Parrot Cay
Providenciales, Caribbean, Turks & Caicos Islands

Parrot Cay has an exquisite 511 metre (5,500 square feet) freshwater swimming pool. There is a well-equipped gymnasium, a nature trail,  snorkelling, windsurfing, fishing and cycling. In addition, the resort has a library, boutique and spa shop. Scuba diving and golf can be arranged. The holistic Shambhala Spa (Sanskrit for “peace and harmony”) is dedicated to renewing the body and re-balancing the energies. The two-storey spa has three massage rooms, three private spa treatment cottages, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pool, yoga and movement hall and a meditation hut. Yoga and pilates are taught daily (except Wednesday) in a stunning pavilion overlooking the calm waters of the lagoon and on the leeward side of Parrot Cay.

Designed to merge with the landscape, this low-lying resort is the epitome of barefoot luxury with its teak, four-poster beds swathed in white muslin and the terracotta tiled floors. Also featured is eastern-inspired furniture and generous-sized glass doors leading to a private, furnished verandah. Rooms have modem points with fax, DVD, TV and CD players.

The Asian influence in the Pacific Rim cuisine of Australian chef, Amanda Gale, includes scallop and asparagus risotto and tea-smoked duck salad with tamarind soy sauce and noodles. By day, dine al fresco at the Poolside grill. By night, dine in the terrace restaurant listening to the waves lapping the shore. Much of the produce is organic with local specialities like tuna, lobster, grouper, mangos, sea grapes, sugar apples and sapodillas. The dining options at Parrot Cay are impressive too. The poolside restaurant, Lotus, serves an Asian-style menu for both lunch and dinner. In the main hotel, the Terrace Restaurant is the venue for an international menu featuring Pacific Rim influences. A light spa menu includes chickpea and pumpkin patties, sushi, fish tagine, watermelon and cardamom-scented granita (crushed ice) with citrus salad is also served.

Available upon request

As Turks & Caicos consists of eight main islands and 40 mainly uninhabited cays, island hopping is recommended. Trips to the Little Water Cay nature reserve to view rare rock iguanas are readily available. The diving is superb. Famous underwater explorer and diver Jacques Cousteau called it “one of the ten best spots on the world.” Shop for locally made crafts and duty-free alcohol in Grand Turk and Providenciales. Also visit local Providenciales artist Philip Outen, whose house near Grace Bay is also his studio and is open to the public.