Nestled in the center of Turks and Caicos' famed Grace Bay Beach, the luxurious Seven Stars Resort & Spa offers spacious, comfortable accommodations and top-notch service.
When booking, guests are able to choose the specific suite they'd like to stay in, with options ranging from gardenview, oceanview or oceanfront junior, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. Each suite is privately owned, and most of the owners also hold shares in the property.
The financial and emotional investments result in greater accountability in keeping Seven Stars an authentic, luxury experience, CEO Ken Patterson explained during a recent media visit.
Patterson, who has been with Seven Stars since its inception in 2008, can be found on site nearly every day, meticulously inspecting and adjusting things big (he recently replaced every suite's balcony furniture with those of a more chic design) or small (I saw him move an outside table to better protect diners from the wind).
The F&B at Seven Stars is equally as indicative of the resort's luxury status: the main restaurant, simply called Seven, is one of the top-rated fine dining establishments on the island; the pumpkin ravioli and fresh mahi mahi are not to be missed.
Guests can find casual dining as well as some choice Caribbean cocktails outside at the Deck. Try ordering a Mango Sunrise (Patron Silver, mango puree, lime and grenadine) or opt for fresh coconut milk served in the shell from the adorable beachfront coconut stand (served nonalcoholic, but they will spike with a bit of rum if you ask).
Every Sunday night, Seven Stars hosts a barbecue buffet and bonfire. Open to resort guests and locals, the bash features unlimited barbecue, live music and a roaring fire, all steps from the ocean on the sands of Grace Bay. Private dining is available, too, any day of the week: guests can book a Feet in the Sand dinner on the beach complete with butler service or enjoy a relaxing meal in one of the private beachside cabanas.
The Spa at Seven Stars is also very special. There are a variety of massages, facials and body treatments on the menu; it would be a mistake to miss the spa's signature treatment, the SSR Signature Candle Massage. Fragrant soy candles are melted into a warm lotion that is worked into the skin via Swedish massage, leaving your entire body smooth and glowing. It's a similar sensation to a hot stone massage, but dreamier.
In addition to Seven Stars' prime location by the beach, the resort is a short walk to many attractions in the Grace Bay area. Excellent restaurants, unique shopping, fun nightlife and even a grocery store are all within a few blocks, enabling guests to forgo the island's expensive taxis. Though you may be tempted to never step foot off the property, it's nice to have options, especially ones that are so accessible.
Standard rates start at $700. Visit www.sevenstarsgracebay.com.