On Deciding Where To Stay
When you're looking for the very best in Turks and Caicos accommodation, you want to know exactly what you're getting yourself into, and sometimes hotel terms need defining. The main difference between oceanfront and beachfront properties is that beachfront units are situated right near the beach line (where the land meets the sand), whereas oceanfront can imply the lack of beach (yet still directly on the water, say, atop a cliff). Luckily this isn't a problem in Turks and Caicos where beaches abound and oceanfront is technically beachfront. The labeling of rooms can make selecting vacations slightly difficult. Grace Bay Club, for example, labels all their rooms oceanfront, however some may be further back on the property than others, say behind the restaurant or pool area. It can get confusing, so our destination experts are here to help you understand exactly what you're signing up for. If you want to be directly on the beach you'll be directly on the beach. If you want to watch the sun set on the water from your bed, tell us, and we'll get you hooked up with the perfect place.
What About Oceanfront VS Oceanview?
An oceanview room is, as may seem obvious, a room with a view of the ocean. Simple enough, right? "Book this room, and enjoy the beautiful vistas of the ocean," is usually the message implied in oceanview listings. Yet many resorts, in their ongoing quest to maximize room revenue, can be fairly liberal in their definition of oceanview. Sometimes you can view the ocean from inside the room, from your bed or couch even. And other times the only way to see the ocean is by leaning over the balcony and squinting. The problem is that, basically, if you can see the slightest sliver of water from any vantage point of your room or balcony, the hotel can call this an oceanview room. This is another way that booking with My Turks and Caicos comes in handy -- our man Caribbean Clint walks you through every room with a video tour so you know exactly how much ocean you get to experience, and our destination experts know every property very well.
Oceanfront usually means that you are right up next to the water with a full view of the waves and sun setting on the horizon. Yet certain hotels have been known to bend this rule as well. Sometimes the hotel offers areas where the rooms are indeed right on the beach, but foliage or palm trees obstruct the view. So, the room is right in front of the ocean, hence “oceanfront”, yet there is no real view of the ocean. However, those particular hotels are quick to clarify that “oceanfront does not mean oceanview”. Perhaps in these situations you might make use of your other senses and appreciate the fresh smell of the sea and the sounds of the waves rushing ashore. (We are eternal optimists, however, and you're entitled to react to your room in the way you see fit.)
So, what’s the right plan of attack? Ideally, you probably want to lean back in your room and gaze out upon the splendored glory of the Caribbean. That’s why you took your time and money to go to the beach, right? Your best bet is to work with someone who is familiar with the resorts, namely, My Turks and Caicos. Tell us exactly what you're looking for in a view and a room experience and our destination experts will make sure you get what you want.
Our Favorite Oceanview Rooms
The Sands on Grace Bay offers some beautiful unobstructed views of the sparkling Caribbean. The one-bedroom gardenview/oceanview suite features one king bed in suite with screened balcony or patio and views of ocean and courtyard gardens and pool. Separate living area with sofa bed. Fully equipped kitchen including dishwasher, stove, and refrigerator. Air conditioning, ceiling fan, washer/dryer, in-room safe, direct-dial phone, and data port. Standard occupancy 2 (max4). 1,000 square feet.
The Regent Palms where most oceanview rooms overlook the pool and the ocean as well. The one-bedroom poolview/oceanview suite features a king size bed in the master bedroom with private balcony, 1.5 bathrooms, dining/living room with queen sleeper sofa and a full kitchen containing Viking appliances, hand-made mahogany furniture, Custom-made bed linens, Quality bath amenities, Hydro-massage bathtub, Marble shower in master bathroom, Robes, Hair dryer, Mini Bar, private balcony, flat-screen cable/satellite television, CD player, desk, DVD player, in-room safe, high-speed wireless Internet access. Standard Occupancy 2 (4max) 1500sq ft.
Our Favorite Oceanfront Rooms
Parrot Cay: The 1,453 sq. ft. one-bedroom beach villas are directly connected to Parrot Cay’s mile-long white beach and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Perfect for honeymooning couples, the beach villa features a spacious layout with an abundance of natural light and flowing colonial architecture wood accents. The open-plan suite has high vaulted ceilings with spinning fans to keep the room cool, as well as every amenity you could imagine. The ultra-comfortable furnishings lend to complete relaxation, on the couches in seating area or around the dining table. The large master bedroom features a four-post king bed, access to the screened in patio, and ensuite – where you’ll find the shower and soaker tub, a double vanity sink, and the stunning rock design of your outdoor shower. Outside the villa features a heated plunge pool, lounge chairs, and a your own powdery white sand yard that runs down to the azure waters of the Caribbean.
Point Grace - walk directly onto the beach from steps on to sand. The two-bedroom oceanfront suit offers stunning Caribbean views from the living room balcony close enough to hear the gentle ocean waves. Master bedroom with King bed is oceanfront while the other queen or twin bedroom shows pool and gardenviews both with ensuite bathrooms and Frette linens. Spacious living area, full kitchen and dining area. Complimentary daily newspaper, bathrobes, direct-dial phone, voice mail, TV, DVD, CD, hair dryer, iron/board, in-room safe, ceiling fans and air conditioning. Standard Occupancy 4(max) 1551sq ft
Where You Book When Your Hotel Matters
The destination experts at MyTurksandCaicos.com genuinely want you to have the very best vacation possible. We want you to experience the finest in Caribbean living with a room that exceeds your expectations. This is one reason why we go out of our way to make sure you know what you're signing up for. No hidden fees or surprises in your room, we ensure sure you get what you want. For more information, watch Caribbean Clint's videos we made about each room type. Read up on our Turks and Caicos blogs. Check out our deals page for hot vacation specials. Or call our destination experts at 1.877.468.8757 - we'd love to talk to you.
Great article. Where would we be without Caribbean Clint ? Definitely something to be said for independent local knowledge.