New Year, New Paradise: Experience Seven Stars Resort and Spa in Turks and Caicos
by Stefanie Michaels
While a winter Caribbean getaway may not solve all your problems, once you find your center upon the sugar-white sand of Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos, you can set off into 2023 with self-care a priority.
According to a recent survey by Statista, more than 20% of Americans resolve for a healthier, happier new year. Among the ways to achieve happiness, 71% of us find that self-care is crucial, per Mental Health First Aid.
With daily connections from Miami to Providenciales, look no further than the luxurious Seven Stars Resort and Spa which is only about a 15-minute cab ride from the airport. While there aren’t ride-share programs on the island, cabs are easily accessible. Just make sure to bring plenty of cash, as they are mostly on a cash-only for hire basis.
Once upon the 22-acre property, a refreshing rum punch made with locally-distilled Bambarra Rum is served up before you even check in. The seven-star treatment continues with a short tour of the property before being shown to your luxury suite.
Sometimes it’s just about indulging yourself with an itinerary of little more than rolling out of bed for a day at the beach. Beach attendants await to help you find your favorite spot to enjoy the view with a tropical drink in hand, of course.
Visit the Watersports Hut to enjoy complimentary non-motorized water sports such as Hobie Cats, kayaks, and paddleboards. Or, spend the afternoon at the island’s only heated, salt-water pools which include one that’s for adults only.
The Spa at Seven Stars offers an array of services and treatments to enjoy in a tranquil treatment room, beachside cabana, or even in your private suite. Their signature candle massage is something you won’t want to skip.
And, while the island offers a handful of local dining options, Seven Stars Resort offers one of the best in 5-star dining at Seven where executive chef Edwin Gallardo and his staff pull out all of the stops. Among the award-winning menu offerings is conch ceviche which is a go-to ingredient on the island. Each morning Seven transforms into the best breakfast spot in town.
For an intimate wine experience, reserve your space in The Tasting Room which boasts over 2,500 bottles of wine from around the world selected by sommelier Mia Mårtensson to pair with a special 5-course tasting menu for up to 10 people.
The Seven Star Resort’s casual-dining option, The Deck, offers beachside seating where you can try conch three ways – as a salad, cracked, and as fritters. And, just a block away, hit up The Terrace on Grace Bay which is also a Seven Stars Resort’s restaurant where conch shows up several times on the menu.
Slated to open the early part of 2023, Gallardo and his team welcome The Farm to their culinary lineup which features a freight farm located onsite. Housed within a repurposed shipping container, this state-of-the-art hydroponic farm has already reduced the amount of imported produce by more than half.
Not that you would ever want to leave this little slice of heaven aka The Seven Stars Resort, complimentary bikes are on hand to explore nearby shops, eateries, and other beachfront properties. Make sure to stop in at Saltmills Plaza for a bit of retail therapy before riding back to the Seven Stars Resort.
When it’s time to catch your plane, head up to the airport’s rooftop bar where you can sip a local brew from Turks Head Brewery while watching the airplanes landing with newcomers to the island.
Did you know?
Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos is home to a unique natural phenomenon called “Glow Worms.” During certain times of the year, these bioluminescent marine creatures light up the bay at night, creating a stunning display of blue-green lights that dance on the water’s surface.
This natural light show occurs during the new moon phase, usually around the summer, and is a popular attraction for tourists who go on night-time boat tours to see the Glow Worms in action.
