Seasoned world traveler Rolf Lippuner is the new general manager of Wymara Resort & Villas on Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos. Last year, the 91-room resort began introducing the first phase of the property’s villa collection. The second phase, which breaks ground in early 2020, will add five additional units to the resort’s offerings.
These villas bring the wow factor, with private oceanfront infinity pools and over-the-water swim platforms providing direct ocean access.
Below, Lippuner shares his thoughts on Wymara Resort & Villas and its newest offerings, as well as additional insight into exploring Turks and Caicos.
What distinguishes Wymara Resort & Villas from other Turks and Caicos resorts?
There are so many beautiful properties in Turks and Caicos, many of which have a British colonial and Old World European feel with opulent decor. Wymara, however, feels modern and current with its clean lines and airy, white interiors.
Our new villa product, for example, reads like something out of the Maldives with overwater platforms and private infinity pools that stretch out over the Turtle Tail coastal region.
Wymara’s footprint is also a bit more compact than other properties, giving the resort a deeply intimate, almost beach house kind of appeal, with feels-like-home hospitality and service.
Are any of the villas particularly romantic, particularly for honeymooners seeking privacy?
All of our two-story, multibedroom villas are standalone estates that offer couples and honeymooners absolute privacy. However, based on their locations, villas No. 1 and No. 7 offer the most privacy.
Can you give us a snapshot of the typical Wymara guest?
The Wymara guest is a discerning, modern traveler who expects excellent service, exceptional food and a property with some personality. Our guests are well-traveled, early adopters and often regarded as trendsetters among friends and family. They seek out the world’s premier hotels and place great emphasis on leading healthy, well-rounded lifestyles.
How long is the drive from the airport to Wymara?
Wymara Resort occupies prime oceanfront real estate on Grace Bay Beach and is less than a 15-minute drive from the airport, while our seven villas on the southern coast are just 10 minutes from the airport.
How far in advance should travel advisors book a stay at Wymara for their clients, especially if choosing a villa?
For peak dates such as President’s Day, spring break and Fourth of July, we suggest booking a minimum of four to five months out to guarantee preferred room types at the hotel. When booking the villas, we suggest reserving at least six months in advance. For the festive season, we recommend nine months out to guarantee the preferred room category.
What were your first impressions of the Caribbean and particularly Turks and Caicos?
I was previously based on the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis with Four Seasons, and the experience there was wonderful. However, the beauty of Turks and Caicos stands out, as they comprise some of the Caribbean’s most stunning islands, and certainly the magnitude of the resort’s location along Grace Bay Beach is one of the most sublime.
When getting out and exploring Turks and Caicos, have you found any sights, beaches or restaurants to be particularly appealing?
There’s a reason Grace Bay Beach maintains its coveted spot on the various “best beaches in the world” lists year after year. Its powdery sands and electric-blue waters are unlike anything else I’ve seen in all my years of travel.
While I am still taking the next few months to settle in and explore all that Turks and Caicos has to offer, I’ve started familiarizing myself (and my family) with the island’s gems.
I’ve heard positive recommendations for restaurants such as Coco Bistro. On the other hand, many of our guests are accustomed to Michelin-starred, highly rated dining experiences back home, and thus take pleasure in the dining at more simple, casual spots such as Coyaba and Somewhere Cafe.
As for interesting sights, a few weeks ago my family and I decided to explore Split Rock and Pirate’s Cove, an untouched natural preserve that looks like something out of this world. You enter a shallow pool of water and can walk right up to the cave. Waiting at the top of the cave is a gorgeous, panoramic view of the entire island along with a beautifully engraved rock carving that dates to 1842. It’s about 40 minutes from the resort and makes for a great day trip.
The Details
Wymara Resort & Villas
www.wymararesortandvillas.com
