What Doesn’t:

The flip side of a serene and chilled out vibe is that there is not a lot of action to be had in terms of entertainment and nightlife (unless a star and entourage are in residence). There is no shopping to speak of, and there is no real culture or community in the area, so it’s really all about the beach, the water and the resort.

Insiders tip:

One of the world’s top ten scuba sites is within easy reach of the resort, so if you can tear yourself away from your plunge pool and the mile-long stretch of perfect white sand beach, you should dive beneath the waves and explore the diverse marine life.

The Terrain

Overview

Located on the island of Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands. These islands are located approximately 575 miles or a 1 hour and 10 minute flight southeast of Miami.Parrot Cay is about 25 minutes by speedboat from Providenciales, the Main island. Parrot Cay's topography slopes up from the ocean to a ridge along the center of the island, whose elevation is about 50 feet. Crystal clear turquoise waters surround its 3.2 miles of white sand beaches. Groves of cactus and thickly entwined scrub and spreading mangroves and wetlands accent the beauty of this island';s 1,000 secluded acres.

The property's allure of lean simplicity is the work of designer Keith Hobs of London's United Designers. He has taken elements of traditional colonial decor, such as four poster beds, and brightened them with lavish use of white fabrics.

Accommodations: 74 Rooms comprising: 3 Terrace Rooms, 25 Garden view Rooms, 11 Ocean Facing Rooms, 4 COMO Suites, 6 One Bedroom Beach House with heated private plunge pools, 3 detached One Bedroom Beach Villas with private plunge pools and shower garden, 3 Two-Bedroom Beach Houses with private swimming pools, 2 Two-Bedroom Beach Villa with private swimming pools, 1 COMO Villa (three Bedroom) with gardens a private swimming pool. Room Facilities: Air Conditioning; Ceiling fan; In room safe; Hairdryer; Minibar; Private Bath and Shower; Tea & coffee making facilities; Direct Dial Telephone service; Port for modem; Flat screen TV, DVD, radio and Wi-Fi.

Services and facilities: 24-hour Manager on duty; Airport Transfer; Baby-sitting; Clinic; In room dining; Laundry Service; Library; Mail & Information; Boutique; Swimming Pool (the largest in the Turks and Caicos); Nature Trail; Gymnasium; 2 Floodlit Tennis courts; Sightseeing of North and Middle Caicos. Shambhala Retreat offering a variety of holistic body therapies. Complimentary daily scheduled yoga or pilates classes.