Perched atop the craggy limestone cliffs of Providenciales, an island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, sits Rock House, a luxury property from Grace Bay Resorts.
When I arrived, I was so eager to get my first glimpse of the hotel from the water that I immediately dropped my bags and scurried to the private jetty. On my way down, I was mesmerized by the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. But when I turned, Rock House appeared in all its splendor.
This low-rise resort is nestled within jagged cliffs with elevations of up to 95 feet above sea level, and the architecture blends modern luxury with the island’s natural character. In fact, the hotel took significant steps to preserve the local environment, according to Franck Chantoiseau, the property's general manager.
“The Rock House development team at Grace Bay Resorts moved floor plans, utilized local soil and relocated build sites during the design process in order to salvage 100+-year-old greenery native to this location in Turks and Caicos, including a 300-year-old tree,” Chantoiseau said. “All foliage in the landscaping of the property is indigenous to the site.”
The resort’s exterior was carefully crafted out of the same natural limestone it sits atop, and the lush greenery spread across the 14-acre landscape allows it to blend seamlessly with the environment, lending itself to a feeling of seclusion. While my mind understood that my feet were planted firmly in the Caribbean, the white structures and jagged cliffs against the cerulean waters engendered a sense of vacationing somewhere along the Mediterranean.
Rock House's uniqueness lies not only in its stunning cliffside setting... but also in its unwavering commitment to providing a genuine sense of Caribbean hospitality.
“Rock House's uniqueness lies not only in its stunning cliffside setting — inspired by the beauty of the Amalfi coastline — but also in its unwavering commitment to providing a genuine sense of Caribbean hospitality,” Chantoiseau said. “This connection to both its organic surroundings and the warmth of Caribbean culture deeply influences how I manage the hotel.”
A bedroom in a Rock House villa.
Credit: 2024 Tykesha BurtonAccommodations at Rock House
The 46-key lodge has a range of offerings, from poolside studios to five-bedroom stand-alone oceanfront villas. Some suites have private plunge pools, but all accommodations come with breathtaking, unobstructed views of the ocean. The Ocean View Villas feature beautifully appointed interiors, using neutral colors and azure accents that mimic nature. Limestone walls and floors and floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors bring the outside in, highlighting the resort’s best feature: spectacular views of the turquoise Caribbean.
While the villas are the perfect size for both small and large families, and children are welcome, I did not see any during my visit. I felt the hotel ethos was geared more for romantic couple getaways or adult-family vacations.
Al fresco dining comes with sea views at Rock House.
Credit: 2024 Rock HouseDining at Rock House
Rock House has two on-site dining options: Vita Restaurant, which features alfresco Adriatic cuisine with a Caribbean influence, and Cave Bar, a lively area for top-tier handcrafted cocktails. The Mediterranean vibe is carried over in this open-air area, which features ivory macrame umbrellas and dining nooks that line the path down to the private jetty.
While I enjoyed the Bagatelle pop-up menu at Vita, my favorite dining experience took place at Da Conch Shack, a local eatery where visitors can enjoy the seafood delicacy prepared a variety of ways while seated at rustic picnic tables on the beach, rubbing elbows with locals and tourists alike.
The infinity pool at Rock House is 100 feet long.
Credit: 2024 Tykesha BurtonActivities Onsite and Off
Clients can indulge in an array of activities designed to connect them with the stunning natural environment of Turks and Caicos. From snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters to exploring the island on guided hikes, there is something for every type of traveler. I enjoyed sitting on one of the jetty’s lounge chairs and watching while some guests swam in lazy circles and others took clear-bottom kayaks out into the ocean. The resort also offers waterfront and poolside yoga classes, as well as private boat charters, guided dive trips and more. Although the property does not have a spa, guests can choose from a list of options and arrange to have in-room spa treatments.
The resort’s infinity pool is a must. At 100 feet, it’s the largest of its kind in Turks and Caicos, and it's the perfect play area for guests who prefer to gaze at the ocean rather than swim in it. And if guests forget any pool or beach essentials at home, they can pop into the on-site Coco Boutique (https://gracebayresorts.com/coco-boutique/) for whatever they need before lounging in one of the poolside cabanas available for rent.
Note: The resort, opened May 2022, is not ADA compliant. Grace Bay Resorts is continuing to make enhancements to its properties, including adding the South Bank residential ownership community/resort, which is slated to open November 1, 2024, on the island's south coast.
