by Danielle Garrett of PlanIt Travel Designs for The Aha! Connection
A few weeks ago my husband and I were longing for a Caribbean getaway. We looked at several islands, but we wanted something different and unique. We almost went back to Providenciales, known as Provo, in Turks & Caicos (a favorite of mine). Then I remembered on our last trip to T&C in 2020 meeting a local that asked me if I’d ever been to Sailrock Resort in South Caicos. I had never heard of Sailrock, so after his description and a quick peek at their website I made a mental note to visit Sailrock Resort in the future!
Fast forward to 2 weeks ago…Sailrock Resort became a reality. And what a unique reality it was!!
Sailrock Resort (a boutique luxury resort) is located in South Caicos, which is one of the main inhabited islands within the Turks & Caicos archipelago. This island is only 8.2 square miles and has a population of roughly 1,100 people (and maybe just as many wild donkeys roaming the island). The island is often referred to as the Maldives of the Caribbean. South Caicos, the fishing capital of T&C, is mostly known for its fishing, especially the elusive bonefish.
Bragging moment: my fly fishing hubby caught a 12-pound bonefish on our Sailrock adventure. No question, one of the highlights for him!
Sailrock is the perfect example of a destination resort. There is no need to venture outside of the resort when everything you need is there…a pristine setting and a full array of onsite amenities. This high-end resort is a relaxed luxury experience set within a nature preserve on 2,400 acres of land. The resort is set up high with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. This creates amazing views in every direction, which is what we had from our Ridgetop Suite! Private, remote, authentic, tranquil, and unspoiled beauty is what you get in abundance at Sailrock Resort. It offers an off-the-beaten-path experience without sacrificing service. Speaking of service…WOW!! Sailrock is hands down the most accommodating resort I’ve ever visited!! Jerome, our beach bartender with the most infectious smile in the world, makes you feel like family!
Getting to South Caicos is not like traveling to Providenciales, T&C. Delta offers a non-stop (under 3 hours) flight from Atlanta to T&C. From T&C you can either take a 90-minute ferry to South Caicos or a 25-minute flight. We chose to spend the first night in T&C, then fly out on an 8:30 am fight the next morning. By 10:30 am we were settled in our room at Sailrock and heading to the beach! Sailrock offers packages that include your inter-island flights to/from South Caicos, as well as breakfast. If booking on your own, make sure to look at all of your options and consider your times. You don’t want to miss your T&C to South Caicos connection. If booking through a travel agent, make sure they have a solid understanding of Turks & Caicos and South Caicos. You don’t want to be like the couple we met in Sailrock that booked their Sailrock stay with a well-known travel agency that did not realize you had to take a separate flight to South Caicos after landing in T&C. If they had not caught this mistake on their own before departure they would have landed in T&C and likely not have been able to get to Sailrock for their first night (resulting in loss of $ for 1st night and finding last-minute accommodations in Provo). A terrible way to begin a vacation!
If you have a week for a Turks & Caicos vacation, consider shortening your stay and adding some time at Sailrock! Sailrock is a nice compliment to the hustle and bustle of Provo in T&C! Sailrock also offers a day trip option for $175 per person. The price includes your T&C to South Caicos flight, transfers to/from the resort, and use of all resort amenities. Sailrock is the perfect option for Honeymooners or a couple that is looking to unplug from the chaos of life. It would also be a great option for an adult group or families, as they have a beautiful selection of beachfront villas. And for those of you that are wondering if there’s enough to do at Sailrock…absolutely! You can be as busy as you want. We went kayaking, snorkeling right off the beach, hiking, fishing, and rode ATVs.
My favorite thing about Sailrock is the casual, yet understated elegance. They are intentionally not trying to be The Four Seasons or The Ritz Carlton. It almost feels like a completely new category of luxury for people that appreciate untouched, natural beauty and those seeking a balance of tranquility and adventure. In fact “Rustic Luxury” is in high demand and Sailrock Resort nails it!
I’ve already told Danielle that I’m looking for a date to go to Sailrock…..email her today if you want to go too!
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