T+L’s Review of The Strand Hotel in Turks and Caicos

Photo credit: www.travelandleisure.com

The Strand

Located in the serene area of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, The Strand offers an exquisite retreat that stands apart from the island’s bustling central regions. As one of just four hotels on the south coast, it provides guests with a tranquil environment, featuring a private beach amidst pristine surroundings. Despite its secluded feel, the popular Grace Bay area and the main airport are just a short 15-minute drive away. Families can select from spacious five- to six-bedroom residences or cozy two- to three-bedroom townhomes, each equipped with private pools and complete kitchens.

During the cold winter months, escaping to a warmer locale brings a sense of joy and relief. This past winter, following the endorsement from Travel + Leisure as a top destination for 2025, my husband, our nine-month-old son, and I made our way to Turks and Caicos. Our stay at The Strand—a new luxury resort nestled in Cooper Jack Bay—was characterized by standalone beach houses situated on stunning white sands, their architecture resembling a modern sandcastle that reflects the island’s iconic turquoise waters.

Among the vibrant atmosphere of The Strand, the lobby features a captivating mural by local artist Bradley Theodore, welcoming guests with a burst of color.

The resort’s coral-stone walls and sunlit interiors quickly transitioned us from winter coats to beach attire. With a modern design complemented by colorful accents—from the eye-catching lobby mural to the array of bright local attire available in the gift shop—the ambiance is inviting. Dining at the resort showcased local flavors, with unique touches such as a scotch bonnet adorning my margarita and vibrant tobiko topping a lobster amuse-bouche.

Whether lounging by our private pool or enjoying the secluded hotel beach, each day at The Strand felt blissfully serene. The exclusivity of the hotel’s stretch of sand distinguishes it, particularly from the more crowded Grace Bay hotels. Dining experiences at the on-site DelMar restaurant balanced sophistication with a relaxed atmosphere, complemented by room service delicacies crafted with care. Our suite’s kitchen was well-equipped, and we were pleasantly surprised to find essential items like a crib and diaper pail waiting for us, showcasing the staff’s attention to detail throughout our visit.

Here’s a detailed review of my experience at The Strand in Turks and Caicos.

The Rooms

The accommodations at The Strand offer a variety of options, from intimate one-bedroom suites with balconies to expansive six-bedroom residences boasting beach access. A standout feature across all rooms is the stunning ocean view that defines the experience. “Our unique attribute is that every room provides an oceanfront vista; there are no partial views here—you’re fully immersed in the surroundings,” said Jenny Hannenberg-Feig, the hospitality manager, during our tour.

Suites are designed within larger “villas,” allowing for configurations that cater to families or groups. Each ground-floor suite comes with a private plunge pool and covered terrace, some featuring outdoor dining spaces or relaxing soaking tubs. Our suite, with its outdoor area, was ideal for family gatherings, offering a perfect balance of privacy and shared space, making evenings entertaining as live music drifted in from below.

The suite featured a fully-equipped kitchen, including a wine fridge and ice machine, enhancing our experience. The sliding doors extended our living space outdoors, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow that was particularly enjoyable during evening meals.

The bedrooms provided ample space, easily accommodating a full-size crib alongside comfortable king-size beds draped in luxurious linens. Each featured spacious closets and en-suite bathrooms, complete with double sinks and rain showers. Ground-floor rooms led directly onto private terraces.

Additionally, I explored the five-bedroom residences available for rental, which offer distinctive guest suites and customizable features like outdoor showers, infinity pools, and kitchens for a complete vacation experience.

Food and Drink

Dining at The Strand primarily occurs at DelMar, the resort’s lively restaurant, which serves as a hub for guests. Throughout our visit, we encountered other hotel visitors, as well as locals eager to experience the resort’s culinary offerings. We savored delicious meals, including tuna and hamachi crudos, often enjoyed under the stars at beachside tables. The resort’s fishing trips provided us with fresh catch options, enhancing our dining experience. The ambiance was lively, with guests mingling and even dancing during the evening entertainment.

We enjoyed breakfast at DelMar as well as in our room, accompanied by midday lunches by the pool with options like tacos and salads.

Activities and Experiences

The Strand boasts a comprehensive range of activities that guests can book using tablets right from their rooms. Many activities are conducted by experienced third-party operators, covering adventures like fishing, snorkeling, and diving. The resort features fully equipped tennis and pickleball courts, and provides paddleboards and kayaks for beach enjoyment. While a spa and kids’ club are in development, plans also include a marina that will allow boaters to dock at DelMar—a unique feature for hotels in Providenciales.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Emphasizing sustainability, The Strand derives 70% of its energy from solar power. This approach stands out in Turks and Caicos, where such practices are still emerging. The property’s light-hued design features natural pergolas to maintain cooler temperatures. Collaborating with the Colorado-based Butterfly Pavilion, the resort aims to protect vital pollinator habitats. Additionally, the surrounding land is part of a designated nature reserve, ensuring no future development. However, accessibility features appeared limited during my visit; both the restaurant and pool required navigating several flights of stairs.

Location

The Strand’s location on the southern coast has both advantages and drawbacks for travelers, offering unparalleled privacy since its beach isn’t shared with any other hotel. However, guests should note that the dining and shopping options of Grace Bay are a 15-minute drive away, making spontaneous excursions less feasible. Renting a car simplifies navigation across the island, as roads are accessible. We experienced ease in exploring all that Providenciales has to offer, fully traversing the island in just one day.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

The Strand is associated with the Leading Hotels of the World program, allowing guests to accumulate loyalty points for future stays worldwide. Booking through this platform also provides flexible cancellation options and inclusive daily breakfast rates.

Source
www.travelandleisure.com