A Barefoot Luxury Adults-Only Island in Turks & Caicos

How to get here

Pine Cay, Turks and Caicos, is very easy to reach from New York, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Newark, with daily direct flights to PLS. At PLS, after FastTrak and luggage, you exit and are greeted by the one and only Mayhem (airport greeter), and then the best driver on the island, Jayson, picks you up. It's about a 15-minute drive to Blue Haven dock, where you have a 20-minute private boat ride to Pine Cay island.

Who and what it’s best for

• Types of clients I send to Pine Cay: Couples or best friends

• Occasions I love it for: Babymoons, romantic getaways, surprise proposals, mini-moons, or much-needed OOO quick vacations

• How long I recommend staying: Four nights

Accommodations

All accommodations, despite their naming conventions, are beachfront villas, with a king bed and privacy.

• Beachfront Suites (really a villa): This is the lowest category, and it's lovely. (I can help you determine if it's the right location for you.)

• Luxury Beachfront Cottage: Larger than the suites and a little further away from the restaurant, so there is slightly more privacy, and you get a golf cart.

• One-Bedroom Beach House With Pool: This is also beachfront, and the core differences are that it's an even more modern design and you have a private plunge pool.

Some highlights

• The management has really impressive hospitality expertise, and it shows. They also welcome you to the property with such warmth. Special thanks to Sandrine and Christian.

• “No man's land”: Please don't even Google this. I will be sure you get here.

• Kayaking: Included in your stay, this is amazing and calm.

• The sunset cocktail hour

• A boat day, either to fish or to island hop

• The total relaxation of staying at a really private place with no frills, no scene, and great, great food by chef Phillipe.

@newvibrationtravel

Food

First and foremost, to set expectations, there is no cuisine of Turks and Caicos, as locals eat at home. And there is no produce being grown on the islands of Turks and Caicos (other than some tomato farms), so everything is sourced elsewhere, except for fresh-caught fish. With that said, I never suggest anyone go to the Caribbean for the most amazing food (other than Mexico).

Pine Cay really impressed me though, at every meal. It makes sense that it has the Relais & Châteaux qualification. While Pine Cay features just one restaurant, the dining experience is anything but ordinary, and yes, all meals are included with your stay. The chef brings an exceptional and versatile background: Born in France and having spent 20 years living in Japan, he blends global influences into a thoughtfully curated menu (sushi night was my favorite, and his egg rolls were amazing). Nothing like a typical all-inclusive resort. Shoutout to Daniel, the best bartender, and Juan, my favorite waiter (with the best smile).

The arrival & what to expect

You’ll be welcomed with your choice of a refreshing drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), a cool washcloth (not scented, phew), and the attentive service of your personal butler. You are either taken by golf cart (did I mention there are no cars on the island?) or by foot to your oceanfront villa or suite, where shoes can be removed and island time begins. If your suite is not ready, lunch is included, or you can use the spa to change into swimsuits.

This isn't for someone who wants room service and a scene. There is no nightlife—unless you make it yourself! It's so fun exploring the island with the golf cart and doing some of the nature trails and visiting the coves—some feel like you are the first people discovering them. Reach out if you want help deciding if this is right for you!

There are some homes that can be reserved if you are traveling with children. I saw a few children under 5 while I was there, and they were happy as could be. But you know your kids best, and if they are happy with a beach and water, kayaks, and snorkeling, then this could be great for your family. Note: No kids allowed during holidays or peak season.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Turks and Caicos page.